Having Restraining Means Patents (Class 440/55)
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Patent number: 11319044Abstract: A bracket for mounting a thruster to a boat includes a horizontal neck portion, an upper mounting support portion, a support plate portion that extends downward from the upper mounting support portion, and an enclosure portion. The support plate portion and the rear of the upper mounting support portion form a transom-facing surface in a plane that is generally at a right angle relative to a horizontal plane, within a small range of angles. The transom-facing surface can angled to match the angle of the transom of a boat to which the thruster bracket is mounted. A thruster can be mounted to the thruster bracket at a level where the thruster will be out of the water when the boat is moving fast and up on plane, and will be in the water when the boat is moving very slow.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2021Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: The Yacht Group LLCInventor: Gerald Berton
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Patent number: 11292567Abstract: A steering load adjustment device for an outboard motor is provided, which stabilizes a steering load of the outboard motor, and obtains good steering performance. In a steering load adjustment device (20) for an outboard motor that is disposed between a steering bracket (15) and a swivel bracket (14), and adjusts a loaded load to a steering operation following steering a steering handle (18), adjustment of the loaded load to the steering operation is performed by a change in frictional force of friction pads (24b, 25b) contacting a friction plate (22), and a shape of a portion above the swivel bracket, of the friction plate is formed into a U-shape (22b, 22f) that protrudes toward the outboard motor side as viewed from a lateral side of an outboard motor (1).Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2020Date of Patent: April 5, 2022Assignee: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATIONInventor: Satoru Fukuchi
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Patent number: 11231100Abstract: An gear case assembly for a watercraft propulsion system has a gear case housing, a driveshaft with a partially threaded bore defined in an end thereof, and a propeller shaft. The propeller shaft and the driveshaft are angled relative to each other. A bevel gear is mounted to the propeller shaft. A pinion mounted to the end of the driveshaft. The pinion meshes with the bevel gear. The pinion defines a central aperture. A fastener is disposed at least in part in the central aperture of the pinion. The fastener fastens the pinion to the end of the driveshaft. The fastener has a head and a shank. The shank is at least partially threaded. The shank extends into the bore of the driveshaft. An outboard motor having the gear case assembly is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2019Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Inventor: Mike Davenport
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Patent number: 11220318Abstract: A bracket for mounting a thruster to a boat includes a horizontal neck portion, an upper mounting support portion, a support plate portion that extends downward from the upper mounting support portion, and an enclosure portion. The support plate portion and the rear of the upper mounting support portion form a transom-facing surface in a plane that is at a non-right angle relative to a horizontal plane. The transom-facing surface is angled such that the bottom of the support plate portion is further to the rear of the thruster bracket than the top of the upper mounting support portion in order to match the angle of the transom of a boat to which the thruster bracket is mounted. A thruster is mounted to the thruster bracket at a level where the thruster will be out of the water when the boat is moving fast and up on plane, and will be in the water when the boat is moving very slow.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2021Date of Patent: January 11, 2022Assignee: The Yacht Group LLCInventor: Gerald Berton
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Patent number: 10583906Abstract: The assembly includes a pivoting body member connectable to an outboard motor assembly, wherein the pivoting body member is movable along a transition path having a locked condition endpoint and an unlocked condition endpoint. A pivoting latch seat mechanically cooperates with a fixed latch pin in the assembly to maintain the pivoting latch seat and the outboard motor assembly in a locked condition when the outboard motor assembly is in a lowered position. The pivoting latch seat is mounted and arranged to disengage from the fixed latch pin to an unlocked condition when the pivoting body member is moved along the transition path to the unlocked condition endpoint, thereafter permitting movement of the outboard motor assembly to a raised position.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2018Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Inventor: Joseph Grez
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Patent number: 9789945Abstract: A tiller is for an outboard motor. The tiller has a base bracket that is configured to be rotationally fixed with respect to the outboard motor, a chassis bracket that is coupled to the base bracket, and a locking arrangement. The locking arrangement is movable into and between a locked position, wherein the chassis bracket is locked to and rotates together with the base bracket, and an unlocked position, wherein the chassis bracket is freely rotatable with respect to the base bracket about a vertical axis when the tiller is in a horizontal position.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2016Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventors: Travis J. Vaninetti, Jeffrey A. Zarembka, Wayne M. Jaszewski, Peter Pickett, Timothy S. Reid, Randall J. Poirier
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Patent number: 9623947Abstract: This is a means to solve a problem with flexible linkage driven outboard motors or better known as shallow water belt drive surface driven outboard drive units. This design gives a horizontal drive shaft engine or motor that uses flexible linkage to drive a driven shaft with a propeller the option to drive or propel a boat or watercraft in all directions to include reverse, and not be limited to turning and steering less than 360 degrees. This design also does not restrict a flexible linkage to driven shaft outboard to a limited steering degree of an angle on the steering axis from where said motor rotates to steer. This design eliminates the need for an optional means to change the rotation direction of propeller to achieve reverse.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2015Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Inventor: Bradley Rey Wilson
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Patent number: 9493222Abstract: A marine vessel comprises an elongated hull that extends along a center axis from an aftward end to a forward end. A first transom portion and a second transom portion are located closer to the aftward end than the forward end. A first propulsion device is connected to the first transom portion and steerable about a first steering axis. A second propulsion device is connected to the second transom portion and steerable about a second steering axis. The first and second transom portions each has a mounting face that is set at a non-perpendicular outboard angle to the center axis. A controller is configured to steer the first and second propulsion devices inwardly towards a center of pressure of the marine vessel so that during certain lateral translations of the marine vessel the first and second propulsion devices can provide thrusts along axes that intersect aftwardly of the center of pressure.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventors: Christopher R. Chapman, Donald F. Mason, Jr., Brad E. Taylor, David Bell, Daniel E. Clarkson
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Patent number: 8556669Abstract: A cam lock that includes a cam body having a lobe-shaped working periphery and rotatable between a first locking position and a second unlocked position, a handle shaft mounted to the cam body for moving the cam body through a predetermined range of motion, and a cam shaft mounted to the cam body for pivotal movement relative to the cam body and having an end remote from the cam body for being fixed to a structure to be locked by a force applied against the structure. A bushing is mounted on the cam shaft and has an end proximate the cam body against which a locking force is applied when the cam body is rotated into its locking position.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2012Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Inventor: David C. Hasty
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Publication number: 20130178118Abstract: A cam lock that includes a cam body having a lobe-shaped working periphery and rotatable between a first locking position and a second unlocked position, a handle shaft mounted to the cam body for moving the cam body through a predetermined range of motion, and a cam shaft mounted to the cam body for pivotal movement relative to the cam body and having an end remote from the cam body for being fixed to a structure to be locked by a force applied against the structure. A bushing is mounted on the cam shaft and has an end proximate the cam body against which a locking force is applied when the cam body is rotated into its locking position.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2012Publication date: July 11, 2013Inventor: David C. Hasty
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Patent number: 8246400Abstract: A steering apparatus for a propulsion device includes a swivel portion, a motor, a lock portion, and a lock release mechanism. The motor is arranged to generate a driving force to turn the propulsion device main body in right and left directions. The lock portion is provided in a transmission path of the driving force. The lock portion is arranged to transmit a force from an upstream side to a downstream side thereof and to be locked when a force is applied from the downstream side to thereby prevent a turning of the propulsion device main body in the right and left directions. The lock release mechanism is provided in the transmission path at the downstream side relative to the lock portion. The lock release mechanism is arranged to shut off or stop a transmission of force to the upstream side thereof to thereby prevent application of the force to the lock portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2010Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshiyuki Ichikawa, Yukinori Nose, Makoto Mizutani
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Patent number: 8096521Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 5, 2008Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Inventor: James Dale Smith
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Patent number: 7972188Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 7, 2008Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.Inventors: Darrel A. Bernloehr, Dale Eugene Simonson
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Publication number: 20100178818Abstract: A steering apparatus for a propulsion device includes a swivel portion, a motor, a lock portion, and a lock release mechanism. The motor is arranged to generate a driving force to turn the propulsion device main body in right and left directions. The lock portion is provided in a transmission path of the driving force. The lock portion is arranged to transmit a force from an upstream side to a downstream side thereof and to be locked when a force is applied from the downstream side to thereby prevent a turning of the propulsion device main body in the right and left directions. The lock release mechanism is provided in the transmission path at the downstream side relative to the lock portion. The lock release mechanism is arranged to shut off or stop a transmission of force to the upstream side thereof to thereby prevent application of the force to the lock portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2010Publication date: July 15, 2010Applicant: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshiyuki ICHIKAWA, Yukinori NOSE, Makoto MIZUTANI
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Patent number: 7722417Abstract: A mount for securing a trolling motor to a watercraft has a base, a main arm, a motor coupling, and a linkage. The motor coupling is configured to rotatably retain the trolling motor. The main arm is pivotally coupled to the base. The linkage is pivotally coupled with the base and the main arm and extends within the main arm to contact the motor coupling for actuating rotation of the motor coupling between a first position when the main arm is in a stowed position, and a second position when the main arm is in a deployed position.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2008Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.Inventors: Darrel A. Bernloehr, Craig E. Turek
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Patent number: 7594833Abstract: A boat propulsion apparatus is constructed such that an operation mode can be switched to a reverse mode and an amount of an output can be set by an easy operation without a complicated structure and further in which a main body of the propulsion apparatus can be locked to a hull. The boat propulsion apparatus is provided with a main body and a locking mechanism. The main body of the propulsion apparatus is provided with an electric motor, a throttle grip, a potentiometer arranged to detect an indication by the throttle grip, a first controller arranged to control an operation mode and an output of the electric motor depending on an output of the potentiometer, and second controller arranged to control the locking mechanism depending on an indication provided by the throttle grip.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2008Date of Patent: September 29, 2009Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Morihiro Oishi, Takashi Mizokawa, Hisashi Kazuta
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Patent number: 7556545Abstract: An outboard motor support includes a trailer mount attachable to a trailer. A first arm extends from the trailer mount, and a second arm extends from an outboard motor and includes an outboard motor mount. The outboard motor support includes an adjustable coupling connecting the first arm and the second arm.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2006Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventor: Adrian Draghici
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Patent number: 7387554Abstract: A transmission for a marine propulsion device is provided with a movable member that responds to relative rotational movement between it and a driving shaft with an axial movement relative to the driving shaft and to a driven component. This axial movement is directed against one of two spring components which resist the axial movement. During the compression of either of the spring components, rotation of the driven component is non-synchronous with the driving component during a brief period of time. Also, the driven component is decoupled at least partially from torque transmitting relation with the driving component during the axial movement of the movable member relative to the driving and driven components.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2006Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventors: John W. Behara, Darrin L. Doty
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Patent number: 7316595Abstract: A propulsion system for a boat including a drive system and a propeller positioning system. The drive system may be of any type, such as outboard motors, inboard/outboard drives, surface drives, etc. The positioning system constrains movement of the propeller shaft to swing in a path generally parallel to the bottom surface of the boat. The boat has a hull with either a flat or a sloped bottom surface. Various positioning systems include bite bars, bite rams, cambered drives, jack boxes, jack plates and various linkage configurations. In one aspect a tie bar links multiple drives together. In another aspect, a four-bar steering linkage enables variations in immersion depths of multiple propellers while maintaining constant toe-in. In yet another aspect, yaw steering is achieved using differential immersion between multiple propellers.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2004Date of Patent: January 8, 2008Inventor: James P. von Wolske
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Patent number: 7311569Abstract: An easy to use, inexpensive jack plate stop device for insertion into the guide slot of a jack plate to immobilize an outboard motor in raised position is disclosed. An outboard motor is fully raised using the jack plate by way of a hydraulic cylinder; the jack plate stop device is then inserted into the open portion of the guide slot so as to rest on the guide bolt at the bottom of the guide slot. The motor component of the jack plate is lowered slightly in order to fully engage the stop device in the guide slot, thus preventing the motor from dropping further if hydraulic pressure is released. The device may include a handle for ease of insertion and removal from the guide slot. The device may be made of any rigid material having a load-bearing capacity adequate to support the weight of an outboard motor.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2006Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Inventors: Sam Mullen, Tim Brooks
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Patent number: 7303595Abstract: An assembly for mounting a trolling motor comprising an inventive flexible gripping isolator sleeve positionable around the trolling motor column and a retainer which receives and retains the gripping isolator sleeve in a manner effective for holding the trolling motor column in an operating position. The gripping isolator sleeve is formed and configured in a manner effective for flexing sufficiently to allow the trolling motor to deflect in any direction when impacted and for then automatically returning the trolling motor to its operating position.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2005Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventor: Mikel E. Janitz
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Patent number: 7018253Abstract: A coupling lock for an engine and a boat hull installed on the fastening location thereof to provide coupling and locking functions includes a base dock and a upper dock. The base dock is fastened to a transom of the boat to couple with the engine and fasten to the boat. The base dock has two corresponding fastening rods to insert in fastening holes formed on a lock body housed in the upper dock. Locking operation may be accomplished rapidly. The engine coupling section is covered to guard the engine from theft.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2004Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: Vulcan Sports Co., Ltd.Inventor: Show-Mon Li
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Publication number: 20040087226Abstract: In a marine gas cylinder apparatus provided with a switching valve apparatus capable of switching a communication state among a piston rod side oil chamber, a piston side oil chamber and a gas chamber, the switching valve apparatus is structured such that each of respective poppet valves are arranged in each of ports open to a communication chamber provided in a valve case, each of balls is held between a ball operation surface of a rotation plate supported to the valve case and each of the poppet valves. Each of the poppet valves is moved close to or apart from the corresponding port via each of the balls in accordance with a rotating operation of the rotation plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Yoshimi Watanabe, Mitsuhiro Hayashi
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Patent number: 6676465Abstract: Subject of the invention is a locking device in which there is a locking part (1; 19) preventing the opening and the releasing of the attaching organs of an outboard motor. Characteristic to the device according to the invention is that there is an attaching part (2; 20) to be attached to the back board of a boat and that to this attaching part a locking part (1; 19) can be attached and locked with a lock (3; 23).Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2002Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Inventor: Matti Karvinen
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Patent number: 6659817Abstract: First and second pliable members are each attached to an outboard motor and to a fixed location on the transom or transom bracket associated with the outboard motor. One pliable member is used on the starboard side of the outboard motor while another is used on the port side. As the outboard motor is tilted about its trim axis, the two pliable members work in coordination with each other to exert a force on the outboard motor in a direction away from any direction in which the outboard motor is rotated about its steering axis as it is being tilted about its trim axis. This coordinated action by the two pliable members aligns the outboard motor in a straight ahead position when it is tilted upward into an inoperable position for transportation.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2002Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventors: Glenn E. Anderson, Mark T. Lokken, David M. Schmidt
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Publication number: 20030096544Abstract: Subject of the invention is a locking device in which there is a locking part (1; 19) preventing the opening and the releasing of the attaching organs of an outboard motor. Characteristic to the device according to the invention is that there is an attaching part (2; 20) to be attached to the back board of a boat and that to this attaching part a locking part (1; 19) can be attached and locked with a lock (3; 23).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2002Publication date: May 22, 2003Inventor: Matti Karvinen
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Patent number: 6447350Abstract: A transom saver apparatus is adapted to be attached to a boat trailer and includes a pivot assembly adapted to be connected to a first portion of the trailer. An arm assembly is provided having first and second opposed ends wherein one end is connected to the boat trailer connection pivot assembly and the other end terminates in an outboard motor rest or support member. The arm assembly includes a first telescopic arm member, and a second telescopic arm member in telescopic engagement with the first telescopic arm member such that the second telescopic arm member defines the second distal end of the arm assembly and the second distal end comprises the outboard motor rest member. An arm rest bracket assembly is further included attachable to a second portion of the boat trailer for receivingly supporting the pivotal arm assembly in an out-of-the-way orientation when the arm assembly is not pivotally disposed in a use orientation.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2001Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Inventors: James L. Thompson, Richard L. Walker
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Publication number: 20020081918Abstract: A steering structure of an outboard motor is provided to have high reliability without functional deterioration. The steering structure includes a tilting shaft provided on a bracket device of the outboard motor to pivotally support the outboard motor in such a manner that the outboard motor can tilt vertically. A steering damper is disposed on the outboard motor, wherein the steering damper includes a damper cylinder and a piston rod that extends inside the damper cylinder and protrudes outwardly from the damper cylinder in a transverse direction. Openings at opposite ends of the damper cylinder are closed by a piston stopper, which slidably supports the piston rod and maintains the inside of the damper cylinder fluidtight, to form a fluid chamber. A damper piston is provided at the central portion of the piston rod in the fluid chamber to partition the fluid chamber into right and left chambers.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2001Publication date: June 27, 2002Applicant: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Kazuo Mineno, Junzo Ueda, Hirotoshi Sakaguchi
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Patent number: 6398601Abstract: A tilt stop mechanism for an outboard drive assembly includes an improved construction that is easy to handle and can be provided in a relatively narrow space of a support assembly. The support bracket includes a pair of transversely spaced portions. At least a portion of the outboard drive assembly is interposed between the spaced portions. A tilt pin couples the drive assembly to the support bracket for pivotal movement about a tilt axis extending generally horizontally. A tilt stop member is coupled to the drive assembly for pivotal movement about a pivot axis extending generally horizontally. The tilt stop member has at least one stopper portion extending between the drive assembly and the support bracket when the drive assembly is in a tilted-down position. The support bracket has at least one recess. The stopper portion engages with the recess by the pivotal movement of the tilt stop member when the outboard drive is in a tilted-up position.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2000Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takahiro Oguma
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Publication number: 20010044243Abstract: A transom saver apparatus is adapted to be attached to a boat trailer and includes a pivot assembly adapted to be connected to a first portion of the trailer. An arm assembly is provided having first and second opposed ends wherein one end is connected to the boat trailer connection pivot assembly and the other end terminates in an outboard motor rest or support member. The arm assembly includes a first telescopic arm member, and a second telescopic arm member in telescopic engagement with the first telescopic arm member such that the second telescopic arm member defines the second distal end of the arm assembly and the second distal end comprises the outboard motor rest member. An arm rest bracket assembly is further included attachable to a second portion of the boat trailer for receivingly supporting the pivotal arm assembly in an out-of-the-way orientation when the arm assembly is not pivotally disposed in a use orientation.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2001Publication date: November 22, 2001Inventors: James L. Thompson, Richard L. Walker
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Patent number: 6309264Abstract: An improved hydraulic cylinder arrangement for a marine propulsion unit permits primarily effective tilt and trim movement through a compound tilt and trim cylinder. At least one first shock absorber valve is provided on a tilt piston and at least one second shock absorber valve is provided on a tilt cylinder that acts as a trim piston in a trim adjusted range operation. In another feature of the invention, a filter is disposed upstream of the second shock absorber valve.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1999Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Inventor: Hideki Saito
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Patent number: 6283806Abstract: A locking mechanism for an outboard motor is provided which prevents a moveable segment of the outboard motor from rotating about a steering axis relative to a stationary segment of the outboard motor. A slidable rod is disposed within a tilt tube of the outboard motor and is connected by a connecting link to the moveable segment of the outboard motor. If a locking device, such as a pin, is inserted through holes in the tilt tube and the rod, relative movement of the tilt tube and the rod can be prevented. If this relative movement is prevented, the moveable segment of the outboard motor is locked in position relative to the stationary segment of the outboard motor to which the tilt tube is attached.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2000Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventors: David M. Schmidt, Robert Kleeman, John E. Gulke
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Patent number: 6200175Abstract: An outboard motor mounting arrangement wherein the swivel bracket and clamping brackets have interengaging sliding surfaces that take side thrusts and minimize loading on the tilt pin during trim operation. In addition, certain electrical cables and hydraulic conduits are juxtaposed to the steering shaft and mounted so that they pass through the various brackets in a location close to the various pivotal axes to minimize flexure and reduce the necessary length therefor.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 1999Date of Patent: March 13, 2001Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Noriyuki Natsume
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Patent number: 6174211Abstract: An outboard motor has a tiller lock which retains the rotational orientation of the outboard motor relative to a watercraft. The tiller lock allows the motor to be pivoted about a substantially horizontal tilt and trim axis while the tiller lock is engaged. The tiller lock includes a friction track advantageously arranged rearward of the tilt and trim axis. The positioning of the friction track protects the it from damage due to inadvertent contact with other components of the outboard motor mounting assembly. In particular, the friction track is protected throughout a full range of motion of the outboard motor. In addition, a pair of opposing brake members are alternately engageable with the friction track to secure the motor in a desired orientation. A bi-directional actuator handle urges either of the brake members into the friction plate independent of the other brake member to create a locking drag force which accompanies a substantially normal compressive force.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1999Date of Patent: January 16, 2001Assignee: SanShin Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Daisuke Nakamura
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Patent number: 6146221Abstract: An outboard motor has a steering lock which retains the rotational orientation of the outboard motor relative to a watercraft. The steering lock allows the motor to be pivoted about a substantially horizontal tilt and trim axis while the steering lock is engaged. The steering lock includes a friction plate which is advantageously straight. The friction plate is connected to the steering arm, and movement of either the steering arm or the friction plate requires movement of the other. At least one friction lock engages with the friction plate to secure the motor in a desired orientation. The friction lock is rigidly affixed to the outboard motor. The friction lock includes one or more disc pads. Movement of an operation lever urges the disc pads against the friction plate hold the friction plate and consequently, the steering arm, in a predetermined position.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1998Date of Patent: November 14, 2000Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Noriyuki Natsume
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Patent number: 6076796Abstract: The bracket of this invention is to support an outboard motor or outdrive while being transported over the road on the stern of a boat. The bracket allows the foot or housing of the outboard motor or outdrive to be placed in such an up position so that it is not in danger of coming in contact with the surface of the roadway. The bracket also prevents excessive weight on and consequential damage to the hydraulic and manual tilt and support systems of the outboard motor or outdrive being transported. The bracket hangs from the factory-drilled holes in the outboard motor clamp brackets or outdrive brackets by means of a pin secured in place by quickly and easily removable click pins. When assembled, the bracket-forms a rigid support between the stern of a boat and the foot or shaft housing of the motor or outdrive being transported.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1998Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Inventors: William Clarence Huggins, Samuel T. Adams
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Patent number: 6062924Abstract: A tilt lock device 10 comprises a cylinder 12, a piston 13 vertically slidably inserted into the cylinder 12, a piston rod 14 connected to an upper portion of the piston 3, upper and lower oil chambers S1 and S2 respectively formed in upper and lower portions of the piston 13, an accumulator chamber S3 mounted to the cylinder 12 in a manner to surround the cylinder 12 and being in communication with the upper and lower oil chambers S1 and S2 through upper and lower oil passages 45 and 12a. A first relief valve 18 is provided in the upper oil passage 45 and is opened when a pressure in the upper oil chamber S1 in which the piston 13 rises exceeds a predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 1998Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Assignee: Showa CorporationInventor: Tamotsu Nakamura
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Patent number: 5931710Abstract: A marine outdrive attachable to the transom of a small fishing boat having an inboard engine. The marine outdrive includes a kit having through transom mounting plate, a fabricated propeller shaft housing pivotally attached to a pivot member which is pivotally attached to said transom plate thereby providing freedom of movement in two planes. The outdrive is supported and maintained under tension in the horizontal plane by a flexible member and a shock absorber thus maintaining automatically contact with any surface in contact with the boat's keel. A kit is provided containing all essential components and instructions for installation of the outdrive on a small fishing craft. All working components are off the shelf stock items or fabricated for easy field repair.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 1998Date of Patent: August 3, 1999Inventor: Clyde Johnson, Sr.
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Patent number: 5888109Abstract: An outboard motor support device for securing an outboard motor to a transom of a boat which comprises a tie down bracket, a support, and a tie down strap. The tie down bracket being secured to the transom of the boat while the support is rotatably mounted to the motor such that when the motor is in an up position, the support can rotate about its mounting point to contact and support the motor. The tie down strap then passes behind the motor and is secured to the tie down bracket. This secures the motor between the support and the tie down strap providing additional support.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1997Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Inventor: Steven J. Poll
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Patent number: 5795202Abstract: An outboard boat motor support device attachable between the boat transom and outboard motor to help prevent the outboard motor from inflicting damaging torque to the transom mounting point during trailering or water operation is provided comprising a rigid plate fixedly attached to the transom of the boat and a support member capable of being retracted within the plate or extended from the boat to engage the lower casing of the outboard motor in a tilted position, thereby maintaining the outboard motor in the tilted position during trailering.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 1996Date of Patent: August 18, 1998Inventor: Carl F. Williams
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Patent number: 5775669Abstract: The bracket of this invention is to support an outboard motor or outdrive while being transported over the road on the stern of a boat. The bracket allows the foot or housing of the outboard motor or outdrive to be placed in such an up position so that it is not in danger of coming in contact with the surface of the roadway. The bracket also prevents excessive weight on and consequential damage to the hydraulic and manual tilt and support systems of the outboard motor or outdrive being transported. The bracket hangs from the factory drilled holes in the outboard motor clamp bracket or outdrive bracket by means of a drop bar pin secured in place by quickly and easily removable click pins. When assembled, the bracket forms a rigid support between the stern of a boat and the foot or shaft housing of the motor or outdrive being transported.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 1996Date of Patent: July 7, 1998Inventors: William Clarence Huggins, Samuel T. Adams
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Patent number: 5755603Abstract: A tilting assembly for an outboard motor drive unit includes a clamp bracket having a holder portion. A swivel bracket is pivotally mounted to the clamp bracket for tilting movement between a desired tilted-down and tilted-up position. A holder arm is provided for supporting the swivel bracket and drive unit in the desired tilted-up position in the holder portion. The holder arm is pivotally mounted to the swivel bracket and selectively engageable with the holder portion for setting the desired tilted-up position. A tilt lock lever connects the swivel bracket to the clamp bracket. The tilt lock lever includes a support block for providing additional support for the swivel bracket in holding the outboard drive unit in the desired tilted-up position.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1996Date of Patent: May 26, 1998Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Atsushi Kumita
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Patent number: 5582527Abstract: A steering device for an outboard motor that retains the motor under constant, although adjustable, pressure to releasably hold it in a plurality of secured positions. Moreover, the releasable restraining device permits rotation of the motor about the tilt and trim axis while the retaining device is in any of a plurality of retained positions.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1994Date of Patent: December 10, 1996Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Daisuke Nakamura
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Patent number: 5358436Abstract: An outboard engine assembly has a stern bracket adapted to be fixed to a boat body, a swivel case vertically swingably supported on the stern bracket, an engine body laterally swingably supported on the swivel case, and a tilt cylinder device disposed between the stern bracket and the swivel case. The outboard engine assembly has a corrosion-resistant mechanism comprising a first anodic metal element attached to a lower portion of the engine body, a second anodic metal element attached to a submersible portion of the stern bracket, a first electric connecting circuit by which the first and second anodic metal elements are electrically connected to each other, and a second electric connecting circuit branched from the first electric connecting circuit and connecting the first electric connecting circuit to the tilt cylinder device. The tilt cylinder device comprises a cylinder unit actuatable by a pressurized fluid supplied from a pressure fluid supply.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1993Date of Patent: October 25, 1994Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Chiharu Soda, Kimiaki Ueno
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Patent number: 5256089Abstract: Several embodiments of water jet propulsion units that are manually moveable between a downwardly facing in-the-water position and a raised, out-of-the water position. The movement includes pivotal movement about a transversely extending horizontal pivot axis and rotation about a longitudinally extending rotational axis. Latching apparatus are disclosed for holding the jet propulsion unit in at least one of its positions and in one embodiment the latching apparatus is effective to hold the jet propulsion unit in each position.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 1991Date of Patent: October 26, 1993Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Noboru Kobayashi, Hirofumi Imaeda
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Patent number: 5102358Abstract: Disclosed herein is a marine propulsion device comprising a transom bracket adapted to be mounted on a boat transom and including a rearwardly and laterally open socket, a swivel bracket connected to the transom bracket for pivotal movement about a horizontal tilt axis, a trail arm pivotally mounted on the swivel bracket for movement between a retracted position adjacent the swivel bracket and an extended position projecting from the swivel bracket and including an outer end receivable in the socket in the transom bracket and having a laterally extending projection, a latch member pivotally mounted on the transom bracket for movement between a retracted position and a latching position, which latch member includes a hook located, when the latch member is in the latching position, for engagement with the projection to prevent withdrawal of the outer end of the trail arm from the socket, and which hook is located, when the latch member is in the retracted position, clear of interferring engagement with travel oType: GrantFiled: May 14, 1990Date of Patent: April 7, 1992Assignee: Outboard Marine CorporationInventors: Gregory L. Binversie, H. Norman Petersen, James E. Macier, John M. Daniels
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Patent number: 5096447Abstract: A tilting mechanism including a tilt locking mechanism for releasably retaining an outboard drive unit in a tilted down position under normal running conditions and a tilt holding mechanism for releasably holding the outboard drive unit in a tilted up position is constructed and arranged so that a lever of the tilt locking mechanism lever and a holder arm of the holding mechanism pivot about a common axis, preferably about a single support shaft, on the swivel bracket.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1991Date of Patent: March 17, 1992Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hidehiko Uehara
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Patent number: 4966566Abstract: A spring-biased mechanism that connects to and cooperates with a trolling motor mount is provided to partially counterbalance the weight of the trolling motor as it pivoted from an intermediate position into operating position and back again, thereby making easier the effort normally exerted by the operator to lower the trolling motor into the water, as well as to raise it from the water, which mechanism includes a foot element that pivotally attaches at one end to the trolling motor mount, a linear-acting spring unit having one end pivotally attached to one end of the foot element and means that pivotally connect the opposite end of the foot element to a portion of the spring unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 1988Date of Patent: October 30, 1990Inventor: John S. Baird
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Patent number: 4929202Abstract: A support device maintains an outboard unit of a boat engine in a tilted position for travel. The outboard unit has a stationary drive shaft housing attached to the boat transom and a movable propeller drive unit pivotally attached with respect to the stationary drive shaft housing. A trim mechanism includes a cylinder, a hydraulically operated piston and an actuator rod engaged between the movable propeller drive unit and the stationary drive shaft housing for tilting the movable propeller drive unit to a desired angle between a lowered position and a raised position. The support device has an elongated rigid casing with a radial slot extending along the entire longitudinal length of the casing and a semi-rigid lining disposed within the casing forming a longitudinal aperture comunicating with the radial slot through the casing.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 1989Date of Patent: May 29, 1990Inventor: John J. Tengelitsch
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Patent number: RE39414Abstract: An outboard motor support device for securing an outboard motor to a transom of a boat which comprises a tie down bracket, a support, and a tie down strap. The tie down bracket being secured to the transom of the boat while the support is rotatably mounted to the motor such that when the motor is in an up position, the support can rotate about its mounting point to contact and support the motor. The tie down strap then passes behind the motor and is secured to the tie down bracket. This secures the motor between the support and the tie down strap providing additional support.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2001Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Inventor: Steven J. Poll