U.S. patent application number 10/379190 was filed with the patent office on 2004-09-09 for apparatus and method for tilting and trimming a boat motor.
Invention is credited to Johnson, Bruce.
Application Number | 20040175997 10/379190 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32926625 |
Filed Date | 2004-09-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040175997 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Johnson, Bruce |
September 9, 2004 |
Apparatus and method for tilting and trimming a boat motor
Abstract
An apparatus for tilting and trimming a boat motor is disclosed.
The apparatus for permits the rearward the movement of the lower
unit of the boat motor to reduce the likelihood of damage to the
boat motor or boat when an obstruction is hit. The apparatus
provides a lower actuator bracket pivotally mounted to the transom
bracket of a boat motor. An actuator is pivotally connected to the
lower actuator bracket and to a mounting bracket to tilt and trim
the lower unit. The lower actuator bracket is configurable between
an engaged position for tilting and trimming the boat motor and a
released position to allow the lower unit to pivot over
obstructions. A shear pin may also be provided to maintain the
engaged position of the lower actuator bracket while operating the
boat motor in reverse.
Inventors: |
Johnson, Bruce;
(Bloomington, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BRIGGS AND MORGAN, P.A.
2200 IDS CENTER
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Family ID: |
32926625 |
Appl. No.: |
10/379190 |
Filed: |
March 3, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
440/53 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63H 20/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
440/053 |
International
Class: |
B63H 005/125 |
Claims
1. A boat motor, comprising: an upper unit including an engine; a
lower unit secured to the upper unit and including a drive train
and a propeller with the drive train connected to the engine to
drive the propeller; and a mounting bracket rotatably secured to
the lower unit; a transom bracket pivotally secured to the mounting
bracket; a lower actuator bracket is pivotally secured to the
transom bracket and includes an actuator mount with the actuator
mount extending a radial distance from an actuator bracket axis so
that the actuator mount may rotate about the actuator bracket axis;
and an actuator having a first end and a second end with the first
end pivotally secured to the mounting bracket, with the second end
pivotally secured to the actuator mount, and with the actuator
movable between at least a withdrawn position and an extended
position.
2. A boat motor, as in claim 1, further comprising an upper
actuator bracket to pivotally secure first end of the actuator to
the mounting bracket with the upper actuator bracket secured to the
mounting bracket and the first end of the actuator pivotally
secured to the upper actuator bracket.
3. A boat motor, as in claim 1, further comprising at least one
shear pin with the shear pin received within at least one shear pin
receiver defined by the lower actuator bracket.
4. An apparatus for tilting and trimming a boat motor comprising: a
transom bracket; a mounting bracket pivotally mounted to the
transom bracket; an actuator having a first end and a second end
with the first pivotally secured to the mounting bracket, and a
lower actuator bracket pivotally secured to the transom bracket
with the second end of the actuator pivotally secured to the
actuator bracket and the actuator bracket rotatable between at
least an engaged position and a disengaged position.
5. An apparatus, as in claim 4, further comprising an upper
actuator bracket to pivotally secure the first end of the actuator
to the mounting bracket with the upper actuator bracket secured to
the mounting bracket and the first end of the actuator pivotally
secured to the upper actuator bracket.
6. An apparatus, as in claim 4, further comprising at least one
shear pin with the shear pin received within at least one shear pin
receiver defined by the lower actuator bracket.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to boat motors. In particular,
this invention relates to an apparatus and method for tilting
and/or trimming a boat motor.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] In general, an outboard or inboard-outboard (i/o) motor is
secured to boat in a manner that allows the motor to pivot on the
transom of the boat. Typically, the motor pivots through a range of
working positions in which the propeller remains in the water and
through a range of inoperable positions in which the propeller is
raised out of the water.
[0005] In the working positions or lower range of pivoting, the
thrust angle of the propeller may be adjusted in the water. This
lower range is referred to as the "trim" range. Typically, the
outboard or i/o motor is trimmed to adjust the orientation of the
propeller relative to the water and/or relative to the hull to
optimize performance under various operating conditions. The speed,
and safety of propulsion, are effected by the trim of the motor
with respect to the boat and the angle at which the propeller
generates its thrust forces.
[0006] In the inoperable positions or upper range of pivoting, the
propeller is positioned out of the water. This upper range is
referred to as the "tilt" range. This range may be utilized to tilt
the propulsion unit to avoid damage in very shallow water. This
range is also typically utilized when trailering the
watercraft.
[0007] Many larger motors include integral systems for
hydraulically assisted tilting and trimming of the motor. These
motors are susceptible to failure and can be expensive to repair.
Accordingly, a need exists for alternatives to the repair or
replacement of existing units. Most smaller motors, for example 40
horsepower and less, do not typically include hydraulically
assisted tilting and trimming systems. However, the smaller motors
may still be relatively heavy and cumbersome. In addition, the
aging segment of the boating population who may utilize these
smaller engines typically do not want to exert themselves or risk
injury by having to manually adjust the trim and tilt the
engine.
[0008] Furthermore, regardless of the weight of an engine, the
manual adjustment of the trim is cumbersome. The manual adjustment
typically requires that the engine is raised and locked in the tilt
position and that the trim pin is removed from one trim pin hole
and is inserted in another trim pin hole which confers the desired
trim position when the motor is released from the tilt position.
Accordingly, a need exists for an automated tilt and trim mechanism
that may be retrofitted to existing larger and smaller engines.
[0009] Motor mounts, including the tilt and trim components, must
be robust. Boats can travel at a high rate of speed and, over time,
are likely to encounter a number of obstacles. Typically, the hull
of a boat will slide over partially submerged obstacles.
Unfortunately, the lower unit of an engine typically extends below
the hull and can strike the obstacle that the hull rides over or
slides over after the object clears the hull. The leading edge of
the engine's lower unit will typically strike such objects at a
right angle. The forces conferred by such collisions can tear the
motor from the transom.
[0010] Boat engines are generally designed to withstand such
forces. With outboard motors various energy absorption systems are
been incorporated in the mounting of the outboard motors to prevent
damage to the motor components and to occupants of the boat under
power. To avoid having the engine torn from the transom or the
lower unit torn from the upper unit, the lower unit is frequently
mounted to freely swing away from the boat. In swinging away from
the boat, the motor rises up and over the obstacle. The systems
designed to allow the engine to pivot when hitting a submerged or
partially submerged obstacle and are generally designed to
withstand the forces of a collision at full speed. Shock absorbing
feature may also be provided to prevent the engine from being
kicked or thrown into the boat at the time of impact and similarly
to absorb the forces during return movement of the motor.
Accordingly, a need exists for a robust retrofitted or oem tilt and
trim mechanism which integrates into the existing pivoting and
safety features and either maintains the original degree of safety
or increases the level of safety of operating the watercraft.
[0011] As a result of the need to be robust, many existing tilt and
trim mechanisms are relatively expensive, complex and relatively
difficult to operate and maintain. Also, such mechanisms are likely
to be relatively heavy and thus, less convenient to handle and
transport. Accordingly, a need exists for a mechanism that
effectively and efficiently mounts a motor to a transom and
selectively pivots one relative to the other.
[0012] In addition, a mechanical trim limit stop is desirably
provided to establish a minimum trim position. A reverse lock is
also normally provided to prevent the kicking up of the lower unit
out of the water a result of the reverse propulsion forces.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The apparatus and method of the present invention satisfies
the above needs and provides additional advantages that will be
recognized by those skilled in the art upon review of the present
disclosure. An object of the present invention is to permit the
automated adjustment of the tilt and trim of a motor. Another
aspect of the present invention is to provide a mechanism to
release the lower unit of a boat motor to allow the motor to rise
over obstructions. Yet another object of the present invention is
to provide an assembly that can be retrofitted onto boat motors
that were not originally equipped with an automated tilt and trim
mechanism or to replace defective or broken original equipment tilt
and trim mechanisms.
[0014] In one aspect, the present invention provides a boat motor.
The boat motor having an upper unit secured to a lower unit. The
upper unit including the engine. The lower unit including the drive
train and propeller with the drive train operably connected to the
engine to drive the propeller. A mounting bracket rotatably may be
secured to either the upper unit or the lower unit. A transom
bracket may be pivotally secured to the mounting bracket. A lower
actuator bracket may be pivotally secured to the transom bracket
and can include an actuator mount with the actuator mount extending
a radial distance from an actuator bracket axis so that the
actuator mount may rotate about the actuator bracket axis. An
actuator having a first end and a second end is also provided. The
actuator having a first end and a second end. The first end
pivotally secured to the mounting bracket and the second end
pivotally secured to the actuator mount, and with the actuator
movable between at least a withdrawn position and an extended
position. The boat motor may also include an upper actuator
bracket. The upper actuator bracket can pivotally secure first end
of the actuator to the mounting bracket with the upper actuator
bracket secured to the mounting bracket and the first end of the
actuator pivotally secured to the upper actuator bracket. The boat
motor can further include one or more one shear pins with the shear
pins received within at least one shear pin receiver in the lower
actuator bracket.
[0015] In another aspect, the present invention provides an
apparatus for tilting and trimming a boat motor. The apparatus
having a mounting bracket pivotally mounted to a transom bracket.
An actuator having a first end and a second end with the first
pivotally secured to the mounting bracket and the second end
pivotally secured to a lower actuator bracket. The lower actuator
bracket is also pivotally secured to the transom bracket. The
actuator bracket rotatable between at least an engaged position for
tilting and trimming and a disengaged position to allow rearward
movement. The apparatus may also include an upper actuator bracket.
The upper actuator bracket can pivotally secure first end of the
actuator to the mounting bracket with the upper actuator bracket
secured to the mounting bracket and the first end of the actuator
pivotally secured to the upper actuator bracket. The apparatus can
further include one or more one shear pins with the shear pins
received within at least one shear pin receiver in the lower
actuator bracket.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The invention will now be described, purely by way of
non-restrictive example, with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of
engine in accordance with the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a partial perspective view of a motor in
accordance with the present invention in a tilted position.
[0019] FIG. 3A illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a boat
motor in accordance with the present invention in a lowered
position.
[0020] FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of the boat motor of FIG. 3A
a tilted position.
[0021] FIG. 4A illustrates a side view of a tilt and trim apparatus
in accordance with the present invention in an engaged
position.
[0022] FIG. 4B illustrates a side view of a tilt and trim apparatus
in accordance with the present invention in a released
position.
[0023] All figures are drawn for ease of explanation of the basic
teachings of the present invention only; the extensions of the
figures with respect to number, position relationship and
dimensions of the parts to form the preferred embodiment will be
explained or will be within the skill of the arts after the
following description has been read and understood. Further, the
exact dimensional proportions to conform to specific force, weight,
strength, and similar requirements will likewise be within the
skill of the art after the following description has been read and
understood.
[0024] Where used in various figures of the drawings, the same
numerals designate the same or similar parts. Furthermore, when the
terms "top," "bottom," "right," "left," "forward," "rear," "first,"
"second," "inside," "outside," and similar terms are used, the
terms should be understood to reference only the structure shown in
the drawings as it would appear to a person viewing the drawings
and utilized only to facilitate the description of the illustrated
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] A boat motor 10 in accordance with the present invention is
generally illustrated in the Figures. Boat motor 10 is typically
comprised of an upper unit 12 and a lower unit 14. The upper unit
12 typically includes the engine. The lower unit typically includes
one or more drive shafts and the propeller and is configured to
position the propeller in the water and typically below the bottom
of the hull. Boat motor 10 is typically attached to the transom 3
of a boat 1 which is partially shown in FIG. 1.
[0026] Boat motor 10 includes a transom bracket 16 to secure the
motor to the transom 3. Transom bracket 16 is generally configured
to be received and secured over an upper lip 5 of transom 3 and to
transfer the force from boat motor 10 to boat 1. As illustrated,
transom bracket 16 includes a first brace 62 and a second brace 64
connected by a transom bracket cross-member 64. Transom brackets
generally include a plurality of trim pin holes which are used for
motors without an automated tilt and trim mechanisms to determine
the trim setting for the motor. In accordance with the present
invention, a lower actuator bracket mounting hole 66 to mount lower
actuator bracket 20. As illustrated, lower actuator bracket
mounting holes 66 are selected from one of the trim pin holes 66
for exemplary purposes.
[0027] The pivoting of mounting bracket 18 relative to transom
bracket 16 permits lower unit 14 to be trimmed and tilted and also
permits lower unit 14 to release in a rearward direction if the
lower unit 14 strikes an obstacle while boat 1 is moving forward.
Mounting bracket 18 is typically rotatably attached to either or
both of upper unit 12 and the lower unit 14 to permit the directing
of the thrust from the propeller relative to the boat to steer and
control boat 1 during operation.
[0028] In accordance with the present invention, a lower actuator
bracket 20 is pivotally connected to transom bracket 16. Lower
actuator bracket 20 is generally configured to be movable from an
engaged position, illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4A, to a released
configuration, illustrated in FIG. 4B. Lower actuator bracket 20 is
typically pivotally attached a transom bracket 16 through one or
more of the lower bracket mounting holes 66. As illustrated for
exemplary purposes, lower actuator bracket 20 includes a first
vertical arm 22, a second vertical arm 24, and a transverse arm 26
connecting first vertical arm 22 and second vertical arm 24. A back
plate 29 connected to the adjacent arms is also to provide
additional rigidity is also illustrated. A lower actuator mount 28
may be provided on transverse arm 26 to pivotally secure one of the
ends of an actuator 40. The radial distance is measured from the
center of rotation of the lower actuator bracket to the pivot point
of the lower actuator mount 28.
[0029] Lower actuator bracket 20 may also include a shear pin
receiver 90. Shear pin receiver 90 is typically a hole through the
lower actuator bracket which receives a shear pin 92. Shear pin 92
abuts a portion of the transom bracket 16 to prevent lower transom
bracket from swinging rearward unless a force sufficient to shear
shear pin 92 is applied in a rearward direction. In which case,
shear pin 92 shears permitting transom bracket 16 to swing in the
rearward direction.
[0030] Actuator 40 is connected at a first end 42 to lower actuator
bracket 20 and at a second end 44 to the mounting bracket 18.
Actuator 40 provides the force to pivot mounting bracket 18
relative to transom bracket 16 against the weight supported by
mounting bracket 18 and thereby tilt and trim boat motor 10. The
actuator may be hydraulic, pneumatic, electro-mechanical,
electromagnetic or otherwise configured to exert sufficient force
to lift the motor through one or more trim positions and to at
least on tilt position. As illustrated, actuator 40 includes an
electric motor 46 which rotates a worm gear within housing 48 to
extend and withdraw actuator 40 using a threaded mechanism.
[0031] Second end 44 of actuator 40 is pivotally connected to motor
mount 18. Second end 44 may be connected directly to motor mount 18
or, alternatively, may be connected to motor mount 18 by an upper
actuator bracket 70, shown in phantom in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Upper
actuator bracket 70 may be mounted in a cavity defined by the lower
portion of motor mount 18, as illustrated, or may be otherwise
mounted to facilitate the raising and lowering of the engine
through the tilt and trim positions as will be recognized by those
skilled in the art upon review of the present disclosure.
[0032] In operation, the apparatus and method of the present
invention provides tilting and trimming of a motor when transom
bracket 16 is positioned in an engaged position while permitting
lower unit 14 to pivot over obstructions by assuming the released
position in response to a rearward force on lower unit 14.
[0033] FIG. 3A illustrates lower actuator bracket 20 in the engaged
position with actuator 40 in a withdrawn position that places at
least a portion of the lower unit in the water. Actuator 40 may be
electronically or mechanically controlled to assume a particular
length and accordingly a particular trim setting or may be
incrementally or continuously adjustable to permit the adjustment
of the motor's trim by an operator. As illustrated to propel boat 1
forward, a forward force is conferred by the propeller. This force
is transferred through lower unit 14 and mounting bracket 18 to
exert a compressing force on actuator 40. This force is
transferred, in part, to the lower actuator bracket which is biased
against the transom of the hull. Conversely to propel boat 1
backwards, a rearward exerted by the propeller exerts a pulling
force on actuator 40. This force is transferred, in part, to lower
actuator bracket 20 which is pulled away from transom 3. In one
aspect, shear pin 92 mounted in shear pin receiver 90 may be
brought into contact with transom bracket 16 to prevent the lower
unit from pivoting rearward or, alternatively, the geometry for
mounting the components may be selected to prevent the rearward
movement of the lower unit under minimal forces as will be
understood by those skilled in the art upon review of the present
disclosure.
[0034] FIG. 3B illustrates lower actuator bracket 20 in the engaged
position with actuator 40 in an extended position that lifts the
lower unit out of the water in a tilted position. Again, actuator
40 may be electronically or mechanically controlled to assume a
particular length and accordingly a particular tilt setting or may
be incrementally or continuously adjustable to permit the
adjustment of the motor's tilt by an operator.
[0035] FIG. 4A illustrates an apparatus in accordance with the
present invention having lower actuator bracket 20 and mounting
bracket 18 in the engaged position with actuator 40 in a withdrawn
position that would place at least a portion of lower unit 14 in a
trimmed position in the water. Shear pin 92 is positioned in shear
pin receiver 90 and actuator 40 has a set length. As illustrated,
any forward force would be, at least in part, would conferred from
the propeller to the transom through lower actuator bracket 20. If
the lower unit were to strike an object with sufficient force, the
lower unit would be forced to pivot rearward as illustrated in FIG.
4B. Although the actuator has maintained the same set length as in
FIG. 4A, the lower actuator bracket has been pulled backwards with
sufficient force to shear shear pin 92 and assume the release
position illustrated in FIG. 4B. Alternatively, if a particular
geometry instead of a shear pin had been used for preventing
unwanted rearward movement of the lower unit, the rearward force
would have had to overcome the mechanical forces conferred by the
geometry to allow the lower actuator bracket to assume the released
position.
[0036] Since the invention disclosed above may be embodied in other
specific forms without departing from the spirit or general
characteristics thereof, some of which forms have been indicated,
the embodiments described in the present disclosure are to be
considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. The
scope of the invention is to be indicated by the appended claims,
rather than by the above description, and all changes which come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are
intended to be embraced by the claims.
* * * * *