U.S. patent application number 11/396592 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-04 for trolling motor device.
Invention is credited to Bruce R. Lee.
Application Number | 20070232159 11/396592 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38559781 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070232159 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lee; Bruce R. |
October 4, 2007 |
Trolling motor device
Abstract
A trolling motor device including a combined mounting unit and
steering unit, and including a variable length drive unit to assist
in moving the trolling motor device in and out of the water.
Inventors: |
Lee; Bruce R.; (Tappahannock
Academy, VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KLIMA LAW OFFICES, P.L.L.C.
P. O. BOX 2855
STAFFORD
VA
22555-2855
US
|
Family ID: |
38559781 |
Appl. No.: |
11/396592 |
Filed: |
April 4, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
440/53 ; 440/6;
440/63 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63H 20/106 20130101;
B63H 20/10 20130101; B63H 20/007 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
440/053 ;
440/006; 440/063 |
International
Class: |
B63H 5/125 20060101
B63H005/125; B63H 21/17 20060101 B63H021/17 |
Claims
1. A bow mounted trolling motor device for a boat configured for
propelling and steering the boat on water, said device comprising:
a bow mounting unit configured to connect to the bow of the boat,
said mounting unit including a steering unit; a drive unit
connected to said steering unit of said mounting unit, said drive
unit including: a drive unit housing, said drive unit housing
including an upper end connected to said drive unit of said
mounting unit; a lower drive unit connected to a lower end of said
drive unit housing, said lower drive unit including an electrical
motor driving a propeller, said drive unit being configured to
substantially change in length between a fully extended position
and a fully retracted position; an adjustable length drive unit
power cable extending between said steering unit and said lower
drive unit and accommodated within said drive unit housing; a foot
pedal control unit mechanically and electrically connected by a
control cable to said steering unit of said mounting unit, said
foot pedal control unit configured to steer said drive unit and
control electrical power to said lower drive unit; a pivotal
connection provided between said bow mounting unit and said drive
unit, said pivotal connection configured to allow said fully
collapsed drive unit to pivot between a fully raised resting
position on a deck of the boat to a fully down operational
position; an actuating device configured to fully extend and
retract said drive unit; and a boat battery electrically connected
to said foot pedal control unit to supply power to said drive
unit.
2. A bow mounted trolling motor device for a boat configured for
propelling and steering the boat on water, said device comprising:
a bow mounting unit configured to connect to the boat, said bow
mounting unit including a steering unit; a drive unit including a
lower drive unit, said drive unit including a drive unit housing
having an upper end connected to said steering unit of said
mounting unit and a lower end connected to said lower drive unit,
said drive unit being configured to substantially change in length
between a fully extended position and a fully retracted position
while being rotated; a pivotal connection provided between said bow
mounting unit and said drive unit; and a manually operated drive
unit actuating device configured to manually extend and retract
said drive unit.
3. A bow mounted trolling motor device for a boat configured for
propelling and steering the boat on water, said device comprising:
a bow mounting unit configured to connect to the boat, said bow
mounting unit including a steering unit; a drive unit including a
lower drive unit, said drive unit including a drive unit housing
having an upper end connected to said steering unit of said
mounting unit and a lower end connected to said lower drive unit,
said drive unit being configured to substantially change in length
between a fully extended position and a fully retracted position; a
pivotal connection provided between said bow mounting unit and said
drive unit, said pivotal connection configured to pivot said drive
unit between a fully raised resting position on a deck of the boat
to a fully down position; a powered drive unit housing actuating
device configured to fully extend or fully retract said drive unit;
and a control unit connected to said powered drive unit housing to
extend and retract said lower drive unit housing unit into said
upper drive unit housing unit.
4. A device according to claim 1, including an electrically
actuated and controlled trim mechanism configured to selectively
adjust the height of said lower drive unit once said drive unit is
placed in its fully extended position.
5. A device according to claim 1, wherein said drive unit housing
is a shaft.
6. A device according to claim 1, wherein said drive unit housing
is configured to be extended or retract to extend and retract said
drive unit.
7. A device according to claim 6, wherein said drive unit housing
includes an upper larger diameter shaft and a lower smaller
diameter shaft slidably disposed within said upper larger diameter
shaft.
8. A device according to claim 1, wherein said drive unit and
mounting unit are configured to simultaneously extend/retract said
drive unit while rotating said drive unit.
9. A device according to claim 1, wherein said actuating device is
a manually operated actuating device.
10. A device according to claim 9, wherein said actuating device is
a cable.
11. A device according to claim 9, wherein said actuating device is
a cord.
12. A device according to claim 1, wherein said actuating device is
a powered actuating device.
13. A device according to claim 12, wherein said actuating device
is a hydraulic actuator.
14. A device according to claim 12, wherein said actuating device
is a pneumatic actuator.
15. A device according to claim 12, wherein said actuating device
is an electric actuator.
16. A device according to claim 12, wherein said actuating device
is an electromechanical actuator.
17. A device according to claim 12, wherein said actuating device
is a separate powered actuating device.
18. A device according to claim 12, wherein a lower end of said
cord is connected to said lower drive unit housing and an upper end
of said cord is connected to a handle for raising and lowering said
lower drive unit housing into and out of said upper drive unit
housing.
19. A device according to claim 17, wherein said cord is disposed
with in said drive unit housing.
20. A device according to claim 18, wherein said cord is located
outside said drive unit housing.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is directed to a trolling motor
device, in particular, a bow trolling motor device having a
combined mounting unit and steering unit, and preferably in
combination with an extendable/retractable or telescoping drive
unit.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Currently, there exist a number of electric powered trolling
motors for use with small boats, in particular fishing or bass
boats. Typically, the trolling motor is mounted on top of the deck
at or adjacent the bow of the fishing or bass boat.
[0003] The conventional trolling motor includes a mounting unit
having a mounting plate, which is fastened to the deck of the boat.
The drive unit is pivotably connected to the mounting unit so that
the drive unit can be lifted upward out of the water and pivoted by
a pull cord connected to the mounting unit so that the drive unit
lays down flat on top of the deck of the boat for storage. To place
the drive unit back in the water, the user again pulls upwardly on
the pull cord to lift and pivot the drive unit down into the
water.
[0004] The drive unit includes an upper steering unit connected to
an upper end of a fixed length support shaft, and a lower drive
unit connected to a lower end of the same shaft. The shaft is
pivotably mounted to the mounting unit.
[0005] An electric battery (e.g. 6 volt, 12 volt, 24 volt, 36 volt)
is electrically connected to a foot pedal control unit mounted on
the top of the deck of the fishing or bass boat. A control cable
extends from the foot pedal control unit to the upper steering unit
of the drive unit. The foot pedal control unit controls both the
steering of the drive unit, off/on of the drive unit,
forward/reverse of the drive unit, and the power level of the drive
unit.
[0006] Another embodiment of the trolling motor device according to
the present invention includes a mounting unit combined with a
steering unit. For example, the steering unit is in integrated into
a portion of the mounting unit. This arrangement provides the
advantages of: 1) greatly reducing the length of the control cable;
2) reduces the length of the drive unit; 3) eliminates the length
of the control cable that would otherwise run to the top of the
drive unit, which tends to get in the way of the user; and 4)
allows for the drive unit to be more compact to facilitate stowing
the drive unit on deck; and
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A first object of the present invention is to provide an
improved trolling motor device.
[0008] A second object of the present invention is to provide an
improved bow trolling motor device.
[0009] A third object of the present invention is to provide an
improved trolling motor device with an extendable/retractable drive
unit.
[0010] A fourth object of the present invention is to provide a
trolling motor device with a telescoping drive unit.
[0011] A fifth object of the present invention is to provide a
trolling motor device with an improved mounting unit.
[0012] A sixth object of the present invention is to provide an
improved trolling motor device with improved drive unit.
[0013] A seventh object of the present invention is to provide an
improved trolling motor device with an improved drive unit
housing.
[0014] An eighth object of the present invention is to provide an
improved trolling motor device including a drive unit with steering
combined with being extendable/retractable or telescoping.
[0015] A ninth object of the present invention is to provide a
trolling motor device having an improved mounting unit.
[0016] A tenth object of the present invention is to provide a
trolling motor device having a combined mounting unit and steering
unit.
[0017] An eleventh object of the present invention is to provide a
trolling motor device having a combined mounting and steering
device.
[0018] A twelfth object of the present invention is to provide a
trolling motor device having a combined mounting and steering
device in combination with an extendable/retractable drive
unit.
[0019] A thirteenth object of the present invention is to provide a
trolling motor device having a combined mounting and steering
device in combination with a telescoping drive unit.
[0020] A fourteenth object of the present invention is to provide a
trolling motor device having a mounting unit including a mounting
bracket connecting with a drive unit, the mounting bracket
including a steering unit.
[0021] The present invention is directed to an improved trolling
motor device, in particular an improved bow trolling motor device.
The trolling motor device includes the combination of a mounting
unit and a drive unit. Preferably, the drive unit is pivotably
connected to the mounting unit.
[0022] The mounting unit is configured to be mounted on top of the
deck of the fishing or bass boat. For example, the mounting unit
includes a mounting plate to be fastened to the deck of the fishing
or bass boat, for example, the mounting plate is provide with
through holes for accommodating fasteners (e.g. screws) for
securely attaching the mounting plates on top of the front deck at
or adjacent the bow of the fishing or bass boat.
[0023] The drive unit includes an upper steering unit and a lower
drive unit. A drive unit housing connects the upper steering unit
to the lower drive unit.
[0024] The trolling motor device according to the present invention
is preferably a bow trolling motor device to be mounted or
installed at or adjacent to the bow of the boat, in particular on
the upper deck of the fishing or bass boat. The trolling motor
device according to the present invention is configured to be
pivoted from a substantially horizontal resting or stowed position
on top of the deck at the bow of the boat to a substantially
vertical operating position for propelling the boat.
[0025] The trolling motor device according to the present invention
includes a mounting unit connected to drive unit. Preferably, the
drive unit is pivotally connected to the mounting unit. The
mounting unit, for example, can include a mounting plates
configured to be secured to the boat (e.g. upper surface of deck).
The trolling motor device according to the present invention
includes a drive unit that is extendable/retractable or telescoping
to the change to length to facilitate lifting or lower and pivoting
of the drive unit back and forth between the substantially
horizontal non-operating resting or stowed position to the
substantially vertical operating position. Specifically, the
trolling motor device according to the present invention is
configured so that the drive unit is retracted to a compacted
configuration when the drive unit is being pivoted.
[0026] The retracted compact mode of the drive unit greatly
facilitates the ease and convenience of a user pivoting the drive
unit between these two basic positions (i.e. non-operating position
and operating position). Further, the retracted compact mode of the
drive unit significantly decreases the stowage space required on
top of the deck for the trolling motor device (i.e. retracted
compact mode of drive unit significantly interferes with less user
operating space when the user is moving about the deck of the
boat).
[0027] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the trolling motor
device according to the present invention, the drive unit is moved
from a fully retracted position to a fully extended position, or
from a fully extended to a fully compacted position quickly in a
fast continuous movement. For example, the drive unit includes a
manual device or manual actuating device (e.g. cord, cable, spring,
belt, pulley, gear, crank, lanyard) to manually extend or retract
the drive unit in fast continuous movement. Alternatively, the
drive unit is provided with automatic actuating device (e.g.
hydraulic actuator, pneumatic actuator, electrical actuator,
electro/magnetic actuator, powered rack and pinion) to move the
drive unit between the extended position and retracted position, or
from the retracted position to the extended position in a fast
continuous movement. In a most preferred embodiment, the drive unit
is provided with a powered actuating unit and control (e.g.
remotely controlled on foot pedal, or on drive unit itself) to
automatically retract/extend the drive unit in a fast continuous
movement.
[0028] In the most preferred embodiment, the drive unit is
automatically retracted/extended while being automatically pivoted
both in a fast continuous movement. In this manner, the drive unit
is retracting/extending during the pivoting phase so that the drive
unit is at least partially extended or fully extended when the
drive unit reaches the substantially vertical or horizontal
position. Alternatively, the drive unit can be configured so that
the drive unit automatically extends only after the drive unit is
fully pivoted from the substantially horizontal position to the
substantially vertical position, however, there will exist a longer
deployment time from the resting or stowed non-operating position
to the fully deployed operational position with the drive unit is
fully extended. However, in the most preferred embodiment, the
drive unit quickly and easily extends or retracts while the drive
unit is pivoted in and out of the boat again to optimize and reduce
the time and effort to move the drive unit back and forth between
the non-operating and operating positions. In an even more
preferred embodiment of the trolling motor device according to the
present invention, the drive unit is both automatically
retracted/extended and pivoted (e.g. by powered actuators) and
configured so that the drive unit is both pivoting and extending or
retracting simultaneously again to increase the speed and reduce
the time of deployment into the water or resetting to the resting
or stowed position.
[0029] The drive unit of the trolling motor device according to the
present invention is configured to extend or retract in overall
length. In a preferred embodiment, the drive unit is provided with
an extendable and retractable drive unit housing connecting an
upper powered steering unit to a lower drive unit. For example, the
drive unit housing can include an inner housing unit slideable
disposed within an outer housing unit to form a drive unit housing
assembly (e.g. a smaller diameter shaft slideable disposed within a
larger diameter shaft).
[0030] The extendable or retractable drive unit housing can be
provided with an actuator for extending or retracting the length of
the drive unit housing assembly. The actuator can be a manually
operated actuator (e.g. cord, cable, screw drive with hand crank,
belt, manually operated screw actuator, cog belt, pulley), or can
be a powered actuator (e.g. hydraulic actuator, pneumatic actuator,
electric actuator, electromagnetic actuator, screw shaft).
Alternatively, the drive unit can be configured to change in length
by collapsing or folding in other manners versus a preferred
telescoping arrangement.
[0031] The trolling motor device according to the present invention
includes a mounting unit connected to a drive unit, preferably by a
pivot connection. This arrangement allows the drive unit to be
pivoted from a substantially horizontal storage position on the
deck of the boat to a substantially vertical operational position.
The trolling motor device according to the present invention also
includes a control unit for controlling the steering, power on/off
to the drive unit, and the level of power to the drive unit.
Preferably, the control unit is a foot pedal control unit connected
to the drive unit by a control cable.
[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the foot pedal control unit is
connected to the drive unit by a movable steering cable contained
within the control cable. Further, the foot pedal control unit
includes electronic controls connected by electrical wires
extending from the foot pedal control unit to the drive unit
contained within the control cable to control power on/off to the
drive unit, control forward/reverse, and control the level of power
to the drive unit from the boat battery. Specifically, the boat
battery (e.g. 12 volt marine battery) is connected to the foot
pedal control by a power cable.
[0033] The mounting unit includes a mounting bracket secured to the
deck of the boat (e.g. by screw fasteners). The drive unit can be
directly pivotally connected to the mounting unit. More preferably,
the mounting unit including a pair of mounting brackets, including
one connected to the deck of the boat, and one connected to the
drive unit. At least one support arm, preferably two (2) support
arms, pivotally connect the two mounting brackets together. In this
manner, the support arm(s) can swing almost one-hundred eighty
degrees (180.degree.) to lift and pivot the drive unit up and
outwardly from the boat, or up and inwardly into the boat. The
mounting unit is preferably connected at or adjacent the bow of the
boat.
[0034] The drive unit includes an upper steering unit connected to
an upper end of a drive unit housing, and a lower drive unit
connected to a lower end of the drive unit housing. The drive unit
housing is preferably a telescoping drive unit housing including
two, three or more telescoping drive unit housing sections. In a
preferred embodiment, the drive unit housing includes an upper
housing unit with a lower housing unit slidably disposed within the
upper unit housing. For example, the upper drive unit housing can
be a larger size hollow shaft (e.g. cylinder), and the lower
housing unit can be a smaller size hollow shaft (e.g. cylinder)
slidably disposed within the larger diameter cylinder. The upper
drive unit housing and/or the lower drive unit housing can have a
traverse cross-sectional shape in the form of a circle, triangle,
square, star, symmetrical, asymmetrical, or custom shaped such as
the shape of an air foil to provide laminar flow about the drive
shaft housing to reduce drag..
[0035] The drive unit housing can be configured so that both the
upper drive unit housing and the lower drive unit housing turn
together (i.e. upper drive unit housing is mechanically coupled to
the lower drive unit housing while providing telescoping of the
lower drive unit housing in and out of the upper drive unit
housing). Alternatively, the upper drive unit housing can be
independent of the lower drive unit housing (i.e. the upper drive
unit housing is decoupled from the lower unit housing) requiring
the lower drive unit housing to be directly connected to the
steering mechanism or steering coupling. In the embodiment in which
the upper drive unit housing is mechanically coupled to the lower
drive unit housing, the upper drive unit housing can be directly
connected to the steering mechanism or steering coupling, which in
turn drives the lower drive unit housing.
[0036] Preferably, the upward drive unit housing is mechanically
coupled to the lower drive unit housing throughout the travel of
the lower drive unit housing in and out of the upper drive unit
housing. In this manner, the steering registration between the
upper drive unit housing and the lower drive unit housing is
maintained throughout the travel up or down of the lower drive unit
housing within the upper drive unit housing. Alternatively, the
drive unit housing can be configured so that the upper drive unit
housing and lower drive unit housing are not coupled during part of
the travel of the lower drive unit housing up and down within the
upper drive unit housing, and then become mechanically coupled
during another portion of the travel there between. For example,
the upper drive unit housing and the lower drive unit housing are
decoupled when the lower drive unit housing is fully retracted
within the upper drive unit housing, and then become coupled when
the lower drive unit housing is partially or fully lowered or
extended from the upper drive unit housing.
[0037] The upper steering unit is electrically connected to the
lower drive unit by at least one, preferably two or three
electrical wires. Preferably, the electrical wires are bundled
together as a drive unit power cable (e.g. coiled flexible power
cable) disposed with the drive unit housing to accommodate
telescoping of the lower drive unit housing from the upper drive
unit housing. Alternatively, the drive unit power cable can be
provided on a spring biased reel or spool located within the drive
unit (e.g. upper steering unit or lower drive unit) to accommodate
the change in length of the drive unit power cable. The control
cable located between the foot pedal control unit and the drive
unit directs power from the boat battery to the upper steering unit
and down through the drive unit power cable contained within the
drive unit housing to the lower drive unit containing an electrical
motor (e.g. 12 volt, 24 volt, 36 volt, DC electrical motor). Again,
the control for power on/off and the control for the level of power
is preferably controlled by the foot pedal control unit preferably
provided on the deck of the boat.
[0038] The trolling motor device according to the present invention
preferably includes a drive unit, including combined steering and
telescoping features. In a preferred embodiment, the lower drive
unit housing is preferably at least partially retracted up into the
upper drive unit housing (i.e. at least partially compacted) prior
to the step of lifting and pivoting the drive unit from a
substantially vertical operational position into the boat and then
situated in a substantially horizontal non-operational resting or
stowed position laying on top of the deck of the boat. In this
manner, the center of gravity of the drive unit is significantly
moved upwardly due to the retraction of the lower drive unit
housing into the upper drive unit housing. This greatly reduces the
effort and force required to pivot the drive unit into the boat
providing significant convenience to the user. Further, the space
required for storing the compacted drive unit on the deck of the
boat is significantly decreased (e.g. by one-half).
[0039] In a preferred embodiment of the trolling motor device
according to the present invention, the lower drive unit housing is
retracted into the upper drive unit housing manually (i.e. without
the assistance of a powered device, drive or actuator) greatly
simplifying the mechanism and mechanics involved with retracting
the lower unit housing into the upper unit housing (e.g. by use of
a rope, cable, lanyard, wire, rod, belt can be utilized for
retracting the lower drive unit housing into the upper drive unit
housing). For example, the lower end of a cable can be connected
(inside or outside) to the lower housing unit, and an upper end of
the cable can be provided with a gripping handle so that the user
can lift up and retract the lower housing unit into the upper
housing unit. The cable can be disposed within both the lower
housing unit and the upper drive unit housing and come out of the
upper steering unit, or the cable can be connected to the lower
drive unit housing and connect with the mounting unit by bypassing
the upper housing unit.
[0040] In other preferred embodiments of the trolling motor device
according to the present invention, the lower drive unit housing is
lifted up and retracted into the upper housing unit by providing a
powered device, drive or actuator inside, or outside, or part of
the drive unit or drive unit housing. The powered actuator provides
for automatic or non-manual retraction of the lower drive unit
housing into the upper drive housing. For example, the actuator can
be a hydraulic actuator, pneumatic actuator, electric actuator,
electromagnetic actuator, powered rack and pinion, powered rack and
worm gear, powered screw actuator, or some other suitable powered
device, drive or actuator that can be located inside, outside
and/or a part of the drive unit or drive unit housing.
[0041] The powered device, drive, or actuator can be controlled by
a separate controller located on the drive unit (e.g. upper
steering unit), or more preferably on the foot pedal control
unit.
[0042] In a manually actuated embodiment of the trolling motor
device according to the present invention, the lower drive unit
housing is freely slidable within the upper drive unit housing. In
this manner, when the cable is pulled by the user, the lower drive
unit housing is lifted up and retracted into the upper unit
housing, and upon further pulling of the cable by the user the
drive unit is pivoted via the mounting unit into the boat in a fast
continuous movement. To place the drive unit into operation, the
user lifts up the upper steering unit while pushing outwardly to
pivot the drive unit off the boat. As the drive unit pivots from a
substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical
position the lower drive unit housing begins to freely slide and
extend or telescope out of the upper drive unit housing under its
own weight until fully extended. The weight of the lower drive unit
maintains the lower drive unit housing fully extended from the
upward drive unit housing during operation of the trolling motor
device.
[0043] Optionally, the lower drive unit housing is locked in the
fully extended position from the upper drive unit housing so there
exists no chance of sliding movement between the upper drive unit
housing and the lower drive unit housing during operation of the
drive unit. The locking device can be a spring loaded pin, latch,
lever, slide or some other suitable mechanical locking device. The
locking device can be manually operated, or can be operated
remotely by use of a linkage, rod, cable, electronic actuator,
electromechanical actuator, hydraulic actuator, pneumatic actuator,
or by some other suitable device for remotely releasing the locking
device. Further, an additional locking device can be configured to
also lock the lower drive unit housing into the upper drive unit
housing when the lower drive unit housing is fully retracted within
the upper drive unit housing. In this manner, the upper drive unit
housing and lower drive unit housing are locked together during the
pivoting operation in and out of the boat. This additional locking
device can be operated manually or remotely as discussed above for
the first locking device.
[0044] Another preferred embodiment of the trolling motor device
according to the present invention includes a combined mounting
unit and steering unit. Preferably, the steering unit is integrated
or incorporated within a mounting bracket of the mounting unit,
which mounting bracket connects to the drive unit. Preferably, this
combined mounting unit and steering unit arrangement is also
combined with the extendible/retractable or telescoping drive unit
according to the present invention, however, this combined mounting
unit and steering unit arrangement can be utilized with a fixed
length drive unit.
[0045] This combined mounting unit and steering unit arrangement
provides the advantages of: 1) making the drive unit more compact
(i.e. overall length of drive unit is reduced); 2) making the drive
unit easier to rotate between stowed and operational positions; 3)
reducing the length of the control cable: 4) reducing the
possibility of the control cable being damaged; 5) eliminating the
control being in the way of the user especially while fishing; and
6) reducing the size of the drive unit when stowed on deck to keep
out of the way of the user.
[0046] The combined mounting unit and steering unit can be
configured to also allow the drive unit to be rotated between
stowed and operational positions. Specifically, the control cable
can be designed or configured to remain fully intact and connected
during the rotation of the drive unit by using a specialized
steering cable and electrical cable connectors (e.g. bellcranks,
rotating shafts, cams, linkages) or more flexible and bendable type
steering cable and electrical cable that allow for substantial
rotation or bending (e.g. 180 degrees) between sections of the
steering cable and electrical cable. The cable control can be
designed to bend at one point or multiple points. Further, the
control cable can be separated into the wire cable and electrical
cable within the mounting unit and then the wire cable and/or
electrical cable can be designed to bend at one point or multiple
points. Alternatively, one or both of the wire cable and/or
electrical cable can be designed or configured to
connect/disconnect during rotation of the drive unit. Specifically,
sections of the wire cable and/or the electrical cable can connect
when the drive unit is lowered to its operational position, and
disconnected when the drive unit begins to be rotated to its stowed
position.
[0047] In a preferred embodiment, sections of the wire cable
located within the mounting unit connect when the drive unit is
lowered to its operational position, and disconnected when the
drive unit begins to be rotated upwardly towards its stowed
position. Further, in this preferred embodiment, the electrical
cable bends and remains fully intact and connected during rotation
of the drive unit up or down.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0048] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a preferred embodiment
of the trolling motor device according to the present invention
having a separate mounting unit and separate steering unit.
[0049] FIG. 2A is a side elevational view of the trolling motor
device shown in FIG. 1, placed in a resting or stowed position.
[0050] FIG. 2B is a side elevational view of the trolling motor
device shown in FIG. 1, in a transitional position being pivot down
towards an operational position.
[0051] FIG. 2C is a side elevational view of the trolling motor
device shown in FIG. 1, in an operational position with the lower
drive unit in its upper most position or otherwise fully retracted
position.
[0052] FIG. 2D is a side elevational view of the trolling motor
device shown in FIG. 1, in an operational position with the lower
drive unit in its lower most position or otherwise fully extended
position.
[0053] FIG. 3 is a partial and cross-sectional side elevational
view of the trolling motor device shown in FIG. 1.
[0054] FIG. 4 is an exploded broken away partial and
cross-sectional side elevational view of the trolling motor device
shown in FIG. 1.
[0055] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic side view of a drive unit housing
hydraulically actuated.
[0056] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic side view of a drive unit housing
pneumatically actuated.
[0057] FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic side view of a drive unit housing
actuated by a separate actuator.
[0058] FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic side view of a drive unit housing
actuated by a rack and pinion arrangement.
[0059] FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic side view of a drive unit housing
actuated by a rack and worm gear arrangement.
[0060] FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic side view of a drive unit housing
manually actuated by a cable and handle.
[0061] FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of another preferred
embodiment of the trolling motor device according to the present
invention having a combined mounting unit and steering unit.
[0062] FIG. 12 is a partial broken away side elevational view of
the mounting unit with mounting bracket of the trolling motor
device shown in FIG. 11.
[0063] FIG. 13 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the mounting
bracket, as indicated in FIG. 12.
[0064] FIG. 14 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the lower
bracket arm, as indicated in FIG. 12.
[0065] FIG. 15 is a transverse cross-sectional view of both the
mounting bracket and the lower bracket arm in a raised open
position.
[0066] FIG. 16 is a transverse cross-sectional view of both the
mounting bracket and the lower bracket arm is a lowered closed
position.
[0067] FIG. 17 is a top planar view of the mounting bracket of the
mounting unit shown in FIG. 12.
[0068] FIG. 18 is a bottom planar view of the lower bracket arm of
the mounting unit shown in FIG. 12.
[0069] FIG. 19 is a side longitudinal cross-sectional view of a
lower portion of the mounting unit shown in FIG. 12 with the lower
bracket arm in a raise open position with the sections of the wire
cable disconnected.
[0070] FIG. 20 is a side longitudinal cross-sectional view of a
lower portion of the mounting unit shown in FIG. 12 with the lower
bracket arm in a lowered closed position with the sections of the
wire cable connected together.
[0071] FIG. 21 is a side elevational inside view of the mounting
unit shown in FIG. 12.
[0072] FIG. 22 is a partial broken away longitudinal
cross-sectional side view of the mounting bracket of the mounting
unit shown in FIG. 12.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0073] A preferred embodiment of the trolling motor device 10
according to the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1-4.
[0074] The trolling motor device 10 includes a mounting unit 12
connected to a drive unit 14 by a pivotable connection 16. The
mounting unit 12 includes a mounting plate 12a having a pair of
inwardly extending flanges 12b to be secured by fasteners 18 (e.g.
stainless or brass screws) to an upper surface of the deck 20 of
the boat 22.
[0075] The drive unit 14 includes an upper steering unit 24
connected to an upper end of drive unit housing 26, and a lower
drive unit 28 connected to a lower end of the drive unit housing
26. The upper steering unit 24 includes a rack and pinion
arrangement for mechanically rotating the drive unit housing 26b,
26d for steering the boat 22. The lower drive unit 28 is fitted
with a propeller 30, and includes an electric drive motor (e.g. 12
volt, 24 volt, 36 volt DC electric motor) for rotating or driving
the propeller 30.
[0076] The trolling motor device 10 includes a boat battery 32
electrically connected to a foot pedal control unit 34. The foot
pedal control unit 34 is electrically connected to the drive unit
14, in particular the upper power steering unit 24, by control
cable 36. The foot pedal control unit 34 is configured to control
the on/off, speed and polarity (i.e. forward or reverse) of the
lower drive unit 28, and for also controlling the upper steering
unit 24 for steering the boat 22.
[0077] The detail construction of the trolling motor device 10
according to the present invention is shown if FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0078] The drive unit 14 includes an upper drive unit housing
sleeve 26a. An upper drive unit housing 26b is rotatably disposed
and retained within the upper drive unit housing sleeve 26a. The
upper end of the upper drive unit housing 26b includes an extension
27 accommodating a gear 42 (FIG. 3). The control cable 36 includes
a steering cable 44 having an end fitted with a rack 46 providing a
rack and pinion arrangement with gear 42. The foot pedal control
unit 34 moves the steering cable 36 back and forth, and in turn
moves the rack 46 back and forth acting on the gear 42 to rotate
the upper drive unit housing 26b for steering the drive unit 14 by
use of the foot pedal control unit 34.
[0079] The control cable 36 contains electrical wires 48a, 48b,
48c, extending between the foot pedal control unit 34 and the upper
steering unit 24. The electrical wires 48a, 48b, 48c are contained
within a drive unit electrical cable 50 (i.e. power cable), which
extends from the upper steering unit 24 through the drive unit
housing 26 to the lower drive unit 28. The drive unit electrical
cable 50 is preferably coiled to be extendable and retractable to
change length to accommodate the change of length of the drive unit
housing 26 (i.e. lower drive unit housing 26d retracting into upper
drive unit housing 26b).
[0080] As shown in FIG. 1, the upper drive unit housing 26b is
provided with a sealing plate 52, elastrometric seal 54 and cable
fastener 56 for sealing and anchoring the upper end of the drive
unit electrical cable 50 within the drive unit housing 26. The
lower drive unit housing 26d is provided with a sealing plate 58,
elastrometric seal 60 and a cable fastener 62 for sealing and
anchoring a lower end of the drive unit power cable 50 within the
lower drive unit housing 26d. The sealing plate 58 is located so as
to provide a cavity 64 for accommodating the drive unit electrical
cable 50 when the lower drive unit housing 26b is fully retracted
into the upper drive unit housing 26a.
[0081] The lower drive unit housing 26d can be extended/retracted
or otherwise telescoped from the upper drive unit housing 26b by
manually or powered actuation. A variety of examples for
telescoping the lower drive unit housing 26d in and out of the
upper drive unit housing 26b are shown in FIGS. 5-10.
[0082] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the drive unit housing
126 is hydraulic actuated to drive the lower drive unit housing
126d into and out of the upper drive unit housing 126b. A hydraulic
pump 170 is supplied with hydraulic fluid from reservoir 172. A
hydraulic control unit 174 is connected between supply/return lines
176, 178 for controlling the upward and downward movement of the
lower drive unit housing 126d in and out of the upper drive unit
housing 126b.
[0083] In the embodiments shown in FIG. 6, the drive unit housing
226 is pneumatically actuated. An air compressor 280 is connected
to pneumatic control unit 282 by a high pressure line 284. The
pneumatic control unit 282 is connected to the drive unit housing
226 by supply/return lines 286, 288.
[0084] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the drive unit housing
326 is actuated by a separate powered actuator 390. The powered
actuator 390 can be a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, an
electric actuator, or electromagnetic actuator. Further, the
powered actuator 390 is shown disposed within the drive unit
housing 326, however, alternatively the actuator 390 can be located
outside or as a part of the drive unit housing 326 itself.
[0085] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the upper drive unit
housing 426b is provided with a pinion 492 cooperating with a rack
494 provided on the lower drive unit housing 426d. The pinion 492
can be manually actuated or powered actuated directly or
remotely.
[0086] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the upper drive unit
housing 526b is provided with a worm gear drive 596 and the lower
drive unit housing 526d is provided with a rack 598. The worm gear
drive 596 can be manually or power actuated directly or
remotely.
[0087] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, a cable 671 is connected
at its lower end to the lower drive unit housing 626d, and extends
upwardly through the upper drive unit housing 626b. An upper end of
the cable 671 is provided with a handle 673 to raise and lower the
lower drive unit housing 626d within the upper drive unit housing
626b.
[0088] Another preferred embodiment of the trolling motor device
710 is shown in FIGS. 11-22. In this embodiment, the upper steering
unit 24 (FIG. 1) is eliminated by combining and integrating the
upper steering unit into the mounting unit 12 (FIG. 1), preferably
in the mounting bracket 712d resulting in the arrangement shown in
FIG. 11.
[0089] The trolling motor device 710 includes a mounting unit 712
connected to a drive unit 714 by a pivotable connection 716 (716a,
716b, 716c, 716d). The mounting unit 712 includes a mounting plate
712a having a pair of inwardly extending flanges 712b to be secured
by fasteners 718 (e.g. stainless or brass screws) to an upper
surface of the deck 720 of the boat 722.
[0090] The drive unit 714 includes a mounting bracket 712d
connected to an upper end of the drive unit housing 726, and a
lower drive unit 728 connected to a lower end of the drive unit
housing 726. The mounting bracket 712d includes a rack and pinion
arrangement for mechanically rotating the drive unit housing 726
for steering the boat 722. The lower drive unit 728 is fitted with
a propeller 130, and includes an electric drive motor (e.g. 12
volt, 24 volt, 36 volt DC electric motor) for rotating or driving
the propeller 730.
[0091] The trolling motor device 710 includes a boat battery 732
electrically connected to a foot pedal control unit 734. The foot
pedal control unit 734 is mechanically and electrically connected
to the drive unit 714 by control cable 736. The foot pedal control
unit 734 is configured to control the on/off, speed and polarity
(i.e. forward or reverse) of the lower drive unit 728, and for also
controlling the steering unit contained in the mounting bracket
712d for steering the boat 722.
[0092] The detail construction of the trolling motor device 710
according to the present invention is similar to the embodiment
shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, however, the upper steering unit 724 (FIGS.
3 and 4) is integrated into the mounting bracket 712d (FIG.
11).
[0093] The drive unit 114 including an upper drive housing sleeve
726a connected to the mounting bracket 712d. A rotatable upper
drive unit housing 726b is disposed within the upper drive housing
sleeve 726a. The upper drive unit housing 726b is rotatable
relative to the upper drive unit housing sleeve 726, however, the
upper drive unit housing 726b is secured (e.g. snap ring, set
screw) within the upper drive unit housing sleeve 726a from
movement up or down. The upper end of the upper drive unit housing
726b includes an extension 727 accommodating a gear 742 (FIG. 22).
The control cable 736 includes a cable section 712 having an end
fitted with a rack 746 providing a rack and pinion arrangement with
gear 742. The foot pedal control unit 734 moves the cable section
712 back and forth, and in turn moves the rack 746 back and forth
acting on the gear 742 to rotate the upper drive unit housing 726b
for steering the drive unit 714 by use of the foot pedal control
unit 734.
[0094] The control cable 736 contains separate wires 748a, 748b,
748c (FIG. 22) extending between the foot pedal control unit 7134
and the mounting bracket upper steering unit 724. The electrical
wires 748a, 748b, 748c are contained within an electrical cable
750, which extends through the control cable 736 extending between
the foot control unit 734 and the mounting unit 712, as shown in
FIGS. 11 and 12. The electrical cable 750 separates from the
control cable 736 within the mounting unit 712 (FIG. 12), and is
directed into and through the upper bracket support arm 712b, and
then into the mounting bracket 712d (FIG. 22). The electrical cable
750 is flexible enough to withstand substantial bending when the
upper bracket support arm 712b is rotated approximately one-hundred
eighty degrees (180.degree.) when the drive unit 714 is rotated
back-and-forth between the raised stowed position and the lowered
operational position.
[0095] The electrical cable 750 is preferably coiled (FIG. 22) at a
position between the upper bracket support arm 712b and the
mounting bracket 712d to accommodate a change in angle between the
mounting bracket 712d relative to the upper bracket support arm
712b as the drive unit 714 is rotated between the raised stowed
position and the lower operational position. Specifically, the
mounting bracket 712d rotates approximately ninety degrees
(90.degree.) relative to the upper bracket support arm 712b when
rotating the drive unit 714 between the upper stowed position to
the lower operational position.
[0096] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the drive unit housing
724 has the same or similar construction to the drive unit housing
24 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4.
[0097] The lower drive unit housing 726d can be extended/retracted
or otherwise telescoped from the upper drive unit housing 726b by
manual or power actuation. A variety of examples for telescoping
the lower drive unit housing 726d in and out of the upper drive
unit housing 726b can be utilized the same or similar to the
embodiments shown in FIGS. 5-10.
[0098] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11-22, the steering cable
is configured to connect up when the drive unit 714 is rotated down
to the lowered operation position, and disconnects when the drive
unit 714 is rotated up to the raised stowed position. This
arrangement allows for rotation of the drive unit 714 without
breaking or damaging the steering cable. Specifically, the steering
cable includes two steering cable sections 800 and 802 (FIGS.
17-20), which become mechanically coupled when the drive unit 714
is rotated into the lowered operational position, and become
uncoupled when the drive unit 714 is raised to the upper stowed
position. Other arrangements are possible so the steering cable
remain coupled irregardless of rotational position of the drive
unit 714 by use of a special mechanical coupler configured to
accommodate angular rotation or misalignment of the steering cable
(e.g. pivots, shafts, bellcranks, levers, linkage, and other
mechanical components). Preferably, the electrical cable 750 is
configured to remain connected irregardless of position to
eliminate the need for any electrical contacts subject to the
environmental corrosion, and to prevent electrical shorting or
shocking, however, such an electrical connect/disconnect
arrangement is possible.
[0099] In the arrangement shown in FIG. 12, the control cable 736
is a combined cable, and includes the steering cable section 800
and the electrical cable 750 (FIG. 21), which separate apart within
the mounting unit 712. The steering cable section 800 is configured
or designed to couple and uncouple with steering cable section 802.
Specifically, the steering cable section 800 is coupled when the
mounting bracket 712d (FIG. 12) is fully lowered to the operating
position (i.e. lower bracket support arm 712c is fully lowered onto
the mounting bracket 712a), and then uncoupled when the mounting
bracket 712d is lifted upwardly from the mounting bracket 712a.
[0100] The steering cable section 800 (FIG. 17) is configured to
couple and uncouple with a steering cable section 802 (FIG. 18)
that connects to the rack 742 cooperating with the pinion 746 (FIG.
22). The steering cable section 712 includes a sliding bracket
coupler 702 having a receiving hole 704 (FIG. 18) and the steering
cable section 800 includes a sliding bracket coupler 706 having a
pin 708 (FIG. 17). The pin 708 of the sliding bracket coupler 706
is configured or designed to fit into the receiving hole 704 of the
sliding bracket coupler 702 to mechanically couple the steering
cable section 800 to the steering cable section 802.
[0101] The sliding bracket coupler 702 is slidably received within
a channel 713c defined by a pair of rails 713b (FIGS. 14 and 18)
provided on the lower bracket support arm 712c. The sliding bracket
coupler 706 is slidably received within a channel 713a of
horizontal bracket support 712e of bracket 712a (FIGS. 13 and 17).
The sliding bracket couplers 702, 706 slide along the center and
length of the mounting bracket 712a and overlap each other. The
sliding bracket couplers 702, 706 can be made of suitable material
(e.g. metal and/or plastic), and are configured (e.g. sized and
shaped) to fit, slide and be contained within the channels 713a and
713b, respectively.
[0102] In FIG. 19, the sliding bracket coupler 702 is disengaged
from the sliding bracket coupler 706 due to the lower bracket
support arm 712c being slightly raised above the horizontal bracket
support 712e when the drive unit 714 is rotated upwardly to the
raised stowed position In FIG. 19, the sliding bracket coupler 702
is engaged with the sliding bracket coupler 706 due to the lower
bracket support arm 712c being lowered onto the horizontal bracket
support 712e. In this manner the steering cable section 800 is
coupled and uncoupled from the steering cable section 802 based on
the position of the lower bracket arm 712c verses the horizontal
bracket support 712e. Again, when the drive unit 714 is fully
lowered to its operational position, the steering cable sections
800, 802 are coupled together, and when the drive unit 714 is
tilted and lifted from the mounting bracket 712a, the steering
cable section 802 becomes uncoupled from the steering cable section
800.
[0103] When the sliding bracket coupler 702 is lowered onto the
sliding bracket coupler 706 there may exist some slight
misalignment between the pin 708 of the sliding bracket coupler 706
and the receiving hole 704 of the sliding bracket coupler 702. The
pin 708 and receiving hole 708 can be designed to accommodate some
misalignment (e.g. self-aligning pin with round head and
self-aligning receiving hole with beveled inlet). Alternatively,
the trolling motor device 710 can be configured to automatically
align the pin 708 with receiving hole 708 when the drive unit 714
is being lowered onto the mounting bracket 712a. Further, if there
is any misalignment between the pin 708 and receiving hole 708,
then the user can move the foot pedal 734 back-and-forth slightly
until the pin 708 aligns with the receiving hole 708.
* * * * *