U.S. patent number 3,807,345 [Application Number 05/219,310] was granted by the patent office on 1974-04-30 for trolling motor steering and speed control means.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Magalectric Corporation. Invention is credited to Glen Peterson.
United States Patent |
3,807,345 |
Peterson |
April 30, 1974 |
TROLLING MOTOR STEERING AND SPEED CONTROL MEANS
Abstract
A foot-operated mechanism for controlling both the speed and
steering of a trolling motor which may be operated by one foot and
conserves the available stored electrical power of a fishing boat.
A pivotal foot lever is connected with the trolling motor in such a
manner that the steering of the motor is accomplished by a rocking
or pivotal action of the lever by a pivot action of the ankle of
the operator, and the speed of the trolling motor is controlled by
a substantially horizontal sliding motion of the foot which is
pivoted from the knee of the operator, thus permitting control of
the steering and speed of the motor by nonconflicting motions of
the foot whereby the speed and steering may be controlled either
simultaneously or independently.
Inventors: |
Peterson; Glen (Tulsa, OK) |
Assignee: |
Magalectric Corporation (Tulsa,
OK)
|
Family
ID: |
22818757 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/219,310 |
Filed: |
January 20, 1972 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
440/7; 74/512;
114/153; 440/53 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63H
21/22 (20130101); B63H 20/12 (20130101); B63H
20/007 (20130101); Y10T 74/20528 (20150115) |
Current International
Class: |
B63H
21/00 (20060101); B63H 21/22 (20060101); B63h
021/26 () |
Field of
Search: |
;115/18R,18E
;114/153,144A ;74/512,560,561,514 ;200/86.5 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Halvosa; George E. A.
Assistant Examiner: Kazenske; Edward R.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Dorman; William S.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. In combination with a trolling motor for a fishing boat, foot
operated control means operably connected with the trolling motor
for control of the steering and speed of the motor, and comprising
pivotal foot pedal means operably connected with the motor for
controlling the steering thereof upon pivotal movement of the pedal
means, said pedal means comprising a pedal having upper and lower
surfaces and having a toe portion and a heel portion and movable to
alternate toe-up, heel-down and toe-down, heel-up positions by a
rocking motion of the foot, said movement of the pedal providing a
control of the steering of the motor, electronic control means
operably connected to the motor for controlling the speed thereof,
said electronic control means including an actuator means carried
by the foot pedal, said actuator means having at least a portion
thereof projecting upwardly above the upper surface of said foot
pedal so as to be engagable by the foot for controlling the speed
of said motor by a sliding motion of the foot on the upper surface
of the foot pedal, whereby the speed of the motor may be controlled
simultaneously with the steering thereof without removing the foot
from the pedal.
2. In combination with a trolling motor for a fishing boat, foot
operated control means as set forth in claim 1 wherein the
electronic control means includes a potentiometer for varying the
speed of the motor, and said actuator means comprises pivotal lever
means operably connected with the potentiometer for actuation
thereof, shaft means carried by the lever means, arcuate means
provided in the pedal for receiving the shaft therethrough, said
shaft means projecting above the upper surface of said pedal and
being engagable by the foot for slidable movement within the
arcuate means for selectively varying the speed of the motor.
3. In combination with a trolling motor for a fishing boat, foot
operated control means as set forth in claim 1 wherein the
electronic control means includes a potentiometer operable by said
actuator means for varying the speed of the motor, and switch means
operable by said actuator means for selectively providing
substantially instantaneous maximum speed for the motor.
4. In combination with a trolling motor for a fishing boat, foot
operated control means as set forth in claim 3 wherein the actuator
means comprises a wheel member operably connected with the
potentiometer and engagable by the foot for actuation of the
potentiometer either independently of or simultaneously with the
actuation of the foot pedal.
5. In combination with a trolling motor for a fishing boat, foot
operated control means as set forth in claim 1 wherein said
actuator means comprises a rotatable wheel means operably connected
with the electronic control means, said wheel means extending
slightly above the outer surface of the foot pedal for engagement
by the foot.
6. In combination with a trolling motor for fishing boats, foot
operated control means as set forth in claim 5 wherein the
electronic control means includes a potentiometer means operably
connected with the wheel means for actuation thereby, cam means
operably simultaneously with the wheel means, switch means
engagable by the cam means for selectively providing substantially
instantaneous maximum speed for the motor.
7. In combination with a trolling motor for a fishing boat, foot
operated control means as set forth in claim 5 wherein the pedal is
provided with a slot for receiving a portion of the wheel means
therethrough.
8. In combination with a trolling motor for fishing boats, foot
operated control means as set forth in claim 7 wherein the
electronic control means includes potentiometer means operably
connected with the wheel means for actuation thereby to control the
speed of the motor, projection means carried by the wheel means,
on-off switch means selectively engagable by the projection means,
second switch means selectively engagable by the projection means
for selectively providing substantially instantaneous maximum speed
for the motor.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to improvements in control devices and more
particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a foot operated
control means for controlling both the speed and the steering of a
trolling motor on a fishing boat.
2. Description of Prior Art
Troll fishing is very popular with fishermen today, and is
particularly used in fishing for bass. The trolling motor is
usually an auxiliary motor provided on a boat in addition to the
usual more powerful outboard motor or other motor used during
normal operations of the boat. Many electric trolling motors are
available today, and these motors are usually either completely
hand operated or actuated by a combined hand and foot operation. In
the entirely hand operated trolling motor, which is usually the
most economical type, both the steering and speed control functions
of the motor are accomplished by the use of the hands of the
operator of the boat. In order to control the direction of travel,
the motor is manually rotated in the manner of the operation of a
boat tiller, while the speed is controlled by a hand operated
switch or rheostat. It will be apparent that this type of trolling
motor does not permit the operator to do much fishing since both of
his hands are occupied by the operation of the motor for a
considerable portion of the time.
In order to free the hands of the operator whereby he may spend
more of his time fishing, foot pedal steering was developed. In
this type of motor, a foot pedal is normally pivoted from the
bottom of the fishing boat and is connected with the trolling motor
steering or turning mechanism by a cable or lever arrangement
whereby an up-down or pivotal action of the foot pedal steers the
boat. Normally, a heel-down, toe-up motion of the foot turns the
boat in one direction; and a heel-up, toe-down motion of the foot
turns the boat in the opposite direction. Since steering is perhaps
the most time consuming portion of the operation of a trolling
motor, the foot pedal steering mechanism frees the fisherman's
hands most of the time; however, control of the motor speed is
still accomplished by hand controls.
As the art of using trolling motors advances, the use of speed
changes is rapidly becoming as necessary as steering changes. In
fact, a skilled trolling motor operator will generally use the
speed and steering controls together to manipulate the boat along
or through rough situations. For example, when fishing along a
rocky bank with a heavy gusty wind lowing, speed changes become as
vital and necessary as steering manipulations in order to keep the
boat from grounding. Similarly, when manipulating the boat through
a course of tree stumps and other brush, speed and steering control
become synonymous. Both of these situations are quite typical, and
even in the combined hand and foot operation of the trolling motor,
the operator will find he must use his hands sufficiently that his
time for fishing is greatly reduced.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention contemplates a novel foot-operated mechanism
for controlling both the speed and steering of a trolling motor.
The device comprises a pivotal lever mechanically connected with
the steering mechanism of the motor whereby a rocking motion of the
ankle of the operator will pivot the foot pedal or lever in such a
manner as to control the steering of the boat. The foot lever is
also electronically connected with the speed control portion of the
motor whereby a substantially horizontal sliding motion of the foot
pedal by a pivotal action of the leg of the operator from his knee
will control the speed of the boat. Thus, the speed and steering of
the boat may be accomplished either independently or simultaneously
without the use of the hands, thereby permitting the fisherman to
utilize more of this time in fishing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a trolling motor foot pedal embodying the
invention for control of both the speed and steering or direction
of travel of the boat.
FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the foot pedal control shown in
FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a boat and a trolling motor having a
foot pedal control mechanism embodying the invention provided in
combination therewith.
FIG. 4 is a plan view of a modified foot pedal control mechanism
embodying the invention.
FIG. 5 is an elevational view of one side of the foot pedal control
shown in FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the opposite side of the foot
pedal control shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.
FIG. 7 is an end elevational view of the foot pedal control shown
in FIG. 4.
FIG. 8 is a plan view of the underside of a foot pedal control
embodying the invention.
FIG. 9 is an elevational view of one side of the foot pedal control
shown in FIG. 8.
FIG. 10 is an elevational view of the opposite side of the foot
pedal control shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.
FIG. 11 is a view depicting the foot pedal speed and direction
control mechanism of the invention in relation to a remote means of
electronic control.
FIG. 12 is a schematic circuit diagram of the trolling motor speed
control of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a schematic circuit diagram of the wave-shaping circuit
portion of the trolling motor speed control.
FIG. 14 is a plan view of a further modification of a foot pedal
control embodying the invention.
FIG. 15 is an elevational view of the foot pedal control depicted
in FIG. 14.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to the drawings in detail, and particularly to FIGS. 1, 2
and 3, reference character 10 generally indicates a speed and
steering control mechanism for a trolling motor 12 which comprises
a foot pedal 14 having a toe end 16 and a heel end 18. The pedal 14
is pivotally secured to a base plate or mounting plate 20 in any
suitable manner and as shown herein a pair of spaced upstanding
flange members 22 and 24 are provided on the plate 20 for
cooperating with a pair of spaced downwardly extending bracket
members or flanges 26 and 28 secured to the pedal 14 whereby a
suitable bearing or pivot shaft 30 may be journalled therebetween
to provide a pivotal connection between the pedal 14 and the plate
20. In addition a downwardly extending arm 29 having an aperture 31
provided therein is secured to the underside of the pedal 14 in any
suitable manner whereby a rocking or pivotal movement of the pedal
14 about the shaft 30 will control the steering mechanism of the
motor 12. The arm 29 is secured to the steering control of the
motor 12 in any well known manner such as by suitable cable means
or lever means (not shown) for a purpose as will be hereinafter set
forth.
The plate 20 is preferably bolted or otherwise secured to the
bottom 32 of a suitable boat 34 in the general proximity of the
prow 36 thereof. The trolling motor 12 is preferably of the
electric type and is suitably mounted on the prow 36 of the boat 34
and may be secured thereon in such a manner that the propeller 38
extends into the water 40, as is well known. In this manner the
stern portion (not shown) of the boat 34 may be utilized for the
normal larger combustion engine type outboard motor (not
shown).
A suitable housing 42 is secured to the underside of the pedal 14
for encasing an electronic speed control circuit, as will be
hereinafter set forth. A suitable potentiometer (not shown in FIGS.
1, 2 and 3) is provided in the housing 42 and is actuated in the
usual manner by a rotatable shaft 44 extending outwardly therefrom.
The outer end of the shaft 44 preferably extends through an
aperture 46 provided in a downwardly extending flange 48 provided
on the underside of the pedal 14. An O-ring 50 is disposed in the
bore 46 around the shaft 48 and adjacent an annular shoulder 52
provided in the bore 46. The O-ring provides a braking action
during rotation of the shaft 44 as will be hereinafter set forth,
and a braking screw 54 is threadedly secured in the bore 46 around
the shaft 44 for engagement with the O-ring 50 for providing the
desired pressure against the O-ring 50 to provide said braking
action.
A suitable knurled knob 56 is keyed or otherwise secured to the
shaft 44 for simultaneous rotation therebetween. The knob 56
extends through or projects upwardly through a slot 58 provided in
the pedal 14 whereby the knob 56 may be engaged by the foot (not
shown) of the operator of the apparatus 10. A boss member 60 is
provided on one side of the knob 56 and extends in a direction
toward the housing 42 for selective engagement with a pair of
spaced micro-switches 62 and 64 which are carried by the housing
42. One of the microswitches, such as the switch 62 is an on-off
switch for the electronic speed control circuit mounted in the
housing 42, and the other microswitch, such as the switch 64, is a
maximum speed switch. A sliding motion of the foot (not shown) of
the operator of the apparatus 10 will rotate the wheel or knob 56
for controlling the speed of the motor 12, as will be hereinafter
set forth.
The electronic speed control circuit is operably connected with the
motor 12 for controlling the speed thereof in a manner as will be
hereinafter set forth. When the trolling motor 12 is a relatively
small motor, the entire electronic control circuitry may be
contained in the small housing 42 disposed beneath the pedal 14, as
shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. In this embodiment, it may be preferable
to have the power transistors heat-sinked to the metal material of
the foot pedal 14. When larger trolling motors are utilized,
however, the power that must be dissipated may be larger than can
be handled by the foot pedal itself. In this instance, the
electronic apparatus may be mounted in a different manner as is
more particularly shown in FIGS. 4 through 7 and as will be
hereinafter set forth. In hot climates or during summer months,
these arrangements for the electronic apparatus may become
objectionable because of the heat present in the area of the foot
of the operator. Under these conditions it may be desirable to
provide still another arrangement for the electronic apparatus as
set forth in FIGS. 8 through 11, and as will be hereinafter set
forth in detail.
The steering function of the boat 34 through the control of the
trolling motor 12 is accomplished through the cable (not shown) or
lever mechanism (not shown) connecting the arm 29 with the steering
mechanism (not shown) of the motor 12. The cable or lever mechanism
acts through a gear and ratchet arrangement (not shown) to rotate
the electric trolling motor 12 with respect to the longitudinal
axis of the boat 34, as is well known in foot pedal operator motors
of this type. The pivotal action of the foot pedal 14 about the
shaft 30 transmits rotation to the motor 12 through the cable or
lever connection. For example, a toe-down, heel-up position for the
pedal 14 as indicated by the arrow 66 rotates the motor 12 in one
direction for turning the boat 34 in a right-hand direction,
whereby a heel-down, toe-up position for the pedal 14 as indicated
by the arrow 68 rotates the motor 12 in an opposite direction for
turning the boat 34 in a left-hand direction. Of course, it will be
apparent that the rotation of the motor 12 may be reversed with
respect to the pivoting of the pedal 14, if desired, and is not
limited to the particular relationship between the positions of the
pedal 14 and the direction of turning as hereinbefore set
forth.
Rotation of the wheel or knob 56 controls the speed of the motor 12
through the electronic speed control circuit. For example, rotation
of the wheel 56 in a forward or clockwise direction as viewed in
FIG. 2 causes the boss 60 to pass the microswitch 62 for activating
the electronic speed control circuit, and a continued forward or
clockwise rotation of the wheel 56 as indicated by the arrow 70
operates the potentiometer of the electrical circuit for increasing
the speed of the motor 12. When the maximum speed for the motor 12
has been reached, the boss 60 will engage the microswitch 64 for
achieving the maximum speed for the motor 12. A counterclockwise
rotation of the wheel 56 as indicated by the arrow 72 will actuate
the potentiometer in a manner for decreasing the speed of the motor
12, and of course when the boss 60 engages the microswitch 62, the
electronic speed control circuit will be deactivated.
A hereinbefore set forth, the wheel 56 protrudes above the surface
of the foot pedal 14 a sufficient amount for permitting engagement
thereof by the sole or ball of the foot of the operator of the
apparatus 10. A relatively slight substantially horizontal backward
and forward sliding motion of the foot of the operator along the
pedal 14 will transmit rotation to the wheel 56 for controlling the
speed of the motor 12. This action may be accomplished by swinging
the foot and leg from the knee. A pivotal action of the foot of the
operator will pivot the pedal 14 about the shaft 30 for controlling
the steering of the motor 12. This action may be accomplished by
pivoting the foot at the ankle. It will be readily apparent that
the motions of the foot required for controlling the speed and the
steering of the motor 12 are non-conflicting motions of the
operator's foot, leaving both his hands free for fishing. With a
little practice, the two motions may be accomplished
simultaneously, when desired, or they may be accomplished
independently of each, as desired.
The actuation of the on-off microswitch 62 and the maximum speed
microswitch 64 by the wheel 56 is an important feature. It is
preferable to provide suitable stop means (not shown) for limiting
the rotation of the wheel 56 in both the clockwise and
counterclockwise directions whereby one extreme rotational position
of the wheel 56 causes the boss 60 to engage the on-off microswitch
62 and the other extreme rotational position of the wheel 56 causes
the boss 60 to engage the maximum speed microswitch 64. When the
boss 60 is moved into engagement with the maximum speed
microswitch, full power is substantially instantaneously applied to
the trolling motor to produce full speed ahead very suddenly or
quickly. This is particularly important when controlling a fishing
boat, or the like, in "tight" situations such as may be encountered
or experienced when trolling through stumps, or along a rocky bank
while a stiff or gusty wind is blowing.
Referring now to FIGS. 4 through 7, a modified speed and steering
control apparatus is generally indicated at 74 which is similar to
the apparatus 10, but is particularly designed for use in
combination with relatively large trolling motors. The control
device 74 comprises a foot pedal 76 generally similar to pedal 14
and pivotally connected with a base plate, such as the base plate
20 (not shown in FIG. 4 through 7) by means of a pivot and bearing
shaft arrangement similar to that shown in connection with the
pedal 14. A lever arm 77 similar to the arm 29 is provided on the
pedal 76 for connection with the steering mechanism (not shown) of
the motor 12 as hereinbefore set forth. The pedal 76 is provided
with a heel portion 78 and a toe portion 80 similar to the pedal
14. A suitable heat sink 82 is secured or mounted to the underside
of the pedal 76 for housing the electronic speed control apparatus.
A knurled speed control knob or wheel 84 is keyed or otherwise
secured to a shaft 86 of a potentiometer 88 which is contained in
the electronic apparatus as will be hereinafter set forth. A high
speed or maximum speed microswitch 90 is carried by the heat sink
82 and disposed exteriorly thereof, and is similar to and for the
same purpose and the maximum speed microswitch 64 of the apparatus
10. The switch 90 bypasses the electronic control apparatus and
connects the motor 12 directly across a battery B (FIG. 12). A cam
92 is secured to the shaft 86 and engages the plunger 94 of the
switch 90 upon proper rotation of the wheel 84 and shaft 86, as
will be hereinafter set forth, for actuation of the microswitch 90
in much the same manner as the actuation of the switch 64 of the
apparatus 10. It is to be noted that the wheel 84 is disposed at
the side of the pedal 76 and spaced slightly therefrom, and the
outer periphery of the wheel 84 projects slightly above the outer
or upper surface of the pedal 76 whereby the wheel 84 may be
readily engaged by the ball of the foot of the operator as in the
case of the wheel 56.
A suitable high-low switch 95 is provided for the electronic
apparatus contained in the heat sink 82 for selection of the
appropriate motor windings. A suitable on-off switch 96 is provided
in connection with the heat sink 82 and operably connected with the
electronic control apparatus therein. The switch 96 projects
slightly above the upper surface of the pedal 76 for convenient
operation by the foot of the operator and functions for the purpose
and in the same manner as the on-off microswitch 62 of the
apparatus 10 for connecting battery power to the motor 12 and
electronic control apparatus.
The operation of the speed and steering control apparatus 74 is
generally similar to the operation of the apparatus 10. The pedal
76 may be pivoted by a rocking motion of the foot of the operator
for controlling the steering of the boat 34 through the motor 12.
The on-off switch 96 may be actuated by the pressure of the foot
thereagainst for activating the electronic speed control apparatus,
and the wheel 84 may be rotated by the ball of the foot by a slight
backward and forward movement of the foot for varying the speed of
the motor 12. Of course, suitable stop means (not shown) is
preferably provided for limiting both the clockwise and
counterclockwise rotation of the wheel 84, and when the wheel 84 is
rotated through a sufficient distance, the cam 92 will actuate the
high speed or maximum speed switch 90 for providing a sudden spurt
of high speed when desired.
Referring to FIGS. 8 through 11, a further modified speed and
steering control device generally indicated at 100 is shown which
comprises a foot pedal 102 similar to the pedal 14 and having the
usual toe portion 104 and heel portion 106. The pedal 102 is
pivotally secured to a base plate, such as the plate 20 (not shown
in FIG. 8, 9 and 10) by a suitable bearing and shaft connection 108
similar to the pivotal connection of the pedal 14 with the plate
20. An arm 110 similar to the arm 29 is provided on the underside
of the pedal 102 for connection with the steering portion of the
motor 12 in any suitable manner as hereinafter set forth. A support
bracket or support structure 112 is suitably secured to the
underside of the pedal 102 for support of the electronic speed
control apparatus. A potentiometer 114 is provided in the
electronic control system and carried by the structure 112, and is
provided with suitable electrical terminals 116, 118 and 120. A
knob or wheel 122 similar to the wheels 56 and 84 is secured to the
shaft 124 of the potentiometer 114 for actuation thereof, as is
well known, and a cam member 126 similar to the cam member 92 is
also secured to the shaft 124 for actuation of a high speed or
maximum speed microswitch 128 in a manner and for a purpose similar
to that hereinafter set forth in connection with the switches 64
and 90. A suitable high-low winding switch 130 is carried by the
bracket 112 which provides the same purpose and function as the
switch 94 hereinbefore set forth in the apparatus 74.
It is to be noted that the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 8 through
11 represents a form of the invention wherein the control foot
pedal 102 is remotely disposed with respect to the electronic
apparatus. As particularly shown in FIG. 11, the electronic
apparatus or components are contained in a suitable housing 132
which may be mounted at any suitable or convenient location in the
boat 34 remote from the pedal 102, and a suitable cable 134 is
provided for interconnecting the electronic apparatus within the
housing 132 to the electrical components carried by the pedal 102.
It is further to be noted that the wheel 122 is disposed at the
side of the pedal 102 and spaced slightly therefrom, as in the
apparatus 74, but projects slightly above the surface of the pedal
102 whereby the wheel 122 may be rotated by the ball of the foot of
the operator as hereinbefore set forth.
Referring now to FIG. 12, an electrical schematic or circuit is
shown for controlling the speed of the motor 12. The electronic
control apparatus as shown in FIG. 12 comprises a pair of power
transistors Q.sub.1 and Q.sub.2 connected together in a Darlington
configuration and which control the electrical current fed to the
trolling motor 12. This electrical current is, in turn, controlled
by a potentiometer R.sub.1 (88 in FIG. 4, 120 in FIG. 8) operating
through a duty-cycle controller 140 (carried by the support bracket
112 in FIG. 8) to provide the base drive on the transistor Q.sub.1.
In addition, the potentiometer R.sub.1 operates switch S.sub.1 (90
in FIG. 4, 128 in FIG. 8) by means of the cam on the potentiometer
shaft, as hereinbefore set forth, to connect one side of the motor
12 either to the transistor control circuit and thence to the
negative side of a storage battery B, or directly to the negative
terminal of the battery B with the transistor control circuit cut
off. Thus, the boat trolling motor operator using an "educated"
foot on the speed control wheel (84 in FIG. 4, 122 in FIG. 8) can
normally be trolling at reduced speed, with both hands on his
fishing pole, and quite suddenly apply full power to the trolling
motor, at a selected tilt of his foot, an correspondingly change
the direction of travel of the boat to overcome or "get out" of a
tough situation. The speed change and direction change may be
either simultaneous, or independent of each other, depending upon
the particular situation.
A switch S.sub.2 is operably connected with the motor 12 and is a
separate on-off switch (62 in FIG. 1, 90 in FIG. 4) which opens the
power circuit, or it may be a limit switch operating on the reduced
speed end of the control wheels, as previously explained. A switch
S.sub.3 (130 in FIG. 8) is also operably connected in the
electronic circuit and is a motor winding selector switch which is
utilized to add more range to the speed control circuit, or to
spread the controlling range over a greater range of rotation of
the speed control wheel.
In the simplest forms of transistor speed control circuits, such as
used in connection with the embodiments of the invention shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2, and FIGS. 4 through 7, the motor power controlling
circuit consists only of the pair of transistors Q.sub.1 and
Q.sub.2 and the duty cycle control circuit 140. With modern
technology, this simplified circuit can be made sufficiently small
that it may be disposed under the foot pedal, as hereinbefore set
forth. To avoid excessive transistor dissipation, the duty cycle
controller 140 provides a pulsating flow of current having an
almost perfect rectangular wave shape, and control is accomplished
by regulating the proportions of time the current is "full on" or
"completely off". That is, the average current to the motor can be
adjusted through a full range of values from zero to the maximum
available from the control circuit.
While motors can be constructed or manufactured which will operate
quietly on this form of pulsating current, the usual, less
expensive trolling motor presently available makes a considerably
amount of noise, and noise while trolling, especially at night, is
considered a great disadvantage. This motor noise not only greatly
annoys the fisherman, but also may drive or scare the fish away. To
overcome the noise generated in the motor by the rectangular wave
shape of the simple controller, a filter circuit comprised of a
resistor R.sub.2, and inductor L.sub.1 and capacitors C.sub.1 and
C.sub.2 is provided. Of course, in view of the fact that all of
these components have "size" as compared with all of the remaining
components of the control circuit, it is not practical to assemble
them on the controlling foot pedal. Accordingly, the entire control
circuit, with the exception of the potentiometer R.sub.1, and
switches S.sub.1, and S.sub.2 and S.sub.3 are preferably mounted in
a separate box 132 as hereinbefore set forth and shown in FIG.
11.
FIG. 13 is an electrical circuit diagram of the duty-cycle control
circuit 140 which has been adapted from circuits which are well
known in the art of electronics. The duty-cycle control circuit 140
comprises suitable transistors Q.sub.3, Q.sub.4, Q.sub.5 and
Q.sub.6 ; resistors R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7,
R.sub.8, R.sub.9, R.sub.10, R.sub.11, R.sub.12, and R.sub.13 ;
capacitors C.sub.3 and C.sub.4 ; diodes CR.sub.1, CR.sub.2 and
CR.sub.3 ; all operably connected in the circuit as is well known
and shown in FIG. 13, and connected with the electronic circuit
shown in FIG. 12 in the well known manner through the terminal
board TB having terminals 1 through 12 thereon.
Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 15, still another embodiment of a
speed and steering control mechanism is generally indicated at 150.
The control mechanism 150 comprises a foot pedal 152 having a heel
portion 154 and toe portion 156. The pedal 152 is pivotally
connected to a base plate 158 by a suitable bearing and pivot shaft
connection arrangement 160, as hereinbefore set forth, and an arm
162, similar to the arm 29 of the apparatus 10, is provided on the
underside of the pedal 152 for connection with the steering portion
of the motor 12 by means of suitable cable connection means or
lever means (not shown) as hereinbefore set forth, whereby pivoting
of the pedal 152 about the pivot connection 160 controls the
steering of the boat 34.
In the control mechanism 150, the wheel for actuation of the
potentiometer is replaced by a simple lever arrangement generally
indicated at 164. An arcuate slot 166 is provided in the heel
portion 154 of the pedal 152, and a relatively short shaft 168
extends through the slot 166 for connection with a suitable stop
member 170 which is slidable along the upper surface of the pedal
152. The shaft 168 is pivotally or suitably connected to one end of
a lever 172 which is connected to the shaft 174 of a potentiometer
176 which is suitably secured to a support bracket 178 secured to
the underside of the pedal 152. A suitable return spring 180 is
anchored between the opposite end of the lever 172 and the foot
pedal 152 for returning the lever 172 to a normal non-operative
position. The speed of the motor 12 is controlled by the apparatus
150 through engagement of the heel of the foot of the operator with
the stop member 170. A side wise movement of the heel moves the
stop 170 and shaft 168 in either a left hand or right hand
direction, as desired, for controlling the speed of the motor 12
through the potentiometer 176 in the manner as hereinbefore set
forth.
From the foregoing it will be apparent that the present invention
provides a novel foot pedal mechanism for controlling both the
speed and steering of a trolling motor by non-conflicting motions
of the foot of the operator of the fishing boat. The novel foot
pedal mechanism is operably connected with the steering portion of
the motor through a suitable cable or lever arrangement whereby a
rocking or up and down pivotal movement of the foot pedal controls
the direction of travel of the boat. An electronic speed control
circuit is provided for the trolling motor which is controlled by a
movement of the foot of the operator, said movement being different
from and non-conflicting with the movement of the foot required for
the rocking of the pedal during the steering control operations.
Thus, the steering and speed may be varied either simultaneously or
independently through the use of the foot, thus leaving the hands
of the operator free for fishing. The novel foot pedal control is
simple and efficient in operation and economical and durable in
construction.
Whereas the present invention has been described in particular
relation to the drawings attached hereto, it should be understood
that other and further modifications, apart from those shown or
suggested herein, may be made within the spirit and scope of this
invention.
* * * * *