AU2014240307A1 - KIMBERLEY2CAPE Outboard Cradle - Google Patents

Abstract

"KIMBERLEY2CAPE Outboard Cradle" An outboard cradle designed and manufactured to allow secure transport, mounting & storage of various make and model outboard motors. Whilst in the horizontal position this cradle can be installed to various on and off road vehicles and trailers. The KIMBERLEY2CAPE outboard cradle is lightweight but durable for harsh conditions constructed primarily from plate aluminium with various rubber, teflon, nylon and stainless steel fittings to prevent corrosion from the elements. From the secured horizontal position the KIMBERLEY2CAPE outboard cradle is designed to be unsecured and pivoted outwards clear of the vehicles side and folded down to the vertical position replicating the transom of a boat or tinny. From the folded position an outboard motor can, be removed, mounted and flushed after use, allow maintenance to be carried out and the outboard motor cradle manually lifted and returned to the secured horizontal position with little to no effort. This is made possible by utilization of a universal slotted base plate and universal pivot plate hinging a telescopic outboard mount and leg support. a) (3) 0 -j '4

Description

EDITORIAL NOTE 2014240307 - There are 6 pages of Description which are not page numbered TITLE "KIMBERLEY2CAE LOutboard Crodle" The present invention relates to an outboard cradle. The present invention has been designed and constructed for the purpose of securely transporting, mounting and storing, various make and model outboard motors. The present inventions mounting application has been designed for the intended use on, but not limited to the following arrangements/situations. These are: " various camper trailers " four wheel drives (rear bumper/towbar mounted) e vehicle trays/canopies e box trailers a caravans The versatility of the present invention allows for mounting of the outboard cradle on any flat surface large enough to accommodate the outboard cradle in the stowed position (drawing: Assembly - Stowed Position). Alternatively the outboard cradle can be mounted on a sub frame/bracket assembly to be fabricated and installed in a way which meets intended storage and operational requirements. The present invention has been designed to allow secure and safe transport of various make and model outboard motors, both on and off road. The cradle is able to be fitted to various means of transport as listed, but not limited to the modes above. The outboard cradle is a pivoting and folding assembly constructed primarily of aluminium with various stainless steel (S/S) fasteners and rubber/Teflon fittings. Therefore minimising and/or eliminating corrosion due to exposure to the elements and environment. The outboard cradle is secured using a slotted base plate (Item 1) and its design allows for storage and transport of outboard motors in the horizontal position. The slotted base plate (item 1) is universal so that during the assembly and installation process it can be turned over to allow the cradle to swing in either direction. This unique feature is what gives the outboard cradle its versatility and allows for it to be installed on the left/right or rear of the vehicle and overcome obstructions that may present. The base plate is secured using 4 x M10 S/S cap head bolts through two base plate packers (item 5) These packers serve two purposes, to allow clearance for the M10 S/S pivot bolt (item 20) MiD S/S pivot plate locking bolt (item 11) and elevate the cradle to a height necessary to clear any low lying obstructions e.g. existing bolts/ fittings, tray deck side rails, canvas rails/tracks, canopy door openings etc. The outboard cradle is supplied with 2 x 25mm high packers (item 5) as standard, Fitted to the slotted base plate (item 1) is a 6mm teflon wear pad (item 2). This wear pad is fastened to the slotted base plate (item 1) using 5 x M6 S/S countersunk screws which fasten into M6 x I threaded bolt holes in the slotted base plate (item 1) at the same hole centres as the teflon wear pad (item 2). Fitted between the slotted base plate (item 1) and the pivot plate (item 3) is a large 6mm teflon washer (item 4) which the pivot bolt (item 20) passes through. At the leg support end of the base plate a 6mm teflon support pad (item 25) is secured via 2 x M6 countersunk screws fastened into the base plate. The application of the wear pad (item 2), teflon washer (item 4) and teflon support pad (item 2.5) allows the pivot plate to glide freely with minimal friction during its pivot once the pivot plate locking bolt (item 11) and leg support securing bolts (item 15) have been released, Securing of the pivot plate (item 3) in the open and closed position is achieved using the pivot plate locking bolt (item 11). The pivot plate locking bolt assembly comprises of an MI S/S bolt with a S/S spring washer and large flat S/S washer on the underside of the slotted base plate (item 1), This S/S bolt passes up through the 12mm slot in the slotted base plate (item 1) and screws through one of the two MI0 x 1,5 threaded bolt holes in the pivot plate (item 3). The hole used is determined by the required direction of rotation thus the orientation of the slotted base plate (item 1). The pivot plate locking bolt (item 11) protrudes through the pivot plate (item 3) a sufficient amount to allow an MID S/S wing nut to be threaded on. A 3 mm S/S roll pin passing through the wing nut and bolt and is used to secure the wing nut over the bolt and prevent it from threading off during operation. To release the pivot pate (item 3) the pivot plate locking bolt (item 11) is screwed down in a clockwise direction releasing the pivot plate (item 3) from the wear pad (item 2) and slotted base plate (item 1). Once pivoted to the open or closed position the pivot plate locking bolt (item 11) is screwed up in an anti-clockwise direction clamping the pivot plate (item 3) teflon wear pad (item 2) and slotted base plate (item 1) together locking the cradle in position. Connection of the hinged outboard mount (item 6) to the pivot plate (item 3) is achieved using 2 x MS S/S cap head bolts with S/S washers and S/S nyloc nuts passing through hinging points at the clamping bracket gusset plates (item 23) and the hinge plates (item 24) which are welded to either end of the pivot plate (item 3). This hinging arrangement (item 21) allows the outboard mount (item 6) to hinge down (drawing: Assembly - Folded position) once the outboard cradle has been pivoted to the open position (drawing: Assembly - Pivoted position). Welded through the centre of the clamping bracket is a 25mm diameter anti-crush tube (item 8). This anti crush tube prevents the clamping bracket crushing due to the clamping force of the outboard motor clamping bolts. Riveted across the top of the clamping bracket is a blue nylon wear strip (item 7) which provides protection from wear and tear on top of the clamping bracket where majority of the outboard motors downward force is distributed. The outboard mount (item 6) is situated on a 6mm base plate which also provides sufficient mounting space for a 38x38mm telescopic sleeve (item 9) and 2 x leg support securing bolts (item 15). The application of the telescopic sleeve (item 9) allows for adjustment in length of the Outboard Leg Support (item 12) to accommodate various make and model outboard motors with long and short legs. Fixed to the side of the telescopic sleeve (item 9) is an MS captivated nut with an M8 wing bolt threaded through (item 10). This feature allows for the leg support (item 12) to be adjusted and secured at the required length, The Outboard L.eg Support (item 12) is the component which provides a means of securing the outboard leg to the cradle in a secure manner without causing damage or wear to the leg during transit and storage. The outboard leg support (item 12) connects to the outboard motor mount via a length of 32x32 box section which slides inside of the telescopic sleeve (item 9). This then connects to a 50x.SOmm box section cross member that provides the supporting foundation for the outboard leg. A fork braced with gusset plates at either side (item 14) lined with 10 x 5Omm EPDM sponge strip provides a cushioned and protective means of securing the outboard motor leg whilst fitted. At the centre and base of the fork a 38 x 25mm rubber stopper (item 16) is fitted which provides a sturdy protective surface for the outboard leg to pull down onto. This rubber stopper has been bolted down to allow easy removal and replacement of the stopper as required due to general wear and tear from the outboard leg pressing down on it. Each folk gusset plate (item 14) has a 20mm diameter hole passing though it which act as fastening points for a 380mm rubber tie down strap with hook (item 19) to secure too. At the fixed end of the rubber tie down strap (item 19) and S/S carabineer (item 22) is fitted to secure the strap to the folk gusset plate (item 14), At the other end of the strap is a S/S hook which hooks through the opposite folk gusset plate once the rubber tie down strap (item 19) has been pulled down tort over the outboard leg securing it in position. Passing through the outboard mount base plate on either side of the telescopic sleeve (item 9) are the leg support securing bolts (item 15). These are made up of M10 x 70 S/S wing bolts which then passes down through a M10 S/S spring washer, flat washer and piece of 3x3mrnm box section protruding out the bottom of the outboard mount base plate. To prevent the bolt coming out when unsecured a S/S split cotter pin has been installed through the bolt situated inside the 38x38 box section. Under this pin is a MID S/S washer which acts as a compression face for a S/S compression spring (item 18) to press against. This compression spring (item 18) is also placed inside the 38x38 box section and over the MID x 70 wing bolt (item 15) and is designed to push the bolt up and clear when the cradle is unsecured for pivoting. The bolts travel up due to the pressure exerted by the springs and stop at the split cotter pin, minimising the chance of catching on any obstructions during operation and prevent the bolts (item 15) grabbing on their associated bolt holes which each bolt threads into when locking the outboard leg support down. Two 38x25mm rubber stoppers (item 17) are mounted via bolts to the underside of the outboard leg support to provide cushioned feet for the outboard leg support to pull down onto preventing damage to the trailer or vehicle during transit.

Operation * With the outboard motor clamping bolts wound out and the outboard motor cradle in the folded position with pivot plate locking bolt (item 11) fastened the outboard motor is positioned and carefully placed onto the outboard mount (item 6). * The outboard motor is then centralised to the mounting bracket ensuring the leg is correctly seated into the outboard leg support (item 12). * The rubber tie down strap (item 19) is then pulled tort over the outboard leg and hooked into the opposite folk gusset plate securing the leg in position. * The pivot plate locking bolt (item 11) is then screwed down in a clockwise direction releasing the pivot plate (item 3). * With a secure and firm grip on the outboard motor leg the outboard motor on the outboard motor mount and leg support is lifted up to a sufficient height to allow obstruction free pivoting in the horizontal plane. * The outboard motor on its mount is then pivoted in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction determined by its fitted orientation and is lowered down into the stowed position. * Once in the stowed position the outboard leg support locking bolts (item 15) are located and screwed down into their associated bolt holes located in the base plate (item 1) locking the outboard leg support down in position. * The pivot plate locking bolt (item 11) is then screwed out in an anti-clockwise direction clamping the pivot plate, teflon wear pad and base plate (items 3, 2 and 1) together. * The outboard motor in the horizontal stowed position is now ready for transit. * Much the same as the fitting and securing for transit procedure however in reverse * Once at destination screw down pivot plate locking bolt (item 11). * Release outboard leg support securing bolts (item 15) allowing spring to push bolts up and clear. * Grasping the outboard motor leg with a secure and firm grip, lift the outboard leg a sufficient amount to clear any obstructions. * Pivot the outboard, mount and leg support in either the clockwise or anti-clockwise direction until the outboard, mount and leg support is pivoted to the fully open position outside of the vehicle/trailer. * In a controlled manner taking care to prevent dropping the outboard leg, lower the outboard on its mount to the folded position down the side of the vehicle/trailer it is installed on. * Secure the pivot plate locking bolt (item 11) and release the rubber tie down strap from the outboard leg support (item 12). * When ready to remove the outboard from its mount unscrew the outboard motor clamping bolts and lift the outboard motor off clear of the outboard mount.

Parts List 1. Slotted Base P/ate 2. 6trm Tefion Weor Poad 3. Pivot Plate 4 6mm TefK-an Washer 5. 25mm Base Plate Packers 6. Outboard Mount 7. Blue Nvion Wear Strip 8. Anti-crush tube 9. Telescopic Sleeve 10. Wing boit & Captivated Nut 11, Pivot Plate Lockng Bot 12. Outboard Leg Support 3. 10 50 PPDMIvl Sponge Strip 14, Fork with Gussets 15. Leg Support Securing Bolts 16. 3E x 25 Rubber Stopper 17. 38 x 25 Rubber Feet 182 Stain~ess Steel Compression Spring 19. 380mm Rubber Tie Down Straop with Hook 20. Voting Bot 21. Outboard Mount|Pivot Plate Hinae Point 22, Stnes Stee/ Carobineer 23. Clamping Bracket Gusset Plate 24. Hinge plate 25, Te||on Support Pod Fasteners & Fixtures Purchase List 1 of M6x75 S/S C/S Screws 1 of M6 S/S Nyloc Nut 1 of M6 S/S Flat Washer 5 of M6 x 12 S/S C/S Screws 2 of M6 x 35 S/S C/S Screws 1 of M8 x 25 S/S Wing Bolt 2 of M8 x 30 Hex Socket S/S Cap Screw 6 of M8 S/S medium Flat Washers 2 of M8 S/S Nyloc Nuts 4 of M10 x 55 Hex Socket Cap Head Screws 1 of M10 x 35 S/S Bolt 10 of M10 S/S Flat Washers 5 of M10 S/S Nyloc Nut 3 of M10 S/S Wing Nuts 1 of M10 Large S/S Flat Washer 1 of M10 x 40 S/S Bolt 3 of M10 S/S Spring Washers 2 of M10 x 100 S/S Bolts 1 of 3 x 14 S/S Roll Pin 2 of 3mm S/S Split Cotter Pin 1 of S/S Carabineer 2 of 130D x1x27 S/S Compression Springs 1 of 380mm Black Rubber Tie Down Strap With Hook 1 of 275mm Blue Nylon Skid Strip 1 of 500 x 10 x 50 EPDM Sponge Strip 3 of 38 x 25 Black Rubber Stoppers

Claims (19)

1. An outboard cradle designed and manufactured to be mounted to a vehicle or trailer alowing it to pivot universally clear of the vehicle or trailer side in a horizontal plane and fold down to the vertical position to replicate the transom of a boat or tinny for the purpose of mounting and removal of an outboard motor.

2. Designed to accommodate installation to various modes of vehicle including but not limited to camper trailers, four wheel drives, vehicle trays and canopies, box trailers and caravans with a horizontal surface of sufficient area to accommodate the outboard cradle in the secured horizontal position.

3. According to claim 2 if a horizontal surface of sufficient area is not available for the purpose of mounting the outboard cradle in the secured horizontal position, a sub frame/bracket assembly can be manufactured and used as an alternative secure horizontal mounting platform.

4. According to claim 3 should a sub frame/bracket assembly be needed, the sub frame/bracket assembly is to be manufactured in a way which provides sufficient support, strength and durability to withstand the combined weight of outboard motor and cradle and designed in a way which allows the outboard cradle to operate as intended.

5. An outboard cradle designed so that the base plate is mounted at a set height via the use of base plate packers to provide sufficient clearance for operation over existing fasteners, fittings and obstructions. 2 x 25 mm base plate packers are provided as standard.

6. An outboard cradle where the pivoting movement of the outboard mount and leg support is achieved via the use of a universal slotted base plate as detailed in drawings provided.

7. According to claim 6 the slotted base plate is made universal with the capability of being able to turn the base plate over to determine direction of rotation. This is made possible due to the slot and all bolt holes passing through the entire thickness of the plate therefore the teflon wear pad and support pad can be remove and resecure to the required face.

8. An outboard motor cradle where the securing of the pivoting plate in the open or closed position is achieved via the use of a pivot plate locking bolt which when screwed anti clockwise clamps the pivot plate down onto the slotted base plate and screwed clockwise to release again.

9. An outboard cradle designed to allow the outboard mount and leg support to fold down 90 degrees parallel to the vehicle once pivoted out passed the vehicles side it is mounted to.

10. According to claim 9 folding of the outboard mount and leg support is achieved using 2 x hinging points at the mounting bracket gusset plates connecting to 2 x hinge plates at either end of the pivot plate.

11. An outboard cradle designed to accommodate various size and length outboard motors via the integration of a telescopic leg support.

12. According to claim 9 securing of the telescopic leg support at the required length is achieved via the use of a wing bolt and captivated nut which allows the wing bolt to be screwed in to supply locking pressure.

13. An outboard cradle where safe and secure fastening of the outboard leg down into the outboard leg support is achieved utilizing a rubber tie down strap which pull tort over the outboard leg when mounted on the outboard cradle and secures at each end to the leg support fork gusset plates.

14. An outboard cradle where cushioned support of the outboard leg in the leg support fork is achieved using 10 x 50 EPDM foam strip and a replaceable 38 x 25 mm rubber stopper at the base.

15. An outboard cradle that is designed to be secured down in the horizontal stowed position via the use of 2 x wing bolts with lifting springs passing through the outboard mount base plate which screw down into associated bolt holes located beneath in the universal slotted base plate.

16. According to claim 15 the lifting springs are utilized to lift the bolts to their maximum travel determined by the retaining split cotter pin passing through the bolt. Lifting of the bolts minimizes the chance of grabbing on their associated bolt holes and any existing obstructions.

17. An outboard cradle designed to allow the outboard motor to be tilted up to a suitable position whilst the cradle is in the folded position to allow the outboard motor to be run and flushed using outboard motor flushing muffs or maintenance carried out on the outboard motor.

18. According to claim 17 for the outboard to be tilted utilizing the outboards tilting mechanism the outboard leg tie down strap must be unsecured to allow free movement of the outboard tilt function.

19. An outboard cradle designed, manufactured and described according to all claims 1 to 18 with reference to the accompanying drawings.