CA1310548C - Motor trolling attachment - Google Patents
Motor trolling attachmentInfo
- Publication number
- CA1310548C CA1310548C CA000560519A CA560519A CA1310548C CA 1310548 C CA1310548 C CA 1310548C CA 000560519 A CA000560519 A CA 000560519A CA 560519 A CA560519 A CA 560519A CA 1310548 C CA1310548 C CA 1310548C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- air
- flap
- motor
- trolling
- control means
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
- B63H20/00—Outboard propulsion units, e.g. outboard motors or Z-drives; Arrangements thereof on vessels
- B63H20/32—Housings
- B63H20/34—Housings comprising stabilising fins, foils, anticavitation plates, splash plates, or rudders
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02B—INTERNAL-COMBUSTION PISTON ENGINES; COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL
- F02B61/00—Adaptations of engines for driving vehicles or for driving propellers; Combinations of engines with gearing
- F02B61/04—Adaptations of engines for driving vehicles or for driving propellers; Combinations of engines with gearing for driving propellers
- F02B61/045—Adaptations of engines for driving vehicles or for driving propellers; Combinations of engines with gearing for driving propellers for outboard marine engines
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present invention provides a trolling attachment for use with an outboard motor and in particular a high powered outboard motor. The trolling attachment comprises a motor mount and a pneumatically operated flap which is raised and lowered relative to the propeller on the outboard motor. The pneumatic operation of the flap is provided by an air supply, first and second air lines to a control member for raising and lowering the flap and a valve for on/off feed of the air supply to the air lines. The first air line when fed with air powers the control member to lower the flap with the second air line providing an exhaust for air trapped in the control member. When the second air line is fed with air it powers the control to raise the flap with the first air line then providing an exhaust for air trapped in the control member.
The present invention provides a trolling attachment for use with an outboard motor and in particular a high powered outboard motor. The trolling attachment comprises a motor mount and a pneumatically operated flap which is raised and lowered relative to the propeller on the outboard motor. The pneumatic operation of the flap is provided by an air supply, first and second air lines to a control member for raising and lowering the flap and a valve for on/off feed of the air supply to the air lines. The first air line when fed with air powers the control member to lower the flap with the second air line providing an exhaust for air trapped in the control member. When the second air line is fed with air it powers the control to raise the flap with the first air line then providing an exhaust for air trapped in the control member.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 1 3 ~ ~5~ ~
1 The present invention relates to a trolling attachment and in particular a trolling flap for use with high powered outboard motors.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Until recently, fishermen having a high powered outboard motor have required a second smaller motor for trolling purposes. The reason for this requirement is that the high horse power motor cannot be operated in a manner to produce the extremely slow speeds necessary for trolling.
However, there are now products available known as trolling flaps for use with high powered motors and allowing -their use with trolling. These trolling flaps are movable between a raised and a lowered position and when in the lowered position are located immediately ~ behind and provide a back pressure to the motor 2U propeller. Therefore, the propeller, although still rotating at a relatively high speed as required with a high powered motor, does not propel the boat through the water proportionate to this.rotational speed because of`
the back pressure provided by the trolling flap.
Presently available trolling flaps are generally either hydraulically or spring operated. The spring operated variety is extremely dangerous as a result of the high pressures on the flap from the spring which if `--`` t3t~54~
1 inadvertently released could prove to be fatal to anyone standing in the ~rea of the flap.
The hydraulically opera-ted type of flap, although not experiencing the danger problem noted above, does suFfer from its own drawbacks. More specifically, if one forgets to raise the flap before running the motor to full power, then either the flap or the motor will be damaged.
If the flap gives way, then all of the hydraulic fluid in the system is lost. This is not only difficult to repair but additionally results in the spilling of the hydraulic fluid creating an environmental pollutant.
SUMMARY ûF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The present invention provides a trolling attachment for use with an outboard motor and in particular, a high powered outboard motor. The trolling attachment comprises a motor mount and a flap movable from a down position providing back pressure for the outboard motor to an up position allowing free operation of the motor. The trolling attachment also includes a pneumatic operating system for the flap. This pneumatic opera-ting system comprises a reversing motion flap control, an air supply, first and second air lines to the flap control and valve means for on/off feed of the air supply to the air lines. The first air line when fed with air powers the flap control to lower the flap with the second air line providing an exhaust for air trapped in -the flap control and the second air line when fed air from the air supply powering the flap control to raise the flap with the first 1 3 ~ 0548 SJ-7331-~8 3 - 5587A/0068A
1 air line then providing an exhaust for air trapped in the flap control.
The pneumatically operated flap of the present invention is not subject to the danger associated with a spring loaded flap nor because there is no hydraulic fluid involved does it suffer from the drawbacks described above with respect to a hydraulically operated system. If the air lines to the flap do pop, there is no spillage of liquid and the system can be easily cleared and re-set up in matter of minutes. Furthermcre, when working with a pneumatically operated system, the lines can actually be arranged to pop at a predetermined pressure substantially eliminating the possibility of damaging the engine in the event that the flap is not first raised before running the engine to a high r.p.m.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above as well as other advantages and features of the present invention will be described in greater detail according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention in which:
Figure 1 shows a conventional trolling vessel.
Figure 2 is an enlarged view o~ the motor shown partially in phantom with trolling attachment according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention fitted to the motor.
Figure ~ is a view similar to Figure 2 showing the flap moved ~rom an up to a down position.
1 3 1 ~5~8 SJ-7331-88 ~ 4 5587A/0068A
1 Figure 4 is a vi2w showing the operation of the trolling flap relative to the propeller on the motor.
Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the trolling attachment in its entirety including operating components for the flap.
Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the solenoid valve used in the trolling attachment of Figure 5.
Figures 7 and 8 are sectional views through the solenoid valve o~ Figure 5 in different operating positions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION ACCORDING TO THE PREFERRED
EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION:
Figure 1 shows a boat B set up for trolling and using a motor M having a propeller P. Extending out of the back of the boat is a fishing line FL. When the boat is running this fishing line will troll out behind the back of the boat. However, it is important that the boat be maintained at a slow steady speed which without some type of a trolling flap iS extremely hard on and may not in fact be achieveable by the high powered motor M.
Figure 2 shows the motor M fitted with components o~ a trolling attachment generally indicated at 1 of Figure 5 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. This trolling attachment comprises a yoke-like motor mount 3 with a flap 9 pivotally secured to the motor mount 3. Extending out to the back of the motor ~3105~8 1 mount is a further supporting bracket 5 with a reciprocal piston 7 being pivotally mounted between bracket 5 and flap 9.
All of the components described immediately above are located out behind the motor. In addition, the system includes a portable compressor 11 and a battery 12 for operating the compressor with both of these components being located within the boat. Extending between compressor 11 and piston 7 which controls the up/down positioning of flap 9 are first and second air lines 13 and 15.
Reference is now had to Figure 6 which shows a solenoid valve 17 mounted directly to the compressor seen in Figure 5. This solenoid valve includes a valve member 19 provided with upper and lower through channels 21 and 23 respectively. The valve housing is provided with a first set of through passages 25a and 25b and a second set of through passages 27a and 27b. Also provided in the body of the valve itself is a U-shaped channel 29 having an inlet 31 directly from the compressor 11.
As will be seen in Figure of the drawings when flap 9 is in the down position it provides resistance to the flow created from the propeller, i.e. a back pressure to the propeller operation, and therefore allows the propeller to be run at its minimum required r.p.m. which would normally move the boat too quickly for e~ficient trolling r.p.m., but which with the back pressure provided by the plate deflects the flow from the propeller reducing 13105~8 SJ-7331-~8 ~ 6 - 5587A/0068A
1 the motors efficiency and keeping the boat a desired trolling speed.
Most motors have a conventional configuration as shown in Figures 1 through 3 of the drawings. Motor mount 3 having a yoke-like configuration secures directly to the motor as seen in Figures 2 and ~. Again, this motor mount is designed to fit most motors.
The trolling flap itself is moved to the down position by providing a supply of air from compressor 11 through line 13 to retract the piston control 7 pulling on the top end of the flap and pivoting it downwardly.
Although not shown in the drawings but to be appreciated piston 7 has a generally standard construction with an interior plunger. Any air that it is trapped behind that plunger while the piston is being retracted is exhausted through line 15 allowing movement of the piston.
To move the flap to the up position, the piston is powered by a supply of air fed along line 15 which extends the piston as shown in Figure 2 of the drawings to push on the top edge of the flap and pivot it upwardly.
In this case, any air trapped behind the internal plunger during its extension is exhausted through line 13.
Therefore, each of the air lines has both a power supply and an exhaust mode according to whether the piston ~s raised or lowered.
As will be best ln comparing Figures 2 and 3, piston 7 is not only pivotally mounted to the flap itself, but also to supporting bracket 5 which allows for , l3tas~
SJ-7331-88 - 7 ~ 5587A/0068A
1 the movement of the angle of the piston during the raising and lowering of the flap.
The exact details of solenoid 17 which provides the on/off switching for the feed of the compressor to air lines 13 and 15 is described having reference to Figures 6 throùgh 8 of the drawings. More particularly, when the valve body 19 is in the up position as seen in Figure 7, the air fed from the compressor through inlet ~1 passes through the upoer end of the U-shaped channel 29 through opening 25a in the valve body and through air line 15 to extend piston 7 and pivot flap 9 upwardly. At the same time, passage 23 in the valve body aligns with passages 27a and 27b in the valve housing allowing the trapped air in the piston to be exhausted along line 13 directly out through the s~lenoid valve.
In order to lower the flap, the solenoid valve is moved to the Figure 8 position in which the lower end of channel 29 in the valve body aligns with passage 27a in the valve housing feeding air ~rom the compressor along line 13 to retract piston 7. The air trapped in the piston which would otherwise resist its retraction is forced outwardly along line 15 through passage 21 in the valve body aligned with passages 25a and 25b in the valve housing for exhausting of the trapped air.
As a preferred feature of the present invention each of the air lines may be secured either to the solenoid valve or to the control piston by line connectors which are designed to give way at a predetermined ~ 1 31 05~
SJ-7331-88 - 8 - 5~87A/0068A
1 pressure. With this arrangement, if the operator of the boat revs up the motor without first lifting the flap then the lines and in particular line 13 pressuring the flap to stay downwardly will simply pop open allowing the flap to easily swing upwardly oùt of the way from the propeller flow. However, it is a very simple operation consisting of nothing more than blowing all water out of the line and popping it back into position to reset the overall system.
Although various preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.
1 The present invention relates to a trolling attachment and in particular a trolling flap for use with high powered outboard motors.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Until recently, fishermen having a high powered outboard motor have required a second smaller motor for trolling purposes. The reason for this requirement is that the high horse power motor cannot be operated in a manner to produce the extremely slow speeds necessary for trolling.
However, there are now products available known as trolling flaps for use with high powered motors and allowing -their use with trolling. These trolling flaps are movable between a raised and a lowered position and when in the lowered position are located immediately ~ behind and provide a back pressure to the motor 2U propeller. Therefore, the propeller, although still rotating at a relatively high speed as required with a high powered motor, does not propel the boat through the water proportionate to this.rotational speed because of`
the back pressure provided by the trolling flap.
Presently available trolling flaps are generally either hydraulically or spring operated. The spring operated variety is extremely dangerous as a result of the high pressures on the flap from the spring which if `--`` t3t~54~
1 inadvertently released could prove to be fatal to anyone standing in the ~rea of the flap.
The hydraulically opera-ted type of flap, although not experiencing the danger problem noted above, does suFfer from its own drawbacks. More specifically, if one forgets to raise the flap before running the motor to full power, then either the flap or the motor will be damaged.
If the flap gives way, then all of the hydraulic fluid in the system is lost. This is not only difficult to repair but additionally results in the spilling of the hydraulic fluid creating an environmental pollutant.
SUMMARY ûF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The present invention provides a trolling attachment for use with an outboard motor and in particular, a high powered outboard motor. The trolling attachment comprises a motor mount and a flap movable from a down position providing back pressure for the outboard motor to an up position allowing free operation of the motor. The trolling attachment also includes a pneumatic operating system for the flap. This pneumatic opera-ting system comprises a reversing motion flap control, an air supply, first and second air lines to the flap control and valve means for on/off feed of the air supply to the air lines. The first air line when fed with air powers the flap control to lower the flap with the second air line providing an exhaust for air trapped in -the flap control and the second air line when fed air from the air supply powering the flap control to raise the flap with the first 1 3 ~ 0548 SJ-7331-~8 3 - 5587A/0068A
1 air line then providing an exhaust for air trapped in the flap control.
The pneumatically operated flap of the present invention is not subject to the danger associated with a spring loaded flap nor because there is no hydraulic fluid involved does it suffer from the drawbacks described above with respect to a hydraulically operated system. If the air lines to the flap do pop, there is no spillage of liquid and the system can be easily cleared and re-set up in matter of minutes. Furthermcre, when working with a pneumatically operated system, the lines can actually be arranged to pop at a predetermined pressure substantially eliminating the possibility of damaging the engine in the event that the flap is not first raised before running the engine to a high r.p.m.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above as well as other advantages and features of the present invention will be described in greater detail according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention in which:
Figure 1 shows a conventional trolling vessel.
Figure 2 is an enlarged view o~ the motor shown partially in phantom with trolling attachment according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention fitted to the motor.
Figure ~ is a view similar to Figure 2 showing the flap moved ~rom an up to a down position.
1 3 1 ~5~8 SJ-7331-88 ~ 4 5587A/0068A
1 Figure 4 is a vi2w showing the operation of the trolling flap relative to the propeller on the motor.
Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the trolling attachment in its entirety including operating components for the flap.
Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the solenoid valve used in the trolling attachment of Figure 5.
Figures 7 and 8 are sectional views through the solenoid valve o~ Figure 5 in different operating positions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION ACCORDING TO THE PREFERRED
EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION:
Figure 1 shows a boat B set up for trolling and using a motor M having a propeller P. Extending out of the back of the boat is a fishing line FL. When the boat is running this fishing line will troll out behind the back of the boat. However, it is important that the boat be maintained at a slow steady speed which without some type of a trolling flap iS extremely hard on and may not in fact be achieveable by the high powered motor M.
Figure 2 shows the motor M fitted with components o~ a trolling attachment generally indicated at 1 of Figure 5 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. This trolling attachment comprises a yoke-like motor mount 3 with a flap 9 pivotally secured to the motor mount 3. Extending out to the back of the motor ~3105~8 1 mount is a further supporting bracket 5 with a reciprocal piston 7 being pivotally mounted between bracket 5 and flap 9.
All of the components described immediately above are located out behind the motor. In addition, the system includes a portable compressor 11 and a battery 12 for operating the compressor with both of these components being located within the boat. Extending between compressor 11 and piston 7 which controls the up/down positioning of flap 9 are first and second air lines 13 and 15.
Reference is now had to Figure 6 which shows a solenoid valve 17 mounted directly to the compressor seen in Figure 5. This solenoid valve includes a valve member 19 provided with upper and lower through channels 21 and 23 respectively. The valve housing is provided with a first set of through passages 25a and 25b and a second set of through passages 27a and 27b. Also provided in the body of the valve itself is a U-shaped channel 29 having an inlet 31 directly from the compressor 11.
As will be seen in Figure of the drawings when flap 9 is in the down position it provides resistance to the flow created from the propeller, i.e. a back pressure to the propeller operation, and therefore allows the propeller to be run at its minimum required r.p.m. which would normally move the boat too quickly for e~ficient trolling r.p.m., but which with the back pressure provided by the plate deflects the flow from the propeller reducing 13105~8 SJ-7331-~8 ~ 6 - 5587A/0068A
1 the motors efficiency and keeping the boat a desired trolling speed.
Most motors have a conventional configuration as shown in Figures 1 through 3 of the drawings. Motor mount 3 having a yoke-like configuration secures directly to the motor as seen in Figures 2 and ~. Again, this motor mount is designed to fit most motors.
The trolling flap itself is moved to the down position by providing a supply of air from compressor 11 through line 13 to retract the piston control 7 pulling on the top end of the flap and pivoting it downwardly.
Although not shown in the drawings but to be appreciated piston 7 has a generally standard construction with an interior plunger. Any air that it is trapped behind that plunger while the piston is being retracted is exhausted through line 15 allowing movement of the piston.
To move the flap to the up position, the piston is powered by a supply of air fed along line 15 which extends the piston as shown in Figure 2 of the drawings to push on the top edge of the flap and pivot it upwardly.
In this case, any air trapped behind the internal plunger during its extension is exhausted through line 13.
Therefore, each of the air lines has both a power supply and an exhaust mode according to whether the piston ~s raised or lowered.
As will be best ln comparing Figures 2 and 3, piston 7 is not only pivotally mounted to the flap itself, but also to supporting bracket 5 which allows for , l3tas~
SJ-7331-88 - 7 ~ 5587A/0068A
1 the movement of the angle of the piston during the raising and lowering of the flap.
The exact details of solenoid 17 which provides the on/off switching for the feed of the compressor to air lines 13 and 15 is described having reference to Figures 6 throùgh 8 of the drawings. More particularly, when the valve body 19 is in the up position as seen in Figure 7, the air fed from the compressor through inlet ~1 passes through the upoer end of the U-shaped channel 29 through opening 25a in the valve body and through air line 15 to extend piston 7 and pivot flap 9 upwardly. At the same time, passage 23 in the valve body aligns with passages 27a and 27b in the valve housing allowing the trapped air in the piston to be exhausted along line 13 directly out through the s~lenoid valve.
In order to lower the flap, the solenoid valve is moved to the Figure 8 position in which the lower end of channel 29 in the valve body aligns with passage 27a in the valve housing feeding air ~rom the compressor along line 13 to retract piston 7. The air trapped in the piston which would otherwise resist its retraction is forced outwardly along line 15 through passage 21 in the valve body aligned with passages 25a and 25b in the valve housing for exhausting of the trapped air.
As a preferred feature of the present invention each of the air lines may be secured either to the solenoid valve or to the control piston by line connectors which are designed to give way at a predetermined ~ 1 31 05~
SJ-7331-88 - 8 - 5~87A/0068A
1 pressure. With this arrangement, if the operator of the boat revs up the motor without first lifting the flap then the lines and in particular line 13 pressuring the flap to stay downwardly will simply pop open allowing the flap to easily swing upwardly oùt of the way from the propeller flow. However, it is a very simple operation consisting of nothing more than blowing all water out of the line and popping it back into position to reset the overall system.
Although various preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (4)
1. A trolling attachment for use with an outboard motor, said trolling attachment comprising a motor mount, a flap movable between an up and a down position, said flap when in the down position providing back pressure for the outboard motor and when in the up position allowing free operation of the motor and a pneumatic operating system for said flap, said pneumatic operating system comprising reversing motion control means, an air supply, first and second air lines and valve means for on/off feed of said air supply to said air lines, said first air line when fed with air powering said control means to lower said flap with said second air line providing an exhaust from said control means and said second air line when fed with air powering said control means to raise said flap with said first air line providing an exhaust from said control means.
2. A trolling attachment as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said control means comprises a piston with said first and second air lines feed to opposite ends of said piston for opening and closing thereof.
3. A trolling attachment as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said air supply comprises a portable compressor.
4. A trolling attachment as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said valve means comprises a solenoid valve, including first and second air inlets to said air lines and spaced apart exhaust ports for exhausting from said air lines.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000560519A CA1310548C (en) | 1988-03-03 | 1988-03-03 | Motor trolling attachment |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000560519A CA1310548C (en) | 1988-03-03 | 1988-03-03 | Motor trolling attachment |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1310548C true CA1310548C (en) | 1992-11-24 |
Family
ID=4137562
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000560519A Expired - Lifetime CA1310548C (en) | 1988-03-03 | 1988-03-03 | Motor trolling attachment |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1310548C (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2013188901A1 (en) * | 2012-06-20 | 2013-12-27 | Pietsch Howard Charles | Boat speed minimisation system |
-
1988
- 1988-03-03 CA CA000560519A patent/CA1310548C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2013188901A1 (en) * | 2012-06-20 | 2013-12-27 | Pietsch Howard Charles | Boat speed minimisation system |
| US9776701B2 (en) | 2012-06-20 | 2017-10-03 | Howard Charles Pietsch | Boat speed minimisation system |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |