EP4357236A1

EP4357236A1 - Articulated mount for securing an outboard motor to water vessels

Info

Publication number: EP4357236A1
Application number: EP22823705.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jorge SOTIRIOS GHINIS
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-06-14
Filing date: 2022-05-25
Publication date: 2024-04-24
Also published as: WO2022261736A1; US20240262480A1; BR102021011518A2; CN117500722A; CA3221153A1

Abstract

The present patent application discloses an articulated mount for securing an outboard motor to water vessels, pertaining to the field of articles for watercraft or for steering watercraft, for use more specifically for attaching an outboard motor to watercraft in general; the subject matter of the present application comprises two high-strength rigid structures (2), consisting of metal tubes reinforced with metal plates, which are attached to the rear portions of the sides of the vessel (3) or to the rear corners by means of bushings (4), the lower portion of each rigid frame having a flotation buoy (5).

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention patent has as its purpose a practical and innovative articulated mount for securing the outboard motor in water vessels, belonging to the field of articles for vessels or direction of vessels, used more precisely to secure the outboard motor in vessels in general, and to which an original constructive provision was given, with a view to improving its use and performance in relation to the other products usually found on the market.
It is an articulated mount for outboard motors, which moves the respective motors to the side portions of the vessel, freeing space at the stern for disembarkation and embarkation to the respective water vessel and concomitantly promotes better stabilization to the vessel, in this condition, since said mount is equipped with buoys.
There is, therefore, in the patent application in question, a device specially designed and developed to obtain enormous practicality and that brings great advantages, both in its use and in its manufacture.
It is also the purpose of the present application to present an articulated mount for securing an outboard motor in water vessels with low costs for their industrial feasibility, but combined with the requirements of robustness, safety and utilitarian practicality, thus offering the consumer public an additional option in the congeners market, which unlike the usual products, offers numerous possibilities and benefits to its users, making it a product of great acceptance in the consumer market.

Background Art

As is known, notably by those skilled in the art, the most different types of motors can equip a boat type vessel. Among them, the most common are the outboard motor and the center-stern motor, since each one has advantages and disadvantages in relation to the other.
Particularly the outboard motor is used to equip water vessels such as speedboats, dinghies and small boats.
In general, outboard motors are lighter than center-stern motors. This type of motor is recommended for navigation in shallow regions, whether for fishing, sport or leisure activities, since its "trim" system, which allows to change the angle of the propeller shaft in relation to the boat, can be raised completely to the water outlet if necessary.
The name refers to the location on the rear portion of the vessels, better known as the stern. Several devices are made available on the nautical equipment market for the coupling of outboard motors on vessels.
In this aspect and in order to specify the state of the art, some patent documents that deal with devices and equipment for the same purpose can be cited, but without achieving the inventive merit and the differentials disclosed herein, as below.
Patent document AU2018204072A1 , entitled "LARGE OUTBOARD MOTOR FOR WATER VESSEL APPLICATION AND RELATED METHODS OF MANUFACTURING AND SIMILAR OPERATION", discloses a mounting system for connecting an outboard motor to a water vehicle. In an aspect, the mounting system comprises: a rotatable mount frame having a steering tube frame and providing a steering axis about which the rotatable mount frame is capable of rotating; a pair of clip mount frames extending from the rotatable mount frame; a first steering yoke frame connected to the rotatable mount frame via the steering tube frame, and including a first cross-piece mounting frame that includes a pair of first steering yoke frame portions that can be used to couple the rotatable mount frame to the outboard motor, the pair of first steering yoke frame portions separated by a first distance; and a second steering yoke frame connected to the rotatable mount frame via the steering tube frame, and including a second steering yoke frame mounting portion that can be used to couple the rotatable mount frame to the outboard motor, the second steering yoke frame mounting part positioned between the pair of the first steering yoke frame portions. The invention also relates to a compound outboard motor: an internal combustion motor; first and second transmission components, in cases where an outboard surface of the internal combustion motor is attached to the first transmission component, in which the first transmission component is attached to the second transmission component, and in which the second transmission component is further connected, at least indirectly by an additional member, to the internal combustion motor; and a mounting system according to the invention coupled at least indirectly to one or more of the internal combustion motor, first transmission component and second transmission component.
Patent document US8011982B1 , entitled "OUTBOARD MOTOR MOUNT SYSTEM", discloses a restricted member which is attached to a lower part of the outboard motor and a restrictive member which is attached to a mount frame which in turn is attached to a crossbar of a water vessel. The restrained member is prevented from moving in a starboard or port direction by a magnitude greater than a preset magnitude that is defined by a gap between restrictive and restrained surfaces that move in contact with each other when forces on the outboard cause a lower portion of the outboard to move by a magnitude greater than a preset limit in the port or starboard directions. The pre-established gaps between restrictive and restrained surfaces are sized to allow nominal vibration at low operating speeds of the outboard motor, restricting excessive lateral movement during high-speed operation.
Patent document US6883454B2 , entitled "VESSEL SCROLLING SYSTEM", discloses an auxiliary vessel scrolling support system, removable to a stern platform of a boat, consisting of a first set of tilted rollers attached to the platform and a second set of removable mount rollers attachable to the platform.
Patent document US7644674B1 , entitled "WATER VESSEL STABILIZATION SYSTEM", discloses a system of stabilizers mounted with hinges on plates that allow pivoting or rotating movement of each stabilizer between the storage and operating positions. Locking members protect the stabilizers from substantial movement when in the operating position.
Patent document US9555865B2 , entitled "BOAT COLLAR SECURING SYSTEM AND METHOD", discloses a vessel with stern stabilizing members in a hull with an arch wrap and port and starboard side sheets with one or more longitudinal channels. The port and starboard stabilizer members comprise floating members in a bay with one or more longitudinal guardians that are configured to be received in the side sheet channels. The tension members extend through the guardians, and are attachable near the stern end of the vessel, and releasably engage the tension mechanisms in the bow wrap, to secure the stabilizer members to the side sheet. Deck access plates through the side walls provide access to tension mechanisms, which may be, for example, crank or electric winch mechanism.
Patent document CA2630228A1 , entitled "MOUNT FOR AUXILIARY MOTOR OF OUTBOARD MOTOR" discloses an auxiliary mount for outboard motor for securing an auxiliary motor to an existing outboard motor. The mount comprises an auxiliary plate of motor mounting with divergently extended arms for receiving the body of the outboard motor and secured thereto. A third arm extends from the mounting plate downward and is also secured to the outboard motor.
Patent document US8939103B2 , entitled "DEPLOYABLE ASSEMBLY," discloses a deployable assembly for a suspended device, which can lead to stabilization of a vessel, such as kayaks and canoes, that allows an operator to stay or move on the vessel without it swinging or overflying. The deployable assembly with an example pontoon connected to a foldable and rotated arm enables pivotal and rotated movement of each pontoon between the storage and deployed positions. A locking housing secures the substantial movement pontoon when in or between operational and stored positions. The deployable assembly is mounted on a vessel that allows extending a stabilizer pontoon individually on each side of the vessel from a rest position to an operational position, by independent means.

Deficient points of the state of the art

The major drawback of outboard motor models lies in the fact that they do not allow access to and egress from the rear portion of the vessel, since at least one motor is coupled at that location.
The mounts for motors found on the market so far only allow the angular movement of the outboard motor in order to change the angle of the propeller axis in relation to the vessel, in addition to the steering.
It is known to those skilled in the art, that both loading and unloading from the sides of the boat presents great inconveniences to the users of these vessels, especially access, which causes a momentary irregular distribution of weight on board, impairing stability in small boats.
The instant when a user begins to climb the side ladder of the vessel is a critical moment, it is when accidents usually occur. Especially when it comes to a diver, who carries heavy equipment on their back.
When a diver is climbing the ladder of the boat, the support points are their hands and feet, and the hands give the necessary support to maintain the diver's balance on the ladder, allowing them to remain standing, even with the swing of the vessel. If there is no support, climbing the stairs with the equipment on the back becomes more complicated and increases the chances of an accident happening.

Proposed solution

It was thinking about these drawbacks that, after numerous researches and studies, the inventor, a person related to the field, created and developed the purpose of the present patent, idealizing an articulated mount for securing the outboard motor in water vessels in which not only the mechanical and functional qualities were considered in the design of its manufacture, but also the shape, arrangement and location of its parts and components that, correctly positioned, brought an increase in efficiency without incurring any burden.
Thus, the present patent was designed in order to obtain a device with as few parts as possible, conveniently configured and arranged to allow the articulated mount for securing an outboard motor in water vessels to perform its functions with unparalleled efficiency and versatility, without the aforementioned drawbacks.
The present patent application presents a practical and innovative articulated mount for securing the outboard motor in water vessels with all aesthetic and functional qualities, designed and developed according to the most modern techniques, thus enabling its use in the most varied models of vessels that use outboard motors, regardless of their power.
Its innovative concept allows an excellent level of functionality to be obtained, offering an articulated mount for securing the outboard motor in water vessels, which has great durability, having been created mainly to enable embarkation and disembarkation by the rear portions of vessels using outboard motors.
The mount consists of two rigid frames, formed by tubes and metal sheets, in order to support the weight and thrust of the motors when used, which are installed in the rear portion of the vessel, so that in their working position the frames are locked transverse to the rear end. And in the open position the frames are orthogonal to the boat, so that the stern be free to embark and disembark people or objects.
The present frame of the proposed invention may undergo changes to support one or more motors, in accordance with the designer and type of boat on which the support will be applied.
It is emphasized that the rigid structures have inflatable floatation buoys that can be installed in any part of the frame for stabilization of the vessel according to the convenience of the user, when they are in the open position.
It is to be understood that the device in question is extremely simple in its constructiveness, being, therefore, easily feasible, however, excellent practical and functional results are obtained, offering an innovative constructiveness over the known products.
Idealized with an innovative design, it results in a harmonic set, with a very peculiar and, above all, characteristic aspect, and, in addition to the constructive aspect, the product stands out for its versatility and convenience of use.

Brief description of drawings

Supplementing the present description in order to obtain a better understanding of the features of the present invention and in accordance with a preferred practical embodiment thereof, the attached description is accompanied by a set of drawings, where, in an exemplary, although not limiting manner, the following is represented:

FIG. 1 - Shows a rear view of a vessel equipped with the articulated mount for securing an outboard motor in water vessels.
FIG. 2 - Shows a top perspective view of a vessel equipped with the articulated mount for securing an outboard motor on water vessels.
FIG. 3 - Shows a rear view of a vessel equipped with the articulated mount for securing an outboard motor in water vessels, where the displaced outboard motors can be seen releasing the rear portion of the vessel.
FIG. 4 - Shows a perspective view of a vessel equipped with the articulated mount for securing an outboard motor on water vessels, where the displaced outboard motors can be seen releasing the rear portion of the vessel.
FIG. 5 - Shows a rear view of a vessel equipped with the articulated mount for securing an outboard motor in water vessels, where the outboard motors can be seen being displaced.
FIG. 6 - Shows a rear view of a vessel equipped with the articulated mount for securing only one motor and the buoys installed at the bottom of the mount, one on each side of the frame.

Detailed description of the invention

In accordance with the above figures, the "ARTICULATED MOUNT FOR SECURING AN OUTBOARD MOTOR IN WATER VESSELS", purpose of the present patent, comprises a mount with pivoting movement for securing outboard motors in vessels.
In more detail, the articulated mount (1) consists of two rigid structures (2) of high strength consisting of metal tubes reinforced with metal sheets, which are secured to the rear portions of the sides of the vessel (3) or at the rear corners, by means of bearings (4), making it possible to install inflatable buoys (5) in any portion of said frame. The rigid structures (2) still present appropriate conformations for the couplings of the respective outboard motors (6).
Each rigid frame (2) is installed on the rear portion of the vessel (3), so that in its working position it is locked in transverse to the stern. And in the open position each rigid frame (2) is orthogonal to the vessel (3), so that the stern is free for loading and unloading and the buoys (5) provide greater stability on the vessel, in this position.
Said bearings (4) allow the rigid structures (2) to move rotationally in asymmetry, from the center to the sides, making an arc of the order of 180°.
Locks, not shown in the figures, are envisaged to keep the mount (1) stable both in its working position and in the open position. Said locks are sized according to the power, size and weight of the vessel (3).
The described mount (1) provides for the use of two outboard motors, however optionally for the use of only one motor (6), the mount (1A) may consist of two frames of different sizes, since the frame (2A), to which the outboard motor (6) is secured, has a larger dimension than the frame (2B), so that said motor (6) is positioned in the transverse central portion of the vessel (3).
It is understood that when the present invention is put into practice, modifications may be introduced with regard to certain details of construction and form, without this implying departing from the fundamental principles that are clearly substantiated in the set of claims, thus being understood that the terminology employed was for the purpose of description and not limitation.

Claims

"ARTICULATED MOUNT FOR SECURING AN OUTBOARD MOTOR IN WATER VESSELS", characterized by comprising two rigid structures (2) of high strength consisting of metallic tubes reinforced with metal sheets (7), which are secured to the rear portions of the sides of the vessel (3) or at the rear corners, by means of bearings (4).
[039] "ARTICULATED MOUNT FOR SECURING AN OUTBOARD MOTOR IN WATER VESSELS", according to claim 1, is characterized in that the rigid structures (1) present pivoting movement and move rotationally in asymmetry, from the center to the sides, making an arc of the order of 180° and appropriate conformations for the couplings of the respective outboard motors (6).
"ARTICULATED MOUNT FOR SECURING AN OUTBOARD MOTOR IN WATER VESSELS", according to claim 1, characterized in that each rigid frame (2) it is possible to install inflatable buoys (5) in any part of the lower portion.
"ARTICULATED MOUNT FOR SECURING AN OUTBOARD MOTOR IN WATER VESSELS", according to claim 1, is characterized in that each rigid frame (2) is installed on the rear portion of the vessel (3), so that in its working position it is locked transversely to the stern.
"ARTICULATED MOUNT FOR SECURING AN OUTBOARD MOTOR IN WATER VESSELS", according to claim 1 it is characterized in that in the open position the rigid structures (2) are orthogonal to the vessel (3) and the inflatable buoys (5) act to provide greater stability in the vessel (3).
"ARTICULATED MOUNT FOR SECURING AN OUTBOARD MOTOR IN WATER VESSELS", according to claim 1 is characterized in that locks, not shown in the figures, are provided to keep the support (1) stable both in its working position and in the open position.
"ARTICULATED MOUNT FOR SECURING AN OUTBOARD MOTOR IN WATER VESSELS", according to claim 1 is characterized in that optionally the support (1A) may consist of two frames of different sizes, since the frame (2A), on which the outboard motor (6) is secured, has a larger dimension than the frame (2B), so that said motor (6) is positioned in the central transverse portion of the vessel (3).