GB2244308A

GB2244308A - Latch assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2244308A
Application number: GB9107120A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Chester G Dubois; Thomas Westburg; Roger B Whipple
Original assignee: Outboard Marine Corp
Current assignee: Outboard Marine Corp
Priority date: 1990-05-09
Filing date: 1991-04-05
Publication date: 1991-11-27
Also published as: CA2039969A1; FR2665933A1; ITRM910284A1; GB9107120D0; IT1247850B; ITRM910284A0; BE1004654A5; JPH04228905A

Abstract

A latch assembly 34 for releasably securing upper and lower covers 30, 32 of an outboard motor 10 comprises a hook 36 on the upper cover 30 which includes a first serrated surface 42 having undercut teeth, and a one-piece latch 38 located on the lower cover 32 and which includes a relatively fixed portion 44 and a pivotal lever portion 48 having a second serrated surface 54. Surface 54 is engageable with surface 42 to permit relative movement of the surfaces 42, 54 in one direction and to prevent such movement in the opposite direction. Such an arrangement permits secure fastening together of the upper cover 30 and the lower cover 32 regardless of how the upper cover 30 sits on the lower cover 32, due to the fact that varying lengths of engagement of the serrated surfaces 42, 54 are possible. <IMAGE>

Description

LATCH ASSEMBLY BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The invention relates to latch assemblies, and, more particularly, to a latch assembly for securing a cover on an outboard motor.

Reference to Prior Art Outboard motors include an engine which is enclosed by a cover. Te cover protects the user from contact with the engine, protects the engine from water, and suppresses engine noise. Conventional motor covers are sometimes secured to the remainder of the outboard motor by a lever or hook and catch mechanism. After an upper motor cover including the catch is assembled to a lower motor cover or pan including the lever, the operator swings the lever into engagement with the catch to secure together the upper and lower covers.

Attention is directed to the following U.S. Patents: Patent No. inventor Issued 4,800,854 Boda et al. January 31, 1989 4,768,905 Reynard September 6, 1988 4,734,113 Takagi et al. March 29, 1988 4,663,807 Bozzo May 12, 1987 4,600,396 Crane et al. July 15, 1986 4,440,555 Chichester April 3, 1984 3,941,115 Tshida et al. March 2, 1976 3,924,597 Hatz et al.December 9, 1975 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention provides a latch assembly for securing together a pair of members, the latch assembly comprising a hook which is located on one of the members and which includes a first serrated surface, and a one-piece latch which is located on the other of the members and which includes a relatively fixed portion, and a pivotal lever portion extending from said fixed portion and movable between engaged and disengaged positions, the lever portion including a second serrated surface engageable with the first serrated surface when the lever is in the engaged position to permit sliding contact of the serrated surfaces with respect to each other in one direction and to prevent sliding contact of the serrated surfaces with respect to each other in a direction opposite to the one direction.

The invention also provides a latch assembly for an outboard motor cover including a pair of cover portions, the latch assembly comprising a hook which is located on one of the cover portions and which includes a first notched surface, and a one-piece latch which is located on the other of the cover portions and which includes a relatively fixed portion, and a pivotal lever portion extending from said fixed portion and movable between engaged and disengaged positions, the lever portion including a second notched surface engageable with the first notched surface to secure together the cover portions when the lever is in the engaged position.

In one embodiment, the notched surfaces are serrated and have undercut teeth to permit sliding contact of the surfaces with respect to each other in one direction and to prevent sliding contact of the surfaces with respect to each other in a direction opposite the one direction.

In one embodiment, the latch assembly further comprises resilient means engaging the lever portion of the latch for biasing the lever portion toward the engaged position In one embodiment, the one cover portion is removable and the latch assembly further comprises a guide member on the other of the cover portions for guiding the hook into contact with the lever when the one cover is assembled to the other cover so that the first notched surface engages the second notched surface.

The invention also provides an outboard motor comprising a pair of cover portions, means for releaseably connecting the cover portions, and means for urging the cover portions apart.

In one embodiment, the means for urging the cover portions apart includes a spring.

A principal feature of the invention is the provision of a latch assembly comprising a hook on one member and including a first serrated surface, and a latch on another member and including a pivotal lever portion moveable between engaged and disengaged positions and having a second serrated surface engageable with the first serrated surface to secure together the members when the lever is in the engaged position. The members can be securely fastened to each other regardless of the fit of the members since the serrated surfaces are capable of varying lengths of engagement.

Securing is automatic when the members are assembled together since the serrated surfaces permit sliding contact of the surfaces with respect to each other in one direction, but not in the opposite direction. The members may be unlatched by manually pivoting the lever to the disengaged position.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed descriptions, claims, and drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a marine propulsion device incorporating a latch assembly which embodies various of the features of the invention.

Figure 2 is a side view, partially in section, of the cover portion of the marine propulsion device shown in Figure Figure 3 is an enlarged side view, partially in section, of the latch assembly.

Figure 4 is a view of the latch assembly taken along line 4-4 in Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a rear view of the cover portion shown in Figure 2.

Figure 6 is an enlarged side view of the serrated surfaces of the latch assembly.

Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 4 and showing a latch assembly which is an alternative embodiment of the invention.

Figure 8 is a side view of the latch assembly shown in Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a rear view of the latch hook shown in Figure 7.

Figure 10 is a view taken along line 10-10 in Fig. 7.

Figure 11 is a view similar to Figure 5 and showing a second alternative embodiment of the invention.

Before one embodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION A marine propulsion device 10 embodying various features of the invention is illustrated in the drawings. In the illustrated arrangement, the marine propulsion device 10 is an outboard motor which includes a transom bracket 12 mounted on the transom 14 of a boat, a swivel bracket 16 mounted n the transom bracket 12 for pivotal movement relative thereto about a generally horizontal tilt axis 18, and a propulsion unit 20 mounted on the swivel bracket 16 for pivotal movement relative thereto about a generally vertical steering axis 22.

The propulsion unit 20 includes an internal combustion engine 24 drivingly coupled through a conventional drive train 25 to a propeller shaft 26 adapted to carry a propeller 28.

The outboard motor 10 includes a removable upper cover 30 which fits on a pan or lower cover 32 to enclose the engine 24.

The outboard motor 10 also includes means for releaseably connecting the upper cover 30 to the lower cover 32. While various means for connecting can be employed, In the illustrated arrangement, the means for connecting includes a latch assembly 34. As shown in Figure 2, the upper cover 30 is releaseably secured to the lower cover 32 by the latch assembly 34 which is located in the rear of the outboard motor 10.

While in the illustrated arrangement the latch assembly 34 is located in the rear of the outboard motor 10, in other arrangements the latch assembly 34 can be located on the front or on either or both sides of the outboard motor.

The latch assembly 34 includes a latch hook 36 and a latch 38. The latch hook 36 is mounted on the upper cover 30 by screws 40, and includes a first notched or serrated surface 42. The latch 38 includes a relatively fixed section or portion including a base portion 44 and an upwardly extending portion 45, and a hinge portion 46 adjacent the upwardly extending portion 45 and relatively thinner than adjacent portions, and a lever portion 48 spaced apart from the upwardly extending portion 45 and extending downwardly fro the hinge portion 46 so that the lever portion 48 is moveable with respect to the base portion 44 between a first or engaged position (shown in solid lines in Fig. 3) and a second or disengaged position (shown in dotted lines in Fig. 3).

Preferably, the latch 38 is an integrally formed, one-piece member. The base portion 44 is supported on the lower cover 32 and is fixed to the lower cover 32 by screws 52. The lever portion 48 includes a second notched or serrated surface 54 which is engageable with the first serrated surface 42, when the lever portion 48 is in the engaged position, to secure the hook 36 on the upper cover 30 to the latch 38 on the lower cover 32. The hook 36 and latch 38 are both preferably made of plastic, however other materials such as metal may also be used.

The means for connecting also includes means for fastening the front end of the upper cover 30 to the front end of the lower cover 32. While various conventional means for fastening can be employed, in the arrangement illustrated in Figure 2, the means for fastening includes a tongue 56 fixed to the upper cover 30, and a catch 58 fixed to the lower cover 32. Capture of the tongue 56 by the catch 58 loosely fastens together the front ends of the covers 30 and 32, and provides a hinge for raising the upper cover 30 to a disassembled position or lowering the upper cover 30 to an assembled position on the lower cover 32.

To secure together the covers 30 and 32, the upper cover 30 is simply lowered into an assembled position on the lower cover 32 so that the serrated surface 42 on the hook 36 engages the serrated surface 54 on the lever portion 48. A guide member 60 can be included on the lower cover 32. The guide member 60, in conjunction with the lever 48, forms a passage 62 for insertion of the hook 36. insertion of the hook 36 into the passage 62 insures proper positioning of the hook 36 with respect to the latch 38 so that when the covers 30 and 32 are fitted together, the serrated surfaces 42 and 54 engage one another.As shown in Figure 6, the serrated surfaces 42 and 54 each include undercut teeth, the nature of the undercut teeth being such as to create a ratchet action of the lever 48 which readily permits sliding contact of the surfaces 42 and 54 with respect to each other when the hook 36 is inserted into the passage 62, but which prevents sliding contact of the surfaces 42 and 54 with respect to each other to remove tne hook 36 from the passage 62. Thus, latching is automatic by simply lowering the upper cover 30 into assembled position on the lower cover 32.

As shown best in Figure 3, the latch 38 includes an arm portion 64 extending from the lever portion 48 into a recess 66 in the lower motor cover 32. The recess 66 allows an operator access to a manually operable handle 68 on the arm portion 64 while guarding against accidental contact of an object with the arm portion 64. To unlatch the motor covers 30 and 32, an operator simply pushes upward on the handle 68 to move the lever portion 48 to the second or disengaged positIon, thereby separating the serrated surfaces 42 and 54 and allowing removal of the hook 36 from the passage 62.

The latch assembly 34 is provided with resilient means for biasing the serrated surface 54 on the lever 48 toward the first or engaged position. While various resilient means can be employed, in the illustrated arrangement, the resilient means includes a spring 72 positioned between the lever portion 48 and the upwardly extending portion 45. The arm portion 64 has an opening 74 for housing a portion of the spring 72, and the spring 72 includes shoulders 76 for preventing lateral movement of the spring with respect to the arm portion 64. The spring 72 adds to the load required to move the lever portion 48 to the disengaged position and also serves to prevent relaxing of the hinge portion 46 due to long term creep of the material used to form the hinge portion.

The latch assembly 34 facilitates secure fastening of the upper cover 30 to the lower cover 32 regardless of how the upper cover 30 fits on the lower cover 32. As shown best in Figure 6, each of the serrated surfaces 42 and 54 preferably includes a plurality of teeth so that varying lengths of engagement of the surfaces 42 and 54 are possible. If, due to manufacturing tolerances or any other reason, the covers 30 and 32 do not fit together well when assembled, the length of engagement of the serrated surfaces 42 and 54 can be varied to insure that the covers 30 and 32 are fastened together securely. For example, if a particular upper cover 30 fits tightly on a particular lower cover 32, the hook 36 can be inserted a shorter distance into the passage 62, while if the upper cover 30 is too large, creating a sloppy fit, the hook 36 can be inserted a greater distance into the passage 62.In either situation, the latch assembly 34 securely fastens the upper cover 30 to the lower cover 32. A gasket 78 on the lower cover 32 seals the joint between the covers 30 and 32 regardless of the fit of the upper cover 30 on the lower cover 32.

An alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figures 7 through 10. The elements of the alternative embodiment are substantially the same as in the previously described embodiment except as provided below, and common elements are given the same reference numerals.

In the alternative embodiment and as shown in Figure 7, the hook 36 includes extensions 80 and 82 which extend on opposite sides of the guide member 60 when the serrated surface 42 on the hook 36 is lowered into the passage 62. tn the illustrated arrangement the extensions 80 and 82 include respective holes 84 and 86.

While in the previous embodiment the guide member 60 and the latch 38 are separate, in the alternative embodiment, the guide member 60 and the latch 38 form portions of an integral unit 88 which includes holes 90 for receiving screws 91 or other fasteners to secure the unit 88 to the lower cover 32.

In the alternative embodiment, means are provided for urging or biasing the covers 30 and 32 apart. While various means for urging the covers 30 and 32 apart can be employed, in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 7-10, the means for urging includes a helical spring 92 having opposite hooked ends 94 and 96 which are respectively received by the holes 84 and 86 in the extensions 80 and 82. The spring 92 is placed in tension by its engagement with the upper end of the guide member 60 when the serrated surface 42 on the hook 36 is lowered into the passage 62. Projections 98 on the upper end of the guide member 60 substantially prevent the spring 92 from sliding off the upper end of the guide member 60.

Latching together of the upper cover 30 and lower cover 32 is as previously described, except that the operator must exert pressure on the top of the upper cover 30 to overcome resistance of the spring 92 to being placed in tension when the hook 36 is inserted into the passage 62 and the spring 92 engages the guide member 60. When the handle 68 is operated to unlatch the covers 30 and 32, the tension in the spring 92 causes the spring 92 to straighten. This causes upward movement of the latch hook 36 relative to the latch 38 and hereby causes the upper cover 30 to automatically pop up off the lower cover 32. Thus, an operator can unlatch the covers 30 and 32 and remove the upper cover 30 with one hand. The addition of the spring 92 in the alternative embodiment represents an optional feature which can be added to the previous embodiment if desired.

While in the illustrated arrangement the spring 92 is located on the hook 36, in other arrangements the spring 92 could be located on the latch 38.

A second alternative embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Fig. 11. Except as described below, the second alternative embodiment is identical to the first embodiment, and common elements have been given the same reference numerals. In the second alternative embodiment, the means for urging the covers 30 and 32 apart includes a spring 100 which is supported on the lower cover 32 and which is engageable with the upper cover 30 such that the spring 100 is compressed when the covers 30 and 32 are latched together. The spring 100 causes the upper cover 30 to automatically pop up from the lower cover 32 when the covers 30 and 32 are unlatched. The spring 100 represents an optional feature which can be added to either of the previous embodiments if desired.

While in the arrangement illustrated in Figure 11 the spring 100 is located on the lower cover 32, in other arrangements the spring 100 can be in other locations, such as on the upper cover 30.

Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A latch assembly for securing together a pair cf members, said latch assembly comprising a hook which is located on one of the members and which includes a first serrated surface, and a one-piece latch which is located on the other of the members and which includes a relatively fixed portion, and a pivotal lever portion extending from said fixed portion and moveable between engaged and disengaged positions, said lever portion including a second serrated surface engageable with said first serrated surface when said lever portion is in the engaged position to permit sliding contact of said serrated surfaces with respect to each other in one direction and to prevent sliding contact of said serrated surfaces with respect to each other in a direction opposite to said one direction.

2. A latch assembly as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said latch includes an arm portion extending from said lever portion to facilitate movement of said lever portion to the disengaged position.

3. A latch assembly as set forth in Claim 1, and further comprising resilient means on said latch for biasing said lever portion toward the engaged position.

4. A latch assembly as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said latch includes a hinge portion between said relatively fixed portion and said lever portion, and wherein said relatively fixed portion includes an upwardly extending portion adjacent said hinge portion, and wherein said lever portion is spaced apart from said upwardly extending portion and extends downwardly from said hinge portion.

5. A latch assembly as set forth in Claim 4, wherein said hinge portion includes a portion relatively thinner than adjacent portions.

6. A latch assembly as set forth in Claim 1 wherein said latch is made of plastic.

7. A latch assembly as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said serrated surfaces each include undercut teeth.

8. A latch assembly as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said latch assembly further includes means between the members for urging the members apart.

9. A latch assembly as set forth in Claim 8, wherein said means for urging includes a spring.

10. A latch assembly as set forth in Claim 9, wherein said spring is supported on one of said hook and said latch and engages the other of said hook and said latch when said first serrated surface engages said second serrated surface.

11. A latch assembly as set forth In Claim 10, wherein said spring is in tension when engaged with the other of said hook and said latch.

12. A latch assembly for an outboard motor engine cover including a pair of cover portions, said latch assembly comprising a hook which is located on one of said cover portions and which includes a first notched surface, and a one-piece latch which is located on the other of the cover portions and which includes a relatively fixed portion, and a pivotal lever portion extending from said fixed portion and moveable between engaged and disengaged positions, said lever portion including a second notched surface engageable with said first notched surface to secure together the cover portions when said lever is in the engaged position.

13. A latch assembly as set forth in Claim 12, wherein one of said notched surfaces is serrated.

14. A latch assembly as set forth in Claim 13, wherein the other of said notched surfaces is serrated, and wherein the teeth of said serrated surfaces are undercut to permit sliding contact of said surfaces with respect to each other in one direction and to prevent sliding contact of said surfaces with respect to each other in a direction opposite to said one direction.

15. A latch assembly as set forth in Claim 14, said latch assembly further comprising a hinge portion, wherein said relatively fixed portion includes an upwardly extending portion, and wherein said hinge portion is located between said upwardly extending portion and said lever portion, said lever portion being spaced apart from said upwardly extending portion and extending downwardly from said hinge portion.

16. A latch assembly as set forth in Claim 15, wherein said hinge portion includes a portion relatively thinner than adjacent portions.

17. A latch assembly as set forth in Claim 16, and further comprising resilient means engaging the relatively fixed portion and engaging said lever portion for urging said lever portion toward the engaged position.

18. A latch assembly as set forth in Claim 17, the one cover portion being removable, wherein said latch assembly further comprises a guide member on the other of the cover portions for guiding said hook into contact with said lever when the one cover is fitted on the other cover so that said first notched surface engages said second notched surface.

19. A latch assembly as set forth in Claim 12, wherein said latch assembly further includes means for urging the cover portions apart.

20. A latch assembly as set forth in Claim 19, wherein said means for urging includes a spring.

21. A latch assembly as set forth in Claim 20, wherein said spring is supported on one of said hook and said latch and engages the other of said hook and said latch when said first notched surface engages said second notched surface

22. A latch assembly as set forth in Claim 21, wherein said spring is in tension when engaged with the other of said hook and said latch.

23. A latch assembly as set forth in Claim 20, wherein said spring is on one of the cover portions and is engageable with the other of the cover portions, and wherein said spring is compressed when engaged with the other of the cover portions.

24. An outboard motor comprising a pair of cover portions, means for releaseably connecting said cover portions, and means for urging said cover portions apart.

25. An outboard motor as set forth in Claim 24, wherein said outboard motor further includes a propeller shaft and an engine drivingly connected to said propeller shaft, and wherein said pair of cover portions enclose said engine.

26. An outboard motor as set forth in Claim 25, wherein said means for urging includes a spring.

27. An outboard motor as set forth in Claim 26, wherein said means for releaseably connecting includes a latch on one of said cover portions and a hook which is located on the other of said cover portions and which is engageable with said latch, and wherein said spring is supported on one of said hook and said latch and is engageable with the other of said hook and said latch when said hook engages said latch.

28. An outboard motor as set forth in Claim 27, wherein said spring is in tension when engaged with the other of said hook and said latch.

29. An outboard motor as set forth in Claim 26, wherein said spring is on one of said cover portions and is engageable with the other of said cover portions.

30. An outboard motor as set forth in Claim 29, wherein said spring is in compression when said cover portions are connected.

31. A latch assembly for an outboard motor cover including a first cover portion and a removeable second cover portion, said latch assembly comprising a hook cn one of the cover portions and including a first serrated surface with undercut teeth, a one-piece latch on the other of the cover portions and including a relatively fixed portion having an upwardly extending portion, a hinge portion adjacent said upwardly extending portion and including a portion relatively thinner than said upwardly extending portion, a pivotal lever portion spaced apart from said upwardly extending portion and extending downwardly from said hinge portion and moveable between engaged and disengaged positions, said lever portion including a second serrated surface having undercut teeth and engageable with said first serrated surface when said lever is in the engaged position to permit sliding contact of said serrated surfaces with respect to each other in one direction and to prevent sliding contact of said serrated surfaces with respect to each other in a direction opposite to said one direction, and an arm portion extending from said lever portion to facilitate movement of said lever portion to the disengaged position, and resilient means between said lever portion and said upwardly extending portion for urging said lever portion into the engaged position.

32. A latch assembly for securing together a pair of members, the assembly being substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 6 cr Figures 7 so 10 or Figure 11 of the accompanying drawings.

3. An outboard motor substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 te r' or.

Figures 7 to 10 or Figure 11 of the accompanyIng drawings. Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. A latch assembly for securing together a pair of members, said latch assembly comprising a hook which is located on one of the members and which includes a first serrated surface, and a one-piece latch which is located on the other of the members and which includes a relatively fixed portion, and a lever portion movable toward and from said fixed portion and between engaged and disengaged positions and including a second serrated surface engageable with said first serrated surface when said lever portion is in the engaged position to permit sliding contact of said serrated surfaces with respect to each other in one direction and to prevent sliding contact of said serrated surfaces with respect to each other in a direction opposite to said one direction, and a hinge portion connecting said fixed and lever portions and affording movement of said lever portion toward and from said fixed portion and between said engaged and disengaged positions.

3. A latch assembly as set forth in Claim 1 or 2, and further comprising resilient means on said latch for biasing said lever portion toward the engaged position.

4. A latch assembly as set forth in Claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said relatively fixed portion includes an upwardly extending portion adjacent said hinge portion, and wherein said lever portion is spaced apart from said upwardly extending portion and extends downwardly from said hinge portion.

5. A latch assembly as set forth in any preceding claim, wherein said hinge portion includes a portion relatively thinner than adjacent portions.

6. A latch assembly as set forth in any preceding claim, wherein said latch is made of plastic.

7. A latch assembly as set forth in any preceding claim, wherein said serrated surfaces each include undercut teeth.

8. A latch assembly as set forth in any preceding claim, wherein said latch assembly further includes means between the members for urging the members apart.

12. A latch assembly for an outboard motor engine cover including a pair of cover portions, said latch assembly comprising a hook which isq located on one of said cover portions and which includes a first notched surface, and a one-piece latch which is located on the other of the cover portions and which includes a relatively fixed portion, and a lever portion movable toward and from said fixed portion and between engaged and disengaged positions and including a second notched surface engageable with said first notched surface to secure together the cover portions when said lever is in the engaged position, and a hinge portion connecting said fixed and lever portions and affording movement of said lever portion toward and from said fixed portion and between said engaged and disengaged positions.

15. A latch assembly as set forth in any one of Claims 12 to 14, wherein said relatively fixed portion includes an upwardly extending portion, and wherein said hinge portion is located between said upwardly extending portion and said lever portion, said lever portion being spaced apart from said upwardly extending portion and extending downwardly from said hinge portion.

16. A latch assembly as set forth in any one of Claims 12 to 15, wherein said hinge portion includes a portion relatively thinner than adjacent portions.

17. A latch assembly as set forth in any one of Claims 12 to 16, and further comprising resilient means engaging the relatively fixed portion and engaging said lever portion for urging said lever portion toward the engaged position.

18. A latch assembly as set forth in any one of Claims 12 to 17, the one cover portion being removable, wherein said latch assembly further comprises a guide member on the other of the cover portions for guiding said hook into contact with said lever when the one cover is fitted on the other cover so that said first notched surface engages said second notched surface.

19. A latch assembly as set forth in any one of Claims 12 to 18, wherein said latch assembly further includes means for urging the cover portions apart.

21. A latch assembly as set forth in Claim 20, wherein said spring is supported on one of said hook and said latch and engages the other of said hook and said latch when said first notched surface engages said second notched surface.

23. A latch assembly as set forth in Claim 20, 21 or 22, and further including, in addition to said spring, a sealing member between the cover portions, wherein said spring is on one of the cover portions and is engageable with the other of the cover portions, and wherein said spring is compressed when engaged with the other of the cover portions.

24. An outboard motor comprising a pair of cover portions, means for releasably connecting said cover portions including a hook which is located on one of said cover portions and which includes a first notched surface, and a one-piece latch which is located on the other of said cover portions and which includes a relatively fixed portion, and a lever portion extending from said fixed portion, movable between engaged and disengaged positions, and including a second notched surface engageable with said first notched surface to secure together said cover portions when said lever is in the engaged position, a sealing member between said cover portions, and means, in addition to said sealing member, for urging said cover portions apart.

26. An outboard motor as set forth in Claim 24 or 25, wherein said means for urging includes a spring.

27. An outboard motor as set forth in Claim 26, wherein said spring is supported on one of said hook and said latch and is engageable with the other of said hook and said latch when said hook engages said latch.

29. An outboard motor as set forth in Claim 26, 27 or 28, wherein said spring is on one of said cover portions and is engageable with the other of said cover portions.