US20240034441A1 - Kayak Motor and Motor Mounting Apparatus - Google Patents
Kayak Motor and Motor Mounting Apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20240034441A1 US20240034441A1 US17/980,368 US202217980368A US2024034441A1 US 20240034441 A1 US20240034441 A1 US 20240034441A1 US 202217980368 A US202217980368 A US 202217980368A US 2024034441 A1 US2024034441 A1 US 2024034441A1
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- mounting
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- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 description 2
- HBBGRARXTFLTSG-UHFFFAOYSA-N Lithium ion Chemical compound [Li+] HBBGRARXTFLTSG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000003339 best practice Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002803 fossil fuel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001416 lithium ion Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000000630 rising effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000003839 salts Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000003673 urethanes Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B34/00—Vessels specially adapted for water sports or leisure; Body-supporting devices specially adapted for water sports or leisure
- B63B34/26—Accessories for canoes, kayaks or the like
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- 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
- B63H20/02—Mounting of propulsion units
- B63H20/06—Mounting of propulsion units on an intermediate support
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
- Connection Of Motors, Electrical Generators, Mechanical Devices, And The Like (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention is a motor and motor mounting system for kayaks and other watercraft. The mounting system uses a set of mounting plates and a mounting knuckle that are can be attached directly to a wide variety of kayak stern shapes. The mounting system further utilizes a unique slot system along with a pivoting bracket to keep the motor in line with the direction of travel when lowered or upright and out of the water when raised. The present invention is further comprised of a motor to propel the kayak and a motor controller system allowing user control.
Description
- The present invention relates generally to watercraft propulsion. More specifically, the present invention is a motor and motor mounting apparatus for kayaks and other watercraft.
- Kayaks and other watercraft often have a tapered sterns to minimize hydrodynamic drag and help cut through the water. Typically, these crafts also have a shallow draft which allows them to float in shallow water. Further, there is a wide range of unique stern shapes that vary by brand, size, and other factors.
- These properties make mounting a motor system to a kayak or watercraft difficult. Current motor mounts rely on clamping or mounting a motor to a flat surface or a specialty mounting area. Some motor mounts have attempted to fix the problem with motor mounts that are bulky, obtrusive, non-aerodynamic, and difficult to utilize. Further, these motor mounts are typically just means for mounting a conventional electric or gasoline outboard motor. Further attempts to create a kayak motor mount required substantial modification, drilling, or cutting.
- At the present time, no motor and motor mounting system exists which allows a kayak or watercraft user to further utilize their kayak or watercraft without the drag and handling issues associated with an appendage extending into the water.
- Therefore, there is a need for a motor and motor mounting system that can be mounted to the stern of a wide variety of kayaks and watercraft, easily and without significant modification. Further, there is a need for a system which allows a user to quickly engage and utilize the motor, and then be able to disengage and stow the motor in a manner that provides little or no drag and no changes to the handling of the kayak or watercraft.
- The present invention relates to an apparatus which mounts directly to the stern of a kayak or watercraft and a motor which propels the kayak or watercraft. The present invention is comprised of a motor assembly, pivoting bracket, mounting knuckle, and a set of mounting plates.
- The mounting plates being affixed or mounted directly to the stern surface of the kayak or watercraft. The mounting plates are connected to the mounting knuckle to provide a solid base or mount for the present invention. The pivoting bracket is pivotally connected to the mounting knuckle and the motor assembly is rotatably connected to the pivoting bracket.
- The pivoting bracket is further comprised of a unique set of slots which allow the motor assembly to be in line with the direction of travel when lowered or in an upright position when raised. The motor assembly is buoyant so when not in use, the motor will automatically raise and lower drag, yet when activated, the motor assembly will automatically lower into the proper position. Further, the motor assembly can be fully raised out of the water with the use of a lift cord or other means.
- The unique mounting system along with the adjustable features, allows the present invention to be mounted and adjusted to fit a wide variety of kayaks and watercraft. Further, the raising and lowering functions of the system reduces drag, maintains the handling capabilities of the kayak or watercraft, and allows the kayak or watercraft to operate in shallow water.
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FIG. 1 shows a left top prospective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 shows a left elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 3 shows a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 4 shows a bottom plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 5 shows a front elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 6 shows a rear elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 8 shows a cross section view with the preferred embodiment in the deep water position. -
FIG. 9 shows a cross section view with the preferred embodiment in the shallow water position. -
FIG. 10 shows a cross section view with the preferred embodiment in the upright position. -
FIG. 11 shows the motor controller system of the preferred embodiment. - All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
- The present invention is a kayak motor and motor mounting apparatus. In the preferred embodiment the present invention comprises a
motor assembly 10, a set ofmounting plates 28, one or morepivoting brackets 30, amounting knuckle 43, and amotor controller system 65. - The
motor assembly 10 of the present invention provides the propulsion or the thrust, which propels the kayak or watercraft. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, themotor assembly 10 further comprises: ahousing body 11, amotor 19, apropeller 21, and anend cap 23. - The
housing body 11 of the preferred embodiment encases and protects the components of themotor assembly 10. Thehousing body 11 has an aerodynamic shape which reduces hydrodynamic drag. Themotor 19 being any suitable means of propulsion. In the preferred embodiment, themotor 19 is an electric motor. - The
housing body 11 is further comprised of amotor cavity 12. Themotor cavity 12 is a cavity or opening within thehousing body 11 that is shaped to mount and hold themotor 19 in the proper position and orientation. - In some embodiments the
motor 19 is mounted directly to themotor cavity 12 by attachment means such as fasteners or adhesives. In further embodiments, themotor 19 is held by a tight or friction fit within themotor cavity 12. Themotor cavity 12 in these embodiments may be further comprised of amotor plate 20 which is threaded, twist locked, or attached with other means tomotor cavity 12. In even further embodiments, themotor 19 may be attached to themotor plate 20 through means such as a fastener or adhesives. In the preferred embodiment, themotor 19 is fastened to themotor plate 20 using fasteners. Themotor plate 20 is then twist locked into the end of themotor cavity 12, withmotor 19 being further supported by themotor cavity 12. - The
propeller 21 being a means for converting rotational motions into a linear force that propels the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, thepropeller 21 is adual bladed propeller 21 having an aerodynamic shape to reduce drag when themotor 19 is not activated. Thepropeller 21 is further comprised of apropeller shaft 22. Thepropeller shaft 22 being connected to themotor 19. The propeller shaft 22 transfers rotational motion from themotor 19 to thepropeller 21. - The
end cap 23 of the present invention mates and seals the end of thehousing body 11. Theend cap 23 further serves to enclose and create a waterproof seal for themotor cavity 12. Theend cap 23 is further comprised of apropeller shaft aperture 24, which is a hole or opening that allows thepropeller shaft 22 to travel through thepropeller shaft aperture 24 and connect between themotor 19 which is mounted inside of thehousing body 11 and thepropeller 21 which is positioned outside of thehousing body 11. - In the preferred embodiment the
end cap 23 has an aerodynamic shape which further reduces hydrodynamic drag. Theend cap 23 engages or mates with thehousing body 11 to enclose and seal thehousing body 11 andmotor cavity 12. In the preferred embodiment, theend cap 23 is solvent welded or attached by adhesive to create a strong waterproof seal. Further embodiments may utilize other means such as O-rings, gaskets, or frictional fits. In the preferred embodiment, thepropeller shaft 22 and thepropeller shaft aperture 24 utilize O-rings to create a waterproof seal. Further embodiments may utilize other means to seal thepropeller shaft aperture 24 such shaft seals. - The density of the
motor assembly 10 in the preferred embodiment is a comparison of the weight of themotor assembly 10 divided by the volume of water that themotor assembly 10 displaces. In the preferred embodiment, the density of themotor assembly 10 should be less than the density of water, the density of water being 1 gram per milliliter. In other words, themotor assembly 10 should be buoyant. In further embodiments, the present invention may be designed for other types of water such as salt or brackish and therefore in those embodiments the density of water changes accordingly. - The mounting
plates 28 of the present invention are attached or mounted to the kayak or watercraft, providing a solid attachment point on the kayak or watercraft. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, two mountingplates 28 are attached to the stern of the kayak, one on either side of the stern. The two mountingplates 28 are mounted adjacent to the stern end of the kayak, so both mountingplates 28 maybe attached to the rest of the present invention. The shape of the mountingplates 28 can vary, but in the preferred embodiment, the mountingplates 28 are trapezoidal with rounded or filleted edges to further reduce hydrodynamic drag. The mountingplates 28 are shaped to follow the contour of the kayak stern and when mounted have a substantially continuous contact between the surfaces of the stern and the mountingplates 28. - The mounting
plates 28 may be attached or mounted to the kayak or watercraft utilizing any suitable means of attachment such as fasteners, bolts, or adhesives. In a preferred embodiment, the mountingplates 28 are attached through solvent welding the mountingplates 28 to the stern of the kayak. - The pivoting
brackets 30 of the present invention connect themotor assembly 10 to the mountingknuckle 43. The pivotingbrackets 30 control the orientation of themotor assembly 10 in different positions. In the upright position, themotor assembly 10 is held in a vertical orientation. While in a running position, themotor assembly 10 is held in a horizontal orientation. In some embodiments, two or more independent pivoting brackets may be used to perform the functions of the pivotingbrackets 30. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is asingle pivoting bracket 30 which is comprised of two interconnected arms, afirst arm 32 and asecond arm 35. Thefirst arm 32 andsecond arm 35 are connected and incorporated into a single component which is the pivotingbracket 30. The pivotingbracket 30 and thereby each of thefirst arm 32 and thesecond arm 35, have anupper end 31 and alower end 38. - The
upper end 31 of the pivotingbrackets 30 is pivotably connected to the mountingknuckle 43, allowing the pivotingbrackets 30 to pivot upwards and downwards about the mountingknuckle 43. - The
lower end 38 of the pivotingbrackets 30 is further comprised of one or morestraight slots 39 and one or morecurved slots 40. Thestraight slots 39 being slots or elongated openings which extend in a substantially straight manner. Thecurved slots 40 being slots or elongated openings which have a shape that follows a curve or a radius. - In the preferred embodiment, the pivoting
bracket 30 being pivotably connected to the mountingknuckle 43 creates a bracket radius as it rotates about the mountingknuckle 43. The curved slot radius or the radius that thecurved slot 40 shape follows, when compared to the bracket radius is inverted. - In the preferred embodiment, the
lower end 38 of thefirst arm 32 of the pivotingbracket 30 is comprised with astraight slot 39 and acurved slot 40. Further, thelower end 38 of thesecond arm 35 is also comprised with astraight slot 39 and acurved slot 40. Thestraight slots 39 andcurved slots 40 on each of thefirst arm 32 and the second arm being a mirrored pattern about the center axis of the pivotingbracket 30. - The
housing body 11 is further comprised ofpin apertures 13, a first number ofpins 25, a second number ofpins 26, and bushings 27. Thehousing body 11 is rotatably connected to thelower end 38 of the pivotingbrackets 30. In the preferred embodiment, thelower end 38 of thefirst arm 32 of the pivotingbracket 30 is positioned on afirst side 17 of thehousing body 11, thesecond arm 35 is positioned on thesecond side 18 of thehousing body 11. In the preferred embodiment, thepin apertures 13 are arranged along both sides of thehousing body 11. Eachpin aperture 13 is designed to receive and hold a pin with abushing 27. The pin apertures 13 are arranged in a manner to line up with thestraight slots 39 andcurved slots 40 of thelower end 38 of the pivotingbracket 30. - In the preferred embodiment, the first number of
pins 25 are arranged each with abushing 27 and then inserted through thestraight slots 39 and into thepin apertures 13 on each thefirst side 17 and thesecond side 18 of thehousing body 11. This creates a slidable connection between thehousing body 11 and pivotingbracket 30 along thestraight slots 39. - Further, in the preferred embodiment, the second number of
pins 26 are arranged each with abushing 27 and then inserted through thecurved slots 40 and into thepin apertures 13 on each thefirst side 17 and thesecond side 18 of thehousing body 11. This creates a slidable connection between thehousing body 11 and the pivotingbracket 30 along thecurved slots 40. - The mounting
knuckle 43 of the present invention is a central component in the mounting function of the present invention. The mountingknuckle 43 connects to the mountingplates 28 and further provides a solid base or attachment point. Further, the mountingknuckle 43 connects to the pivotingbrackets 30 and may be adjusted to control the position and range of motion of the pivotingbrackets 30. - In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mounting
knuckle 43 further comprises a set of knuckle hinges 44 and a set of hinge pins 45. The knuckle hinges 44 being one half of a hinge set, having slots to accept the corresponding other half of the hinge. The knuckle hinges 44 being integrated into the shape or body of the mountingknuckle 43. In the preferred embodiment, the mountingplates 28 further comprise a set of mounting plate hinges 29. The mounting plate hinges 29 being one half of a hinge set, having slots to accept the corresponding other half of the hinge. Each mountingplate 28 having one mountingplate hinge 29 that is integrated into shape or body of the mountingplate 28. In the preferred embodiment, the knuckle hinges 44 are pivotably connected to the mounting plate hinges 29 by integrating or mating their corresponding slots. The knuckle hinges 44 and the mounting plate hinges 29 are then removably connected via ahinge pin 45. - This hinged connection creates a pivotal connection between the mounting
knuckle 43 and the mountingplates 28. This pivotal connection allows a great degree of freedom and a wide range of motion when mounting the mountingplates 28. The present invention is unique in that the present invention is able to be mounted to a wide range of kayaks with their varied stern shapes. - In the preferred embodiment, the hinge pins 45 are easy to remove and install. This allows a user to quickly and conveniently attach or remove the mounting
knuckle 43,pivot brackets 30, andmotor assembly 10 from the kayak or watercraft by simply adding or removing the hinge pins 45. - In further embodiments, the mounting
plates 28 may be connected to the mountingknuckle 43 using other suitable means for a pivotal connection, such as hinges, bolts, or locking engagements. In yet further embodiments, the mountingplates 28 and the mountingknuckle 43 may be rigidly connected using means such as a rigid structure or being molded of a single piece. - The
upper end 31 of the one ormore pivoting brackets 30 are pivotally connected to the mountingknuckle 43. This pivotal connection allows the pivotingbrackets 30 to pivot upward and downward, so the pivotingbrackets 30 are capable of rising or lowering themotor assembly 10. - In the preferred embodiment, the mounting
knuckle 43 is further comprised of a mountingbore 46, afirst insert 51, and asecond insert 56. The mounting bore 46 is a bore or channel that runs horizontally through the mountingknuckle 43 and creates the pivot axis used when pivotally connecting the pivotingbrackets 30. The mounting bore 46 has afirst side 47 and asecond side 48. Thefirst insert 51 and thesecond insert 56 each have a female thread end and an interlocking end. - In the preferred embodiment, the interlocking
end 53 of thefirst insert 51 is inserted into thefirst side 47 of the mountingbore 46. The interlockingend 58 of thesecond insert 56 is inserted into thesecond side 48 of the mountingbore 46. The interlockingend 53 of thefirst insert 51 and the interlockingend 58 of thesecond insert 56 connect and mate within the mounting bore 46, creating a connection that locks thefirst insert 51 andsecond insert 56 together so they cannot rotate independently. In further embodiments, the present invention may use other versions or means for such a solid insert instead of two independent inserts, integrally molded or attached inserts, or a mountingknuckle 43 without an insert yet still containing the features of the first and second insert. - In the preferred embodiment, the mounting bore 46 is further comprised of a first guide channel 49 and a
second guide channel 50. The first guide channel 49 being a channel or groove that extends around a partial circumference of the mounting bore 46 adjacent to thefirst side 47. In the same manner, thesecond guide channel 50 extends around a partial circumference of the mounting bore 46 adjacent to thesecond side 48. - In the preferred embodiment, the
first insert 51 is further comprised of afirst protrusion 54 and thesecond insert 56 is further comprised of asecond protrusion 59. Thefirst protrusion 54 of thefirst insert 51 is positioned within and travels within the first guide channel 49. In the same manner, thesecond protrusion 59 of thesecond insert 56 is positioned within and travels within thesecond guide channel 50. Thereby, the rotational range of motion or travel of thefirst insert 51 within the mounting bore 46 is constrained or controlled by the range of travel of thefirst protrusion 54 within the first guide channel 49. In the same manner, the rotational travel of thesecond insert 56 is constrained by the range of travel of thesecond protrusion 59 within thesecond guide channel 50. - The
first insert 51 is further comprised of a number offirst insert serrations 55 and thesecond insert 56 is further comprised of a number ofsecond insert serrations 60. In the preferred embodiment the insert serrations are a set of indentations or notches located on the face of thefemale thread end 52 of thefirst insert 51 and thesecond insert 56. In the preferred embodiment, theupper end 31 of thefirst arm 32 is further comprised of afirst retainer aperture 34 and a first number ofbracket serrations 33. Thefirst retainer aperture 34 being a hole or opening that runs through thefirst arm 32 and aligns with the female threadedend 52 of thefirst insert 51. The first number ofbracket serrations 33 are a set of indentations or notches that run radially out from thefirst retainer aperture 34. In the same manner theupper end 31 of thesecond arm 35 is further comprised of asecond retainer aperture 37 and a second number of bracket serrations 36. The mountingknuckle 43 is further comprised of afirst retainer screw 61 and asecond retainer screw 62. In the preferred embodiment, the first and second retainer screws being a threaded bolt or other threaded fastener. - When attaching the pivoting
bracket 30 to the mountingknuckle 43, thefirst retainer aperture 34 is aligned with the female threadedend 52 of thefirst insert 51. Thefirst retainer screw 61 is inserted through thefirst retainer aperture 34 and threaded into thefemale thread end 52 of thefirst insert 51. The first number ofbracket serrations 33 and the first number ofinsert serrations 55 are in contact with each other in this configuration. The bracket serrations and the insert serrations have a pattern that is capable of mating or interlocking with each other. With thefirst retainer screw 61 loose or not tightened down, the bracket serrations and the insert serrations are able to be separated and the rotational orientations of thefirst insert 51 and the pivotingbracket 30 can be adjusted. When thefirst insert 51 and the pivotingbracket 30 are in the user's desired rotational orientation, thefirst retainer screw 61 is then tightened, thefirst bracket serrations 33 andfirst insert serrations 55 are pressed together and interlock, and the pivotingbracket 30 is rotatably fixed with thefirst insert 51. In this same manner thesecond insert 56 is configured, adjusted and locked in place utilizing the second bracket serrations 36, thesecond insert serrations 60, thesecond retainer aperture 37, and thesecond retainer screw 62. - The mounting
knuckle 43 is further comprised of aset screw 63 and aset screw aperture 64. Theset screw 63 being a device that is positioned inside of aset screw aperture 64 and protrudes or extends out from theset screw aperture 64. The distance theset screw 63 extends from theset screw aperture 64 and thereby the mountingknuckle 43 is adjustable by means such as threaded adjustments. In the preferred embodiment, theset screw 63 is adjusted so themotor assembly 10 impinges of rests against theset screw 63 when themotor 19 is activated. This transfers the motor's 19 force directing into the mountingknuckle 43 and thereby directly into the stern of the kayak or watercraft, thereby reducing strain on the other components of the present invention. - The
motor controller system 65 of the present invention provides the power needed to run themotor 19. Further themotor controller system 65 allows the user to control themotor 19. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, themotor controller system 65 further comprises amotor controller 66, aremote control 68, anenergy storage device 71, a sealedinlet port 69, and amotor wire 70. - In the preferred embodiment, the
motor wire 70 is electrically and communicatively linked to themotor 19 within themotor assembly 10. Themotor wire 70 runs out of themotor assembly 10 through the sealedinlet port 69. The sealedinlet port 69 being a waterproof seal that allows themotor wire 70 to exit the motor assembly in a waterproof manner. In the preferred embodiment, themotor wire 70 runs into the kayak or watercraft into a watertight area above the water line to keep the components dry. Other arrangements can be used in further embodiments, such as have some or all of themotor controller system 65 within themotor assembly 10. - The
motor wire 70 is connected to themotor controller 66, which is a device which through the communicative link is able to control the speed and state of themotor 19. Further, through the electrical link, themotor controller 66 sends energy to themotor 19. Themotor controller 66 is connected to theenergy storage device 71 which provide energy. Theenergy storage device 71 can take many forms such as lithium-ion or other types of batteries, solar cells, fuel cells, wind generators, or fossil fuel generators. - The
remote control 68 is a device which is communicatively linked to themotor controller 66 and allows the user to communicate with themotor controller 66. Thisremote control 68 can take many forms such as but not limited to a wired control pad or a wireless controller. Theremote control 68 enables the user to remotely communicate to themotor controller 66 functions such as turning themotor 19 on or off, and desiredmotor 19 rotational speed. - The present invention has been explained as a preferred embodiment, but this does not limit the present invention. Further embodiments of the present invention can take many forms, including have a
top protrusion 14 on themotor assembly 10. Thistop protrusion 14 is further comprised of alift cord eyelet 16 which allows a lift cord to the attached. By pulling the lift cord, the user is able to lift and hold themotor assembly 10 out of the water. - Further, the present invention can be constructed using varied means. In some embodiments, the present invention may be constructed of varied materials such as steel or aluminum, composites, polymers, urethanes, and other materials suited for the water environment.
- The present invention has been designed to allow the user the ability to set and control the position and orientation of the
motor assembly 10. In the preferred embodiment, thestraight slots 39 and thecurved slots 40 are designed so that when themotor assembly 10 is raised, thepropeller 21 points upwards in a substantially vertical position. As themotor assembly 10 is lowered, themotor assembly 10 is held in a substantially horizontal position, with thepropeller 21 points along the length of the kayak or watercraft. This allows themotor assembly 10 to be properly positioned to propel the kayak or watercraft in a lower position. When themotor 19 is not in use, it can be lift up and behind the keel or out of the water to reduce drag. - The
motor assembly 10 may be lifted out of the water using a lift cord. Further, the buoyant nature of themotor assembly 10 will automatically lift and float themotor assembly 10 up when themotor 19 is not activated. If themotor 19 is then subsequently activated, themotor assembly 10 will automatically lower itself into the water, due to the forward thrust of themotor 19. Further, since themotor assembly 10 is able to be lifted even when themotor 19 is activated, if themotor assembly 10 hits an obstruction while under power, themotor assembly 10 is able to be bumped or lifted up and backwards, minimizing the chances of damage. - The position of the
motor assembly 10 in the lower position may be adjusted through several methods. The first method is that the lift cord may be used to constrain how low themotor assembly 10 is able to be lowered into the water. For the second method the user can adjust thelowest motor assembly 10 position by limiting the pivotingbracket 30 travel. Since, the first and second inserts have a rotational travel that is constrained by the first and second protrusions inside the first and second guide channels. Further, since the pivotingbracket 30 may be adjusted and then rotationally fixed to the first and second insert via the insert and bracket serrations, the pivotingbracket 30 can be adjusted so the first and second protrusions stop the pivotingbracket 30 at a lowest desired point. Other embodiments and methods may be utilized with the present invention such as shims, actuators, or integrally molded extensions. - In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
motor assembly 10 has three preferred positions. An upright position, where themotor assembly 10 is lifted out of the water via a lift cord, or the buoyant nature of themotor assembly 10 floats and raises themotor assembly 10 up and behind the stern. A shallow running position where themotor assembly 10 is lowered and thepropeller 21 is in line with the length of the kayak or watercraft. In this shallow running position, themotor assembly 10 is still substantially above the keel or bottom of the boat. This position is desired traveling in shallow water such as a creek of stream. The last position is a deep water position where themotor assembly 10 is fully lowered. In this position, themotor assembly 10 is substantially below the keel or bottom of the kayak or watercraft. This is the preferred position when running in deeper water, where a user is less likely to hit an obstruction. - When the user has mounted and adjusted the present invention, it is best practice to adjust the
set screw 63 to ensure theset screw 63 impinge upon themotor assembly 10 during the activated or lowered position. When themotor assembly 10 is in a shallow water position, theset screw 63 is designed to impinge upon the front or lead end of themotor assembly 10. When themotor assembly 10 is in a deep water position, theset screw 63 is designed to impinge upon therear surface 15 of thetop protrusion 14 on themotor assembly 10. - Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (16)
1. A kayak mounted motor apparatus adapted to propel a kayak, comprising:
a set of mounting plates;
a mounting knuckle;
one or more pivoting brackets;
a motor assembly;
the set of mounting plates being attached to the kayak;
the set of mounting plates being pivotally connected to the mounting knuckle;
the one or more pivoting brackets having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the lower end of the one or more pivoting brackets further comprises one or more straight slots and one or more curved slots and the upper end of the one or more pivoting brackets being pivotally connected to the mounting knuckle; and
the motor assembly being rotatably connected to the lower end of the one or more pivoting brackets.
2. (canceled)
3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the motor assembly further comprises:
a first number of pins;
a second number of pins;
the first number of pins being slidably connected within the one or more straight slots; and
the second number of pins being slidably connected within the one or more curved slots.
4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 3 , comprising:
a bracket radius created by the one or more pivoting brackets rotating about the mounting knuckle;
a curved slot radius defined by the shape of the one or more curved slots; and
the curved slot radius is inverted compared to the bracket radius.
5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the mounting knuckle further comprises:
a set of mounting knuckle hinges;
a set of hinge pins;
the set of mounting plates further comprises a set of mounting plate hinges; and
the set of mounting plate hinges being removably connected and pivotably connected to the mounting knuckle hinges via the set of hinge pins.
6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the mounting knuckle further comprises:
a mounting bore;
a first insert;
a second insert;
the mounting bore having a first side and a second side;
the first insert having a female thread end and an interlocking end; the second insert having a female thread end and an interlocking end; the first insert being inserted into the first side of the mounting bore;
the second insert being inserted into the second side of the mounting bore; and
the interlocking end of the first insert being connected and rotatably fixed with the interlocking end of the second insert.
7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6 , wherein the mounting bore further comprises a first guide channel;
the first insert further comprises a first protrusion;
the first protrusion traveling within the first guide channel; and the rotational travel of the first insert being constrained by the first protrusion within the first channel.
8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7 , wherein
the mounting bore further comprises a second guide channel;
the second insert further comprises a second protrusion;
the second protrusion traveling within the second guide channel; and the rotational travel of the second insert being constrained by the second protrusion within the second channel.
9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7 , wherein the upper end of the one or more pivoting brackets further comprises a first arm;
the first arm further comprises a first number of bracket serrations and a first retainer aperture;
the female threaded end of the first insert further comprises a first number of insert serrations;
the mounting knuckle further comprises a first retainer screw;
the first retainer screw being inserted through the first retainer aperture and being threaded into the female threaded end of the first insert; and
the first number of bracket serrations being connected and rotatably fixed with the first number of insert serrations.
10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9 1 , wherein the upper end of the one or more pivoting brackets further comprises a second arm;
the second arm further comprises a second number of bracket serrations and a second retainer aperture;
the female threaded end of the second insert further comprises a second number of insert serrations;
the mounting knuckle further comprises a second retainer screw; the second retainer screw being inserted through the second retainer aperture and being threaded into the female threaded end of the second insert; and the second number of bracket serrations being connected and rotatably fixed with the second number of insert serrations.
11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the mounting knuckle further comprises a set screw and a set screw aperture; and
the set screw being adjustably positioned within the set screw aperture.
12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the motor assembly further comprises:
a housing body;
an end cap;
a motor;
a propeller;
the housing body further comprises a motor cavity;
the motor being mounted within the motor cavity;
the end cap enclosing the motor cavity;
the propeller further comprises a propeller shaft;
the end cap further comprises a propeller shaft aperture;
the propeller shaft traveling through the propeller shaft aperture; and
the propeller shaft being connected to the motor.
13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a density of the motor assembly that is less than a density of water.
14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a motor controller system.
15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 14 wherein the motor controller system further comprises:
a motor controller; a remote control;
an energy storage device;
a motor wire;
the motor being electrically connected to the motor wire;
the motor wire being electrically connected to the motor controller; the motor controller being electrically connected to the energy storage device; and
the remote control being communicatively linked to the motor controller.
16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 15 , wherein the remote control is wireless.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US17/980,368 US11878776B1 (en) | 2022-08-01 | 2022-11-03 | Kayak motor and motor mounting apparatus |
US29/867,919 USD1020599S1 (en) | 2022-11-03 | 2022-11-14 | Combined kayak motor and motor mounting apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
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US202263370082P | 2022-08-01 | 2022-08-01 | |
US17/980,368 US11878776B1 (en) | 2022-08-01 | 2022-11-03 | Kayak motor and motor mounting apparatus |
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US29/867,919 Continuation-In-Part USD1020599S1 (en) | 2022-11-03 | 2022-11-14 | Combined kayak motor and motor mounting apparatus |
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US11878776B1 US11878776B1 (en) | 2024-01-23 |
US20240034441A1 true US20240034441A1 (en) | 2024-02-01 |
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US17/980,368 Active US11878776B1 (en) | 2022-08-01 | 2022-11-03 | Kayak motor and motor mounting apparatus |
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US1118208A (en) * | 1914-05-25 | 1914-11-24 | John J Robinson | Canoe motor-frame. |
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US11878776B1 (en) | 2024-01-23 |
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