US2679766A

US2679766A - Control for outboard motors

Info

Publication number: US2679766A
Application number: US113964A
Authority: US
Inventors: Henry W Jacobsen; Otto C Schweitzer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1949-09-03
Filing date: 1949-09-03
Publication date: 1954-06-01
Anticipated expiration: 1971-06-01

Description

June 1954 H. w. JACO BSEN ET AL cdNTRoL FOR OUTBOARD MOTORS Filed Sept. 3, 1949 3, l9 INVENTORS ATTORNEYS Z5 30 Henry W Jowobsen Betta Schweitzer 5am r- 2w Patented June 1, 1954 CONTROL FOR OUTBOARD MOTORS Henry W. J acobsen, Cleveland Heights, and Otto C. Schweitzer, Cleveland, Ohio Application September 3, 1949, Serial No. 113,964

11 Claims.

This invention relates to control devices for outboard motors and more particularly to devices for remotely controlling both the speed and the steerage of conventional outboard motors.

In the operation of a small boat equipped with an outboard motor on the stern or transom, it is frequently desirable for the operator to be positioned ahead of the rear seat. Of the numerous makes and models of outboard motors in use and available on the market, most are so designed and constructed as to require the operator to be positioned relatively close to the motor. This arrangement results in the concentration of weight in the rear, undesirable from the point of view both of safety and of efficiency, as well as comfort.

Devices previously proposed for remotely controlling outboard motors have been objectionable because of their complicated character, their excessive cost or the necessity of modification of the motor. Some outboard motors are originally designed or equipped with steering and speed controlling arms sufiiciently long to permit the operator to take a position ahead of the rear seat of the boat. Remote control equipment of such character is, however, of use only with the particular motor for which it is designed and is not adaptable to existing motors and motors of other makes.

It is therefore one of the principal objects of I the present invention to provide a simple and inexpensive remote control device adapted for quick and easy attachment to conventional outboard motors without modification or disassembly of such motors. More specifically, the invention aims to provide a generally improved remote control device that can be attached to conventional outboard boat motors of the type that are turned bodily about an upright axis to angle the propeller in steering or guiding the boat and that have a movable speed governing lever for regulating either the carburization or ignition timing, or both the carburization and the ignition timing. One aspect of the invention is concerned with the provision of a relatively long control handle that reduces the effort required of the operator and minimizes strain and fatigue.

Another object is to provide, in a dual control wherein both speed and steerage are controlled by a single extension arm, a rotative control element remotely actuated in combination with a linkage between the rotative control element and the speed governing lever of the motor, the linkage being arranged and connected to limit the rotative movement of the control element so that rotation of the extension arm, required for speed of the motor.

regulation, is restricted to a relatively small anularity. This arrangement permits the extension arm to be pivotally connected at the motor end for up and down swinging action to suit the convenience of the operator.

A further object is to provide a remote control device for conventional outboard motors which incorporates both speed governing and steering features and is readily attached to and removed from conventional motors Without special tools or equipment and without modification, disassembly, or re-arrangement of the parts of the conventional motor.

As a preferential arrangement, the device of the present invention includes a bracket member adapted for rigid attachment to the outboard motor as by clamping on the tiller or steering arm of the motor. The bracket member mounts a control element 'rotative about its own axis and connected by linkage to the speed governing lever Remote control of both steerage and speed is efiected by an extension arm swingably connected at one end to the control element as by a pin and clevis. The extension arm, while being movable up and down about an axis transverse to the rotative axis of the control element to suit the convenience of the operator and to facilitate 180 turning of the motor for reverse operation, is entirely effective to monitor the motor when moved laterally or from side to side for steering control.

Other objects and advantages relate to certain combinations and arrangements of parts which obtain simplicity in design, economy in manufacture, and efficiency in operation and are apparent in the following detailed description of the invention. This description is made in connection with the accompanying drawings incorporated herein and forming a part of the specification. Like parts throughout the several views are indicated by the same letters and numerals of reference.

In the drawings: I

Figure 1 is a fragmentary perspective view, partly diagrammatic, showing a remote control device incorporating the principles of the present invention, the device being attached to a conventional outboard motor mounted on the stern or rear transom of a small fiat bottomed boat;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary side elevational view, partly in section and with parts broken away and removed, showing the boat, motor, and control device of Fig. 1 and enlarged with respect to that figure;

Fig. 3 is an elevational .view, partly in section,

with parts removed and partly diagrammatic,

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary top plan view, partly diagrammatic, showing the connection of the speed governing linkage to the speed lever of the motor and the parts in different positions and limits of movement;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary plan view of the control element and related parts, with parts broken away and removed, this view being taken substantially on the line indicated at 55 of Fig. 2 and enlarged with respect to that figure.

The illustrated remote speed and steerage con trol device incorporating the principles of the present invention is shown as an attachment to a conventional outboard motor M mounted on stern or rear transom l of a fiat bottom boat B. The motor assembly includes a sheet metal casing 2 and an upright drive shaft (not shown) enclosed in an elongated tube that extends through a fixed support and guide sleeve 3 of a bracket adjustably pivotedon a horizontal pin 4 carried by a clamp 5 which grips the boat transom I. The fuel tank for the motor is incorporated in the casing 2 and the speed of the motor is governed by a movable lever S that projects through a horizontal arcuate slot 1 in the motor casing. The specific construction of the motor forms no part of the present invention and the motor components illustrated are merely representative of a number of commercial designs currently available and with which the present remote control can be used.

The speed governing lever B swings about an upright axis which may be the axis of the main drive shaft of 'the motor, the upper end of such shaft having a screw or cap 3. The lever 6 is conventionally connected to a speed governor such as a shiftable magneto assembly (not shown) so that shifting of the lever from left to right, as viewed in Figs. 1 and 3 effects speed increase of the motor. Reverse movement of the lever B, to the left as viewed in the same figures, reduces motor speed.

The entire motor casing 2, with the motor components enclosed therein, are bodily turnable about the upright axis of the main drive shaft which is coaxial to the guide sleeve 3. This turning action of the motor effects a like turning or angling of the propeller (not shown) so as to effect steering of the boat. The propeller is secured on a horizontal short shaft journaled in the lower end of housing 9. The main vertical drive shaft is also journaled in the housing 9 and connects the crankshaft of the motor to the short propeller shaft. The housing 9 turns with the motor casing 2, being connected thereto as by a tube that encloses the upright main drive shaft and is rotatable in the sleeve 3. The motor is conventionally supplied with a steering arm or tiller handle that includes a portion l rigidly secured to one side of the casing 2 or to the motor frame so that the operator, sitting on stern seat H, can turn the motor from side to side about its upright axis by manipulation of the tiller arm. The tiller arm may also include an end or extension portion i2 swingable up and down as on a horizontal pivot pin M carried in the end of the rigidly attached portion H3.

The present remote control device or extension attachment is an easily applied and removed unit that includes a bracket member which is rigidly secured to the motor M, this bracket member serving as a support for the movable components of the device. Although this bracket member may be clamped or bolted to the motor frame, it is a feature of the invention that the bracket member is made for facile attachment to the tiller arm of the motor, preferably having a portion in the form of a clamp receivable in embracing relation about the motor tiller arm Hi. The bracket, preferably of cast or forged metal, is formed at one end with a channel portion I6 of inverted U-shape end section, the tiller arm being received in the channel and clamped or retained in place as by a metal plate i! secured to the bracket by cap screws I8.

The other end of the bracket member 15, remote from the channel portion I8, is formed with a tubular journal [9 that receives spindle or pin 20 of an elongated control element 2-l. The control element is thus mounted for rotative movement about its own axis in laterally offset relation with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tiller arm !0.

Extending as a continuation of the control element 2|, and so as to be in a position convenient to an operator on beam seat 22 of the boat B, is an elongated arm or element 24, the control element 2| and the extension element 24 com prising a jointed extension handle. The joint between these components of the extension handle is in the form of an elongated clevis connection. Prongs 25 of the bifurcated clevis are preferably formed on the control element 2| and a reduced or rectangular sectioned end portion 26 of the extension handle 24 is snugly received between the prongs 25. A shouldered thumb screw 2'! extends freely through one of the clevis prongs 25 and the handle portion 26 and is threaded into the other prong 25 to serve as a pivot and to clamp the portion 26 between the clevis prongs. The axis of the thumb screw is generally horizontal so that, within the range of customary control movements, the swinging of the extension handle element 24 in the clevis joint is generally up and down. By tightening the thumb screw 21 the clevis prongs 25, which are formed of resilient metal, are clamped tightly against the sides of the reduced end portion 25 of the extension to retain the latter in any desired position of angularity with respect to the rotative control element 2|.

Horizontal side to side movement of the extension handle 24 is transmitted through the control element 2! and the bracket member [5 to the tiller arm [8 of the motor, causing the motor to turn in the supporting sleeve 3 and thereby angling the motor propeller in the chosen direction to effect desired steering of the craft. The gripping of the axially elongated portion 26 of the extension arm 24 (the latter preferably being formed of a tough strong wood such as oak, hickory or ash) by the elongated clevis prongs 25 resists relative turning of one part with respect to the other, thus eliminating play and backlash in the steering control and supporting the arm 24 in any desired position of adjustment.

In the present device the throttle lever B is shifted by turning or twisting the control element 2| about its own axis, this rotative movement being effected remotely through the wooden extension element 24 which is fitted at its outer end with a cross pin 23.

Th control element is connected by linkage to the throttle lever so that the operator, by manipulation of the handle element 24, remotely controls both speed and direction of the craft. Extending laterally from the body portion of the control element 2| is a throttle actuating lever 30, this lever being attached to th control element for movement therewith and so as to swin over an arcuate path during rotative movement of the element. In the illustrated arrangement, the lever is a circular metal rod received through a bore in the control element 2| and held against axial displacement as by cotter pins 29 which bear against the control element 2|. The upper end of the lever 30 is split or bifurcated to receive one end of a metal link bar 3| retained as by a pin 32. The other end of the link is secured by removable bolt or pin 34 in the split or clevis end of a clamping element or fitting 33 secured on the movable throttle control lever B. The swinging lever turns about its axis to permit lateral swinging of the link 3| as th latter is shifted longitudinally in operating the speed control lever 6 of the motor. This turning of the lever 38 permits the link 3| to follow the curved path of the speed control lever without distortion or excessive strain of the parts.

The clamping element is formed with a through aperture 35 that is received over the end of the speed lever 6. A thumb screw 36 threaded through the Wall of the clamping element and engageable against the speed lever retains the clamping element in place.

The aperture 35 for receiving the speed lever B is of triangular shape in the illustrative embodiment of the invention, apertures of other shapes also being employed, when desired, to accommodate the various types and shapes of speed levers encountered in the field.

Movement of the speed regulating lever B from side to side governs th motor speed by advancing or retarding the spark, by increasing or decreasing the fuel supply to the cylinders, or by both changing the spark and the fuel supply.

This regulation of the motor is normally eifected l by manually swinging or moving the speed lever 6 over a path limited by the structure of the motor. The range of the speed lever movement is indicated in Figs. 3 and 4 wherein the left hand broken lines of Fig. 3 and the uppermost broken lines of Fig. 4 illustrate a stopping or inactive position of the speed lever in which the ignition is shorted and operation of the motor is prevented. The right hand broken lines of Fig. 3 and the lower broken lines of Fig. 4 illustrate high speed position of the regulating lever B in which the spark is advanced and the fuel supply to the cylinders is maximum. In both of the figures referred to, the solid lines indicate the starting or low speed position of the control lever 6 in which the spark is relatively retarded and the fuel supply to the cylinders is at a minimum.

Shifting of the speed lever 6 from one limit of movement to the other involves a relatively small rotative movement of the control element 2|, such movement being of the order of about 90 or less, as illustrated by the broken line positions of the lever 3!) in Fig. 3. Rotative movement of the control element 2| in excess of about to about is objectionable for the reason that in the extreme positions, the effectiveness of the steering action through the clevis joint connecting the extension arm 24 to the control element 2| is impaired. In the present device the rotative movement of the control element 2| is limited by the linkage connecting it to the speed lever i. This linkage prevents inadvertent twisting or rotating of the extension handle beyond the limits within which steerage is effectively maintained through the clevis joint between the extension handle elements 2| and 24. Increasing the length of the actuating lever 30 has the efiect of reducing the permitted rotative movement of the control element 2|, while shortening the lever increases such movement. An arrangement in which th efiective length of the actuating lever 3|] is substanitally equal to the projected length of the path of that point of the speed lever 6 to which the clamping element 33 is secured, over the operating range of the speed lever, satisfactorily limits the rotative move-ment of the control element.

Although the control element 2| may be arranged to rotate about an axis paralleling the longitudinal axis of the tiller arm II], it is preferable to incline the control element axis upwardly so that, as shown in Fig. 2, the element 24 of the extension handle, when aligned with the turning axis of the control element, extends upwardly and away from its point of attachment to the motor. The inclination of the rotative axis of the control element relative to the axis of the tiller arm Iii, permits a relatively wider range of up and down swinging movement of the extension arm or element 24 in adjusting the remote control to suit different operators.

Some motors are so constructed that they may be turned in the sleeve 3 of the supporting bracket through 360, this complete turning permitting backing of the craft to which the'motor is attached. For such a maneuver the extension element or handle 24 of the present invention is shifted to an upright position such as illustrated by the broken lines of Figs. 1 and 2. With the extension arm in this upright position, the motor can be readily turned or swung through 180 for reversing the craft, the upper end of the handle being conveniently positioned above the top of the motor for grasping by the operator who thus retains steerage control while reversing.

The present remote control device comprises a simple and inexpensive unit of few parts. This unit is quickly and easily attached to or removed from several makes and models of conventional outboard motors without the use of special tools and without modifying or altering the motor to which it is attached. The greater length of the extension handle element 24 as compared to the relatively short tiller arm or handle |0|2 of the standard or conventional motor, reduces operator fatigue, particularly on long runs, and permits the operator to steer the craft by conventional angling of the propeller while the operator is positioned in the craft ahead of the rear seat The device not only provides steerage controlbut also maintains positive control over the speed through the linkage connection comprising the lever element 30 and the link element 3|.

In the event of a sudden tilting forward of the motor M about its pivot support 4, such as might occur upon striking an underwater obstacle, the extension arm 24 swings about the pivot pin or screw 21 in the clevis connection, thereby avoiding both injury to the operator and damage to the motor. The offset arrangement of the auxiliary or extension handle elements 2| and 24 with respect to the standard tiller arm l0 and handle I2 permit operation of the craft in the usual manner from the rear seat I, if desired, as in an emergency or when starting.

In accordance with the patent statutes the principles of the present invention may be utilized .in various ways, numerous modifications and alterations being contemplated, substitution of pa'rts'an'd changes in construction being resorted to as desired, it being understood that the device shown in the drawings and described above is given merely for purposes of explanation and illustration without intending to limit the scope of the. claims to the specific details disclosed.

What We. claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. A remote control attachment for an outboard motor that has: a shiftable speed governing lever movable over a limited arcuate path and a tiller arm and that steers by bodily turning about an upright axis, said attachment comprising a demountable bracket member and means for securing the same rigidly to the tiller arm of the motor for facile removal and replacement, a control element carried by the bracket member for relative rotative movement about a generally horizontal axis, means including a link and a lever on the control element connecting the control element to the speed lever of the motor to shift such lever in response to rotative movement of the control element and to limit such rotative movement, and an extension arm pivotally connected to the control element for swinging movement about an axis transverse to the rotative axis of the element, the swinging movement of the extension arm permitting the latter to be raised and lowered while side to side movement of the extension arm turns the motor to steer the latter and rotative movement of the extension arm acts to rotate the control element and efiect shifting of the speed lever.

2. A remote control attachment for an outboard motor that has a shiftable speed governing lever and a tiller arm and that steers by bodily turning about an upright axis, said attachment comprising a demountable bracket member and means for securing the same rigidly to the tiller arm of the motor for facile removal and replacement, an elongated control element mounted on the bracket member in laterally ofiset relation to the axis of the tiller arm for relative rotative movement about its own longitudinal axis, means connecting the control element to the speed lever of the motor to shift such lever in response to 1'0- tative movement of the control element about the longitudinal axis of the latter, and an extension arm pivotally connected to the. control element turning about an upright axis, said attachment comprising a demountable bracket member and means for securing the same rigidly to the tiller arm of the motor for facile removal andreplacement, a control element carried by the bracket member for relative rotative movement about a generally horizontal axis, a lever secured to and extending laterally from the control element for arcuate swinging movement upon rotative movement of the control element, link means connecting the swingable lever to the speed lever for actuating the latter in response to rotative move- I-nent of the control element, and an extension pivotally connected to the control element for swinging movement about an axis transverse to the rotative axis of the element, the swinging movement of the extension arm permitting the latter to be raised and lowered while side to side movement of the extension arm turns the motor to steer the latter and rotative movement of the extension arm acts to rotate the control element and efiect shifting of the speed lever.

4. A remote control attachment for an outboard motor that has a shiftable speed governing lever and a tiller arm and that steers by bodily turning about an upright axis, said attachment comprising a demountable bracket member and means for securing the same rigidly to the tiller arm of the motor for facile removal and replacement, an elongated control element mounted on the bracket member for relative rotative movement about its own longitudinal axis, mechanism operated by the rotative movement of the control element for actuating the speed lever, and an extension arm pin-connected at one end to the control element, said pin connection effecting rotative movement of the control element in unison with rotative movement imparted to the extension arm and limiting relative swinging movement between the control element and the extension arm to a single plane thereby permitting the extension arm to swing up and down while monitoring steerage of the motor through the control element and the bracket member.

5. A remote control control attachment for an outboard motor that has a shiftable speed governing lever and a tiller arm and that steers by bodily turning about an upright axis, said attachment comprising a demountable bracket member and means for securing the same rigidly to the tiller arm of the motor for facile removal and replacement, a control element mounted on the bracket member for relative rotative movement about its own axis, mechanism'operated by the rotative movement of the control element for actuating the speed lever, and an extension arm connected at one end to the control element for relative swinging movement about an axis transverse to the rotative axis of the control element, said connection comprising a pin and clevis' effecting rotative movement of the control element and the extension arm in unison and limiting relative swinging movement of such element and arm to a single plane.

6. A control for an outboard motor having a speed governing lever movable over a limited path, said control comprising a bracket member and means for rigidly securing the same to the motor to turn in unison therewith, a control element carried by said member for rotative movement about an axis generally paralleling the thrust axis of the motor, a lever secured to and extending laterally from the control element for arcuate swinging movement upon rotative movement of the control element, link means for connecting the swingable lever to and solely supported by the motor speed lever for actuating the latter in response to rotative movement of the control element and swinging movement of the swingable lever and for limiting the movement of the swingable lever an the control element, and an extension arm pivotally connected to the control element for swinging movement solely in a single plane relative to the control element about an axis transverse to the rotative axis of the element, said rotative axis being in the swinging movement plane of the control element, the swinging-movement of the extension arm permitaeven'ce 9 ting the latter to be raised and lowered while side to side movement of the extension arm turns the motor to steer the latter and rotative movement of the exension arm acts to rotate the control element and eiTect shifting of the speed lever.

7. A control for an outboard motor of the type that has a movable speed regulating lever and that is turned bodily for steering, said control comprising a bracket member and means rigidly attaching such member to the motor for bodily movement together, a control element carried by the bracket member for relative rotative movement solely in a single plane relative to the control element, an extension arm and pivot means securing said arm at one end to the control element to rotate therewith about the rotative axis of such element and to swing in but a single plane relative to the control element, the extension arm being wholly supported by the control element whereby the extension arm is operative in difierent positions in said plane to effect bodily turning of the motor, said rotative axis being in the swinging movement plane of the control element, and means connecting the control element to the speed lever for shifting of such lever in response to rotative movement of the control element and extension arm.

8. A remote control attachment for use in combination with a variable speed outboard motor turnable about an upright axis for steering and having a relatively shiftable speed governing member and a rigid tiller member, said attachment comprising a bracket member and means for securing the bracket member rigidly to the tiller member of the motor for facile removal and replacement, a control element wholly supported on the bracket member for relative rotation, a lever on the control element and rotatable therewith, link means for connecting the lever to the speed governing member of the motor, and an elongated extension arm solely supported by and pivotally connected to the control element for relative swinging movement about a single axis transverse to the rotational axis of the control element to locate the extension arm in difierent angular positions relative to the control element.

9. A remote control attachment for use in combination with a variable speed outboard motor turnable about an upright axis for steering and having a relatively shiftable speed governing member and a rigid tiller member, said attachment comprising a bracket member and means for securing the bracket member rigidly to the tiller member of the motor for facile removal and replacement, a control element, said element and said bracket member being formed one with a tubular journal and one with a spindle disposed in the journal whereby the control element is wholly supported on the bracket member for relative rotation, a lever on the control element and rotatable therewith, link means for connecting the lever to the speed governing member of the motor, and an elongated extension arm solely supported by and pivotally connected to the control element for relative swinging movement about a single axis transverse to the rotational axis of the control element to locate the extension arm in different angular positions relative to the control element.

10. A remote control attachment for use in combination with a variable speed outboard motor turnable about an upright axis for steering and having a relatively shiftable speed governing member and a rigid tiller member, said attachment comprising a bracket member and means for securing the bracket member rigidly to the tiller member of the motor for facile removal and replacement, a control element wholly supported on the bracket member for relative rotation about a substantially horizontal axis generally paralleling the thrust axis of the motor, lever means carried by the control element, means connecting the lever means to the speed governing member of the motor for actuation of the latter in response to rotative movement of the control element, and an elongated extension arm solely connected to the control element for relative swinging movement about a single axis transverse to the rotational axis of the control element, the swing axis of the extension arm being rotatable with the control element between a normal generally horizontal position and displaced positions in which the swin axis is oblique to the horizontal.

ll. A remote control attachment for use in combination with a Variable speed outboard motor turnable about an upright axis for steering and having a relatively shiftable speed governing member and a rigid tiller member, said attachent comprising a bracket member and means for securing the bracket member rigidly to the tiller member of the motor for facile removal and replacement, a control element wholly supported on the bracket member for relative rotation about a substantially horizontal axis generally paralleling the thrust axis of the motor, lever means carried by the control element, means connecting the lever means to the speed governin member of the motor for actuation of the latter in response to rotative movement of the control element, an elongated extension arm solely connected to the control element for relative swinging movement about a single axis transverse to the rotational axis of the control element, the swing axis of the extension arm being rotatable with the control element between a normal generally horizontal position and displaced positions in which the swing axis is oblique to the horizontal, said extension arm being swingable in the normal position of the swing axis to an upright position in which the longitudinal axis of the arm is substantially vertical.

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