US3297283A - Bracket assembly - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 10, 1967 G. KNAVER 3,297,283

BRACKET ASSEMBLY Original Filed Feb. 5, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 1. ouis (3. Knavcr ATTORNEY Jan. 10, 1967 L. G. KNAVER BRACKET ASSEMBLY Original Filed Feb. 6, 1965 I5 Sheets-Sheet 3 ATTORNEY Jan. 10, 1967 1.. s. KNAVER 3,297,283

BRACKET ASSEMBLY Original Filed Feb. 5, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet s us no 13o Z7." mvmw m Lou/'5 Q #0241 ver ATTORNEY United States Patent 4 Claims. (Cl. 248-4) This application is a division of my copending application, Serial No. 430,526, filed February 5, 1965, now Pat. No. 3,259,098.

The subject invention relates generally to a bracket means and more particularly is directed to a bracket assembly which is adapted to support a propulsion device with respect to a small boat or other craft for propelling or driving the same.

The bracket assembly may be utilized wherever applicable, but is preferably designed and constructed for connection with a frame carrying propulsion means. The bracket assembly comprises receiving means preferably in the form of a clamp for accommodating a support, such as a portion of a boat, pivot means for pivotally connecting the frame to the receiving means, and complementary means respectively carried by a tubular means of the frame and the receiving means whereby the frame and propulsion means, as a unit, may be adjustably secured in any one of a number of infinite pivotal angular positions within a predetermined range relative to the bracket assembly. Otherwise expressed, the organization is preferably such that the frame and propulsion means, as a unit, may be swung or pivoted in a plane substantially parallel or transverse to the longitudinal axis of a boat to any operating position desired or into a boat for nonuse.

A further object of the invention is to provide a modified bracket assembly for mounting a unit such as a frame and propulsion means for vertical adjustment with respect to a boat.

Additional important objects of the invention are to provide bracket assemblies which offer advantages with respect to manufacture and assembly, ease and speed of installation, operation or manipulation, efficiency, durability, reliability and safety.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent after the description hereinafter set forth is considered in conjunction with the drawings annexed hereto.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a front elevational view of a propulsion device embodying one or more inventions;

FIGURE 2 is a side elevational view of the propulsion device as applied to the gunwale of a boat for the purpose of illustrating various of its operative positions with respect thereto;

FIGURE 3 is a partial vertical section taken through the propulsion means or propeller means of the drive illustrating a mode of adjustment;

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged partial vertical section, taken through an upper extremity of the device, showing details of side members of the frame and mode of supporting a drive shaft and short shaft axially aligned therewith;

FIGURE 5 is a transverse section taken through a crank structure which is operatively connected to the drive and short shafts referred to in the preceding paragraph;

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged partial vertical section taken through a lower extremity of the device, showing details with respect to the mode in which a driven shaft and short shaft are mounted or journalled on the frame, including details of the driven shaft whereby to facilitate attachment of the propulsion or propeller means thereto;

FIGURE 7 is an enlarged horizontal section taken 3,297,283 Patented Jan. 10, 1967 through the device, shown in FIGURE 1, depicting a mode of mounting a guide means for an elongate means or link which operatively connects the drive and driven shafts;

FIGURE 8 is a front elevational view of a receiving means or bracket assembly which is utilized to detach or mount the device with respect to a portion of a boat such as a gunwale thereof, with portions of the receiving means being shown in section to depict details;

FIGURE 9 is a transverse elevational view of the receiving means, with portions in section to illustrate details of the structure;

FIGURE 10 is a transverse section taken through an appropriate part of the receiving means illustrating the mode of pivotally mounting the device;

FIGURE 11 is a front elevational view of a modified propulsion device;

FIGURE 12 is a side elevational view, on a reduced scale, of the device shown in FIGURE 11 depicting an operative position of the device;

FIGURE 13 is a side elevational view of a propulsion means or paddle structure constituting a part of the device illustrated in FIGURE 11, with portions in section to illustrate a mode of mounting the same;

FIGURE 14 is a transverse section taken through a means affording vertical and pivotal adjustment of the device with respect to the receiving means; and

FIGURE 15 is a partial horizontal section taken through a means whereby to facilitate mounting an upper extremity of the paddle structure to the frame Referring to the embodiment of the invention exemplified in FIGURES 1 through 10, there is shown a device comprising an elongate substantially rectangular narrow frame generally designated 1, a drive shaft 2 journalled or rotatably supported in the upper extremity of the frame, a driven shaft 3 journalled or rotatably supported in a lower extremity of the frame, propulsion means generally designated 4 carried by the driven shaft, an elongate means or link 5 which is operatively connected to the shafts in a manner whereby rotation of the drive shaft will impart rotation to the driven shaft and propulsion means carried thereby. A bracket means generally designated 6 is connected to the frame whereby to facilitate adjustment of the device in any one of a number of positions with respect to mounting, such as the side of a boat 7.

The frame 1 may be designed and constructed in various ways, but is preferably comprised of a pair of parallel longitudinally extending substantially corresponding hollow side members 8 and 9. The upper and lower ends of these members are preferably respectively held together in spaced relation by a pair of tubular spacers 10 secured in place by bolts 11 extending through the side members and the spacers. A pair of generally U-shaped members 12 are also respectively secured in bridging relation to the ends of the side members by the bolts which extend through legs of the U-shaped members. The members may serve as handles whereby to facilitate handling of the device.

The drive shaft 2 above referred to, as depicted in FIG- URE 4, is preferably journalled in a tubular means generally designated 13 which is secured in a lateral position to the member 9. This tubular means includes a sleeve or cylindrical element 14 and inner and outer bearing 15 and 16 which are secured in the sleeve and support the shaft 2. The sleeve 14 extends into the side member 9 and is secured thereto by welding 17 and the inner bearing 15 has a portion 18 extending into the member 9 and a head 19 engaging the inner end of the sleeve and inner side of the member 9. A stub shaft 20 is journalled in the side member 8 of the frame in axial alignment with the drive shaft. A fitting or a substantially U-shaped crank generally designated 21 has arms 22 and 23 which are respectively connected to the drive shaft 2 and stub shaft 20. The arms of the fitting are preferably detachably connected or clamped to the shafts by providing the arms with relatively movable portions 24 and screws 25 as shown in FIGURE 5. The stub shaft is preferably rotatably supported in a bearing 26 which has a portion 27 extending into the frame member 8 and a head 28 engaging an inner side of the member 8. Washers 29 may be interposed between the heads of the bearings 15 and 26 and the arms of the fitting. The drive shaft may be driven by any suitable means but is preferably provided with an offset portion 30 and a handle 31 whereby to facilitate manual operation thereof as shown in FIG- URE 1.

The driven shaft 3, above referred to, is journalled in the side member 8 of the frame and a stub shaft 32 is journalled in the side member 9 in axial alignment with the driven shaft. These shafts are respectively supported in corresponding bearings 33 which are similar to or correspond to the bearings 15 and 26. A fitting or substantially U-shaped crank 34, similar or corresponding to the crank 21, above referred to, has arms which are respectively connected to the driven shaft 3 and stub shaft 32.

A guide means, as shown in FIGURES 1 and 7, and preferably in the form of a tubular element 35 is pivotally or rockably mounted on the frame and slidably receives the elongate means 5 preferably in the form of a link or rod. This element is preferably jointly and adjustably supported by the side members 8 and 9 for disposition therebetween by pivot means, such as screws 36 having headed inner conical ends 37 which engage conical seats 38 provided in the element 35. The cranks 21 and 34 are preferably respectively operatively connected to the link 5 by bolts 39 which extend through the arms of the cranks and through the ends of the link. The link may be designed and constructed as desired but as shown is made from a length of pipe having flattened ends provided with apertures through which the bolts extend. Washers 40 may be interposed between the ends of the link and the arms of the cranks.

It is to *be observed that the tubular means 13 and drive shaft 2 project laterally or perpendicular from the frame in one direction and that the driven shaft 3 extends laterally or perpendicular from the opposite side of the frame. It will also be apparent that the tubular means, drive and driven shafts, stub shafts, and the side members of the frame are all disposed substantially in the same plane and that the cranks, link, propulsion means, and the offset portion of the drive shaft may also be disposed in this plane depending on their relative rotative positions with respect to one another. These features promote storage, shipment and convenience in installation. Also, correspondence between certain of the components or parts, such as the frame members, cranks and certain bearings promotes manufacture and assembly.

The propulsion means 4 may be designed and construeted in various ways but, as best illustrated in FIG- URES 1 and 3, it is preferably comprised of a pair of substantially corresponding planar sections, paddles, vanes, or propellers 41 and 42 which are adjustably connected to the driven shaft 3. More specifically in this respect, the driven shaft is provided with a planar or flat portion 43 from which extends a center lug or pin 44 and a pair of threaded studs 45 spaced from the center pin and carrying wing nuts 46. Each of the paddles is preferably provided with a pair of parallel slots 47 for receiving the studs 45 and a row of longitudinally spaced holes 48 between the slots for selectively receiving the lug 44. The organization is preferably such that either paddle may be selectively and adjustably connected to the driven shaft so that any one of the holes may be caused to accommodate the lug with the studs extending through the slots for securing the paddles in any desired fixed overlapping relationship, With this unique setup, each of the paddles is keyed to the shaft for radial adjustment in any desired position with respect thereto whereby the area of the paddles may be increased or decreased to promote or reduce the propulsive forces depending on the rotary speed of the driven shaft and propulsion means. Such adjustment of the paddles is also desirable fro-m the standpoint of compensating for draft or variations in the weight in a boat.

Any means suitable for the purpose may be utilized for attaching or connecting the device with respect to a boat or other mounting, but the bracket assembly 6 depicted in FIGURES l, 8, 9 and 10 has proven to be very practical and satisfactory. This bracket assembly includes what may be termed a C-clamp 49, pivot means generally designated 50 and adjustable means generally designated 51.

The clamp comprises an upper portion 52, a downturned portion or leg 53 provided with an inturned abutment 54, and a leg 55 opposite the leg 53 which is provided with a screw 56 for firmly detachably clamping a side or gunwale of the boat between the legs through the agency of a handle 56'.

The pivot means generally designated 50 preferably includes a member 57 having a base 58, a pair of corre sponding upturned resiliently flexible portions or legs 59 provided with apertures 60. Fastening means, such as a rivet 61 extends through the portion 52 of the clamp and the base 58 of the member 57 for securing the member to the clamp. The pivot means also includes an annular collar or sleeve 62 having a diameter for disposition between the legs and pintles 63 which extend through the apertures for connecting the collar to the legs for pivotal movement with respect thereto. Due to the fact that the legs are flexible, the collar may be readily detachably connected to the legs. The collar is of a tubular character and adapted to slidably and pivotally receive the tubular bearing means 13 of the propulsion device.

The adjustable means generally designated 51 may be designed and constructed in various ways but, as illustrated, includes a member or fitting 64 having a base portion 65 and upturned legs 66 provided with aligned apertures 67 therein. Fastening means, such as rivets 68, may be utilized to secure the base portion 65 of the member 64 to the upper portion of the clamp 49. A bolt 69 extends through the apertures 67 in the legs and includes a wing nut 70, as best shown in FIGURE 9. The adjustable means also includes an elongate fitting 71 having an offset extremity provided with receiving means preferably in the form of a slot 72 which is adapted to accommodate a shank of the bolt 69. This slot is preferably disposed at an oblique angle with reference to the longitudinal axis of the fitting. The fitting is also provided with a generally centrally disposed opening 73 through which the bearing means 13 of the propulsion device extends and its opposite extremity is preferably split to provide opposed relatively movable portions 74 which can be manipulated by fastener or means preferably in the form of a bolt 75, similar to the bolt 69, to move the opposed portions toward one another for adjustably and firmly clamping the adjustable means to the tubular means 13. A locking element or an abutment means 76, as shown in FIGURES 1 and 4, is preferably carried by the tubular means 13 for holding the bracket assembly 6 connected thereto.

The bracket assembly affords an inexpensive but pracheal and durable means for readily detachably connecting the propulsion device to a boat and due to the fact that the tubular means 13 is both slidably and rotatabl nected to the pivot means 50 and the adjustable means 51 of the bracket assembly the propulsion device may be [readily adjusted to dispose or locate the frame 1 and propulsion means 4 carried thereby in any desired lat l vertical position in relation to the side of a boat. This may be accomplished by merely loosening the wing nut of the bolt 75 so that the tubular means 13 may be moved horizontally through the collar 62 and the fitting 71 and then tightened. Also, the wing nut of the bolt 75 may be manipulated so that the tubular means 13 may be rotated with respect to the collar and fitting and then locked in a position to locate the frame 1 and propulsion means 4 in any desired inclined position for operation, as illustrated by the dotted lines in FIGURE 2. Moreover, the wing nut 70 of the lower bolt 69 of the adjustable means 51 may be loosened so that the frame 1 and propulsion means 4 carried thereby may be manually swung to an inclined or diverging position in relation to the side of a boat and then locked in place by tightening the nut. This is accomplished through the agency of the lower bolt 6'9 and the angularly disposed slot 72 provided in the lower extremity of the fitting as described above. Obviously, the adjustments just described may be varied to suit different con ditions such as, for example, the shape of the side wall of a boat, the normal draft of the boat and the weight carried by the boat. Assuming that a pair of propulsion devices are respectively carried by the opposite sides of a boat, propulsion of the latter may be readily accomplished by merely cranking the devices to rotate the propulsion means in the direction one desires to travel.

Referring now to the modified embodiment or structure of the invention exemplified in FIGURES 11 through 15, and particularly to FIGURE 11, there is disclosed a frame structure generally designated 100, elongated pro pulsion means generally designated 101 and bracket means generally designated 102.

The frame 100 includes side members 103 and 104, cranks 105 and 106, a link 107 connecting the cranks, guide means 108 for the link, spacers 109, handles 110 and tubular means 111, all of which generally correspond to those above described in connection with the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 1. More particularly, the side member 104 carries the tubular means 111 in which a drive shaft 112 is journalled like the shaft 2. A driven shaft 113, constituting a crank, is journalled in the side member 103 and includes a portion 114 offset from its journalled portion and a lateral or transverse portion 115 which is offset from the portion 114 and rotatably connected to a lower extremity of the propulsion means 101. An upper end or extremity of the propulsion means 101 is pivotally connected to a fixed shaft 116 extending laterally or transversely from the frame 100 in parallel relation to the lateral portion 115 of the driven shaft. This fixed shaft 116 has an inner end which is adjustably clamped between a pair of opposed relatively movable members 117 of a clamp 118. These members include relatively flat portions through which bolts 119 extend and also generally semi-cylindrical portions 120 which slidably receive or adjustably embrace the frame member 103, as clear ly illustrated in FIGURES 11 and 15. The bolts serve to simultaneously secure the shaft 116 in place as well as the members 117 to the frame member 103.

The propulsion means 101 may be designed and constructed in various ways but, as exemplified in FIGURES 11 and 13, it is elongate, substantially planar and comprised of an upper section or panel 121 and a lower and shorter section or panel 122. The upper section is rectangular in shape and the lower section has a rounded lower end.

The upper section 121 is provided with a fitting 123 which is transversely secured thereto by rivets 124 or equivalent means. This fitting preferably includes a generally cylindrical portion 125 which pivotally receives the fixed shaft 116. Washers 126 are carried by the shaft for disposition at the ends of the fitting for an obvious purpose.

The lower section 122 is preferably secured to the upper section by a pair of corresponding cleats 127 which are clamped against opposite sides of the sections by pairs of rivets 128 and 129. The cleats are preferably provided with semi-cylindrical portions 130 defining a tubu- 6 lar formation which pivotally receives the lateral portion of the driven shaft 113.

In view of the foregoing, it will be apparent that rotation of the driven shaft 112 by any suitable means, such as the crank shown, will impart a stroking action to the propulsion means 101, due to the mode of pivotally connecting its upper end to the fixed shaft 116 and its lower extremity to the offset portion 115 of the driven shaft 113, as distinguished from the rotary propulsion means 4 above described.

Any means suitable for the purpose, such as the bracket means 102, may be employed for detachably connecting the propulsion device illustrated in FIGURE 11 to the side of a boat. The bracket means 102 substantially corresponds to the bracket means generally designated 6, above referred to, and is adjustably mounted on an ex tension or shaft 131 which extends laterally from an offset portion or plate 132 preferably fixedly secured to the side member 104 of the frame by welding as indicated at 133. An element 134 is preferably carried by the shaft 13 for locking the bracket assembly thereto.

The plate 132 is preferably elongate and provided with a longitudinal slot 135 and a plurality of longitudinally spaced parallel slots or notches 136 constituting seats which are angularly disposed with reference to the longitudinal slot. The shaft 131 is secured to a U-shaped head 137 such as by welding as indicated at 138. The head is adapted to slidably accommodate the plate or mounting and a bolt 139, having a wing nut 140, extends through holes provided therefor in side portions of the head. The shaft portion of the bolt may be selectively disposed in any one of the slots by reason of the longitudinal connecting slot. For example, as illustrated in FIGURE 11, the shaft portion of the bolt is shown seated in a second slot of the four illustrated. When the shaft portion is so secured in place by the wing nut, a base wall 141 of the head will engage the outer longitudinal marginal edge of the plate as shown in FIGURE 14 in order to stabilize the connection between the shaft and the plate. The frame 100 and the propulsion means 101 as a unit may be adjusted vertically to any elevation through the agency of bolt 139 and notches 136 and any of the various positions afforded by the bracket means 102.

As stated above, it is understood that two of the propulsion devices are adapted for support with respect to the sides of a boat for propelling the latter and that this may be readily accomplished merely by imparting rotation to the drive shafts through the handles carried thereby or otherwise. In both embodiments of the invention, the magnitude of the propulsive forces may be varied, depending on the drive forces applied to the drive shafts and the direction that they are rotated.

Having thus described my invention, it is obvious that various modifications may be made in the same without departing from the spirit of the invention and, therefore, I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the exact forms, constructions, arrangements and combinations of parts herein shown and described.

I claim:

1. A bracket assembly comprising a clamp having an upper portion, a pair of spaced depending legs, a screw for clamping a mounting between the legs, a member carried by said upper portion and having spaced unstanding portions, a sleeve pivotally carried by said upstanding portions for slidably and rotatably supporting an elongate cylindrical element; a pair of fittings, one of said fittings being carried by said upper portion in spaced relation to said member and provided with a fastener, and the other of said fittings being provided with means for adjustably accommodating said fastener whereby the latter may be manipulated to secure said fittings in different relative positions, said other fitting also being provided with means for slidably and rotatably receiving a cylin drical element, and means carried by said other fitting for locking the latter in any desired slidable or rotatable position on a cylindrical element.

2. A bracket assembly comprising a clamp for attachment to a mounting, a member carried by said clamp and having spaced upstanding portions, a sleeve pivotally carried by said upstanding portions for supporting an elongate cylindrical element; a pair of fittings, one of said fittings being carried by said clamp in spaced relation to said member and provided with a fastener, and the other of said fittings being provided with means for adjustably accommodating said fastener whereby the latter may be manipulated to secure said fittings in different relative positions, said other fitting also being provided with means for receiving a cylindrical element, and means carried by said other fitting for locking the latter on a cylindrical element.

3. In combination: an elongate member and a bracket assembly, and means whereby said member may be adjustably secured in any one of a number of positions with respect to said bracket assembly, said means comprising: a first fitting carried by said bracket and a sleeve pivotally carried by said fitting receiving said member, a second fitting carried by said bracket in spaced relation to said first fitting and provided with fastening means, and a third fitting provided with means receiving and clamping said member and with receiving means accommodating said fastening means whereby said third fitting may be adjustably secured to said second fitting and said receiving 8 means carried by said first fitting may be pivoted relative to the latter.

4. A bracket assembly, said assembly comprising a member having an upper portion and a pair of spaced apart depending portions, a screw carried by one of said depending portions for clamping a mounting between one of said depending portions and said screw, a first upstanding fitting carried by said upper portion of said member and provided with pivot means, a second upstanding fitting carried by said upper portion in spaced relation to said first fitting and provided with spaced legs, fastening means carried by said legs, an elongate third fitting having an upper extremity provided with clamp means and a lower extremity disposed between and guided by said legs provided with means receiving said fastening means in a manner whereby the latter may be manipulated so that when an elongate element is connected to said pivot means and said clamp means it may be located in a position substantially parallel with respect to said upper portion or in an inclined position with respect thereto.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,557,253 10/1925 Johnson 115-18 2,273,815 2/1942 Bevington 11518 X CLAUDE A. LE ROY, Primary Examiner. JOHN PETO, Examiner.

Claims (1)

1. A BRACKET ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A CLAMP HAVING AN UPPER PORTION, A PAIR OF SPACED DEPENDING LEGS, A SCREW FOR CLAMPING A MOUNTING BETWEEN THE LEGS, A MEMBER CARRIED BY SAID UPPER PORTION AND HAVING SPACED UNSTANDING PORTIONS, A SLEEVE PIVOTALLY CARRIED BY SAID UPSTANDING PORTIONS FOR SLIDABLY AND ROTATABLY SUPPORTING AN ELONGATE CYLINDRICAL ELEMENT; A PAIR OF FITTINGS, ONE OF SAID FITTINGS BEING CARRIED BY SAID UPPER PORTION IN SPACED RELATION TO SAID MEMBER AND PROVIDED WITH A FASTENER, AND THE OTHER OF SAID FITTINGS BEING PROVIDED WITH MEANS FOR ADJUSTABLY ACCOMMODATING SAID FASTENER WHEREBY THE LATTER MAY BE MANIPULATED TO SECURE SAID FITTINGS IN DIFFERENT RELATIVE POSITIONS, SAID OTHER FITTING ALSO BEING PROVIDED WITH MEANS FOR SLIDABLY AND ROTATABLY RECEIVING A CYLINDRICAL ELEMENT, AND MEANS CARRIED BY SAID OTHER FITTING FOR LOCKING THE LATTER IN ANY DESIRED SLIDABLE OR ROTATABLE POSITION ON A CYLINDRICAL ELEMENT.

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