US3522788A

US3522788A - Fishing boat positioning apparatus

Info

Publication number: US3522788A
Application number: US788898A
Authority: US
Inventors: Charles A Montague Jr
Original assignee: CHARLES A MONTAGUE JR
Current assignee: CHARLES A MONTAGUE JR
Priority date: 1969-01-03
Filing date: 1969-01-03
Publication date: 1970-08-04
Anticipated expiration: 1987-08-04

Description

' United States Patent [72] Inventor: Charles A. Montague, Jr.

Memphis, Tennessee 38117 [21] Application No.: 788,898 [22] Filed: Jan. 3,1969 [45] Patented: Aug. 4, 1970 [73] Assignee: Elvin A. Stafford (fifty percent),

Memphis, Tennessee [54] FISHING BOAT POSITIONING APPARATUS 9 Claims, Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S.Cl. 115/18, 115/35, 46/93 [51] Int. Cl. B63h 21/26 [50] Field of Search 115/18E, l8;9/1.5;46/93+;115l35 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,013,518 12/1961 Smith 115/18 3,013,519 12/1961 Wiggermann 115/35 3,279,417 10/1966 Moore et al. 115/70 Primary Examiner- Andrew H. Farrell Attorney John R. Walker, II!

ABSTRACT: The invention includes a substantially small propulsion unit adapted to be detachably attached on the underside of the bottom of a boat and preferably at the longitudinal and transverse center of the boat. Preferably, the propulsion unit includes a motor driven screw propeller dependingly supported and driven on a vertical axis and operative for causing an upward submerged current of water. The propulsion unit includes a deflector vane facing downwardly and adapted for deflecting the upward current of water horizontally thereby affording thrust for moving the boat in a desired direction. The deflector vane is pivotable about a vertical axis for deflecting the water in a desired horizontal direction and by reactive action causing the boat to move oppositely horizontally. Electric. control means including'a small control box is adapted for controlling the pivotal movement of the deflector vane about its vertical axis. The control box is adapted to be located near or supported on the person of the fisherman or operator of the boat. A second embodiment (FIGS. 6 and 7) of the invention includes offset mounting means for a screw propeller mounted on a horizontal axis of rotation. The screw propeller of the second embodiment is supported for pivotal movement about a vertical axis. The thrust from the propeller of the second embodiment provides dual power means for selectively positioning the propeller at a desired tangential position relative to the vertical axis and provides major thrust means for thrusting the boat in a desired direction.

Patented Aug- 4, 1970 3,522,788

I N VE NTOR.

WKz/ E CHARLES A. MONTAGUE, JR.

Patnted Aug. 4, 1970 3,522,788

INVENTOR.

CHARLES A. MONTAGUE, JR.

US. PATENT 3,522,788 FISHING BOAT POSITIONING APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention: The invention relates to boat motor means or boat positioning apparatus generally and particularly relates to detachable boat positioning means for positioning small water craft such as fishing boats.

2. Description of the Prior Art: A principal problem in fishing from a boat is that of maintaining the boat in a proper position on the water surface without interfering with the bait casting or fishing pole handling actions. Various small power fishing boat positioning devices have heretofore been designed and marketed for maintaining the fishing boat in proper position while fishing. Typically, such devices are adapted to be attached on a vertical side or back board of the fishing boat and at a location which is offset from the center of forces of the current, wind and inertial forces acting on the boat. Patents No. 2,213,520; No. 2,545,086: and No. 2,877,733 illustrate several forms of fishing boat positioning or propelling devices adapted to be detachably attached to a side or rear portion of a fishing boat.

A principal disadvantage of the boat positioning devices as mentioned above is that in each of the devices the thrust is at an offset location relative to the center of forces of the current, wind, and inertial forces acting on the boat. Patent No. 2,213,520 seeks to obviate this problem by utilizing two separably operable control means arranged respectively on opposite sides of a fishing boat. Each of the three above menturning movement of the propeller mounting means. Electrical switch means mounted in a control box located near the fisherman provides simplified remote control means for actuating the solenoid of the propulsion unit and for controlling the direction of thrust on the boat. It is to be understoood that the thrust provided and directed by the device of the present invention may be used either to move the boat in a desired direction or to hold it more or less stationary against forces of wind or current.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the boat positioning apparatus mounted on a fishing boat (the boat being shown in broken lines).

FIG. 2 is an end elevational view of that shown in FIG. l.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken as on the line II]- III of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the boat propulsion unit.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of the electrical components of the apparatus.

tioned patents utilizes a horizontal axis propeller mounted on a turnable vertical shaft and obtains directional control by turning the shaft in a desired direction of travel. Patent No. 2,877,733 utilizes electric motor means and grear reduction means for turning the vertical shaft supporting the screw propeller motor. A substantial problem in the design of boat control devices utilizing horizontally mounted vertically pivotable screw propeller drive means has been that problem of effecting proper directional control of the screw propeller mounting. Another problem also has been in providing power means for effecting the turning movement of the screw propeller mounting means at a location remote from the fisherman. The boat positioning structure of Patent No. 2,877,733 utilizes auxiliary electric motor means for effecting directional control or turning movement of the main drive motor driving the screw propeller. Patent No. 2,213,520 utilizes rather complicated mechanical linkage means for effecting control movement of a pair of screw propellers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The boat propulsion unit of the present invention is rather small and compact and is adapted to be detachably slung or supported on the underside of a fishing boat. The compact design of the propulsion unit permits the unit to be supported underneath the bottom of the boat at a location substantially at or near the center of the natural forces and applied forces acting on the boat. Such mounting means permits a fishing boat to be directed or thrusted in a desired direction without causing the boat to wheel around or be maneuvered out of a desired fishing-position. The fishing boat propulsion unit of this invention utilizes the reaction forces from the screw propeller rotation to alter thrust direction and to afford directional control of the boat. A principal feature of the invention resides in that concept whereby the main thrust generated by the boat driving screw propeller is utilized also for effecting directional control of the mounting means mounting the drive propeller. By utilizing the main thrust from the drive propeller for effecting also directional control of the propeller mounting means and thrust, a more simplified and effective boat positioning apparatus is provided. Substantially simple solenoid operated brake means controlling vertical turning movement of the propeller mounting means, utilized in conjunction with the thrust action of the main drive propeller, provides simplified power means for effecting the FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a second embodiment of the apparatus illustrated as mounted on a fishing boat (the fishing boat being shown in broken lines).

FIG. 7 is an enlarged elevational view of the apparatus as viewed from the end of the fishing boat, and with parts broken away for purposes of illustration.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A primary or preferred embodiment of the invention, indicated by numeral 11, is illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 and is described in conjunction with a fishing boat B. Boat positioning apparatus 11 basically includes a propulsion unit 13 including a propeller means, such as a screw propeller 15, and electric motor means 17 driving propeller l5; electromechanical switch means contained in control box 19, an electrical storage battery 21, electrical conduit means 23, 25 interconnecting respectively battery 21 with propulsion unit 13; and attachment means stationarily attaching propulsion unit 13 on the bottom of boat B including a pair of strap members 27 having hooked end portions 29 hooked over edge portions E of opposite side walls S of boat B.

Propulsion unit 13 includes a generally cylindrical hollow frame 31 including a cylindrical side wall portion 33, a generally disk-shaped horizontal upper portion 35 integrally secured with cylindrical wall 33 and includes an apertured bottom portion including a center 37, a lower rim portion 39, and spoke portions 41 radiating outwardly and interconnecting center and

rim portions

37, 39. Although frame 31 is shown of integral construction the upper and lower portions thereof preferably are formed separately and fitted together by suitable fastening means (not shown). Frame 31 is stationarily secured on the underside of boat B with frame upper portion 35 being in parallel arrangement with bottom panel P of the boat. Cushioning members 43 are interposedly arranged between frame upper portion 35 and the undersurface of boat bottom panel P. Loop portions 45 formed on the lower end portions respectively of strap members 27 are engaged respectively with eye portions 47 formed on opposite sides of frame upper portion 35. Adjustable buckle means 49 interposedly fitted respectively in strap members 27 provide means for adjusting the effective length respectively of the strap members for tightly securing the propulsion unit on the boat bottom.

Electric motor means 17 preferably includes an elongated housing 51 normally stationarily supporting internal arranged field coils (not shown); an armature and

drive shaft assembly

53, 55 and bearing means 57 rotatingly supportingassembly 53, 55 in housing 51. A cone-shaped spinner 59 threadedly engaged with armature shaft 55 fixedly secures propeller 15 on shaft 55.

Motor means 17 is arranged concentrically vertically in the interior of frame 31 and is preferably rotatably supported on upper and

lower bearings

60, 61 supported respectively in upper portion 35 and lower annular center portion 37 of frame 31. Coaxially aligned upper and

lower bearings

60, 61 permit independent movement respectively of motor housing 51 or armature drive shaft assembly 55 relative to frame 31. A stud projection 63 fixedly projecting upwardly from the upper portion 35 of frame 31 is fixedly secured in the inner race of upper bearing 60. Lower bearing 61 is mounted in annular center portion 37 of frame 31 and receives radial and axial thrust forces exerted on propeller spinner 59.

Upon actuation of motor means 17, rotative movement of propeller causes a vertical upward current of water in the interior of frame 31 (the current flow is indicated by arrows in FIG. 3). A series of vertically elongated apertures 65 intermittently spaced about the circumferential periphery of frame cylindrical side wall 33 defines discharge outlet means for the upward current of water in the interior of frame 31. A somewhat scoop-shaped deflector vane 67 is fixedly supported on the upper portion of motor housing 51 and is rotatively supported coaxially with respect to the axis of rotation of housing 51 in

bearings

60, 61. Thus, deflector vane 67 is turnable on a vertical axis in a horizontal plane of rotation along with motor housing 51. The deflector vane is preferably in the form of a horizontal generally flat portion 69 and a generally semi-cylindrical vertical portion 71 integrally formed with flat portion 69 and terminating in a downwardly oriented semi-circular rim portion 73. Semi-cylindrical wall 71 of deflector vane 67 is closely spaced internally of cylindrical side wall 33 of frame 31 and upon swinging arced movement of deflector vane 67, semi-cylindrical wall 71 covers or uncovers certain ones of apertures 65.

Deflector vane 67 deflects the upward flow of water in the interior of frame 31 generally in a direction opposite from deflector vane wall 71 and through certain apertures 65. As illustrated in FIG. 3, apertures 65a are occluded by wall 71 of deflector vane 67 and the current is directed through open apertures 65b. The forcible stream or current of water issuing from open apertures 65b causes a contradirectional reactive force to be exerted on wall 71 and transmitted through apparatus 11 to boat B. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the forcible current of water toward the right will cause thrust to be exerted on the boat in a direction toward the left. Selective turning movement of deflector vane 67 in the upper interior of frame 31 is operative for causing a horizontal current of water in substantially any desired radial direction from the vertical axis of propulsion unit 13.

A solenoid assembly including coacting coil means 75 and armature means 77 is operatively supported between upper portion 35 of frame 31 and motor housing structure 51. Solenoid coil means 75 preferably is fixedly supported vertically on a horizontal projection 79 formed integrally with deflector vane horizontal portion 69. Coil and

armature assembly

75, 77 defines brake means for braking the horizontal rotational movement of deflector vane 67 relative to frame 31. Armature means 77 preferably is in the form of a plunger concentrically received in solenoid coil 75 and operative upon de-energizing the coil for projection against the undersurface of frame upper portion 35.

Solenoid assembly

75, 77 includes spring means (not shown) yieldably urging armature plunger means 77 outwardly from coil means 75 and to braking engagement with the undersurface of frame upper portion 35. When

solenoid assembly

75, 77 is in a de-energized condition, plunger-like armature 77 is yeildably urged outwardly by the solenoid spring means and locks the rotative movement of deflector vane 67 relative to frame 31. Electrically energizing the solenoid assembly causes retraction of plunger-like armature 77 from engagement with upper portion 35 of frame 31 and permits free rotative movement of the deflector vane and

motor housing combination

67, 51.

Contradirectionally operative torque forces in motor means 17 provides means for selectively moving deflector vane 67 clockwise or counterclockwise in the interior of frame 31. When motor means 17 is energized, the contradirectional forces between propeller, drive shaft,

armature combination

17, 55, 53 and the motor housing,

deflector vane combination

51, 67 function for urging the propeller and deflector vane oppositely and for positioning the deflector vane at a desired location in the propulsion unit frame. By way of example, if it is desired to move deflector vane 67 in a counterclockwise direction, propeller 15 will be energized clockwise. The rotational force generated within the motor tending to rotate the propeller in a given direction tends to rotate the deflector vane in the opposite direction. Simultaneously momentarily energizing solenoid coil means 75 and motor means 17 functions for causing turning movement of the deflector vane. By energizing motor means 17 for clockwise or counterclockwise movement, the deflector vane may be slightly moved respectively counterclockwise or clockwise. When deflector vane 67 is moved to a desired position,

solenoid assembly

75, 77 is deenergized, thereby permitting braking action between deflector vane 67 and frame 31; with deflector vane 67 braked at a desired location, motor means 17 is energized in a direction for causing an upward current of water through frame 31; continuously rotating propeller 15 causes an intake of water through lower frame openings 80 and outwardly through uncovered apertures 65b to provide the desired thrust.

The electrical circuit means (see FIG. 5) in addition to solenoid coil 75 includes field and

armature windings

81, 83 of motor means 17, and switch means 85, 87, 89, 91, 93. The electrical circuit means preferably includes a rheostat or silicon control rectifier for controlling the speed of motor means 17. Mechanical means (not shown) interconnect switches 85, 87, 89, 91, 93 for causing a desired condition of propulsion unit 13. Control box 19 preferably is fitted with a switch lever 97 which is positionable in either of four positions (see FIG. 3). Control box 19 is also fitted with a rheostat control wheel 99 to actuate rheostat 95 for controlling the speed of the propulsion motor. The position indicated by numeral 1 in FIG. 3 is an off position. The apparatus is inoperative when the lever 97 is in the off or No. 1 position. Preferably, lever 97 is spring-loaded to return from positions No. 2 or 4 to position No. 3. When the switch lever is arranged in position No. 3, solenoid coil 75 is de-energized with deflector vane 67 being braked and in a stationary disposition; motor means 17 is energized and propeller 15 running and causing an upward flow of current through the uncovered apertures 65. By turning switch lever 97 momentarily to position No. 2 the solenoid is energized, releasing the braking action on deflector vane 67 and simultaneously motor armature shaft 55 is caused to turn clockwise. The clockwise turning of the motor shaft and propeller causes a slight counterclockwise movement of the deflector vane. Releasing spring-loaded switch lever 97 permits the lever to return to position No. 3 and causes steady rotational movement of the propeller for propelling the boat in a desired direction. Turning control lever 97 to position No. 4 energizes the solenoid and simultaneously reverses the polarity of the armature windings, thereby causing a reversal of the motor rotation. Releasing switch lever 97 to position No. 3 again causes continuous propulsion action by the propulsion unit.

The condition of each switch means 85, 87, 89, 91, 93 is indicated below for each of the four positions of switch lever 97. Moving switch lever to position No. 2 causes counterclockwise movement of deflector vane 67; moving the lever to position No. 4 causes clockwise movement of the deflector vane; and, releasing the lever to position No. 3 holds the deflector vane stationary for thrust or propulsion of the boat in a selected direction.

Control box 19 is conveniently located or preferably is attached on the fishermans leg as he sits in the boat and permits unhampered bait casting or pole handling actions by the fisherman. With only negligible practice, the fisherman will become adept at manipulating control lever 97 for causing the thrust to be in a desired direction for desired movement of the boat.

A second embodiment of the boat positioning apparatus is indicated by numeral 111 and includes a propulsion unit 113, a propeller 115 driven by electric motor means 117, electromechanical switch means including a control box 119; a battery 121, and electrical conduit means 123, interconnecting respectively propulsion unit 113 with battery 121 and control box 119. Strap members 127 having hooked end portions 129 detachably attach propulsion unit 113 on the underside of the boat bottom. Propulsion unit 113 includes a flattened dislc like frame 131 having upper and

lower surfaces

133, 135. Eye portions 137 integrally formed with opposite side portions of frame 131 permanently engage loop portions 139 of strap members 127. Pad members 140 interposedly arranged between frame 131 and the boat bottom panel P provide cushioning means between propulsion unit 113 and boat B.

Electric motor means and

propeller assembly

117, 115 is rotatably supported subjacently of frame 131 by offset mounting structure 141 including upper structure 143 and lower structure 145. Offset mounting upper structure 143 is generally disk-like and turnably supported subjacently disklike frame 131 by thrust pivot means 147. A tubular stud projection 149 integrally formed with upper offset structure 143 turnably extends through an aperture 151 in frame 131. A retainer flange 153, or other retaining means, prevents relative axial displacement of offset'mounting structure 141 and frame 131. Ballbearing means 155 interposedly arranged between offset structure 143 and frame 131 permits free turning movement of offset mounting structure 141 relative to the frame structure. The lower end portion of offset structure 145 is fixedly secured on motor housing 157 at a position on the housing laterally horizontally offset from the centerline of the motor housing and propeller axis of rotation. The offset mounting means of propeller 115 relative to the vertical center axis of mounting structure 141 affords means for turning mounting structure 141 clockwise or counterclockwise respectively by selectively causing propeller 115 to turn in one direction or in a direction counter thereto.

A solenoid assembly 159 including a plunger 161 provides means for releasably locking the relative movement of offset mounting structure 141 relative to frame 131. Plunger 161 is spring urged outwardly upwardly against undersurface 135 of frame 131 and defines braking means for braking or locking the rotative free turning movement of offset mounting structure 141 relative to frame 131.

The electro-mechanical switch means and electrical circuit means of second embodiment 111 is similar to the electromechanical switch means of first embodiment 11. Manipulation of lever 163 of control box 119 is operative for causing coordinated movements of solenoid assembly plunger 161 with the forward and reverse rotation of propeller 115. When it is desired to change the direction of thrust of propulsion unit 113 on boat B, offset mounting structure 141 and motor means

propeller combination

117, 115 is shifted by selectively causing reverse or forward rotation of propeller 115 while solenoid assembly plunger 161 is in a retracted disposition from frame undersurface 135. Releasing control box switch lever 163 and permitting the lever to return to a neutral position de-energizes solenoid assembly 159 permitting plunger 161 to braltingly engage frame 131 and simultaneously cause continuous rotation of propeller 115 for thrust on the boat in a desired direction. Manipulating control box rhcostat wheel 165 permits selective control of the propeller speed and control of the propulsive force of propulsion unit 113.

it will be understood that the

frame

31 or 131 could be integrally formed as part of the boat B without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

lclaim:

1. Boat positioning apparatus for positioning a boat on a body of water comprising current generating means for generating a horizontally moving current in the body of water including propeller means, means rotatingly mounting said current generating means from said boat for movement about a vertical axis with said propeller means adapted to extend into the body of water for causing a current of water moving generally outwardly away from the vertical axis and thereby causing a horizontal thrust on said boat, and selectively operative means for rotatingly positioning said current generating means about a vertical axis including means responsive to the reactive thrust of said current generating means.

2. The boat positioning apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said current generating means includes an electric motor including a housing and a drive shaft adapted to be selectively contradirectionally rotatably urged upon energizing said motor, means mounting said motor with said shaft on a vertical axis, means securing said propeller means on the lower end of said motor shaft in a horizontal plane of rotation, said propeller means being operative for causing an upward current of water, and deflector vane means supported from said motor housing having a deflecting surface oriented generally downwardly toward said propeller means, the upward current of water from said propeller means being deflected horizontally by said deflector vane, the reactive action of the water deflected from said deflector vane being operative for propelling the boat in a direction opposite to the direction of current of the deflected water.

3. The boat positioning apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said means mounting said current generating means includes a frame structure fixed relative to said boat and wherein said means for rotatingly positioning said current generating means includes an electro-mechanical solenoid as sembly including coacting coil means and armature means relatively convergingly divergingly operative upon electrically energizing or de-energizing said coil means, means operably supporting said solenoid assembly between said frame structure and said motor housing for releasably locking the rotative movement of said current generating means relative to said frame structure, first switch means selectively operative for starting and stopping said motor, and second switch means for energizing and de-energizing said solenoid for releasing or locking the rotative movement of said current generating means.

4. The boat positioning apparatus as defined in claim 3 which additionally includes third switch means for reversing the rotation of said motor shaft and thus the propeller means.

5. The boat positioning apparatus as defined in claim 4 5 wherein said frame structure is separable from the bottom of said boat and wherein is included means supporting said frame structure on the boat bottom including flexible strap means engaging and extending oppositely from said frame structure and including releasable hook means for releasable engagement with the opposite side structure of the boat and wherein said means for rotatingly positioning said current generating means includes a control box housing said first, second and third switch means, the control box being adapted to be located near or supported on the person of the operator of the boat.

6. The boat positioning apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said propeller means is disposed for rotation about a horizontal axis offset laterally from said vertical axis of said current generating means.

7. The boat positioning apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said current generating means includes an electric motor including a housing and a drive shaft, means firmly securing said propeller means on said drive shaft, elongated offset mounting structure including an upper proximal end portion arranged contiguously of the vertical axis of the current generating means and including a lower distal end portion arranged subjacently of and offset horizontally from said vertical axis and including means firmly interconnecting the motor housing with the distal end portion of said offset mounting structure with a plane of rotation of said propeller means being generally parallel with and adjacent the vertical axis of said current generating means.

8. The boat positioning apparatus as defined in claim 7 wherein said means mounting said current generating means includes a frame structure fixed relative to said boat and wherein said means for rotatingly positioning said current generating means includes an electro-mechanical solenoid assembly including coacting coil means and armature means relatively convergingly divergingly operative upon electrically energizing or de-energiz'ing said coil means, means operatively supporting said solenoid assembly between said frame structure and said motor housing for releasably locking the rotative movement of said current generating means relative to said frame structure, first switch means selectively operative for stopping and starting said motor, second switch means selectively operative for energizing or de-energizing said solenoid means for releasing or locking the rotative movement of said current generating means, and third switch means selectively operative for reversing the rotation of said motor and thus the rotation of said propeller.

9. The boat positioning apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein said frame structure is separable from the bottom of said boat and wherein means is provided for fixedly supporting said frame structure on said boat bottom including strap means engaging and extending oppositely from said frame structure and including releasable hook means for releasable engagement with the opposite side structure of the boat, and wherein said means for rotatingly positioning said current generating means includes a control box housing said first, second and third switch means, the control box being adapted to be located near or supported on the person of the operator of the boat,