Patent ID: 9481438
Filing Date: 2016-11-01
CPC Classification: B63H,F16H

Claim Text:
1. A cowl assembly for an outboard motor, the cowl assembly comprising: first and second cowl members configured to be joined together proximate respective first and second mating edges thereof, wherein the first mating edge has a relatively smaller perimeter than the second mating edge, such that the second mating edge overlaps the first mating edge; a fastening assembly including a latch coupled to one of the first and second cowl members, and a retaining mechanism coupled to the other of the first and second cowl members, the latch and the retaining mechanism configured to engage one another so as to fasten the first and second cowl members together; a seal coupled to the first cowl member and configured to form a fluid tight joint between the first and second cowl members, wherein the seal is coupled around the entire perimeter of the first mating edge; at least one shape memory alloy wire coupled to the seal, wherein the at least one shape memory alloy wire is embedded in and coextensive with an outer lip of the seal; and a switch configured to selectively provide electrical current to the at least one shape memory alloy wire so as to activate the at least one shape memory alloy wire; wherein activation of the at least one shape memory alloy wire causes disengagement of the seal from the second cowl member, to enable separation of the first cowl member from the second cowl member.