Patent ID: 6186742
Filing Date: 2001-02-13
Classification: F02B,F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for securing a boat propeller having a hub with a flared end utilizing a lockable cover comprising:(i) a plate comprising a first section and a second section in releasable engagement with said first section, said sections having an open position and a closed position, said plate containing a propeller hub aperture when said sections are in said closed position, said aperture positioned and sized to engage said hub at a point on said hub more narrow than said flared end when said sections are in said closed position, said aperture further sized to prevent the passage of said flared end when said sections are in said closed position;(ii) sidewalls extending from said plate, said sidewalls sized and positioned to substantially surround said flared end of said propeller when said sections are in said closed position and said aperture has engaged said hub;(iii) a cap sized to fit over said sidewalls when said sections are in said closed position, whereby said flared end of said propeller hub may be enclosed within said cover, said cap configured to releasably engage said sections of said plate when said sections are in said closed position, whereby said cap will prevent said sections from returning to said open position while said cap and said sections are engaged; andwherein the method comprises:(a) placing said plate sections over said hub of said propeller with said plate sections in said open position;(b) moving said plate sections into said closed position to engage said hub with said propeller hub aperture and to substantially surround said flared end of said hub within said sidewalls;(c) placing said cap over said sidewalls to substantially enclose said flared end of said hub within said cap; and(c) locking said cover to prevent said cap from being removed from said sidewalls and to prevent said plate sections from being taken out of said closed position.