Trolling motor releasable bracket system and associated methods

The trolling motor releasable mounting bracket system is for trolling motors (e.g., GPS guided trolling motors), includes its own power plug within the assembly, and is configured to mount a trolling motor to a vessel deck. The system includes a motor bracket and a vessel bracket. The motor bracket includes a receiving section to slidably receive the vessel bracket therein. The motor bracket further includes a motor power cord section including a motor power cord channel configured to route a motor power cord and secure an associated motor power connector therein. The vessel bracket includes a vessel power cord section including a vessel power cord channel configured to route a vessel power cord and secure an associated vessel power connector therein, And, the motor power cord channel and the vessel power cord channel are configured to align the respective motor power connector and the vessel power connector.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of boating, and more particularly to systems, devices and methods for releasably mounting a trolling motor to a vessel deck.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A trolling motor is a self-contained unit that includes an electric motor, propeller and controls, and is affixed to an angler's boat, either at the bow or stern. Trolling motors are often lifted from the water to reduce drag when the boat's primary engine is in operation. The trolling motor provides auxiliary power for precision maneuvering of the boat, to enable the angler to cast bait to where the fish are located. Trolling motors designed for this application are typically mounted in the bow.

An 1895 article in Scientific American entitled “A Portable Electric Propeller for Boats” stated: “Briefly described, it consists of a movable tube which is hinged at the stern of the boat, much as an oar is used in sculling. The tube contains a flexible shaft formed of three coils of phosphor bronze. This tube extends down and out into the water, where it carries a propeller, and at the inboard end an electric Motor is attached, which is itself driven by batteries.”

The electric trolling motor was invented by O. G. Schmidt in 1934 in Fargo, N. Dak., when he took a starter motor from a Ford Model A, added a flexible shaft, and a propeller. Because his manufacturing company was near the Minnesota/North Dakota border, he decided to call the new company Minn Kota. The company still is a major manufacturer of trolling motors.

Modern electric trolling motors are designed around a 12-volt, 24-volt or 36-volt brushed DC electric motor, to take advantage of the availability of 12-volt deep cycle batteries designed specifically for marine use. The motor itself is sealed inside a watertight compartment at the end of the shaft. It is submerged during operation, which prevents overheating. The propeller is fitted directly on to the prop shaft.

Hand controlled trolling motors are attached to the boat with a clamp. On/off and speed controls may also be foot-operated and built into a pedal that also controls the steering mechanism, Steering may be via electronically controlled servo motors, or in early-model (and late-model low-end units), a push-pull cable. Foot controlled trolling motors require a specialized mounting bracket that bolts horizontally to the deck. An advantage of foot controls is that fisherman has both hands free for fishing and landing the hooked fish. On the other hand, it is sometimes hard to coordinate foot work with hands, especially in wavy and windy conditions. Wireless remote control may be available on high-end late-model trolling motors. Servo-controlled steering and speed control both respond to a wireless device (e.g. including geolocation data, such as Global Positioning Satellite GPS), either in a foot pedal or a key-fob transmitter.

U.S. Pat. No. 10,155,579 to Marcia is directed to an electric propulsion system for small boats and kayaks. Each trolling motor is connected to a motor mount stub that clicks into a main system mount that straddles the gunnels of a boat. In Marcio,FIG. 3is a Wiring Integration within the Main System Mount, andFIG. 4Shows how the main power wires of the motor are connected to the lugs on each motor stub.FIG. 5shows how the boat operator “mechanically” connects a trolling motor to each motor mount stub. It is described therein that the motor wiring simply attaches to lug studs on the motor mount stubs and that the two power cords of each motor are bundled so as not to flop around and connect to lug bolts (seeFIG. 4) under the Motor Mount Stub. There are no self-contained electrical connectors in the system.

Also, U.S. Pat. No. 6,431,923 to Knight et al. (Johnson Outdoors Inc.) is directed to a Trolling Motor Bow Mount that includes a base, a chassis, and an actuation mechanism.FIG. 2is a side elevational view illustrating the trolling motor system ofFIG. 1being dismounted from the boat via a bow mount system.FIG. 3is a sectional view of the bow mount system ofFIG. 2taken along lines3-3.FIG. 4is a sectional view of the bow mount system ofFIG. 3illustrating a chassis lowered onto a base of the bow mount system. Although the mount of Knight et al, includes interleaving dovetails on the base and chassis for mounting the motor to a vessel, there is no description of self-contained electrical connectors within the base and chassis.

Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 10,689,081 to Shields is directed to a mount and control system for an electric outboard. As described in this reference, in some embodiments, the wire harness connects to the motor and terminates at a quick electrical disconnect which couples to an electrical extension at a location . . . that is in the dry storage and approximately underneath the hatch. It is further described that the location allows for easy access to the disconnect and provides for simple and quick attachment and detachment of the wire harness when installing or removing parts of the mount and control system.

However, even though the reference discusses a “quick electrical disconnect”, such disconnect is not integrated with the mounting or fastening components.

What is needed is a trolling motor quick release bracket system that includes its own power plug within the assembly to more easily mount and dismount the trolling motor onto/from the vessel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

With the above in mind, embodiments of the present invention are related to a trolling motor releasable mounting bracket system that includes its own power plug within the assembly to more easily mount and dismount the trolling motor onto/from the vessel and reduce associated wires on the boat deck.

The embodiments of the invention are directed to a trolling motor releasable mounting bracket system for trolling motors (e.g., GPS guided trolling motors) that includes its own power plug within the assembly. It may be designed as an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) system for new boats and/or as an aftermarket system to retrofit with most pre-drilled mounting patterns for those who wish to convert from a previous quick release product.

This and other objects, advantages and features in accordance with the present embodiments may be provided by a trolling motor releasable mounting bracket system configured to mount a trolling motor to a vessel deck. The system includes a motor bracket configured to be mounted to a base of the trolling motor, and a vessel bracket configured to be mounted to the vessel deck. The motor bracket includes a receiving section, extending inwardly from a first end thereof, and configured to slidably receive the vessel bracket therein. The motor bracket further includes a motor power cord section, extending inwardly from a second end and to the receiving section, and including a motor power cord channel configured to route a motor power cord and secure an associated motor power connector therein. The vessel bracket includes a vessel power cord section, extending inwardly from a first end thereof, and including a vessel power cord channel configured to route a vessel power cord and secure an associated vessel power connector therein, And, the motor power cord channel and the vessel power cord channel are configured to align the respective motor power connector and the vessel power connector, for automatic connection, upon the vessel bracket being slidably received in the receiving section of the motor bracket.

Additionally, and/or alternatively, the motor bracket includes a first passageway adjacent the receiving section, and the vessel bracket includes a second passageway configured to align with the first passageway and receive a locking pin therethrough.

Additionally, and/or alternatively, the motor bracket further includes a locking pin tab that protrudes from a side thereof adjacent the first passageway, and a locking pin is configured to rest on the locking pin tab and extend through the first and second passageways to lock the motor bracket to the vessel bracket and lock the trolling motor to the vessel deck.

Additionally, and/or alternatively, the motor bracket includes at least one pattern of base fastener holes configured to receive fasteners to secure the motor bracket to the base of the trolling motor, and the vessel bracket includes at least one pattern of deck fastener holes configured to receive fasteners to secure the vessel bracket to the deck of the vessel.

Additionally, and/or alternatively, the motor power cord section of the motor bracket includes a motor power cord section cover that covers the motor power cord channel to secure the motor power connector within the motor power cord channel.

Additionally, and/or alternatively, the vessel power cord section of the vessel bracket includes a vessel power cord section cover that covers the vessel power cord channel to secure the vessel power connector within the vessel power cord channel.

Additionally, and/or alternatively, the vessel power cord section cover includes an outlet configured to route the vessel power cord externally of the vessel bracket and into the deck of the vessel.

Additionally, and/or alternatively, the motor bracket and vessel bracket include respective guide rails configured to provide the slidable installation of the motor bracket onto the vessel bracket.

Other objects, advantages and features in accordance with the present embodiments may be provided by a trolling motor releasable mounting bracket system configured to mount a trolling motor to a vessel deck. The system includes a motor bracket configured to be mounted to a base of the trolling motor, and a vessel bracket configured to be mounted to the vessel deck. A motor power cord has an associated motor power connector, and a vessel power cord has an associated vessel power connector. The motor bracket includes a receiving section, extending inwardly from a first end thereof, and configured to slidably receive the vessel bracket therein. The motor bracket and vessel bracket include respective guide rails configured to provide the slidable installation of the motor bracket onto the vessel bracket. The motor bracket further includes a motor power cord section, extending inwardly from a second end and to the receiving section, and including a motor power cord channel configured to route the motor power cord and secure an associated motor power connector therein. The vessel bracket includes a vessel power cord section, extending inwardly from a first end thereof, and including a vessel power cord channel configured to route the vessel power cord and secure an associated vessel power connector therein. The motor power cord channel and the vessel power cord channel are configured to align the respective motor power connector and the vessel power connector, for automatic connection, upon the vessel bracket being slidably received in the receiving section of the motor bracket. The motor bracket includes a first passageway adjacent the receiving section, and the vessel bracket includes a second passageway configured to align with the first passageway and receive a locking pin therethrough to lock the motor bracket to the vessel bracket and lock the trolling motor to the vessel deck.

Additionally, and/or alternatively, the motor bracket further comprises a locking pin tab that protrudes from a side thereof adjacent the first passageway to support a proximal end of the locking pin.

Additionally, and/or alternatively, the motor bracket includes at least one pattern of base fastener holes configured to receive fasteners to secure the motor bracket to the base of the trolling motor, and the vessel bracket includes at least one pattern of deck fastener holes configured to receive fasteners to secure the vessel bracket to the deck of the vessel.

Additionally, and/or alternatively, the motor power cord section of the motor bracket includes a motor power cord section cover that covers the motor power cord channel to secure the motor power connector within the motor power cord channel.

Additionally, and/or alternatively, the vessel power cord section of the vessel bracket includes a vessel power cord section cover that covers the vessel power cord channel to secure the vessel power connector within the vessel power cord channel.

Additionally, and/or alternatively, the vessel power cord section cover includes an outlet configured to route the vessel power cord externally of the vessel bracket and into the deck of the vessel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before describing the present disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to parameters of the particularly exemplified systems, methods, apparatus, products, processes, and/or kits, which may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is only for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the present disclosure, and is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the disclosure in any particular manner. Thus, while the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to specific embodiments, features, aspects, configurations, etc., the descriptions are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed invention. Various modifications can be made to the illustrated embodiments, features, aspects, configurations, etc. without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Thus, while various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are contemplated.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. While a number of methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of the present disclosure, only certain exemplary materials and methods are described herein.

Various aspects of the present disclosure, including devices, systems, methods, etc., may be illustrated with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments or implementations. As used herein, the terms “embodiment,” “alternative embodiment” and/or “exemplary implementation” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or implementations disclosed herein. In addition, reference to an “implementation” of the present disclosure or invention includes a specific reference to one or more embodiments thereof, and vice versa, and is intended to provide illustrative examples without limiting the scope of the invention, which is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the following description.

It will be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a “sensor” includes one, two, or more sensors.

As used throughout this application the words “can” and “may” are used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Additionally, the terms “including,” “having,” “involving,” “containing,” “characterized by,” variants thereof (e.g., “includes,” “has,” and “involves,” “contains,” etc.), and similar terms as used herein, including the claims, shall be inclusive and/or open-ended, shall have the same meaning as the word “comprising” and variants thereof (e.g., “comprise” and “comprises”), and do not exclude additional, un-recited elements or method steps, illustratively.

Various aspects of the present disclosure can be illustrated by describing components that are coupled, attached, connected, and/or joined together. As used herein, the terms “coupled”, “attached”, “connected,” and/or “joined” are used to indicate either a direct connection between two components or, where appropriate, an indirect connection to one another through intervening or intermediate components. In contrast, when a component is referred to as being “directly coupled”, “directly attached”, “directly connected,” and/or “directly joined” to another component, no intervening elements are present or contemplated. Thus, as used herein, the terms “connection,” “connected,” and the like do not necessarily imply direct contact between the two or more elements. In addition, components that are coupled, attached, connected, and/or joined together are not necessarily (reversibly or permanently) secured to one another. For instance, coupling, attaching, connecting, and/or joining can comprise placing, positioning, and/or disposing the components together or otherwise adjacent in some implementations.

As used herein, directional and/or arbitrary terms, such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “left,” “right,” “up,” “down,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “outer,” “internal,” “external,” “interior,” “exterior,” “proximal,” “distal” and the like can be used solely to indicate relative directions and/or orientations and may not otherwise be intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, including the specification, invention, and/or claims.

Where possible, like numbering of elements have been used in various figures. In addition, similar elements and/or elements having similar functions may be designated by similar numbering (e.g., element “10” and element “210.”) Furthermore, alternative configurations of a particular element may each include separate letters appended to the element number. Accordingly, an appended letter can be used to designate an alternative design, structure, function, implementation, and/or embodiment of an element or feature without an appended letter. Similarly, multiple instances of an element and or sub-elements of a parent element may each include separate letters appended to the element number. In each case, the element label may be used without an appended letter to generally refer to instances of the element or any one of the alternative elements. Element labels including an appended letter can be used to refer to a specific instance of the element or to distinguish or draw attention to multiple uses of the element. However, element labels including an appended letter are not meant to be limited to the specific and/or particular embodiment(s) in which they are illustrated. In other words, reference to a specific feature in relation to one embodiment should not be construed as being limited to applications only within said embodiment.

It will also be appreciated that where a range of values (e.g., less than, greater than, at least, and/or up to a certain value, and/or between two recited values) is disclosed or recited, any specific value or range of values falling within the disclosed range of values is likewise disclosed and contemplated herein.

It is also noted that systems, methods, apparatus, devices, products, processes, compositions, and/or kits, etc., according to certain embodiments of the present invention may include, incorporate, or otherwise comprise properties, features, aspects, steps, components, members, and/or elements described in other embodiments disclosed and/or described herein. Thus, reference to a specific feature, aspect, steps, component, member, element, etc. in relation to one embodiment should not be construed as being limited to applications only within said embodiment. In addition, reference to a specific benefit, advantage, problem, solution, method of use, etc. in relation to one embodiment should not be construed as being limited to applications only within said embodiment.

The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures.

An embodiment of the invention, as shown and described by the various figures and accompanying text, provides a system that includes brackets configured to slidably engage for mounting the motor to the vessel while also internally electrically coupling (e.g., with self-contained electrical connectors) the motor to a vessel power supply connector within the vessel bracket or puck. The motor bracket includes a feature to route and secure the power cord of the motor within the bracket and positioned for connection to the corresponding electrical connector at one end of the puck when the motor is slidably mounted to the puck and vessel. A storage puck may be provided for mounting the motor (e.g. in the garage) when not in use.

An embodiment of the present invention is directed to a trolling motor releasable mounting bracket system and is described below with reference toFIGS. 1-8.FIG. 1is a bottom view of a trolling motor releasable mounting bracket system10with a vessel bracket12received within a motor bracket14,FIG. 2is a side view of the trolling motor releasable mounting bracket system10.FIG. 3is a perspective view of a trolling motor base20, of a typical trolling motor22, and secured to the motor bracket14of the trolling motor releasable mounting bracket system10.FIG. 4is a perspective bottom view of the vessel bracket12.FIG. 5is a perspective bottom view of the trolling motor releasable mounting bracket system10, including the motor bracket14being secured to the trolling motor22, and the vessel bracket12being received by the motor bracket14.FIG. 6is a perspective side view of the trolling motor base20secured to the motor bracket14and ready for installation onto the vessel bracket12mounted to the deck30of a vessel32.FIG. 7is a perspective view of the trolling motor base20secured to the motor bracket14and installed onto the vessel bracket12mounted to the deck30of the vessel32.FIG. 8is a perspective view of the trolling motor assembly24secured to the motor bracket14, via the motor base20, and installed onto the vessel bracket12mounted to the deck30of the vessel32and positioned upright for trolling operation.

Thus, the trolling motor releasable mounting bracket system10is configured to mount the trolling motor22to the vessel deck30. Herein, the vessel deck30refers to any surface (e.g. top deck, deck cap, floor, etc.) that can mount the vessel bracket12above the hull. The system10includes the motor bracket14configured to be mounted to the base20of the trolling motor22, and the vessel bracket12configured to be mounted to the vessel deck30. The motor bracket14includes a receiving section40, extending inwardly from a first end15thereof, and configured to slidably receive the vessel bracket12therein. The motor bracket14and vessel bracket12include respective guide rails74,75configured to provide the slidable installation of the motor bracket14onto the vessel bracket12.

The motor bracket14further includes a motor power cord section42, extending inwardly from a second end16and to the receiving section40, and including a motor power cord channel44configured to route a motor power cord45and secure an associated motor power connector46therein. The vessel bracket12includes a vessel power cord section52, extending inwardly from a first end thereof17, and including a vessel power cord channel54configured to route a vessel power cord55and secure an associated vessel power connector56therein. And, the motor power cord channel44and the vessel power cord channel54are configured to align the respective motor power connector56and the vessel power connector46, for automatic connection, upon the vessel bracket12being slidably received in the receiving section40of the motor bracket14.

The motor bracket14includes a first passageway64adjacent the receiving section40, and the vessel bracket12includes a second passageway65configured to align with the first passageway64and receive a locking pin62therethrough. The motor bracket14may further include a locking pin tab60that protrudes from a side thereof adjacent the first passageway64. The locking pin62is configured to rest on the locking pin tab60and extend through the first and second passageways64,65to lock the motor bracket14to the vessel bracket12. This feature also locks the trolling motor22to the vessel deck30. A lock may be used to secure the locking pin62to the locking pin tab60and provide security for the trolling motor22on the vessel32while being stored or transported. In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2, the locking pin62extends through the brackets12,14; however, in other embodiments, the locking pin62may include a U-shaped design that does not extend out of the opposite side of the motor bracket14. Other arrangements are also contemplated as long as the brackets12,14are locked together by the locking pin62.

The motor bracket14may include one or more patterns of base fastener holes70configured to receive fasteners to secure the motor bracket14to the base20of the trolling motor22. Likewise, the vessel bracket may include at least one pattern of deck fastener holes72configured to receive fasteners to secure the vessel bracket14to the deck30of the vessel32.

The motor power cord section42of the motor bracket14includes a motor power cord section cover49that covers the motor power cord channel44to secure the motor power connector46within the motor power cord channel44. The motor power cord section cover49can be fastened to the motor bracket14, with stainless steel screws, for example. The vessel power cord section52of the vessel bracket12includes a vessel power cord section cover59that covers the vessel power cord channel54to secure the vessel power connector56within the vessel power cord channel54. The vessel power cord section cover59can be fastened to the vessel bracket12, with stainless steel screws, for example. The vessel power cord section cover59includes an outlet58configured to route the vessel power cord55externally of the vessel bracket12and into the deck30of the vessel32.

The trolling motor releasable mounting bracket system10, aka “Power Pux”, is a quick release bracket with its own self-contained power connectors or plugs46,56designed to provide electrical power to a 12-volt, 24-volt, or 36-volt trolling motor22at the moment the trolling motor is installed on the vessel32. The self-contained power connectors46,56preferably are 60-amp rated electrical connectors which together serve to transfer the vessel battery power to the trolling motor22once the motor bracket14and vessel bracket12are connected together.

The existing 8-gauge wires supplied from the trolling motor22are to be connected to the motor power cord45(e.g. two supplied 8-gauge wires) exiting from the motor bracket14. The vessel power cord55(e.g. two supplied 8-gauge wires) will pass through the top deck of the deck30of the vessel32and then connect with the vessel's battery wires. A 60-amp surge protector breaker may be recommended between the vessel power cord55and the vessel battery or power supply. The vessel bracket should preferably be sealed with marine caulking/sealant around the outlet58and mounting holes72on the top deck surface of the deck30to prevent water leakage below the deck.

Once the brackets12,14are properly affixed and secured to the top deck and to the trolling motor22and the battery power leads have been connected, the trolling motor assembly with the motor bracket14can be slid forward on the vessels top deck and slid onto the vessel bracket12aligning the guide rails74,75and pushed forward until the power connectors46and56latch together. The locking pin62is slid into the passageways64,65and may be secured with an optional lock (e.g. a padlock) for theft protection.

When the 60-amp surge protection breaker is turned on, the trolling motor releasable mounting bracket system10will supply the trolling motor22with power for safe operation (e.g. including GPS guidance) without the need for external power cords and plugs to trip on or entangle a user's fishing line.

The brackets12,14may be made of a thermoplastic polymer, for example, 1½″ inch quality marine-grade High Density Poly Ethylene (HDPE) that is cut and milled to desired specifications. Size in length, width and height, as well as materials, can be selected for different makes and models of vessels, trolling motors or other requested applications as needed. Colors can vary according to availability from the thermoplastic suppliers.

The above description provides specific details, such as material types and processing conditions to provide a thorough description of example embodiments. However, a person of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the embodiments may be practiced without using these specific details.

Some of the illustrative aspects of the present invention may be advantageous in solving the problems herein described and other problems not discussed which are discoverable by a skilled artisan. While the above description contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any embodiment, but as exemplifications of the presented embodiments thereof. Many other ramifications and variations are possible within the teachings of the various embodiments. While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best or only mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Also, in the drawings and the description, there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments of the invention and, although specific terms may have been employed, they are unless otherwise stated used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention therefore not being so limited. Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. Furthermore, the use of the terms a, an, etc. do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, and not by the examples given.