Telescoping outrigger arm

A fishing outrigger including a telescoping outrigger assembly is provided. The outrigger assembly may include a cantilever spring assembly, at least two telescoping tubes, a central spring, a stabilizer base and pole, and at least one mounting body. The cantilever spring assembly may be adapted to lock the extended telescoping tubes securely in place and allow for easy retraction. The cantilever spring assembly may be coupled to the stabilizer base, both of which may ride along the outside of a telescoping tube. Mounting assemblies may be disposed at the ends of the outrigger assembly and be adapted to secure the outrigger assembly to a boat or other vehicle.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to fishing outriggers, and more particularly to an outrigger assembly with a telescoping layout arm and a cantilever spring lock.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Outriggers are popular in ocean fishing applications. Outriggers are rigid poles that are a part of the boats rigging and are designed to extend the fishing pole bait lines beyond the “whitewash” of the water surrounding the boat. This is preferable because bait traveling through clear water outside of the “whitewash” is more likely to successfully attract fish to the bait. Once a fish takes the bait, the line may be automatically released from the outrigger and all forces are transferred directly to a corresponding fishing pole secured to the gunwale of the boat. For example, the bait line can be connected to a quick release mechanism that releases the line and transfers the forces to the pole when a fish engages the bait or otherwise pulls on the line.

Outriggers typically include several interconnectable, telescopic, or extensible tubes connected to one another by an interconnection device, such as clamps, adhesives, rivets, fasteners, or the like. For sport fishing outriggers of the “layout” design, the upper tubular member is required to shorten or lengthen to control the position of the outrigger assembly between stowed and deployed positions. Traditionally, this is done with either a hydraulic ram or a folding two-tube assembly that does not telescope.

The upper tubular member of the outriggers, referred to as the “layout arm,” must be able to hold the outrigger firmly when in the deployed position. Traditionally, this is mechanically achieved by using a two-tube folding assembly having a joint that extends beyond 180 degrees that must be manually unlocked to allow it to fold back into the stowed position. While this traditional configuration is simple and effective, it precludes the layout arm from telescoping.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention broadly comprises a fishing outrigger including a telescoping outrigger assembly. The outrigger assembly may include a cantilever spring assembly, at least two telescoping tubes, a central bias member, a stabilizer base and pole, and at least one mounting body. In an embodiment, the cantilever spring assembly may be adapted to lock the extended telescoping tubes securely in place and allow for easy retraction. The cantilever spring assembly may be coupled to the stabilizer base, both of which may ride along the outside of a telescoping tube. Mounting assemblies may be disposed at the ends of the outrigger assembly and be adapted to secure the outrigger assembly to a boat or other vehicle.

According to an embodiment, a telescoping arm assembly is described. The assembly may include first and second tubes in telescopic sliding engagement. The first tube may have an external diameter greater than an external diameter of the second tube. An endcap may be coupled to the second tube. A cantilever spring assembly may be coupled to the endcap on an inward bias towards a central axis of the first and second tube. The cantilever spring assembly may also define a first axial passthrough. The spring ring may be slidingly coupled to the first tube through the first axial passthrough. A stabilizer base may define a second axial passthrough. The stabilizer base may also be slidingly coupled to the first and second tubes through the second axial passthrough. The inward bias of the cantilever spring assembly may bias the spring ring laterally towards the central axis as the spring ring axially slides over a top surface of the first tube.

According to another embodiment, a telescoping outrigger may comprise first and second tubes in telescopic sliding engagement. The first tube may have an internal diameter substantially equal to the external diameter of the second tube. A first mounting body may be coupled to the first tube and a second mounting body may be coupled to the second tube. An endcap may be coupled to the second tube and second mounting body. A cantilever spring assembly may be coupled to the endcap on an inward bias towards a central axis of the first and second tube. The cantilever spring assembly may define a first axial passthrough. The spring ring may be slidingly coupled to the first tube and second tube through the first axial passthrough. A stabilizer base may define a second axial passthrough and be coupled to the cantilever spring assembly. The first and second telescoping tubes may be coupled to the stabilizer base through the second axial passthrough. A stabilizer tube may be coupled to the end cap and the stabilizer base. An internal bias member may be coupled to the first and second mounting bodies and disposed within the first and second tubes. The inward bias of the cantilever spring assembly may bias the spring ring laterally towards the central axis as the spring ring axially slides over a top surface of the first tube, engaging a bottom surface of the spring ring with the top surface of the first tube.

According to another embodiment, a cantilever locking mechanism is described. The cantilever locking mechanism may include a stanchion, a base coupled to the stanchion and a spring ring coupled to the base. The spring ring may define a first axial passthrough. A stabilizer base may be coupled to the spring ring and define a second axial passthrough coaxial to the first passthrough. A first telescoping tube and a second telescoping tube may be in sliding engagement and disposed through the first and second axial passthroughs. The first telescoping tube may have an internal diameter substantially equal to the external diameter of the second telescoping tube. The spring ring may be biased inwardly towards a central axis of the first and second telescoping tubes such that sliding the spring ring over a top surface of the first telescoping tube engages a bottom surface of the spring ring with a top surface of the first telescoping tube.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the present invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings, and will herein be described in detail, embodiments of the invention, including a preferred embodiment, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the present invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to any one or more embodiments illustrated herein. As used herein, the term “present invention” is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but is instead used to discuss exemplary embodiments of the invention for explanatory purposes only.

The present invention relates broadly to a telescoping outrigger assembly adapted for use on a fishing boat or vessel. According to embodiments of the invention, the telescoping outrigger assemblies described herein provide several advantageous features. For example, and without limitation, telescoping poles may be capable of housing additional elements, such as long internal springs, that may help the user retrieve the outrigger more easily by counteracting the weight of the outrigger. Furthermore, telescoping poles may provide motion damping in the form of pneumatic seals. Telescoping poles may also include stops that prevent over-extension.

Referring toFIGS.1A-4D, an embodiment of an outrigger assembly100, including a first telescoping tube102, a second telescoping tube104, a cantilever spring assembly106, a stabilizer tube108, an endcap assembly110, a stabilizer base114, a distal mounting body112and a proximal mounting body116is shown. The outrigger assembly100, in use, may be coupled to a boat, vessel, or other vehicle, by coupling the proximal mounting body116to an outrigger support (not shown) or other structure rigidly coupled to the boat. The supports may be coupled to the hull of the boat or other suitable structure on the boat, such as, for example, pipework or a rigid canopy and allow the outrigger assembly to rotate between a stowed and deployed position. The distal mounting body112may be used to couple additional rigging or equipment to the end of the outrigger assembly100or to secure it when stowed. An alternative embodiment may include an installation in which the depicted proximal and distal ends are swapped so that the distal mounting body112is coupled to an outrigger support or other structure rigidly couple to the boat, and the proximal mounting body116coupled to the end of the outrigger assembly.

FIG.1A, according to an embodiment, depicts the outrigger assembly100in a collapsed or retracted position. When the outrigger assembly100is not in use, it may be retracted and stowed in a stowed position that does not interfere with the operation of the boat. When in use, the outrigger assembly100may be extended, as shown inFIG.1BandFIG.5. As shown inFIG.5the outrigger assembly100may be coupled to one or more support tubes202. The mounting points206may be disposed on one or more of a vehicle, such as, a hull or other structure, such as pipework and/or canopy, of a boat213, an outrigger tube210, and the outrigger assembly100. As illustrated, the mounting bodies205may be disposed on both opposing ends of the support tube202, such that one end is pivotably coupled to the outrigger tube210and the other end is pivotably coupled to the vehicle via the mounting points206.

Referring toFIG.1B, according to an embodiment, the outrigger assembly100includes a first telescoping tube102and a second telescoping tube104. In operation, and as described herein, the outrigger assembly100may be extended by applying an outward axial force (away from the proximal mounting body116) on the second telescoping tube104causing the cantilever spring assembly106, stabilizer tube108, stabilizer base114, distal mounting body112, and endcap assembly110to travel along the first telescoping tube102into an extended position. The first telescoping tube102and the second telescoping tube104may be allowed to freely rotate axially preventing any potential binding of the hardware mounting the outrigger assembly100to the boat. The telescoping tubes may be made from any number of materials common to known outrigging devices, including metals, metal alloys, carbon-fiber, or the like.

According to an embodiment, and as described below, the cantilever spring assembly106may be adapted to lock the position of the second telescoping tube104in relation to the first telescoping tube102. To retract the outrigger assembly100, an inward axial force may be applied (towards the proximal mounting body116) causing the narrower second telescoping tube104to slide into the first telescoping tube102. The cantilever spring assembly106may resist inward axial force and prevent telescoping of the second telescoping tube104and the first telescoping tube102when in the locked position. The cantilever spring assembly106may also automatically lock and remain locked unless and until the cantilever spring assembly106is acted on to unlock. In an embodiment of the present invention, the outrigger assembly may rigidly and reliably lock in the extended position to support the outrigger mechanism when in the deployed position. According to an embodiment, an internal bias member (124,FIG.2B), or other spring-like device, may be disposed within the first telescoping tube102and second telescoping tube104. As described below, the internal bias member124may be of sufficient length and negative bias to aid in the retraction of the second telescoping tube104into the first telescoping tube102, bringing the outrigger assembly100into a retracted position (FIG.1A). The internal bias member124may reduce the amount of work required to retrieve or retract the extended second telescoping tube104.

The second telescoping tube104may have a smaller external diameter than the first telescoping tube102, allowing the second telescoping tube104to slide into, or travel through, the first telescoping tube102. According to another embodiment, the external diameter of the second telescoping tube104is substantially equal to or fractionally smaller than the internal diameter of the first telescoping tube102, such that the sliding engagement of the tubes forms a pneumatic seal inside the tubes. The pneumatic seal formed by the friction-fit engagement of the first telescoping tube102and the second telescoping tube104and the resulting pressure within the tubes may affect the motion and force required to extend and retract the outrigger assembly100.

Referring toFIGS.2A-2E, a distal end200of the outrigger assembly100is depicted in various views.FIGS.2B and2Cdepict opposing views, respectively, of an exploded view of one embodiment of the distal end200of the outrigger assembly100.FIG.2Ddepicts a section view of the distal end200, taken along line A-A ofFIG.2A.FIG.2Edepicts a section view of the distal end200, taken along the line B-B ofFIG.2A. As shown inFIG.2A, the distal end200may include an endcap assembly110to which the second telescoping tube104, the cantilever spring assembly106, the stabilizer tube108, and the distal mounting body112are fixedly coupled.

Referring toFIGS.2B-2E, the second telescoping tube104may define one or more voids122for receiving a fastener, for example a pair of screws130, adapted to secure the second telescoping tube104to the endcap assembly110. The cantilever spring assembly106may include a stanchion105. In one embodiment, the stanchion105may include or define a reduced-diameter end107. The reduced-diameter end107may define one or more voids120for receiving a fastener, for example a pair of screws118, adapted to secure the reduced diameter end107of the stanchion105to the endcap assembly110. Similarly, the stabilizer tube108may define one or more voids121for receiving a fastener, for example a pair of screws118, adapted to secure the stabilizer tube108to the endcap assembly110. In a pre-installed, unstressed state, stanchion105may be a straight tube similar to support tube108, with the difference being stanchion105may be installed in a way that such that it remains in bending tension and acts as a preloaded cantilever spring. Support tube108may be installed in an unstressed, undeflected state.

The distal mounting body112may be or include a clevis portion117to receive a pin, bolt, dowel, or other fastener adapted to couple the mounting body112to additional rigging, equipment, or the vessel itself. As seen inFIGS.2D-2E, according to an embodiment, the distal mounting body112may include or define a reduced-diameter portion134adapted to fit within the second telescoping tube104while the clevis portion117, having a larger diameter, is disposed on or about the top-edge surface of the second telescoping tube104. The reduced-diameter portion134of the distal mounting body112may define one or more voids136for receiving a fastener, for example the pair of screws130, adapted to secure the second telescoping tube104and the distal mounting body112to the endcap assembly110. The distal mounting body112may further define another void138for receiving a retaining pin132and a distal end128of the internal bias member124. The retaining pin132may be adapted to secure the internal biasing member124to the distal mounting body112and endcap assembly110, as shown inFIG.2D.

The endcap assembly110, according to an embodiment, may define a void111sized to receive the second telescoping tube104as well as additional voids (not shown) adapted to receive the reduced-diameter end107of the cantilever spring assembly106and the stabilizer tube108. The respective voids defined in the endcap assembly110may be sized fractionally larger that the diameters of the tubes each void receives. The close-fit sizing of the tubes, and additional fasteners, such as the screws118,130, provide for a secure fit minimizing any undesirable movement of the tubes within the endcap assembly110. The endcap assembly110may also define one or more voids119for receiving the screws118adapted to secure the cantilever spring assembly106and the stabilizer tube108to the endcap assembly110. The endcap assembly110may further define an access opening131through which screws130pass when securing the screws130to one side of the second telescoping tube104, the distal mounting body112, and the endcap assembly110. The endcap assembly110may also include a plate109(FIG.2C) on the outer surface of the assembly to receive screws130adapted to secure an opposite side of the second telescoping tube104, the distal mounting body112, and the endcap assembly110.

The internal bias member124may further include a proximal end128to be coupled to the proximal mounting body116, as described below. The distal end128and proximal end126of the internal bias member, according to an embodiment, may each include or define coupling rings129,127, respectively. The coupling rings may be adapted to receive the retaining pin132coupling the internal bias member124to the mounting bodies114,112. According to an embodiment, the internal bias member124may include one or more non-metallic, e.g., rubber, springs with a surrounding sheath125that also acts as a positive stop to limit any potential over-travel of the spring. According to an embodiment, using multiple springs coupled in series allows the spring rate at various parts of the outrigger's travel to be controlled. For example, as the outrigger assembly100is deployed outwardly, the effective weight of the outrigger assembly100may increase as the angle approaches horizontal and the telescoping movement tends to accelerate towards the deployed position faster. Using a first spring having a first spring rate (such as a short, high spring rate spring) coupled in series with a second spring having a second spring rate less than the first spring rate (such as a long, lower rate spring) may increase the spring rate at the extended end of the travel because the long spring may reach its full length stop and become a rigid cord, which then causes the spring assembly to suddenly increase in spring rate as the short, higher-rate spring is stretched.

Referring toFIGS.3A-3E, the middle section300of the outrigger assembly100is shown. One disadvantage of known telescoping designs is the lack of ability to mechanically lock the telescoped tubes into a fully extended position and the ability to remotely unlock or release a locking mechanism. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention provide the ability to lock the telescoping tubes102,104into the fully extended position immediately upon reaching full extension, but also the ability to remotely unlock the outrigger assembly100via, for example, a light pull on a cord that is attached to the cantilever spring assembly106. Embodiments of the present invention achieve this using the cantilever spring assembly106. The middle section300may feature the engagement of the cantilever spring assembly106with the stabilizer base114, first telescoping tube102and second telescoping tube104.FIG.3Bdepicts an exploded view of the stabilizer base114.FIG.3Cdepicts an exploded view of the cantilever spring assembly106.FIG.3Dis a sectional view of the middle section300taken across line C-C when the outrigger assembly100is fully extended.FIG.3Eis a sectional view of the middle section300taken across line D-D.

As shown inFIG.3B, the stabilizer base114may define a void146for receiving the stabilizer pole108as well as one or more voids147for receiving screws144. The stabilizer pole may define one or more voids145for receiving corresponding screws144through adapted to secure the stabilizer pole to the stabilizer base114. The stabilizer tube108may be a rigid tube positioned on a parallel axis offset from the central axis of the telescoping tubes102,104. Because the stabilizer tube108is rigidly fixed to the stabilizing base114and to the endcap110, the stabilizer tube108may prevent twisting of the cantilever spring assembly106and ensure reliable action of the cantilever spring assembly106and its locking ability.

The stabilizer base114includes or defines an axial passthrough148through which the first telescoping tube102and the second telescoping tube104may pass as the outrigger assembly100is extended and retracted. As shown inFIG.3C, the stabilizer base114may define a groove141defined on the outer surface of the stabilizer base114adapted to receive and retain the cantilever base142. The stabilizer base114may also define a slot152in the stabilizer base114to receive a cantilever spring ring156of the cantilever spring assembly106. One or more retaining pins150may be disposed within corresponding upper voids151and lower voids153(FIG.3B) defined in the stabilizer base114. According to an embodiment, upper voids151may be defined on a top surface of the stabilizer base114, while lower voids153may be defined on a lower surface defining the slot152that receives the cantilever spring ring156. The retaining pins150, as explained below, may pass through an axial passthrough158of the cantilever spring ring156when the cantilever spring ring156is disposed within the slot152. The retaining pins150aid in preventing the cantilever spring assembly106from disengaging with the stabilizer base114.

According to an embodiment, as shown in the exploded view ofFIG.3C, the cantilever spring assembly106may include a stanchion105, fixture plates140, and a cantilever base142. In an embodiment, the stanchion105may be a carbon fiber tube. As detailed herein the stanchion105may be rigidly fixed to the second telescoping tube104through the endcap110. The stanchion105may include or define voids165for receiving screws164adapted to couple the stanchion105to the cantilever base142. The cantilever base142may include a shank154extending from the cantilever base142. The shank154may include or define voids166for receiving screws164adapted to couple the shank154to the stanchion105. The shank154may be sized just smaller than the internal diameter of the stanchion105to provide a secure coupling to the cantilever base142. The cantilever base142may include a band160extending from the cantilever base142defining a loop162. The loop162may be use as an attachment point for a rope, pulley, or other device to aid in extending or retracting the outrigger assembly100. The cantilever base142may further include or define a support143. The support143may include a projection (not shown) sized and shaped to securely couple the groove141of the stabilizer base114.

The cantilever spring assembly106may be coupled to the outrigger assembly100in a way that the stanchion105is parallel to the telescoping tubes on one plane, but on a plane perpendicular to that parallel plane, it is biased inwardly towards the central axis of the telescoping tubes102,104, as shown inFIG.2E. According on an embodiment, the stanchion105may be coupled to the endcap100at an inward angle such that the distance between the stanchion105and the second telescoping tube104decreases between the endcap110to the stabilizer base114. Conceptually, this is shown inFIG.2Eas the distance X is greater than the distance Y. The cantilever spring ring156may have an internal diameter that is slightly greater than the outer diameter of the second telescoping tube104, thus allowing a telescoping relationship. In an embodiment, the spring ring is rigid and has lateral travel such that the inward bias slides the spring ring over the top of the wider tube after passing over the top. Pulling the spring ring back and down then slides the ring down over the wider tube. As such, the cantilever spring ring156may slide laterally within the slot152of the stabilizer base114to contact the telescoping tubes102,104. The contact force of the cantilever spring ring156with the first telescoping tube102due to the inward bias of the cantilever spring assembly106may provide a spring preload which is the force that snaps the cantilever spring ring156and stanchion105into a locked or braced position when the cantilever spring ring156passes over an end101of the first telescoping tube102.

According to an embodiment, as shown inFIG.3D, the cantilever spring assembly106may be just short enough such that as the outrigger assembly100is extended the cantilever spring ring156automatically slips over the end101of the first telescoping tube102and a bottom surface157of the spring ring156engages top surface101of the first telescoping tube102. The spring ring156may further engage the outer surface103of the second telescoping tube104due the inward bias of the cantilever spring assembly106. In this position, the cantilever spring ring156, which may be very stiff in compression, prevents the retracting of the second telescoping tube104because the cantilever spring ring156cannot be compressed or otherwise deformed and the stanchion105acts as a rigid brace. In an embodiment, to unlock the assembly, a force such as a pull on a cord attached to the loop162, for example, may slide the cantilever base142back and deflect the cantilever spring ring156so that it can pass over the outer surface of the first telescoping tube102and release the bracing effect of the stanchion105.

Referring toFIGS.4A-4D, the proximal end400of the outrigger assembly100, including the first telescoping tube102, the proximal mounting body116, fixture plates168, and screws170. The proximal end400of the outrigger assembly100is adapted to couple the assembly to a support, additional rigging, or other structures. The proximal mounting body116may be substantially similar to the distal mounting body112and may include a clevis117and a reduced-diameter portion134. The proximal mounting body116may include or define one or more voids136to receive screws170adapted to couple the fixture plates168and proximal mounting body116to the first telescoping tube102. The proximal mounting body116may include or define a recess139sized to receive the coupling ring127of the internal bias member124. The proximal mounting body116may also include a void138for receiving a retaining pin132adapted to couple the proximal end126of the internal bias member124via the coupling ring127.

In assembly, the coupling ring127of the internal bias member124may be disposed in the recess139and the retaining pin132may be inserted through void138and coupling ring127. The first telescoping tube102may be disposed over the internal bias member124and the reduced diameter portion134of the proximal mounting body116. The first telescoping tube102may engage a flange176preventing the first telescoping tube from sliding beyond the proximal mounting body116. The voids136of the proximal mounting body116may align with voids173of the first telescoping tube102allowing the screws170to securely couple, through the fixture plates168, the proximal mounting body116to the first telescoping tube102. According to an embodiment, the outer diameter of the proximal mounting body116is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the first telescoping tube102.

As used herein, the term “coupled” can mean any physical, electrical, magnetic, or other connection, either direct or indirect, between two parties. The term “coupled” is not limited to a fixed direct coupling between two entities.