Universal mounting bracket for outboard marine equipment

A universal mounting bracket for outboard marine equipment is provided. The universal mounting bracket includes a first member mounted to one end of an arm, and a second member mounted to the other end of the arm. The first and second members mate with the arm to define respective first and second adjustment axes. The arm is adjustable relative to the first member about the first axis. The second member is adjustable relative to the arm about the second axis. Adjustment about the first and second axes allows a user to govern the distance of marine equipment mounted to the second coupling relative to a watercraft.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to marine equipment, and specifically to mounts for outboard marine equipment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The recreational marine industry has seen significant advancements in the technologies employed in contemporary recreational watercraft. Indeed, many contemporary fishing boats for example may be outfitted with sonar devices for finding fish, gps guidance technology for automatically piloting and positioning a boat, deep and shallow water anchors to broaden the boat's operating environment, etc.

Each of the above technologies may include equipment that in whole or in part is mounted on the outboard side of a boat. As a result, various after-market mounting brackets are required to affix such equipment to the outboard side of the boat. As one example, certain items of marine equipment mount to the transom of a boat via a bracket. As another example, certain items of marine equipment mount to what is referred to in the art as a jack plate which functions as a motor mount between the transom and an outboard motor via a bracket. In either case, there is a significant stratification in the design of transoms and jack plates. As a result, there is also a significant stratification in the design of mounting brackets that will accommodate the various transom and jack plate designs. Indeed, in some cases a single item of marine equipment can be associated with a multitude of mounting brackets so that the equipment may operate with various boat models.

Unfortunately, manufacturing a variety of mounting brackets for a single piece of equipment drives up the cost of manufacturing, and ultimately, the cost on the consumer side of the particular equipment and mount the consumer desires to purchase to outfit their particular boat. Therefore, there is a need in the art for a mounting bracket that can accommodate various hull geometries so as to reduce the number of mounting brackets that would otherwise be associated with a single piece of equipment.

The invention provides such a mounting bracket. These and other advantages of the invention, as well as additional inventive features, will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, a mounting bracket for mounting outboard marine equipment to a watercraft is provided. A mounting bracket according to this aspect includes a first member, a portion of which is configured to mount to a motor mount of the watercraft. The mounting bracket also includes an arm having a first and second end. The first member is coupled to the arm at the first end to define a first axis of adjustment. The mounting bracket also includes a second member which provides a mounting surface for mounting outboard marine equipment to the second member. The second member is coupled to the arm of the second end thereof to define a second axis of adjustment. The arm is adjustable relative to the first member about the first axis to one of a plurality of adjustment positions. The second member is adjustable relative to the arm about the second axis to one of a plurality of adjustment positions.

The first member includes a connection portion with a bore extending therethrough, and a flange extending away from the connection portion. The connection portion is received in a first clamping portion of the arm at the first end thereof. The flange portion defines a mounting surface for mounting the mounting bracket to the watercraft.

The connection portion includes a plurality of adjustment teeth formed on an exterior thereof. The first clamping portion includes a recess for receiving the connection portion with a plurality of adjustment teeth formed therein. The adjustment teeth of the connection portion and the adjustment teeth of the recess define the plurality of discrete adjustment positions of the arm relative to the first member.

At least one pair of aligned slots are formed through the connection portion. At least one pair of aligned apertures are formed through the first clamping portion. The at least one pair of aligned apertures are alignable with the at least one pair of aligned slots along a mounting axis. The mounting bracket further comprises a mounting bolt extending through the at least one pair of aligned slots and the at least one pair of aligned apertures along the mounting axis. The mounting bolt is radially fixed when received in the at least one pair of aligned apertures. The mounting bolt is slideable in a circumferential direction within each of the at least one pair of aligned slots.

The second member includes a connection portion with a bore extending therethrough, and a flange portion extending away from the connection portion. The connection portion is received in a second clamping portion of the arm at the second end thereof. The flange portion defines a mounting surface for mounting outboard marine equipment thereto.

The connection portion of the second member includes a plurality of adjustment teeth formed on an exterior thereof. The second clamping portion includes a recess for receiving the connection portion of the second member with a plurality of adjustment teeth formed therein. The adjustment teeth of the connection portion of the second member and the adjustment teeth of the recess define the plurality of discrete adjustment positions of the second member relative to the arm.

At least one pair of aligned slots are formed through the connection portion. At least one pair of aligned apertures are formed through the second clamping portion. The at least one pair of aligned apertures are alignable with the at least one pair of aligned slots along a mounting axis. A mounting bolt extends through the at least one pair of aligned slots and the at least one pair of aligned apertures along the mounting axis. The mounting bolt is radially fixed when received in the at least one pair of aligned apertures. The mounting bolt is slideable in a circumferential direction within each of the at least one pair of aligned slots.

In another aspect, a mounting bracket for mounting outboard marine equipment to a watercraft is provided. An embodiment of the mounting bracket includes a first member, a portion of which is configured to mount to a motor mount of the watercraft. The mounting bracket also includes an arm having a first and second end. The first member is coupled to the arm at the first end to define a first axis of adjustment. The arm is incrementally adjustable relative to the first member through rotation of the arm about the first axis. The mounting bracket also includes a second member which provides a mounting surface for mounting outboard marine equipment to the second member. The second member is coupled to the arm at the second end of the arm to define a second axis of adjustment. The second member is incrementally adjustable relative to the arm through rotation of the second member about the second axis. One increment of adjustment of the arm relative to the first member about the first axis angularly displaces the arm relative to the first member a first angular value. One increment of adjustment of the second member relative to the arm about the second axis angularly displaces the second member relative to the arm a second angular value that is equivalent to the first angular value.

Each of the first member and the first end of the arm include a plurality of adjustment teeth configured and meshed together to define a plurality of incrementally adjustable positions of the arm relative to the first member. At least one mounting bolt connects the first member to the first end of the arm. The at least one mounting bolt extends through both the first member and the arm.

Each of the second member and the second end of the arm include a plurality of adjustment teeth configured to mesh together to define a plurality of incrementally adjustable positions of the second member relative to the arm. At least one mounting bolt connects the second member to the second end of the arm. The at least one mounting bolt extends through both the second member and the arm.

In yet another aspect, a method for mounting an item of outboard marine equipment to a water craft using a mounting bracket is provided. An embodiment of this method includes mounting a first end of the mounting bracket to a portion of the watercraft. The method also includes mounting the item of outboard marine equipment to a second end of the mounting bracket. Thereafter, an arm of the mounting bracket is angularly adjusted relative to a first member of the mounting bracket about a first axis. The method also includes angularly adjusting a second member of the mounting bracket relative to the arm about a second axis to position the item of outboard marine equipment at a fixed distance relative to the watercraft.

In certain embodiments, the step of mounting the first end includes mounting the first member such that it is in contact with a motor mount of the watercraft. In certain other embodiments, the step of mounting the first end includes mounting the first member such that it is in contact with at least one of a motor mount and a transom of the watercraft.

The step of angularly adjusting the arm relative to the first member includes bringing a plurality of adjustment teeth of the first member into meshed engagement with a plurality of adjustment teeth of the arm.

The step of angularly adjusting the second member relative to the arm includes bringing a plurality of adjustment teeth of the second member into meshed engagement with a plurality of adjustment teeth of the arm.

In yet another aspect, a mounting bracket for mounting outboard marine equipment to a watercraft is provided. An embodiment of such a mounting bracked includes an angularly adjustable member, the angularly adjustable member including a mounting surface configured for receiving at least one item of marine equipment, wherein the angularly adjustable member is angularly adjustable about an adjustment axis to govern an angular orientation of the at least one item of marine equipment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now to the drawings, and with particular reference toFIG. 1, the transom12of a conventional watercraft is illustrated. A jackplate14extends from the transom12. An outboard motor16is affixed to the jackplate14such that it is positioned a distance away from the transom12. An embodiment of a mounting bracket20according to the teachings of the present invention is also illustrated mounted at a first end22thereof to the jackplate14. The mounting bracket20is configured at its second end24to receive a variety of outboard marine equipment.

As will be described in greater detail below, the mounting bracket20is adjustable about first and second axes26,28to ultimately position equipment attached to the second end24of mounting bracket20a minimum clearance or operating distance away from transom12. This minimum or operating distance will be referred to herein as a “setback distance.” Such a configuration advantageously permits use of mounting bracket20with various transom12and jackplate14geometries. More specifically, adjustment of mounting bracket20about first and second axes26,28allows a user to maintain a desired setback distance and/or angular orientation for a particular piece of outboard marine equipment mounted to mounting bracket20regardless of the particular transom12and/or jackplate configuration of the user's boat. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting bracket20is illustrated extending from the starboard side of the jackplate14. However, the illustrated embodiment of mounting bracket20is reversible such that it can also extend from the port side of the jackplate20. Such functionality provides for greater flexibility when selecting a mounting location for mounting bracket20, especially when a user already has other outboard equipment in use.

Turning now toFIG. 2, a top view of mounting bracket20is shown to illustrate the aforementioned adjustability in greater detail. An item of outboard marine equipment36is illustrated mounted to second end24of mounting bracket20. Marine equipment36can take on a variety of forms, e.g. a sensor, an anchor, trolling line, etc. As such, the particular item of marine equipment36is not limiting in any way on the invention herein, and is thus shown schematically. Adjustment of mounting bracket20about first and second axes26,28governs the setback distance D1of marine equipment36relative to the outer most extent of transom12. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that because the particular shape and design of a transom will vary with the particular model of boat associated therewith, so too will the required setback distance D1to maintain marine equipment36at a minimum clearance or operating distance relative to transom12. As a result, the adjustability of mounting bracket20advantageously allows for mounting bracket20to operate as a universal mounting bracket which can accommodate various transom12and/or jackplate14configurations, while maintaining a desired setback distance D1.

Mounting bracket20includes first member30which defines first end22of mounting bracket20. Mounting bracket20also includes arm32which extends from first member30. Second member34is attached to arm32at an end thereof opposite the end of arm32which attaches to first member30.

First member30and arm32are coupled to one another and define the first axis26of adjustment (See alsoFIG. 1). Arm32is adjustable about first axis26to govern the value of an angle θ formed between a reference horizontal plane as shown inFIG. 2and the longitudinal axis of arm32. The reference horizontal plane is generally parallel to a horizontal plane containing the outer most feature of transom12such that θ represents the angular orientation of arm32relative to transom12.

Similarly, second member34and arm32are coupled to one another to define the second axis28of adjustment (See alsoFIG. 1). Second member34is adjustable about second axis28to govern an angle α formed between a horizontal reference plane and the longitudinal axis of arm32. In practice, a user can adjust arm32about first axis26to increase or decrease the angle θ to generally achieve a setback distance that is close to or the same as the required setback distance required for the particular item of marine equipment36mounted to mounting bracket20. A user can also adjust second member34about second axis28relative to arm32to maintain parallelism (or any desired angle) between a back surface of second member34and the outer most feature of transom12to ultimately fine-tune or achieve the precise setback distance D1.

Turning now toFIG. 3, the various components of mounting bracket20will be described in greater detail. First member30includes a connection portion44and a flange portion46extending from connection portion44. Connection portion44is generally sleeve-shaped and includes a bore48therethrough, however, it will be recognized that connection portion44may take on different shapes in other embodiments other than the cylindrical shape illustrated. A plurality of adjustment teeth50are formed on an outer periphery of connection portion44. A plurality of slots52are formed through connection portion44. Slots52are aligned on either side of connection portion44so that connection portion44may receive mounting bolts54therethrough. Mounting bolts54also pass through bushings56that are aligned with respective slots52within bore48. Bushings56have rounded ends so that they may maintain surface contact with the generally round periphery of bore48. Although illustrated using bushings56, bushings56are not necessary for the functionality of mounting bracket20and can thus be omitted.

Flange portion46is generally L-shaped, in the illustrated embodiment. Flange portion46includes elongated slots58for mounting flange portion46to jackplate14as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, or any other generally flat surface of a watercraft. The particular geometry and location of slots58may vary depending on application. However, the illustrated embodiment allows for the accommodation of various mounting hole patterns. Furthermore, flange portion46may take on other shapes, other than the L-shape illustrated, e.g. T-shaped, etc.

Second member34includes a connection portion64and a flange portion66extending from connection portion64. Connection portion64is generally sleeve-like in shape with a bore68extending therethrough, however, it will be recognized that connection portion64may take on different shapes in other embodiments other than the cylindrical shape illustrated. A plurality of adjustment teeth70are formed on an outer surface of connection portion46. A plurality of slots72are formed through connection portion64. Slots72are aligned on either side of connection portion64so that mounting bolts74can extend entirely through connection portion64. A pair of bushings76are positioned within bore68and aligned with slots72so that mounting bolts74extend through slots72and bushings76when passing through connection portion64. Bushings76have generally rounded ends which match the periphery of bore68so that bushings76maintain surface contact with bore68when positioned therein. Although illustrated using bushings76, bushings76are not necessary for the functionality of mounting bracket20and can thus be omitted.

Flange portion66is generally flat in shape. Flange portion66includes elongated slots78for mounting outboard marine equipment36(SeeFIG. 2) as shown inFIG. 2on either side of second member34. The particular geometry and location of slots78may vary depending on application. The illustrated embodiment allows for the accommodation of various mounting hole patterns. Further, flange portion66may be elongated to incorporate multiple hole patterns formed by multiple slot78arrangements, so as to allow for mounting of multiple items of marine equipment36simultaneously.

Arm32includes a first clamping portion82, a second clamping portion84, and an intermediary portion86extending therebetween. First clamping portion82has a recess or opening88extending therethrough for receipt of connection portion44of first member30. Plurality of adjustment teeth90are formed on an interior of recess88as illustrated. Adjustment teeth90are disposed in recess88to mesh with adjustment teeth50of connection portion44of first member30, as explained in greater detail below. First clamping portion82also includes a plurality of apertures92. Select ones of apertures92are aligned with one another on first clamping portion82so that mounting bolts54can extend entirely through first clamping portion82. Indeed, when connection portion44of first member is received within recess88, apertures92are alignable with select ones of slots52as well as bushings54so that mounting bolts54may pass entirely through each of first clamping portion82, connection portion44, and bushings56.

When connection portion44is installed in recess88, a top edge of first member30is flush with a top edge of first clamping portion82. Such orientation is achieved by aligning the upper most apertures92of first clamping portion82with the upper most slots52of connection portion44illustrated inFIG. 3. The lower most apertures92will then be aligned with the second to lower most slots52of connection portion44. Connection portion44includes an additional pair of slots52so that first member30may be installed on the left side of jackplate14inFIG. 1as opposed to the right side installation configuration shown therein. In other words, by affixing the first member30to the other side of jackplate14ofFIG. 1, the other pair of slots52will be utilized to insure that the top edge of first member30is flush with a top edge of first clamping portion82. Therefore, by use of multiple slots52, the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3may be utilized in right side or left side jackplate14mounting.

Second clamping portion84also includes a recess or opening98formed therein. A plurality of adjustment teeth100are formed within recess98and mesh with adjustment teeth70formed on connection portion64of second member34. Second clamping portion84also includes a plurality of apertures102. Select ones of apertures102are aligned with one another so that mounting bolt74can pass entirely through second clamping portion84. Apertures102are alignable with slots72formed on connection portion64of second member34as well as bushing76so that mounting bolts74extend entirely through each of second clamping portion84, connection portion64, and bushing76.

Intermediary portion86positioned between first and second clamping portions82,84is generally rigid in structure. The particular embodiment illustrated includes a plurality of horizontal support members104which extend between longitudinal support members106that connect the first clamping portion82to the second clamping portion84. Although illustrated as having a generally arcuate shape, intermediary portion may be non-curved or straight in other embodiments. Indeed, those skilled in the art will recognize that the intermediary portion86can take on a variety of forms while still permitting the functionality of mounting bracket20as described herein. The various components of mounting bracket20described inFIG. 3may be manufactured from any structurally rigid material, e.g. plastics, metals, composites, etc. Furthermore, the various components of mounting bracket20may be manufactured from any contemporary manufacturing process including but not limited to casting, injection molding, machining, or any combination thereof.

Having discussed the basic structural attributes of an embodiment of mounting bracket20, a description will now be provided for the interaction between first member30and arm32as well as second member34and arm32during adjustment. With particular reference toFIG. 4, a partial cross-sectional view of the connection between first member30and arm32is illustrated. As shown, adjustment teeth50of first member30are in meshing contact with adjustment teeth90of first clamping portion82of arm32. Adjustment teeth50,90define a plurality of discrete adjustment positions of arm32relative to first member30. In other embodiments, however, adjustment teeth50,90could be omitted and the surface contact alone between connection portion44and first clamping portion82would be sufficient to maintain the angle θ.

After removing mounting bolts54, arm32can be axially slid off of connection portion44in a generally vertical direction (SeeFIG. 3), and thereafter rotated or repositioned about first axis26to change angle θ as shown inFIG. 4. Once a desired angle θ is achieved, arm32is slid back down on connection portion44and mounting bolts54are replaced and re-tightened so as to bring adjustment teeth90of first clamping portion82back into tight meshing contact with adjustment teeth50of first member30.

In another embodiment, the clearances between the outer periphery of connection portion44and first clamping portion82may be large enough to permit adjustment of arm32relative to first member30without entirely removing arm32from connection portion44. Indeed, first clamping portion82can be manufactured with enough clearance and flexibility so as to allow for the aforementioned adjustment and re-tightening to fix the position of arm32relative to first member30in a ratcheting type configuration. More specifically, first clamping portion82is flexible so that as mounting bolts54are loosened, adjustment teeth50come partially or entirely out of full meshing contact with adjustment teeth90to allow for rotation of arm32relative to first member30.

As shown inFIG. 4, mounting bolt54is constrained along an axis120defined by aligned apertures92of first clamping portion82. Despite this constraint, however, slots52formed in connection portion44of first member30allow for mounting bolt54to rotate about first axis26over a range of angular positions generally defined by the width of slots52. In other words, while the generally right angle formed between axis120and longitudinal axis122of arm32remains fixed, the width of slots52allows for the variation of angle θ as illustrated inFIG. 4. With momentary reference back toFIG. 2, incrementally changing angle θ operates to roughly set distance D1of second end24of mounting bracket20from transom12. Returning back toFIG. 4, the size of slots52as well as the amount of adjustment teeth50provided on the exterior of connection portion44ultimately define the range of angles θ that arm32may be adjusted relative to first member30.

Turning now toFIG. 5, a cross-section of mounting bracket20is illustrated at the point of connection of second member34to arm32. As shown, adjustment teeth70of second member34are in meshing contact with adjustment teeth100of second clamping portion84of arm32. Adjustment teeth70,100define a plurality of discrete adjustment positions of second member34relative to arm32. In other embodiments, however, adjustment teeth70,100could be omitted and the surface contact alone between connection portion64and first clamping portion84would be sufficient to maintain the angle α.

After removing mounting bolts74, second member34can be axially slid off of second clamping portion84in a generally vertical direction (SeeFIG. 3) and thereafter rotated or repositioned about second axis28to change angle α as shown inFIG. 5. Once a desired angle α is achieved, second member34is slid down into second clamping portion84, and mounting bolts74are replaced and re-tightened so as to bring adjustment teeth100of second clamping portion84back into meshing contact with adjustment teeth70of second member34.

In another embodiment, the clearances between the outer periphery of connection portion64and second clamping portion84may be large enough to permit adjustment of second member34relative to arm32without entirely removing second member34from arm32. Indeed, second clamping portion84can be manufactured with enough clearance and flexibility so as to allow for the aforementioned adjustment and re-tightening to fix the position of second member34relative to arm32in a ratcheting type configuration. More specifically, second clamping portion84is flexible so that as mounting bolts74are loosened, adjustment teeth70come partially or entirely out of full meshing contact with adjustment teeth100to allow for rotation of second member34relative to arm32.

As shown inFIG. 5, mounting bolt74is constrained along an axis130defined by aligned apertures102of second clamping portion84. Despite this constraint, however, slots72formed in connection portion64of second member34allow for mounting bolt74to rotate about second axis28over a range of angular positions generally defined by the width of slots72. In other words, while the generally right angle formed between axis130and longitudinal axis122of arm32remains fixed, the width of slots72allows for the variation of angle α as illustrated inFIG. 5. With momentary reference back toFIG. 2, incrementally changing angle α operates finely adjust distance D1of second end24of mounting bracket20from transom12. Returning back toFIG. 5, the size of slots72as well as the amount of adjustment teeth70provided on the exterior of connection portion64ultimately define the range of angles α that second member34may be adjusted relative to arm32.

Turning now toFIG. 6, an alternate embodiment of a mounting bracket220is illustrated. This mounting bracket220is essentially the same as that previously described relative toFIGS. 1-5, with the exception that the same includes a first member230which mounts in a “sandwich-style” configuration between the transom12and the jackplate14, between the jackplate14and outboard motor16, or between the outboard motor16and the transom12in configurations that omit a jackplate14. In the illustrated embodiment, mounting bracket220is mounted proximate the starboard side of jackplate14and between jackplate14and transom12. Mounting bracket220also includes second member234, and arm232. Arm232is adjustable about axis226relative to first member230. Second member234is adjustable relative to arm232about a second axis228. The adjustment of these elements is achieved in the same manner as that described above relative toFIGS. 1-5.

Turning now toFIG. 7, another embodiment of a mounting bracket320is illustrated. Mounting bracket320is essentially a mirror image of mounting bracket220shown inFIG. 6, and mounts proximate the port side of the jackplate14in a sandwich style configuration. Mounting bracket320includes a first member330, arm332, and second member334. First member330mounts in a “sandwich-style” configuration between transom12and jackplate14. Arm332is adjustable about first axis326relative to first member330. Second member334is adjustable relative to arm332about second axis328. Such adjustment is achieved in the same manner as that described above relative toFIGS. 1-5.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the mounting bracket described herein advantageously provides a universal solution for mounting an item of marine equipment to a watercraft. Such a universal mount advantageously eliminates the need for a plurality of mounts which are custom designed to accommodate various watercraft designs and associated with a single item of outboard marine equipment. As a result, the cost of manufacturing an item of outboard marine equipment and its associated mounting bracket is greatly reduced.