Abstract:
A tension sleeve system that is selectively operable to engage a trolling motor system of a watercraft. The tension sleeve system is configured to fit over the area containing the lower portion of the trolling motor&#39;s stationary shaft and the middle portion (i.e., the exposed portion) of the swivel shaft, especially in proximity to the middle bearing area between the two shafts. The tension sleeve system is selectively operable to adjust feedback on any cable operated rotational steering system by applying an appropriate amount of tension between the trolling motor&#39;s stationary shaft and the swivel shaft, thus controlling the torque and/or energy generated by the propulsion motor and propeller. Clamps or other suitable devices can be used to apply the appropriate amount of tension between the trolling motor&#39;s stationary shaft and the swivel shaft by appropriately tightening the tension sleeve members against the external surfaces of the two shafts.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The instant application claims priority to U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/277,457, filed on Sep. 25, 2009, pending, the entire specification of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to trolling motors and in particular to a tension sleeve system for trolling motors. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Many fishing and recreational watercraft employ manually operated, remote foot controlled, electric trolling motors for propulsion and positioning of the watercraft. These direct current electric motors develop high thrust and torque/energy during use and therefore must be controlled. Typically, the motor and associated propeller are turned or steered by the operator applying pressure to the remote foot pedal. A cable (or set of cables) is used to provide force from the foot pedal to the motor&#39;s steering head and inner mechanism. The cable&#39;s force is translated into turning force via the inner mechanism of the motor&#39;s steering head. There is a stationary shaft attached to the bottom of the steering head and both parts remain static during any turning of the motor and associated propeller. A second, inner swivel shaft concentrically passes through the larger stationary shaft and has an upper and middle bearing associated therewith that allows rotation of the inner swivel shaft, i.e., relative to the larger stationary shaft. This inner swivel shaft is attached to the motor steering head&#39;s inner mechanism on an upper end thereof and to the electric motor and associated propeller on the opposite, lower end thereof. 
         [0004]    In order to create the turning operation of the motor, the operator must apply force to the remote control foot pedal which then translates force via the cable to the inner mechanism of the steering head, and then to the inner swivel shaft to achieve the desired direction of the motor and propeller. 
         [0005]    Unfortunately, these remote control systems used in conjunction with trolling motors inherently contain free play, or slack, in the steering systems. Thus, during motor operation, this free play becomes unwanted feedback, which requires extra effort from the operator to maintain steering control. This feedback is magnified when the motor is used in wind, waves, current or at high speed settings. 
         [0006]    Additionally, this widely used design does not allow for adjustment of effort or tension on the inner swivel shaft. As a result, this allows the motor and associated propeller to rotate excessively, due, in part, to the free play and lack of tension on the steering system. This condition then allows the motor and associated propeller, when energized, to create force and momentum which is then transmitted back to the remote foot pedal. As previously noted, when the force is fed back to the pedal, the operator must respond with additional effort to maintain steering and directional control of the trolling motor and associated propeller. This extra effort is undesirable and creates fatigue and distraction for the operator. 
         [0007]    Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide a new and improved trolling motor system, and systems for controlling the operation thereof, that overcomes at least one of the aforementioned problems. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    In accordance with the general teachings of the present invention, there is provided a new and improved tension sleeve system that is selectively operable to engage a trolling motor system, specifically the trolling motor steering control system, of a watercraft. 
         [0009]    More specifically, the tension sleeve system is configured to fit over the area containing the lower portion of the trolling motor&#39;s stationary shaft and the middle portion (i.e., the exposed portion) of the swivel shaft, especially in proximity to the middle bearing area between the two shafts. The tension sleeve system is selectively operable to adjust any feedback on a rotational steering system by applying an appropriate amount of tension between the trolling motor&#39;s stationary shaft and the swivel shaft. For example, clamps or other suitable devices can be used to apply the appropriate amount of tension between the trolling motor&#39;s stationary shaft and the swivel shaft by tightening the tension sleeve members against the external surfaces of the two shafts. 
         [0010]    In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a tension sleeve system is provided for use with a trolling motor system, the trolling motor system having a stationary shaft member and a swivel shaft member rotatable about the stationary shaft member, the stationary shaft member having a diameter greater than a diameter of the swivel shaft member, comprising: a tension sleeve member having a first surface selectively operable to abut a surface of the stationary shaft member and a second surface selectively operable to abut a surface of the swivel shaft member; wherein the tension sleeve member is selectively operable to control the rotational torque of the swivel shaft member relative to the stationary shaft member 
         [0011]    Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which show by way of example only one embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the invention. In the drawings: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is an environmental view of a tension sleeve system operably associated with a trolling motor of a watercraft, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is an elevational view of a tension sleeve system operably associated with a trolling motor, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a fragmentary front elevational view of a tension sleeve system operably associated with a trolling motor, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a sectional view taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 , in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a sectional view taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 3 , in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a sectional view taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 4 , in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is an exploded view of a tension sleeve system operably associated with a trolling motor, in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a fragmentary side elevational view of a tension sleeve system operably associated with a trolling motor, in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0021]    The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various Figures. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0022]    While the present invention will be described in reference to use with a trolling motor of a watercraft, it should be appreciated that the tension sleeve system of the present invention can be used in any number of dampening applications wherein a stationary shaft is associated with a swivel shaft, and wherein it is desired to control the degree and/or ease of rotation of the swivel shaft relative to the stationary shaft. 
         [0023]    Referring to the drawings generally, there is shown a tension sleeve system generally at  10 . 
         [0024]    Referring specifically to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the tension sleeve system  10  is shown mounted to a trolling motor system  12 . As previously noted, the trolling motor system  12  typically includes a foot pedal system  14  operably associated with the motor&#39;s steering head  16  via a cable system  18 . A stationary shaft member  20  is operably associated with the steering head  16  and emanates outwardly therefrom. A second, inner swivel shaft member  22  passes through the larger (i.e., in terms of diameter) stationary shaft member  20  and has an upper (not shown) and a middle swivel bearing system  24  associated therewith that allows rotation of the inner swivel shaft member  22 , i.e., relative to the larger stationary shaft member  20 . The middle swivel bearing system  24  is typically configured to permit an adequate amount of clearance for the swivel shaft member  22  to pass there through and allow the swivel shaft member  22  to rotate there about. This inner swivel shaft member  22  is attached to the motor steering head  16  on an upper end thereof and to the electric motor  26  and associated propeller  28  on the opposite, lower end thereof. An optional mounting bracket  30  can be used to mount the trolling motor system  12  to the bow  32  (or other desired portion) of the watercraft  34 . 
         [0025]    Referring specifically to  FIGS. 3-8 , the tension sleeve system  10  will now be described in detail. 
         [0026]    With specific reference to  FIG. 7 , the tension sleeve system  10  includes a first member  100  and a substantially identical second member  102 . Each of the tension sleeve members  100 ,  102 , respectively, include a substantially semi-circular or otherwise curved configuration including an inner surface  100   a,    102   a,  respectively, and an outer surface  100   b,    102   b,  respectively. Each of the tension sleeve members  100 ,  102 , respectively, is configured to generally correspond to the curvature of the outer surfaces  20   a,    22   a,  respectively, of the stationary shaft member  20  and the swivel shaft member  22 . 
         [0027]    Accordingly, each of the tension sleeve members  100 ,  102 , respectively, are provided with first portions  100   c,    102   c,  respectively, that generally correspond to the outside diameter and/or curvature of the outer surfaces  20   a  of the stationary shaft member  20 . Additionally, each of the first portions  100   c,    102   c,  respectively, of the tension sleeve members  100 ,  102 , respectively, are configured to envelope only a portion of the circumference of the stationary shaft member  20 , i.e., the edge portions  100   d,    102   d,  respectively, of the tension sleeve members  100 ,  102 , respectively, are not intended to abut against one another when the tension sleeve system  10  is deployed on the trolling motor system  12 . This feature is intended to assure that the tension sleeve system  10  can make substantially full surface contact around the stationary shaft member  20 . 
         [0028]    Additionally, each of the tension sleeve members  100 ,  102 , respectively, are provided with second portions  100   e,    102   e,  respectively, that generally correspond to the outside diameter and/or curvature of the outer surfaces  22   a  of the swivel shaft member  22 . Additionally, each of the second portions  100   e,    102   e,  respectively, of the tension sleeve members  100 ,  102 , respectively, are configured to envelope only a portion of the circumference of the swivel shaft member  22 , i.e., the edge portions  100   f,    102   f,  respectively, of the tension sleeve members  100 ,  102 , respectively, are not intended to abut against one another when the tension sleeve system  10  is deployed on the trolling motor system  12 . This feature is intended to assure that the tension sleeve system  10  can also make substantially full surface contact around the swivel shaft member  22 . Also, it should be noted that because the diameter of the swivel shaft member  22  is typically smaller than the diameter of the stationary shaft member  20 , the second portion  100   e,    102   e,  respectively, are positioned inboard of the first portions  100   c,    102   c,  respectively (e.g., see  FIGS. 4 and 5 ). That is, the circumferences of the second portions  100   e,    102   e,  respectively, are typically smaller than the circumferences of the first portions  100   c,    102   c,  respectively. In this respect, because the circumferences (and diameters) of the first and second portions are different, the tension sleeve system  10  can usually only engage the trolling motor system  12  in one correct orientation. In this manner, it is virtually impossible for the operator to incorrectly orient the tension sleeve system  10  to trolling motor system  12 . 
         [0029]    Furthermore, each of the tension sleeve members  100 ,  102 , respectively, is provided with a third portion  100   g,    102   g,  respectively, that generally provide clearance to the curvature of the middle swivel bearing system  24  at the interface between the stationary shaft member  20  and the swivel shaft member  22 . Additionally, each of the third portions  100   g,    102   g,  respectively, of the tension sleeve members  100 ,  102 , respectively, are configured to envelope only a portion of the circumference of the middle swivel bearing system  24 , i.e., the edge portions  100   h,    102   h,  respectively, of the tension sleeve members  100 ,  102 , respectively, are not intended to abut against one another when the tension sleeve system  10  is deployed on the trolling motor system  12 . However, in this case, it is intended that the tension sleeve system  10  does not contact the middle swivel bearing system  24  (e.g., see  FIGS. 6 and 8 ), but rather provides an adequate amount of clearance  24   a,    24   b,  respectively, so as to allow the swivel shaft member  22  to freely rotate about the stationary shaft member  20 , albeit subject to the control of the tension sleeve system  10 . Accordingly, the third portions  100   g,    102   g,  respectively, have circumferences greater than either of the circumference of the first or second portions,  100   c,    102   c,    100   e,    102   e,  respectively. 
         [0030]    In order to secure the tension sleeve members  100 ,  102 , respectively, to the stationary shaft member  20  and the swivel shaft member  22 , it is necessary to use clamping members  200 ,  202 , respectively. Flange portions  110   a,    110   b,    120   a,    120   b,  respectively, prevent clamping members  200 ,  202 , respectively, from working their way up and/or down their respective shaft members. Although the clamping members  200 ,  202 , respectively, are shown as “worm-drive” type clamps, it should be appreciated that any device operable to draw the tension sleeve members  100 ,  102 , respectively, against the external surfaces of the first portions  100   c,    102   c,  respectively, and the second portions  100   e,    102   e,  respectively, can be used. By way of a non-limiting example, once the tension sleeve members  100 ,  102 , respectively, are properly positioned about the stationary shaft member  20  and the swivel shaft member  22 , clamping member  200  is placed around recessed portion  204   a,    204   b,  respectively, formed on the first portion  100   c,    102   c,  respectively, of the tension sleeve members  100 ,  102 , respectively. The clamping member  200  is tightened (e.g., with a screw driver) such that the tension sleeve members  100 ,  102 , respectively, are drawn tightly against the external surface of the stationary shaft member  20 . Once this has been accomplished, clamping member  202  is placed around recessed portions  206   a,    206   b,  respectively, formed on the second portion  100   e,    102   e,  respectively, of the tension sleeve members  100 ,  102 , respectively. The clamping member  202  is tightened (e.g., with a screw driver) such that the tension sleeve members  100 ,  102 , respectively, are drawn loosely against the external surface of the swivel shaft member  22 . Once the desired tightness is achieved with respect to clamping member  202 , clamping member  200  can then be fully tightened about stationary shaft member  20  so that clamping member  200  cannot move. Clamping member  202  can then be incrementally adjusted to achieve the final desired tightness about swivel shaft member  22 . Typically, the tightness (or torque) of the clamping member  200  will be greater than the tightness (or torque) of the second clamping member  202 . As a result, the desired amount of tension between the stationary shaft member  20  and the swivel shaft member  22  can be achieved. In this manner, the degree and/or ease of rotation (e.g., especially the rotational torque and/or energy) of the swivel shaft member  22 , relative to the stationary shaft member  20 , is reduced or lessened in a controlled and deliberate manner. It should be appreciated that the clamping pressure of clamping member  202  can be later adjusted as needed from time to time and/or as conditions warrant. 
         [0031]    Preferably, the assembly process is carried out while the trolling motor system  12  is in the stowed position, as opposed to when it is deployed in the water, for purposes of safety and ease. 
         [0032]    By way of a non-limiting example, the tension sleeve members  100 ,  102 , respectively, can be comprised of any number of materials, including but not limited to plastics, especially those that are: (1) well-suited for outdoor use, (2) have good frictional wear properties; and (3) can tolerate prolonged exposure to the elements, such as but not limited to olefins and/or the like. 
         [0033]    It should be appreciated that the tension sleeve members  100 ,  102 , respectively, and the clamping members  200 ,  202 , respectively, can be packaged in kit form so that all the required components of the tension sleeve system  10  can be provided in a single convenient form. Additionally, the kits can be assembled to correspond to specific models or families of models of trolling motor systems. 
         [0034]    The present invention will prevent unwanted movement and excessive over steer, and thereby reduce the operator&#39;s efforts needed to maintain control of the trolling motor. This is especially beneficial during operations such as: holding direction, turning, high power start up or usage in rough and turbulent water. 
         [0035]    Furthermore, the present invention allows the operator the ability to adjust the steering effort to best suit the conditions encountered on the water, while minimizing the operator&#39;s required physical effort. The present invention can be externally installed on almost all cable, remote foot-controlled, electric trolling motors without any need whatsoever to modify and/or retrofit the motors. 
         [0036]    While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications can 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 mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.