Abstract:
A torsional throttle control system is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the throttle control system is twist-style grip that has an axis with an angle adjustable to a housing. Another feature comprises trim and/or outboard motor control(s) atop the grip. Yet another feature comprises the internal mechanism adapted to effect throttle control. Methods associated with use of the throttle control hardware and systems including a boat are also covered.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to throttle controls for vehicles, particular watercraft. The invention also relates to the manner of converting user control input to output, as well as translation of that output to action at a remote location.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     A number of known throttle controls for watercraft employ a twist-grip type of interface connected to an electronic control unit. These are found in connection with electric trolling motors. Twist of the grip controls motor speed. Typically, the grip also serves as a tiller, in which its point dictates the direction of the motor connected thereto by a tube or shaft.  
         [0003]     More sophisticated throttle control systems are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,053,781 and 6,776,671. In each patent, the tiller/throttle grip assembly is removed from the propeller tube and setup at a remote location. In the &#39;781 patent, the direction the propeller points is controlled by a separate lever arm with push-pull ropes/cables wrapped around a component connected to the motor tube. The motor control unit with its grip is located amidship oriented vertically. In the &#39;671 patent, the motor control head and throttle control grip are mounted alongside the pilot&#39;s seat. The control head is mounted on a rod so that it can rotate around the axis that is in-line with the boat to actuate a linkage assembly attached to propeller tube to effect steering.  
         [0004]     While these systems offer benefits, their use is contemplated only in connection with electric trolling motors. Furthermore, neither system offers angular adjustability of the throttle grip independent of steering control. In the &#39;781 patent, no angular adjustability is available with the fixed unit. In the &#39;671 patent one cannot simply adjust the angle of the grip to a desirable position while operating the boat, since to do so would set an unintended course. Moreover, trolling motors are suited only for driving a small boat at a speed of a few knots/mph, and in calm water. The inventor hereof has appreciated the benefits of a throttle grip type system for use in a vastly different context. Particularly, the present invention finds use in high power speedboats as a means of control for the primary source of propulsion. Benefits and advantages of the current system are elaborated upon below.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     The present invention is a throttle assembly using a twist grip type user interface. The throttle control assembly is provided for use in connection with powerboats, especially those suited for use in rough (open ocean) water and/or at high speed (i.e., greater than, for example, 30 knots/35 mph) in racing, etc.  
         [0006]     The throttle assembly of the present invention typically controls at least one large internal combustion engine. The present invention offers particular advantages in connection with racing boats in which the user sits in a tight cockpit and the boat is planning across the water at very high speeds (upwards of 75 mph in a typical race). At such speeds, the wakes of other boats or wave action produces an extremely rough or “bumpy” ride. A grip-style throttle according to the present invention, then, provides a user something stable to hold onto in order to help maintain body position, and avoid injury as is common from banging fingers, elbows etc. while being tossed around in the cockpit of a scarab or another type of racing boat.  
         [0007]     In one aspect of the invention, the grip drives a mechanical gear system that operates a control cable. The cable may be coupled directly to a lever arm attached to the throttle shaft of a marine engine or motor. Alternatively, the cable can actuate a rack in a rack-and-pinion arrangement in which the pinion is mounted on the throttle shaft itself. In this manner, truly linear throttle control can be achieved since change in lever arm angle is avoided.  
         [0008]     One aspect of the invention concerns the engine-side rack-and-pinion itself, alone or in combination with the throttle grip assembly. Another aspect of the invention concerns a throttle grip that is adjustable by a user (in use or adjusted and then set to a position) relative to a fixed housing. The adjustment serves to optimize user comfort and/or available support.  
         [0009]     Yet another aspect of the invention provides control features atop the throttle grip. These may be buttons, switches, etc. which are preferably positioned within reach of the user&#39;s thumb so that they may be actuated without changing grip on the throttle. These controls advantageously actuate right and/or left trim tabs and/or outboard motor up/down adjustment. The throttle grip is advantageously shaped both to provide space for mounting the control features and for facilitating reach to actuate the controls. As such, the grip may have an ergonomic shape, with a surface for mounting the controls canted towards the thumb position for a user.  
         [0010]     The invention also comprises methods, in which the methods may involve use of the subject devices. The methods may be practiced with other devices than those described herein. Yet, the acts associated with the use of such other devices will be typically be in accordance with those associated with the devices described herein.  
         [0011]     In any case, one method according to the present invention involves operating a boat in which the user grasping a steering wheel with one hand and the throttle control with the second hand, and substantially maintains a body position while effecting throttle control by supporting the body from forward and aft movement with the wheel and throttle control. The user is able to do so since throttle control merely requires twisting the handgrip. In comparison, where one or more levers are the means of throttle control, the back and forth movement of the levers alter body position. Further, it is not possible to support the body against forward and aft movement by grasping a throttle lever free to move in the same plane. The method may further comprise adjusting at least one of trim and motor up/down without releasing the throttle grip.  
         [0012]     Another method according to the invention includes grasping a throttle control with one hand and adjusting at least one of trim and motor up/down with that hand while grasping the throttle control. Typically, this will be accomplished using the thumb. The method advantageously further comprises grasping a steering wheel with the second hand while grasping the throttle control with the first hand. Most advantageously, the throttle is a grip-type twist throttle so that the user can maintain a stable position while operating the boat. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]     Each of the figures diagrammatically illustrates aspects of the invention. Of these:  
         [0014]      FIG. 1A  is an oblique view of the type of boat with which the invention is advantageously used;  FIG. 1B  is a partial view of the stem of the boat;  FIG. 1C  is an aerial view of the helm of the boat, including a throttle controller according to the present invention;  
         [0015]      FIG. 2A  shows an oblique overview of the throttle assembly;  FIG. 2B  details the interior of the throttle assembly in oblique cut-away view; and  
         [0016]      FIG. 3  illustrates an engine-side throttle control system. 
     
    
       [0017]     Variation of the invention from that shown in the figures is contemplated.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0018]     The following description focuses on one variation of the present invention. The variation of the invention is to be taken as a non-limiting example. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to particular variation(s) set forth and may, of course, vary. Changes may be made to the invention described and equivalents may be substituted (both presently know and future-developed) without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process act(s) or step(s) to the objective(s), spirit or scope of the present invention.  
         [0019]      FIG. 1A  shows a “scarab” type speedboat  2  banking or turning at high speed across the water  4 . As shown, it produces a substantial wake  6 . An operator or pilot  8  sits in a seat  10  located at the starboard side  12  of the watercraft. A co-pilot (not shown) would typically sit to the port side  14  of the vessel. The present invention is advantageously used in connection with such a watercraft. However, the invention may be put to good use with other types of boats.  
         [0020]      FIG. 1B  provides a partial view of the stem  16  of boat  2  opposite bow  18 . Trim tabs  20 , exhaust pipes  22 , and outboard engine  24  components are shown.  FIG. 1C  shows the cockpit of boat  26  including chairs  10 , wheel  28 , gauges  30 , switch bank  32 , ignition  34  and a control system  40  according to the present invention.  
         [0021]     In use, the pilot or captain of the vessel will steer with the left hand and control engine direction and speed with the right hand using controller  40 . Since the controller grip  42  is fixed in a forward-aft direction (in contrast to) the gear selector  44 , the throttle control grip offers a stable interface for support.  
         [0022]     Further details of the subject throttle controller are better appreciated in reference to  FIGS. 2A and 2B . The former figure shows a fully assembled view of control package  40 ; the later figure a cutaway view of the throttle control portion of the device.  
         [0023]     The gear selector arm  44  allows the user to select the direction in which to propel the boat by switching the transmission (not shown) between forward and reverse. Selector  44  and its associated box  46  are not unique, and may be constructed as known in the art. However, in combination with the throttle control mechanism of the present invention, a unique control system  40  is hereby provided.  
         [0024]     As for those features particular to the inventive controller, a throttle control assembly or subassembly  48  comprises throttle grip or handle  42 . The handle is mounted upon a shaft  50 . Multiple position locations  52  may be selected from which to secure the handle to the shaft by mating pins  52  to best accommodate a variety of uses or preferred positions. The adjustment holes may be offset around the body of the shaft to allow for selecting a position for the grip rotated around the Z-axis shown. To provide clearance for one another, the adjustment locations may be provided in a sort of “spiral staircase” arrangement as shown. Alternatively, a smooth shaft may be provided against which one or more setscrews are locked to secure position at different “heights” along a Z-axis or different rotated “home” or “start” grip positions around the shaft.  
         [0025]     Shaft  50  may be received within a bracket  56  and be supported by a bearing  58 . Shaft  50  may be flexible, include a flexible section, or include a U-joint (universal joint)  60  between a proximal section “A” and a distal section “B”. In either case, an input bevel gear  62  driven by the handle meshes with an output bevel gear  64  to transform the motion about the grip axis (Z-axis) to motion useful for throttle control. Additional support bearings  58  may be provided for the distal section of the shaft.  
         [0026]     Providing a flexible shaft, shaft section or a U-joint  60  as shown allows for the grip to be adjusted about an axis Y in a plane relative to the fixed body of the device. As noted, such an adjustment offers improvement for user comfort in use as well as the option of moving the grip out of the way for cockpit entry or exit. The degree of adjustability provided may range from about 30 to about 90 degrees. By way of a pin  64  captured within in a way  66 , or by some other stop means, travel may be limited to a desired range. Detent features may also be provided to releasable secure or give a tactile indication of movement or progression between positions.  
         [0027]     When a U-joint is employed for angular adjustment, the system may employ a housing  68  to support the bracket  56  through which shaft  50  is rotationally received. Housing  68  may be mounted to a base  70 . Regardless, pins or should bolts  72  supported by housing provide an axis of rotation for the referenced angular adjustment of the grip relative to base  70  and/or plates  74  to which the base is affixed.  
         [0028]     Adjustment of the grip assembly about an X-axis as shown is also contemplated. Housing  68  and/or base  70  may be adjusted to a desired position and locked down to one or more of the control body plate(s)  74 . In order to serve the desired support function, fixing the position about the X-axis by pins, set screws, etc. is important in order to avoid inadvertent movement or slippage of the grip  42  in the direction of movement when a user is bracing his/herself with it (possibly in combination with wheel  28 ). Likewise, rotation about axis X should not be so great as to result in turning axis Y far from horizontal. In other words, adjustment around the X-axis should be limited to about +/−15 degrees.  
         [0029]     Regarding grip  42  configuration, three buttons are shown upon a canted head  76  of the handle. Button  78  operates the left trim tab, button  80  manipulates outdrive in and out, and button  82  operates the right trim tab. The grip body is shaped to mimic the natural curve of the human hand to provide better grip and allow reach to actuate the buttons with the thumb while maintaining a grip on the handle. Wiring is routed within hollows  84  of the grip or as otherwise convenient.  
         [0030]     As for throttle assembly output, the system is set to pull a throttle cable  86  within a cable housing  88 . The cable housing may be attached to plate  74  by a clamp block  90 . In a preferred variation of the invention, the end of cable  86  is connected at a block  92  to a slide  94 . The cable may comprise a threaded end fitting or section  96 . A jam nut  98  may be provided to lock the threaded section within threading inside block  92 .  
         [0031]     In the preferred arrangement, slide  94  forms part of a rack and pinion assembly  100 . Rack gear teeth  102  mesh with pinion gear teeth  104 . The pinion gear itself  106  may comprise a section or sector of a full round gear. It may include lightening holes  108 . It preferably includes holes or depressions  110  to interface with a spring loaded ball  112  to provide a detent means. The detent means provides tactile feedback providing a user with an indication of advancement across the range of throttle grip rotation. Alternatively, a damped or smooth frictional feel to grip rotation may be desired. Naturally, any type of action may be employed.  
         [0032]     Regarding the action produced by grip rotation, reference to  FIG. 2B  illustrates how rotation of bevel gear  62  turns bevel gear  64 , that—in turn—rotates pinion  106  to translate rack/slider  94 , to push and pull throttle cable  86 . Alternatively, pinion  104  could be replaced by a cam or lever arm attached to the throttle cable. Other output options exist as well. In any case, at some stage, output from the second bevel gear drives cable pull.  
         [0033]     Another noteworthy option concerns the manner in which the throttle control and/or gear selector assembly is installed in a boat. The combined unit  40  may simply be mounted to existing boat hardware or to custom brackets using mounting bosses  114 . Alternatively, an existing gear selector setup may be employed and only the throttle control section  48  of the system retrofitted to the existing setup. Still further, the system may be integrated into the original control design of a boat. In which case, significant variation to the configuration of at least the device housing is contemplated. Still further, any boat may be modified by supplying a custom combing insert to better accommodate a stock throttle control system according to the present invention. Such a wall insert to the boat would allow a user to better recess the subject control housing or box.  
         [0034]     Another aspect of the invention concerns the manner in which cable pull from the control side of systems is handled at the engine side. The cable can actuate the motor throttle in a conventional manner. However,  FIG. 3  shows a more preferred approach where a transfer mechanism  150  according to the present invention operates an engine throttle shaft  152 . Here, cable  86  is affixed to throttle rack  154 . As the rack is pulled by the throttle cable, rack teeth  156  engage throttle pinion gear teeth  158 , causing throttle pinion gear  160  to rotate. The throttle pinion gear is affixed to throttle shaft  152  by a setscrew, a splined connection or other conventional means. Throttle shaft  152  may be affixed to butterfly valve  162 . As the butterfly valve position is open, airflow to the engine is increased, resulting in increased combustion in the engine, and higher boat speed. An extension spring  164  may be provided in the system to bias cable pull and help return the rack and pinion to its previous configuration when the cable is “pushed” within the housing. The system in  FIG. 3  is especially advantageous for use with the system as illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 2B  because it offers a 1:1 correspondence of user input to engine throttle action.  
         [0035]     As for additional details pertinent to the present invention, materials and manufacturing techniques may be employed as within the level of those with skill in the relevant art. The same may hold true with respect to method-based aspects of the invention in terms of additional acts a commonly or logically employed. Also, it is contemplated that any optional feature of the inventive variations described may be set forth and claimed independently, or in combination with any one or more of the features described herein. Likewise, reference to a singular item, includes the possibility that there are plural of the same items present. More specifically, as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “and,” “said,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as “solely,” “only” and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements, or use of a “negative” limitation. Unless defined otherwise herein, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.  
         [0036]     The breadth of the present invention is not to be limited by the subject specification, but rather only by the plain meaning of the claim terms employed. That being said,