Abstract:
An adapter system is provided as a transition structure which allows a relatively conventional outboard motor to be mounted to a pedestal which provides a generally stationary vertical steering axis. An intermediate member is connectable to a transom mount structure having a connector adapted for mounts with central axes generally perpendicular to a plane of symmetry of the marine vessel. Many types of outboard motors have mounts that are generally perpendicular to this configuration. The intermediate member provides a suitable transition structure which accommodates both of these configurations and allows the conventionally mounted outboard motor to be supported, steered, and tilted by a transom mount structure having the stationary vertical steering axis and pedestal-type configuration.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to a support system for an outboard motor and, more particularly, to a system and structure that allows a conventionally mounted outboard motor to be supported and manipulated by a transom mount structure of the pedestal-type. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Those skilled in the art of marine propulsion systems are aware of several techniques for supporting an outboard motor on a transom of a marine vessel. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,146,220, which issued to Alby et al. on Nov. 14, 2000, discloses a pedestal mount for an outboard motor. An outboard motor is mounted to a transom of a boat with a pedestal that is attached either directly to the transom or to an intermediate plate that is, in turn, attached to the transom. A motor support platform is attached to the outboard motor, and a steering mechanism is attached to both the pedestal and the motor support platform. The tilting mechanism is attached to the motor support platform and to the outboard motor. The outboard motor is rotatable about a tilting axis relative to both the pedestal and the motor support platform. The tilting mechanism is rotatable relative to the pedestal and about a steering axis. The steering axis is generally vertical and stationary relative to the pedestal and is unaffected by the tilting of the outboard motor. The tilting mechanism is rotatable relative to the pedestal and about the steering axis with the outboard motor. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,183,321, which issued to Alby et al. on Feb. 6, 2001, discloses an outboard motor with a hydraulic pump and an electric motor located within a steering mechanism. The outboard motor comprises a pedestal that is attached to a transom of a boat, a motor support platform that is attached to the outboard motor, and a steering mechanism that is attached to both the pedestal and the motor support platform. It comprises a hydraulic tilting mechanism that is attached to the motor support platform and to the outboard motor. The outboard motor is rotatable about a tilt axis relative to both the pedestal and the motor support platform. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,977, which issued to Treinen et al. on Aug. 21, 2001, discloses an integrated hydraulic steering actuator. The actuator is provided for an outboard motor system in which the cylinder and piston of the actuator are disposed within a cylindrical cavity inside a cylindrical portion of a swivel bracket. The piston within the cylinder of the actuator is attached to at least one rod that extends through clearance holes of a clamp bracket and is connectable to a steering arm of the outboard motor. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,402,577, which issued to Treinen et al. on Jun. 11, 2002, discloses an integrated hydraulic steering system for a marine propulsion unit. The system is provided in which a steering actuator is an integral portion of the support structure of a marine propulsion system. A steering arm is contained completely within the support structure of the marine propulsion system and disposed about its steering axis. An extension of the steering arm extends into a sliding joint which has a linear component and a rotational component which allow the extension of the steering arm to move relative to a movable second portion of the steering actuator. The movable second portion of the steering actuator moves linearly within a cylinder cavity formed in a first portion of the steering actuator. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,419,534, which issued to Helsel et al. on Jul. 16, 2002, discloses a structural support system for an outboard motor. The system is provided for an outboard motor which uses four connectors attached to a support structure and to an engine system for isolating vibration from being transmitted to the marine vessel to which the outboard is attached. Each connector comprises an elastomeric portion for the purpose of isolating the vibration. Furthermore, the four connectors are disposed in a common plane which is generally perpendicular to a central axis of a driveshaft of the outboard motor. Although precise perpendicularity with the driveshaft axis is not required, it has been determined that if the plane extending through the connectors is within 45 degrees of perpendicularity with the driveshaft axis, improved vibration isolation can be achieved. A support structure, or support saddle, completely surrounds the engine system in the plane of the connectors. All of the support of the outboard motor is provided by the connectors within the plane, with no additional support provided at a lower position on the outboard motor driveshaft housing. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,821,168, which issued to Fisher et al. on Nov. 23, 2004, discloses a power steering system for a marine vessel. An outboard motor is provided with an internally contained cylinder and movable piston. The piston is caused to move by changes in differential pressure between first and second cavities within the cylinder. By adding a hydraulic pump and steering valve, the hydraulic steering system described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,402,577 is converted to a power hydraulic steering system by adding a hydraulic pump and a steering valve to a manual hydraulic steering system. 
     The patents described above are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in the description of the present invention. 
     Many types of outboard motors use mounts which are generally concentric about axes which are generally parallel to a plane of symmetry of a marine vessel. It would therefore be significantly beneficial if a support system could be provided which allowed those types of outboard motors to be adapted for use in conjunction with a pedestal-type transom bracket having a generally stationary vertical steering axis. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A support system for an outboard motor made in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a transom mount structure which is attachable to a transom of a marine vessel. The marine vessel has a generally vertical plane of symmetry which divides the marine vessel into port and starboard portions. The transom of the marine vessel is generally perpendicular to the plane of symmetry of the marine vessel. The transom mount structure is configured to define a generally vertical steering axis which is generally parallel to the plane of symmetry and fixed in relation to the transom of the marine vessel. The transom mount structure is configured to define a generally horizontal tilt axis which is generally perpendicular to the plane of symmetry and fixed in relation to the transom of the marine vessel. The support system in a preferred embodiment of the present invention further comprises an outboard motor having a plurality of mounts attached thereto. Each of the plurality of mounts has a central axis which is generally parallel to the plane of symmetry. In addition, a preferred embodiment of the present invention further comprises an intermediate member which is attachable to the transom mount structure for rotation about the tilt axis relative to the transom and for rotation about the steering axis relative to the transom mount structure. The intermediate member is attachable to the plurality of mounts of the outboard motor. 
     In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, it further comprises one or more hydraulic cylinders attached between the transom mount structure and the intermediate member. The hydraulic cylinder is configured to exert a force which causes the outboard motor to rotate about the tilt axis. It can further comprise first and second protrusions extending from the intermediate member in a direction toward the transom mount structure on port and starboard sides, respectively, of a portion of the transom mount structure when the intermediate member is rotated about the tilt axis to move a driveshaft housing of the outboard motor to a position within a preselected distance of the transom 
     In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, it further comprises a plurality of rod-shaped fasteners, each of the plurality of rod-shaped fasteners extending through a preselected hole through the intermediate member and into an associated one of the plurality of mounts. A first one of the plurality of mounts is attached to a driveshaft housing of the outboard motor and a second one of the plurality of mounts is attached to an adapter plate of the outboard motor. The outboard motor and the intermediate member are attached to each other for synchronous rotation about the tilt axis. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will be more fully and completely understood from a reading of the description of the preferred embodiment in conjunction with the drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of an outboard motor and support system made in accordance to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded isometric view of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a section view of a portion of an intermediate member of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is an isometric view of the intermediate member of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is an alternative embodiment of the intermediate member of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  shows a transom mount structure attached to an intermediate member of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a section view of the upper mounts of an outboard motor attached to an intermediate member and a transom mounted structure of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 8  is a section view of the lower mounts of an outboard motor attached to an intermediate member of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Throughout the description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, like components will be identified by like reference numerals. 
       FIG. 1  shows an outboard motor  10 , a transom mount structure  12 , and an intermediate member  14 . As is generally well known to those skilled in the art, the outboard motor  10  has a cowl structure  20  used to provide a cover for an internal combustion engine. A lower cowl structure  22  provides a cover for a portion of the outboard motor  10  in the general vicinity of an adapter plate (not shown in  FIG. 1 ). A driveshaft housing  24  is supported below the lower cowl structure  22  and a gear case  26  is supported below the driveshaft housing  24 . In a manner generally known to those skilled in the art, a propeller shaft is supported by the gear case  26  for rotation about a generally horizontal axis and a propeller  30  is attached to the propeller shaft. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , the transom mount structure  12  is configured to be attached to a transom  34  of a marine vessel. Although not shown in  FIG. 1 , those skilled in the art of marine propulsion systems are familiar with the relative positions of a transom  34 , the port and starboard portions of the marine vessel, and a generally vertical plane of symmetry that divides the marine vessel into port and starboard portions. This generally vertical plane of symmetry extends along the keel of the marine vessel and is generally perpendicular to the plane of the transom  34 . 
     In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the transom mount structure  12  comprises the components illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,146,220 and 6,183,321. In addition, the hydraulic steering mechanism of the transom mount structure  12  can comprise the components described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,402,577. As described in detail in the United States patents referred to immediately above, the transom mount structure of this type is particularly intended for use with an outboard motor having a mount structure similar to that described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,419,534. As described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,419,534, the mounts in an outboard motor of this type are configured to have their central axes aligned in a parallel relationship with the plane of the transom  34 . In other words, these central axes of the mounts extend in directions from port to starboard and attach the adapter plate of the outboard motor to the transom mount structure  12  with mounts which have central axes parallel to the plane of the transom  12 . 
     Since many types of outboard motors have mounts configured to have central axes which are generally parallel to the plane of symmetry of the marine vessel, which is perpendicular to the plane of the transom  34 , those types of outboard motors are not intended for use with transom mount structures such as the one identified by reference numeral  12  in  FIG. 1 . Therefore, one of the primary purposes of the present invention is to allow a transom mount structure  12  of the type described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,146,220 and 6,183,321 to be used in conjunction with an outboard motor that was not originally designed for use with this type of transom mount structure. 
       FIG. 2  is an exploded isometric view of the outboard motor support system. The transom mount structure  12  is provided with a plate  40  that is attachable to a transom  34 , as described above in conjunction with  FIG. 1 . It is also provided with a hydraulic steering system  42  which is described in detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,146,220 and 6,183,321. A steering axis is identified by dashed line  44  and a trim axis is identified by dashed line  46 . The outboard motor  10  is provided with upper mounts,  51  and  52 , and lower mounts,  61  and  62 . The illustrated hardware associated with these mounts, and shown in  FIG. 2 , will not be described in detail herein and not identified by associated reference numerals. However, it can be seen in  FIG. 2  that the central axes of the mounts,  51 ,  52 ,  61  and  62 , are aligned in parallel relation with a generally vertical plane of symmetry of a marine vessel which, although not shown in  FIG. 2 , is generally perpendicular to the plane of the face  40  of the transom mount structure  12 . As described above, that vertical plane of symmetry is one which divides the marine vessel into port and starboard portions. As also described above, the central keel of the marine vessel lies in that plane of symmetry. It can also be seen that the central axes of the mounts,  51 ,  52 ,  61  and  62 , are generally perpendicular to a vertical plane in which the trim axis  46  is disposed. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 2 , hydraulic cylinders,  56  and  58 , are attached between the transom mount structure  12  and the outboard motor  10 . These hydraulic cylinders are configured to exert a force which causes the outboard motor  10  to rotate about the tilt axis  46 , or trim axis. The hydraulic cylinders,  56  and  58 , are pivotally attached to the intermediate member  14  which, in turn, is attached to the outboard motor  10 . 
     The holes,  64  and  66 , of the intermediate member  14 , cooperate with the rod  68 , or tube, to attach the intermediate member  14  to the tilt structure  70  to allow the intermediate member  14  to rotate about the tilt axis  46  when the hydraulic cylinders,  56  and  58 , exert a force on the intermediate member  14  at location  72  and a similar location (not visible in  FIG. 2 ) on the opposite side of the intermediate member  14 . 
     An attachment structure  74  is configured to be attached to the lower mounts,  61  and  62 . It is attachable to the intermediate member  14  through the use of a splined component  76  which is configured to pass through a hole (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) in the intermediate member  14  and also through a central opening  78  in the attachment member  74 . The intermediate member  14  is also provided with an upper attachment location, comprising components  80  and  82 , which are configured to be attached to the upper mounts,  51  and  52 . When the attachment structure  74  is attached to the lower mounts,  61  and  62 , and the upper attachment structure comprising components  80  and  82  is attached to the upper mounts,  51  and  52 , the outboard motor  10  is generally rigidly attached to the intermediate member  14 . This attachment also benefits from the vibration isolation characteristics of elastomeric portions of the upper and lower mounts. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , it should be realized that the intermediate member  14  provides a transition device which allows a conventionally mounted outboard motor  10  to be adapted to a transom mount structure  12  which is otherwise intended for use with an outboard motor having mounts with central axes that are generally parallel to the tilt axis  46 . Without an intermediate member  14 , such as the one shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , this type of adaptation between an outboard motor  10  with a relatively standard mount structure to a transom mount structure  12  such as that illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2  would not be possible. As described in detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,146,220 and 6,183,321 the transom mount structure  12  illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2  provides significant advantages over other types of transom brackets. Among these advantageous characteristics is the fact that the steering axis  44  is stationary relative to the transom mount structure  12  and to the transom of the marine vessel. As the outboard motor  10  is rotated about the steering axis  44 , the angle of tilt of the outboard motor does not change. A transom mount structure  12 , such as the one shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , is able to maintain this type of independence between the trim axis  46  and the steering axis  44 . 
       FIG. 3  is a section view taken through the intermediate member  14  which shows the relationship between the mounting structure  74  and the splined component  76  which extends downwardly through a hole in the intermediate member  14  and into the hole  78  of the mounting structure  74 . 
       FIG. 4  is an isometric view of the intermediate member  14  showing the openings,  64  and  66 , which are configured to receive the pin  68 , or tube, for attachment to the tilt device  70  described above in conjunction with  FIG. 2 . In addition,  FIG. 4  shows the attachment devices,  80  and  82 , which are configured to be attached to the upper mounts,  51  and  52 , as described above in conjunction with  FIG. 2 . Also shown in  FIG. 4  is the attachment point  72  where the piston of the hydraulic cylinder  58 , described above, is attached to the intermediate member  14 . 
       FIG. 5  is an isometric view of an intermediate member  14  of an alternative embodiment that is slightly modified relative to the intermediate member  14  described above in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-4 . In  FIG. 5 , first and second protrusions,  94  and  96 , extend from the intermediate member  14  in a direction toward the transom mount structure  12  which is illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The first and second protrusions,  94  and  96 , extend on the port and starboard sides of a portion of the transom mount structure  12  when the intermediate member  14  is rotated about the tilt axis  46  to move the driveshaft housing  24  of the outboard motor  10  to a position within a preselected distance of the transom  34 , such as the distance illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The purpose of the first and second protrusions,  94  and  96 , is to provide stability under certain conditions that would otherwise attempt to move the lower portion of the outboard motor  10  toward the port or starboard directions relative to the lower portions of the cylinders,  56  and  58 . 
       FIG. 6  is an isometric view showing the combination of the transom mount structure  12  and the intermediate member  14 . As can be seen, when the cylinders,  56  and  58 , are activated, the intermediate member  14  is rotatable about the tilt axis  46 .  FIG. 6  also shows the attachment devices,  80  and  82 , where the upper mounts,  51  and  52 , can be attached to the intermediate member  14 . Similarly, the attachment device  74  is shown in  FIG. 6  and represents the location where the lower mounts,  61  and  62 , can be attached to the intermediate member  14 . 
       FIG. 7  is a section view through the upper mounts,  51  and  52 . Dashed line  100  represents the position of a generally vertical plane of symmetry that divides the marine vessel into port and starboard portions. This plane of symmetry  100  is generally perpendicular to a plane of the attachment face  40  of the transom mount structure  12 . The central axes,  104  and  106 , of the two upper mounts,  51  and  52 , are shown in  FIG. 7  to be generally parallel to the plane of symmetry  100 . These axes of the upper mounts,  51  and  52 , are also shown to be generally perpendicular to the tilt axis  46 . The two hydraulic cylinders,  56  and  58 , are also shown in  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 8  is a section view showing the outboard motor  10  and the lower mounts,  61  and  62 . The central axes of the lower mounts,  110  and  112 , are illustrated in  FIG. 8  as being generally parallel to the plane of symmetry  100  described above. Also shown is the attachment device  74  and the splined member  76 . The central axes,  110  and  112 , of the lower mounts,  61  and  62 , are illustrated in  FIG. 8  as being generally perpendicular to the plane in which the tilt axis  46  is disposed. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-8 , it can been seen that a support system for an outboard motor  10 , made in accordance with a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a transom mount structure  12  which is attachable to a transom  34  of a marine vessel. The marine vessel has a generally vertical plane of symmetry  100  which divides the marine vessel into port and starboard portions. The transom  34  is generally perpendicular to the plane of symmetry  100  of the marine vessel. The transom mount structure  12  is configured to define a generally vertical steering axis  44  which is generally parallel to the plane of symmetry  100  and fixed in relation to the transom  34  of the marine vessel. The transom mount structure  12  is configured to define a generally horizontal tilt axis  46  which is generally perpendicular to the plane of symmetry and fixed in relation to the transom  34  of the marine vessel. An outboard motor  10  has a plurality of mounts,  51 ,  52 ,  61  and  62 , attached thereto. Each of the plurality of mounts has a central axis,  104 ,  106 ,  110  and  112 , which is generally parallel to the plane of symmetry  100 . An intermediate member  14  is attachable to the transom mount structure  12  for rotation about the tilt axis  46  relative to the transom  34  and for rotation about the steering axis  44  relative to the transom  34 . The intermediate member  14  is attachable to the plurality of mounts,  51 ,  52 ,  61  and  62 , of the outboard motor  10 . Hydraulic cylinders,  56  and  58 , are attached between the transom mount structure  12  and the intermediate member  14  which is, in turn, attached to the outboard motor  10 . The hydraulic cylinders are configured to exert a force which causes the outboard motor  10  to rotate about the tilt axis  46 . First and second protrusions,  94  and  96 , extend from the intermediate member  14  in one embodiment of the present invention in a direction toward the transom mount structure  12  on port and starboard sides of a portion of the transom mount structure  12  when the intermediate member  14  is rotated about the tilt axis  46  to move a driveshaft housing  24  of the outboard motor  10  to a position within a preselected distance of the transom  34 . This rotation is in the clockwise direction with respect to  FIG. 1 . A plurality of rod-shaped fasteners extend through preselected holes in the intermediate member  14  and into associated mounts. At least one of the plurality of mounts,  61  and  62 , is attached to a driveshaft housing  24  of the outboard motor  10  and at least another one of the plurality of mounts,  51  and  52 , is attached to an adapter plate  130  of the outboard motor  10 . The outboard motor  10  and the intermediate member  14  are attached to each other for synchronous rotation about the tilt axis  46 . 
     Although the present invention has been described with particular specificity and illustrated to show a preferred embodiment, it should be understood that alternative embodiments are also within its scope.