Patent Publication Number: US-2023159147-A1

Title: Lubricating tool for boat steering cable

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/282,410, filed Nov. 23, 2021, and titled “LUBRICATING TOOL FOR BOAT STEERING CABLE,” the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Boat steering cables are relied upon to mechanically couple the steering wheel of a boat to the inboard or outboard engine of the boat, to control the angle of the engine&#39;s propeller. Typically, outboard engines for boats are pivotably secured to the stern end of a boat using a motor or engine mount. Boat steering cables are relied upon to mechanically turn or pivot the outboard engines about a pivot point at the engine mount. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. It is noted that the elements in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the embodiments. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate like or corresponding, but not necessarily the same, elements throughout the several views. 
         FIG.  1    illustrates an example mounting assembly for an outboard engine of a boat according to aspects of the embodiments described herein. 
         FIG.  2 A  illustrates a side view of a lubricator barrel of a tool for lubricating a boat steering cable according to aspects of the embodiments described herein. 
         FIG.  2 B  illustrates an end view of the lubricator barrel of the tool shown in  FIG.  2 B  according to aspects of the embodiments described herein. 
         FIG.  2 C  illustrates a threaded lubricator pin of the tool for lubricating a boat steering cable according to aspects of the embodiments described herein. 
         FIG.  2 D  illustrates another lubricator barrel of a tool for lubricating a boat steering cable according to aspects of the embodiments described herein. 
         FIG.  3    illustrates an example cup for a grease gun, with example dimensions, according to according to aspects of the embodiments described herein. 
         FIGS.  4 A- 4 F  illustrate steps in an example method for lubricating a boat steering cable according to aspects of the embodiments described herein. 
         FIG.  5    illustrates example dimensions of the tool shown in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 C . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As noted above, boat steering cables are relied upon to mechanically couple the steering wheel of a boat to the inboard or outboard engine of the boat, to control the angle of the engine&#39;s propeller. Typically, outboard engines for boats are pivotably secured to the stern end of a boat using a motor or engine mount. Boat steering cables are relied upon to mechanically turn or pivot the outboard engines about a pivot point at the engine mount. 
     Boat steering cables include an outer sheath and an internal cable that extends within and through the outer sheath. Over time, a significant amount of friction can build up between the outer sheath and the internal cable, due to dirt, water, and other debris accumulating in the space between the outer sheath and the internal cable, making it difficult to steer the engine of the boat using the boat steering cable. The concepts described herein are directed to a tool that assists with the injection of a lubricant, such as a lubricating oil, between the outer sheath and an internal cable of a boat steering cable. 
     In the context outlined above, various examples of a tool for lubricating a boat steering cable are described, along with examples of using the tool. In one example, a tool for lubricating a boat steering cable includes a lubricator barrel and a threaded lubricator pin. The lubricator barrel includes an outer cylindrical surface, a first end surface, and a second end surface. The lubricator barrel also includes a central barrel cavity extending from the first end surface, along a longitudinal centerline of the lubricator barrel, and a pin cavity extending from the outer cylindrical surface to the central barrel cavity. In some cases, the lubricator barrel also includes a first o-ring seat, a second o-ring seat, or both. The first o-ring seat is positioned at one end of the central barrel cavity and the second o-ring seat is positioned at the outer cylindrical surface of the pin cavity. 
     The tool can also include a coupling for a grease gun, for example, or another applicator or injector of lubricant. A grease gun can be preferred for application or injection of a lubricant into the lubricator barrel of the tool because of the relatively high pressures that the grease gun is capable of. The lubricant is not limited to grease, however, as a lower viscosity lubricant can be used in the grease gun, such as oil. When injecting an oil into the lubricator barrel using a grease gun according to the embodiments and in the manner described herein, the oil can be pushed over nearly the full extent of a steering cable for a boat, such as from the engine at the stern of the boat to the helm of the boat. 
     Turning to the drawings,  FIG.  1    illustrates an example mounting assembly  10  for an outboard engine  1  of a boat (not shown) according to aspects of the embodiments described herein. The mounting assembly  10  includes a steering cable  100  for the boat. In the example shown, the steering cable  100  includes an outer sheath  102 , an internal cable  104 , a locking nut  110 , and a steering rod  120  positioned at the distal end of the internal cable  104 . The steering rod  120  includes a mounting aperture  122  at one end. The mounting assembly  10  also includes a tilt tube  210  of an engine mount of the engine  1 . 
     The locking nut  110  secures the outer sheath  102  of the steering cable  100  to the tilt tube threads  212  at one side of the tilt tube  210 . A coupler nut  112  is fitted around tilt tube threads (not visible) at another side of the tilt tube  210 . The steering rod  120  of the steering cable  100  extends through a central opening in the tilt tube  210 . A steering arm  220  of the engine  1  is coupled to one end of the steering rod  120 . In the example shown, a curved end of the steering arm  220  extends through the mounting aperture  122  of the steering rod  120  and is secured in that position with a locking nut  222 . 
     The steering cable  100  facilitates movement of the steering arm  220 , which pivots the engine  1  to the left and to the right, as would be understood in the field. The steering cable  100  includes the outer sheath  102  and the internal cable  104  that extends within and through the outer sheath  102 . Hidden from view within the tilt tube  210 , the steering rod  120  of the steering cable  100  is secured to the distal end of the internal cable  104 . At the other end of the steering cable  100  (not shown in  FIG.  1   ), another distal end of the internal cable  104  can be mechanically coupled to the helm or steering wheel of the boat. As the helm is adjusted, the internal cable  104  is pushed and pulled within the outer sheath  102  of the steering cable  100 , which ultimately moves the steering rod  120  in the direction “S” shown in  FIG.  1   . This movement, in turn, moves the steering arm  220  of the engine  1  and pivots the engine  1 . 
     Over time, a significant amount of friction can build up between the outer sheath  102  and the internal cable  104 , due to dirt, water, salt, rust, and other debris accumulating in the space between the outer sheath  102  and the internal cable  104 . The accumulation of the debris can make it difficult to pivot the engine of the boat using the steering cable  100 , primarily due to increased friction between the outer sheath  102  and the internal cable  104 . 
       FIG.  2 A  illustrates a side view of a lubricator barrel  300  of a tool for lubricating a boat steering cable according to aspects of the embodiments described herein.  FIG.  2 B  illustrates an end view of the lubricator barrel  300  of the tool shown in  FIG.  2 B  according to aspects of the embodiments described herein.  FIG.  2 C  illustrates a threaded lubricator pin  330  of the tool for lubricating a boat steering cable according to aspects of the embodiments described herein. The lubricator barrel  300  is illustrated as a representative example in  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B . The lubricator barrel  300  is not drawn to any particular size or scale in the example shown. In practice, the lubricator barrel  300  can vary to some extent in size and shape as compared to that shown. Similarly, the threaded lubricator pin  330  is illustrated as a representative example in  FIG.  2 C . The threaded lubricator pin  330  is not drawn to any particular size or scale in the example shown. In practice, the threaded lubricator pin  330  can vary to some extent in size and shape as compared to that shown. 
     Referring between  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B , the lubricator barrel  300  includes an outer cylindrical surface  302 , a first end surface  304 , and a second end surface  306 . The lubricator barrel  300  also includes a central barrel cavity  310 . The central barrel cavity  310  is a cavity within the lubricator barrel  300 . The central barrel cavity  310  extends from the first end surface  304  of the lubricator barrel  300 , along a longitudinal centerline  312  of the lubricator barrel  300 , to a position “P” within the lubricator barrel  300 . 
     The lubricator barrel  300  also includes a pin cavity  320 . The pin cavity  320  is also a cavity within the lubricator barrel  300 . The pin cavity  320  extends from the outer cylindrical surface  302  of the lubricator barrel  300 , through a first portion P 1  of the lubricator barrel  300 , towards the longitudinal centerline  312 . The pin cavity  320  intersects with the central barrel cavity  310 , inside the lubricator barrel  300 , such that the central barrel cavity  310  and the pin cavity  320  are in fluid communication with each other. The pin cavity  320  also extends through a second portion P 2  of the lubricator barrel  300 , as shown in  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B . 
     The pin cavity  320  can be threaded along at least a portion of its length. The threaded lubricator pin  330 , as shown in  FIG.  2 C , can be inserted and threaded into the pin cavity  320 , as described below. The lubricator barrel  300  also includes a first o-ring seat  314  at one end of the central barrel cavity  310 . Referring between  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B , the first o-ring seat  314  is a recessed ring surface. The o-ring seat  314  is a flat, circular, recessed surface, extending around the opening of the central barrel cavity  310 . The o-ring seat  314  is recessed from the first end surface  304  of the lubricator barrel  300 , along the longitudinal centerline  312 . An o-ring  315  or other sealing member can be seated into the o-ring seat  314 . In one example, a flat o-ring  315  formed of rubber can be relied upon, although other types and styles of o-rings can be used. The lubricator barrel  300  also includes a second o-ring seat  322 . The second o-ring seat  322  is a flat, circular, recessed surface. The second o-ring seat  322  is recessed from the outer cylindrical surface  302  of the lubricator barrel  300 . 
       FIG.  2 C  illustrates a threaded lubricator pin  330  of the tool for lubricating a boat steering cable. The threaded lubricator pin  330  includes a pin head  332 , a pin o-ring  334 , and a cylindrical pin rod  336 . The cylindrical pin rod  336  can vary in size as compared to that shown. For example, the cylindrical pin rod  336  can be formed to have a smaller outer circumference as compared to that shown, in some cases, to facilitate easy insertion of the cylindrical pin rod  336  through the mounting aperture  122  of the steering rod  120 . The pin rod  336  can also vary in length (i.e., from the top to the bottom of the page) as compared to that shown in some cases. 
     The threaded lubricator pin  330  also includes a central fluid-flow passageway  340  extending from the pin head  332 , along a longitudinal centerline  342  of the threaded lubricator pin  330 , to a position within the pin rod  336 . The pin rod  336  can be threaded along at least a portion of a length of the pin rod  336 , on an outer surface of the pin rod  336 . For example, the pin rod  336  can be threaded in a region starting below the o-ring  344  and extending along a length of the pin rod  336  to a position above the ejection passageway  350 , which is described below. The pin cavity  320  of the lubricator barrel  300  can also be threaded along at least a portion of its length, as noted above. The threading on the outer surface of the pin rod  336  can mate or match with the threading on the inner surface of the pin cavity  320 . Thus, the threaded lubricator pin  330  can be inserted and threaded into the pin cavity  320 . In other cases, one or both of the pin rod  336  and the pin cavity  320  can omit the threading or threaded surfaces. 
     The threaded lubricator pin  330  also includes a fluid-flow ejection passageway  350  extending perpendicular to the central fluid-flow passageway  340  and the longitudinal centerline  342 , through the pin rod  336 . The fluid-flow ejection passageway  350  intersects through or with the central fluid-flow passageway  340 , such that the passageways  340  and  350  are in fluid communication with each other. In other cases, the threaded lubricator pin  330  can omit both the central fluid-flow passageway  340  and the fluid-flow ejection passageway  350 , such as when the threaded lubricator pin  330  is used with the embodiment shown in  FIG.  2 D . 
     A coupling (see  FIG.  4 E ) can be seated and secured to the top of the pin head  332 , for connection of the lubricator pin  330  to a grease gun, for example. The coupling can extend, at least in part, within the central fluid-flow passageway  340 . In one example, the inner surfaces of the central opening portion  341  can be threaded within the pin head  332 , so that the coupling for the grease gun can be threaded into and secured, at least in part, within the central opening portion  341  of the threaded lubricator pin  330 . 
     An inner surface of the pin cavity  320 , within the lubricator barrel  300 , can be threaded. The inner surface of the pin cavity  320  can be threaded along at least a portion of the length (i.e., measured from the top to the bottom of the page) of the pin cavity  320 . Similarly, an outer surface of the pin rod  336  can be threaded, along at least a portion of the length of the pin rod  336 . The threads on the inner surface of the pin cavity  320  match or compliment those on the outer surface of the pin rod  336 , so that the threaded lubricator pin  330  can be inserted (e.g., threaded into) and secured within the pin cavity  320  of the lubricator barrel  300 , to assemble the tool. The pin o-ring  334 , which can be embodied as a rubber sealing member, will seat into the second o-ring seat  322  when the tool is assembled, to form a seal between the pin head  332  and the lubricator barrel  300 . 
     The lubricator barrel  300  can be formed from any suitable materials. As one example, the lubricator barrel  300  can be machined out of aluminum, although the lubricator barrel  300  can also be formed out of other metals or metal alloys. The lubricator barrel  300  can also be molded, at least in part, from metal and, in some cases, molded in part and machined in part. In other cases, the lubricator barrel  300  can be molded, in whole or in part, out of a plastic or polymer. The lubricator barrel  300  can also be molded, at least in part, from plastic and, machined to some extent after molding. Similarly, the threaded lubricator pin  330  can be machined out of aluminum, although the threaded lubricator pin  330  can also be formed out of other metals or metal alloys. The threaded lubricator pin  330  can also be molded in part and machined in part from a metal. In other cases, the threaded lubricator pin  330  can be molded, in whole or in part, out of a plastic or polymer. The threaded lubricator pin  330  can also be molded, at least in part, from plastic and machined to some extent after molding. 
     In another example,  FIG.  2 D  illustrates another lubricator barrel  300 A of a tool for lubricating a boat steering cable according to aspects of the embodiments described herein. As compared to the lubricator barrel  300  shown in  FIG.  2 A , the central barrel cavity  310 A of the lubricator barrel  300 A shown in  FIG.  2 D  is different than the central barrel cavity  310  of the lubricator barrel  300 . The central barrel cavity  310 A extends from the first end surface  304  to the second end surface  306 . The central barrel cavity  310 A also includes a first barrel length  311 B and a second barrel length  311 C. The first barrel length  311 B is formed to have a larger diameter than the second barrel length  311 C. 
     At least a portion of the inner surface of the second barrel length  311 C can be threaded. In one example, at least a portion of the inner surfaces of the second barrel length  311 C can be threaded, so that a coupling for the grease gun can be threaded into and secured, at least in part, within the second barrel length  311 C of the lubricator barrel  300 A. 
     The lubricator barrel  300 A can be used with the threaded lubricator pin  330  shown in  FIG.  2 C . However, the threaded lubricator pin  330  can omit the central fluid-flow passageway  340  and the fluid-flow ejection passageway  350 . Instead of injecting lubricant through the threaded lubricator pin  330 , lubricant can be injected into the lubricator barrel  300 A through a coupling for a grease gun, for example, that is fitted and secured within the second barrel length  311 C of the lubricator barrel  300 A. 
       FIG.  3    illustrates an example cup  400  for a grease gun, according to aspects of the embodiments described herein. The cup can be inserted into a grease gun, for example, for holding a lubricant for injection into the tool shown in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 C . The cup  400  is illustrated as a representative example in  FIG.  3   . Although example dimensions are shown in  FIG.  3   , the cup  400  can vary in size as compared to that shown. 
       FIGS.  4 A- 4 F  illustrate steps in an example method for lubricating a boat steering cable using the tool shown in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 C  according to aspects of the embodiments described herein. The illustrations in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 F  are representative and used to provide context for the method described. The features illustrated are not drawn to scale. Thus, the lubricating tool illustrated in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 F  is not drawn to scale, and the features of the outboard engine are also not drawn to any particular scale. Additionally, although the example below is described in connection with the lubricator barrel  300  shown in  FIG.  2 A , the lubricator barrel  300 A shown in  FIG.  2 D  can also be used in a similar way, as would be appreciated by a person of skill in the art. 
     As shown in  FIG.  4 A , the coupler nut  112  is fitted around tilt tube threads (see  FIG.  4 B ) at one side of the tilt tube  210 . The steering rod  120  of the steering cable  100  extends through a central opening in the tilt tube  210 . The steering arm  220  of the engine  1  is coupled to one end of the steering rod  120 . In the example shown, a curved end of the steering arm  220  extends through a mounting aperture  122  (see  FIG.  1    and  FIG.  4 B ) of the steering rod  120  and is secured in that position with the locking nut  222 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  4 B , the locking nut  222  can be removed, and the coupler nut  112  can also be removed from around the steering rod  120 . Turning to  FIG.  4 C , the lubricator barrel  300  can then be positioned around and over the steering rod  120  of the steering cable  100 . Particularly, the steering rod  120  can be inserted into the central barrel cavity  310  of the lubricator barrel  300 . 
     Turning to  FIG.  4 D , the threaded lubricator pin  330  can be inserted into the pin cavity  320  of the lubricator barrel  300 , through the mounting aperture  122  (see also  FIG.  4 C ) of the steering rod  120  (which is inside the central barrel cavity  310 ), and secured within the pin cavity  320 , as shown in  FIGS.  4 D and  4 E . In  FIG.  4 E , the coupling  331  at the top of the threaded lubricator pin  330  is also shown. The coupling  331  is threaded and secured into the central opening portion  341  of the threaded lubricator pin  330 , as described above, for connecting the threaded lubricator pin  330  to grease gun. 
     The lubricator barrel  300  can then be pressed against the tilt tube  210  as shown in  FIG.  4 F . Additionally, if needed, the helm of the boat can be adjusted to some extent, to help pull and hold the lubricator barrel  300  tightly against the side of the tilt tube  210 , as also shown in  FIG.  4 F . For example, the helm of the boat can be adjusted to pull the steering rod  120  into the tilt tube  210 , rather than extending it further out from inside the tilt tube  210 . Because the threaded lubricator pin  330  is extended through and secured with the mounting aperture  122  (see also  FIG.  4 C ) of the steering rod  120 , both the threaded lubricator pin  330  and the lubricator barrel  300  will be pulled towards and against the side of the tilt tube  210 , along with the steering rod  120 . In that position, the o-ring  315  of the lubricator barrel  300  (see  FIG.  2 A ) can be pressed against the side of the tilt tube  210 , helping to seal the lubricator barrel  300  with the side of the tilt tube  210 , in compression. 
     A grease gun  390  or similar tool can be connected to the coupling  331 , as shown in  FIG.  4 F , and a lubricant can be manually injected into the threaded lubricator pin  330  using the grease gun  390 . The lubricant (e.g., grease, oil, etc.) will pass into the threaded lubricator pin  330 , through the fluid-flow ejection passageway  350  (see  FIG.  2 C ) of the threaded lubricator pin  330 , and into the central barrel cavity  310  of the lubricator barrel  300 . The lubricant will extend within the central barrel cavity  310  and around the steering rod  120  within the central barrel cavity  310  of the lubricator barrel  300 . The lubricant will also pass into the center of the tilt tube  210  and into the steering cable  100 , lubricating it internally. 
       FIG.  5    illustrates example dimensions and tooling suggestions for the tool shown in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 C . The dimensions shown in  FIG.  5    are provided as one example, but the embodiments described herein are not limited to any particular size. In practice, the size and feature dimensions of the tool shown in  FIG.  5    and described herein can vary based on the size and dimensions of the steering cable being used, as one factor. Additionally, the size and feature dimensions of the tool shown in  FIG.  5    are part of one example design and subject to manufacturing variances and related tolerances. 
     Terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “front,” “back,” “right,” and “left” are not intended to provide an absolute frame of reference. Rather, the terms are relative and are intended to identify certain features in relation to each other, as the orientation of structures described herein can vary. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous, are used in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense, and not in its exclusive sense, so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. 
     Combinatorial language, such as “at least one of X, Y, and Z” or “at least one of X, Y, or Z,” unless indicated otherwise, is used in general to identify one, a combination of any two, or all three (or more if a larger group is identified) thereof, such as X and only X, Y and only Y, and Z and only Z, the combinations of X and Y, X and Z, and Y and Z, and all of X, Y, and Z. Such combinatorial language is not generally intended to, and unless specified does not, identify or require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to be included. 
     The terms “about” and “substantially,” unless otherwise defined herein to be associated with a particular range, percentage, or related metric of deviation, account for at least some manufacturing tolerances between a theoretical design and manufactured product or assembly, such as the geometric dimensioning and tolerancing criteria described in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME®) Y14.5 and the related International Organization for Standardization (ISO®) standards. Such manufacturing tolerances are still contemplated, as one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, although “about,” “substantially,” or related terms are not expressly referenced, even in connection with the use of theoretical terms, such as the geometric “perpendicular,” “orthogonal,” “vertex,” “collinear,” “coplanar,” and other terms. 
     The above-described embodiments of the present disclosure are merely examples of implementations to provide a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. In addition, components and features described with respect to one embodiment can be included in another embodiment. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure.