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Title:
UNIVERSAL PROPELLER SAFETY GUARD FOR TROLLING MOTOR
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2018/127909
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
There is provided a universal safety guard for a propeller of a trolling motor having a propeller end and a rear end, having an adjustable motor holder including a pair of oppositely-facing omega-shaped sections, where each section is disposed so as to surround the trolling motor on each side thereof. The two sections are attached to one another by attaching means. There is provided at least one supporting member extending for a length between a first end connected to the adjustable motor holder, and a second end connected to the trolling motor at the rear end thereof. A plurality of centrally-directed struts are radially disposed on the outer ring and connect to the adjustable motor holder. The safety guard can fit any size of the trolling motor by adjusting the adjustable motor holder so as to surround the motor in accordance with its size, thereby protecting the propeller of the trolling motor from being damaged by rocks and reefs.

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Inventors:
ARAZI GAD (IL)
Application Number:
PCT/IL2018/050005
Publication Date:
July 12, 2018
Filing Date:
January 02, 2018
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
ARAZI GAD (IL)
International Classes:
B63H1/14; B63H5/14; B63H5/15; B63H5/16; B63H20/00; B63H23/24
Foreign References:
US20060166571A12006-07-27
US4013033A1977-03-22
US20080220670A12008-09-11
US5902157A1999-05-11
US2140099A1938-12-13
US20030114052A12003-06-19
US20100167605A12010-07-01
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
LANGER, Edward (IL)
Download PDF:
Claims:
I claim:

1. A universal safety guard for a propeller of a trolling motor having a propeller end and a rear end, said safety guard comprising:

an adjustable motor holder having a pair of oppositely-facing omega-shaped sections, said pair of sections being disposed so as to surround the body of the trolling motor at the propeller end thereof, said pair of sections being attached to one another by attaching means;

at least one supporting member extending for a length between a first end connected to said adjustable motor holder, and a second end connected to the trolling motor at the rear end thereof;

an outer ring having a rim, said outer ring being disposed circumferentially around said adjustable motor holder, so as to encompass the propeller; and

a plurality of centrally-directed struts, radially disposed on said outer ring and connecting to said adjustable motor holder,

wherein said safety guard can fit any size of the trolling motor by adjusting said adjustable motor holder so as to surround the motor in accordance with its size, thereby protecting the propeller of the trolling motor from being damaged by rocks and reefs, and protecting swimmers and divers from being injured by the propeller.

2. The safety guard of claim 1, wherein said outer ring rim has a width in the range of 40 to 60 mm, for accommodating the breadth of the propeller, and a thickness in the range of 2 to 8 mm, thereby providing protection to the propeller against underwater obstacles such as rocks, reefs, etc.

3. The safety guard of claim 1, wherein said outer ring has a diameter in the range of 200 mm to 350 mm.

4. The safety guard of claim 1, wherein said adjustable motor holder has a diameter in the range of 70 mm to 110 mm.

5. The safety guard of claim 1, wherein each of said omega-shaped sections of said adjustable motor holder are closed one against the other to securely fit around the trolling motor.

6. The safety guard of claim 1, wherein said attaching means comprises any one of screws, nuts, fasteners and the like.

7. The safety guard of claim 1, wherein said supporting member has multiple holes disposed along its length, said supporting member being attached at said first end to said adjustable motor holder and at said second end to the motor shaft, said supporting member being cut at the appropriate location to remove excess length.

8. The safety guard of claim 1, wherein said supporting member has multiple holes disposed along its length, said supporting member being attached at said first end to said adjustable motor holder and at said second end to a fin disposed under the body of the trolling motor, said supporting member being cut at the appropriate location to remove excess length.

9. The supporting member of claim 1, wherein said connecting means comprises a clamp surrounding the motor shaft and is attached to one of said holes of said supporting member by one of a screw or nut, thereby securing the attachment of said safety guard to the motor.

10. The supporting member of claim 1, wherein said connecting means comprises a two-sectioned connector, wherein each said section is omega-shaped and both surround the motor shaft and are connected to each other by one of a screw and nut and the like.

11. The safety guard of claim 1, wherein said adjustable motor holder comprises top and bottom tabs, wherein said top tab attaches to said supporting member and wherein bottom side attaches to a fin positioned under the body of the trolling motor in close proximity to the propeller.

12. The safety guard of claim 1, wherein said safety guard is made of rigid material such as plastic, metal, or any other suitable material.

13. A method for providing protection to a propeller of a trolling motor, said method comprising:

mounting an adjustable motor holder having a pair of oppositely- facing omega-shaped sections, said pair of sections being disposed so as to surround the body of the trolling motor at the propeller end thereof,

attaching said pair of sections to one another by attaching means; and connecting at least one supporting member extending for a length between a first end connected to said adjustable motor holder, and a second end connected to the trolling motor at the rear end thereof,

wherein said safety guard can fit any size of the trolling motor by adjusting said adjustable motor holder so as to surround the motor in accordance with its size, thereby protecting the propeller of the trolling motor from being damaged by rocks and reefs.

Description:
UNIVERSAL PROPELLER SAFETY GUARD FOR TROLLING MOTOR

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to propeller guards, and more particularly, to an addon modular adjustable propeller safety guard for an electric trolling motor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Motor boats are driven by a propeller which is submerged under water. The propeller has blades or wings like a fan, propelling the ship in the water. Since the propeller is under the surface of the water, rocks and underwater reefs may damage its blades. Swimmers and divers might be harmed by the propellers if they come in contact with them. In order to avoid such damage, a propeller guard should preferably be installed.

A trolling motor is a self-contained unit that includes an electric motor, propeller and controls, and is affixed to an angler's boat, either at the bow or stern. Electric Trolling motors are used for small-sized boats and kiaks, as they operate at a maximum of 36V.

Nowadays, there are an increasing number of lakes and rivers that restrict the entrance of water crafts with polluting engines, so that electric motor boats are in wide use.

Examples of prior art propeller guards are published in the following Patents and/or patent applications:

Patent publication GB2152459 to Glen Robert Duncan, titled "Safety shielding of marine propulsion units", discloses a safety cage for attachment to the submersible portion of an outboard motor unit having a generally vertical fin. The device is designed to fit gasoline-powered motors and cannot be adapted for small electric motors such as a trolling motor.

US patent 2723641 to Taylor John W., titled "Guard for an outboard motor propeller", discloses a guard for an outboard motor having a propeller shaft housing and a propeller at the lower end. The device is designed to fit gasoline-powered motors and cannot be adapted for small electric motors.

Additional Patents are available, disclosing various guards for motor boat propellers, all designed to fit gasoline-powered motors and cannot be adapted for small electric motors such as a trolling motor: US Pat. Application 2004092176, US Patent 5445545, US Patent 5501622, Chinese Publication 203975198, US Patent 5176550 and US Patent 5066254.

Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a propeller guard which can fit any size of a trolling motor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages associated with the prior art.

In accordance with a principal object of the present invention, there is provided a universal safety guard for a propeller of a trolling motor, said safety guard comprising: an adjustable motor holder having a pair of oppositely-facing omega-shaped sections, said pair of sections being disposed so as to surround the trolling motor on each side thereof, said pair of sections being attached to one another by attaching means;

at least one supporting member having a first end connected to said adjustable motor holder, and a second end connected to a motor shaft extending vertically from the motor

an outer ring having a rim, said outer ring being disposed circumferentially around said adjustable motor holder, so as to encompass the propeller; and

a plurality of centrally-directed struts, radially disposed on said outer ring and connecting to said adjustable motor holder,

wherein said safety guard can fit any size of the trolling motor by adjusting said adjustable motor holder so as to surround the motor in accordance with its size, thereby protecting the propeller of the trolling motor from being damaged by rocks and reefs.

In a preferred embodiment there is provided a safety guard for a propeller of a trolling motor. The propeller may be damaged by hitting a rock, reef or any hard surfaces, and if the propeller is hit, the engine may be damaged as well. Therefore it would be desirable to use a guard. Furthermore, a safety guard provides protection to swimmers against the potential harm of the propeller. There is provided an outer ring having a rim which encircles the propeller of the motor. The rim has a width in the range of 40 to 60 mm, and a thickness in the range of 2-8 mm, thereby providing protection to the propeller against underwater obstacles such as rocks, reefs, etc.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a universal safety guard that can be adapted to trolling motors of any size by using an adjustable motor holder. The motor holder is mounted on the trolling motor by using a pair of oppositely-facing omega-shaped sections which surround the trolling motor on each side. The two sections are closed one against the other to securely fit around the trolling motor. The smaller the motor body, the further the two sections need to be closed one against the other, and vice versa.

In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the two sections of the motor holder are closed one against the other by attaching means such as screws, bolts, fasteners and the like.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a supporting member having multiple holes disposed along the length thereof. The supporting members are used for securely mounting the safety guard on a trolling motor. On the upper side of the trolling motor, a supporting member is attached at its first end to the motor holder and at its second end to the motor shaft. On the bottom side of the trolling motor, a supporting member is attached at its first end to the motor holder and at its second end to the fin. The supporting members allow the safety guard of the present invention to fit a trolling motor of any kind having a fin and motor rod in various locations thereof.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, after the supporting member has been connected to the safety guard, the excess length of the supporting member may be easily cut off so as not to interfere with the propulsion stream.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the supporting member is attached to the motor shaft using a clamp having a hydrodynamic structure, and is connected by attaching means such as screws, bolts, fasteners and the like.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the supporting member is attached to the motor shaft using a two-sectioned connector, where each section is omega-shaped and both surround the motor shaft and are connected at the tabs of the omega by attaching means such as screws, bolts, fasteners and the like.

In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the safety guard of the present invention is made of rigid material such as plastic, metal, or any other suitable material.

In accordance with a principal object of the present invention, there is provided a method for providing protection to a propeller of a trolling motor, said method comprising: mounting an adjustable motor holder having a pair of oppositely-facing omega- shaped sections, said pair of sections being disposed so as to surround the body of the trolling motor at the propeller end thereof,

attaching said pair of sections to one another by attaching means; and

connecting at least one supporting member extending for a length between a first end connected to said adjustable motor holder, and a second end connected to the trolling motor at the rear end thereof,

wherein said safety guard can fit any size of the trolling motor by adjusting said adjustable motor holder so as to surround the motor in accordance with its size, thereby protecting the propeller of the trolling motor from being damaged by rocks and reefs.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following drawings and description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention with regard to the embodiments thereof, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals designate corresponding sections or elements throughout, and in which:

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a safety guard for a trolling motor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 shows the safety guard for a trolling motor of Fig. 1 with supporting members; Fig. 3 shows a rear perspective view of the safety guard of Fig. 1 installed on a trolling motor, using a clamp;

Fig. 4 shows a front perspective view of the safety guard of Fig. 1 installed on a trolling motor, using a clamp;

Fig. 5 shows a rear perspective view of the safety guard of Fig. 1 installed on a trolling motor, using a two-sectioned connector;

Fig. 6 shows a front perspective view of the safety guard of Fig. 1 installed on a trolling motor, using a two-sectioned connector; and

Fig 7 shows the safety guard of Fig. 6 having the supporting member disposed at an angle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODF ENTS

Referring now to Fig. 1 , there is shown a safety guard 30 having an adjustable motor holder 32, to be mounted on a trolling motor 50 (shown in Fig. 3). Motor holder 32 has a pair of oppositely-facing omega-shaped sections 32a and 32b, which together fit around the circumference of the body of trolling motor 50. Sections 32a and 32b are connected together by connecting means inserted through holes 33a and 33b. An outer ring 34 having a rim of approximately 40-60mm in width and approximately 2- 8mm in thickness, is disposed externally to adjustable motor holder 32, and a plurality of centrally-directed struts 36 are radially disposed on outer ring 34, which connect outer ring 34 to adjustable motor holder 32.

Referring now to Fig. 2, there is shown a safety guard 30 having supporting members 40a-b having multiple holes 41 formed along them. Clamp 52 is used to securely fix supporting member 40a to motor rod 42 (shown in Fig. 3).

Referring now to Fig. 3, there is shown a safety guard 30 mounted on a trolling motor 50. Safety guard 30 is fixed to trolling motor 50 by mounting adjustable motor holder 32 around trolling motor 50. Adjustable motor holder 32 is made of two sections 32a and 32 b, which are both omega-shaped and oppositely-facing each other, thereby forming a circle of approximately 70mm to 110mm in diameter. Once motor holder 32 is mounted around motor 50, sections 32a-b are closed towards each other to securely fit around motor 50, and are then fixed in position by screws 48 placed through hole 33a on the tabs of the omega on the upper ends of 32a-b and hole 33b on the tabs of the omega on the lower ends of 32a-b.

Adjustable motor holder 32 can be adjusted to fit any diameter of a trolling motor 50, thereby providing a universal solution.

Outer ring 34 provides protection for propeller 38 against underwater obstacles such as rocks, reefs, etc. In addition, it also provides protection for swimmers against possible harm from propeller 38. Outer ring 34 provides maximum protection and minimum interference with the propulsion stream. Any additional accessories for providing protection, such as a net wrapped around the propeller, will only disturb the propulsion stream.

Guard 30 may be knocked off of motor 50 in the event guard 30 hits a hard surface. Therefore, in order to secure the attachment of guard 30 to motor 50, there is provided a supporting member 40a having one end connected to adjustable motor holder 32 via hole 33a, and a second end connecting to motor shaft 42 (partial length shown). Trolling motor 50 is mounted on motor shaft 42 which extends vertically upwards and typically connects to the boat stern for providing the power and control system to operate trolling motor 50.

Multiple holes 41 are formed in spaced-apart fashion all along supporting member 40a for allowing compatibility with all types of trolling motors 50 which have varied displacement between propeller 38 and motor shaft 42. In Figure 3 there is shown an example of a trolling motor 50 having its motor shaft 42 distanced from propeller 38 at a length compatible with eight holes 41 of supporting member 40a, when the first hole is near motor shaft 42 and the eighth hole is near propeller 38. Any excess of length of supporting member 40a is easily cut off.

Supporting member 40a is fixedly connected to motor shaft 42 by clamp 52. Clamp 52 has an annular shape and encircles motor shaft 42 and is formed with holes corresponding to holes 41 of supporting member 40a. A screw 48 is then inserted through clamp 52 and hole 41, to connect them and fix the position of supporting member 40a.

An additional supporting member 40b supports motor holder 32 from the bottom of trolling motor 50, and connects between motor holder 32, via hole 33b, at one end, and fin 46 at the second end. In Figure 3 there is shown an example of fin 46 at a distance from propeller 38 equal to nine holes 41 of supporting member 40b. A screw 48 is inserted into the appropriate hole 41 and through fin 46, thereby securing supporting member 40b to motor 50. The excess 40c of length of supporting member 40b including the tenth and eleventh holes, is to be removed (illustrated by jagged line A) because it may hydro- dynamically disturb the smooth flow of water during propulsion by motor 50.

The length of supporting members 40a-b and holes 41 formed therein allow for safety guard 30 to be adapted to any type of trolling motor 50.

Referring now to Fig. 4, there is shown a front perspective view of safety guard 30 mounted on trolling motor 50 of Fig. 3. Supporting member 40b is shown without the excess 40c (shown in Fig. 3) length.

The rim of outer ring 34 is shown encompassing propeller 38, therefore enabling safe operation of propeller 38.

Referring now to Fig. 5, there is shown a rear perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the safety guard 30 of the present invention. A two-sectioned connector 44 is provided having each section omega-shaped, for connecting the second end of supporting member 40a to motor shaft 42, thereby securing safety guard 30 onto motor 50. The sections of two-sectioned connector 44 are connected to each other having the second end of supporting member 40 placed in between them. Screw 48 fixes two-sectioned connector 44 to motor shaft 42. In Figure 5 and 6, there is an example of a trolling motor 50 having fin 46 located closely to propeller 38, and therefore there is no need for a supporting member 40b. Screw 48 is inserted through hole 33b of motor holder 32 and into fin 46, thereby securing safety guard 30 to the bottom of motor 50.

Referring now to Fig. 6, there is shown a front perspective view of the safety guard of Fig. 5.

Referring now to Fig. 7, there is shown a rear perspective view of safety guard 30 mounted on trolling motor 50. A support strut 53 is situated adjacent to the base of motor shaft 42, for providing support to motor shaft 42. Because of the presence of support strut 53, clamp 52 cannot be closed to surround the base of motor shaft 42, but can only be closed above support strut 53. In this particular situation, supporting member 42a may be connected between motor shaft 42 and motor holder 32, by deflecting supporting member 42a downwards at an angle so that it can reach motor holder 32 and be connected to it in the manner described above.

Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated herein, it is recognized that modifications and variations may readily occur to those skilled in the art and consequently, it is intended that the claims be interpreted to cover such modifications and equivalents.