Marine propulsion – Miscellaneous
Patent
1996-05-24
1998-08-11
Basinger, Sherman
Marine propulsion
Miscellaneous
416247A, 440900, B63H 2036
Patent
active
057919550
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention concerns a cover for boat propulsion units, which are, at least to some extent, disposed outside the hull of the boat.
Boats, which are equipped with motors, are frequently transported on trailers, which are pulled by motor vehicles. In the case of boats, which are equipped with Z-drives (inboard/outboard drives), as well as in the case of boats, which are equipped with outboard motors, essential parts of the propulsion unit are located outside the hull of the boat and thus are subject to the risk of being damaged. Furthermore, these parts constitute risks to persons in cases of accidents. Even in the case of a normal transport, there is concern, that because of the effects of the weather, a contamination of these very valuable components can take place, which will reduce their ability to function. It is, therefore, known to pull a sack--which can be appropriately secured with strings in order to keep it from inadvertently being loosened--over the outwardly located parts of the drive unit, while it is being transported. However, such a packaging method has the disadvantage, that, on the one hand, it has only a relatively limited protective ability, and, on the other hand, the risk that a theft of parts of the drive unit may occur likewise cannot be reduced, because this kind of packaging involving the use of a sack, can easily be undone.
It is, therefore, the object of the present invention, to construct a cover of the initially stated kind in such a manner, that its usability can be improved.
This objective is achieved according to the invention in such a manner that at least two housing shells are provided, having an interior contour which fits the shape of that part of the boat propulsion unit, which is disposed outside the hull of the boat, and upon which the shells, which can be connected to each other, can be placed, and where the interior contour is formed by a foamed material, which is supported by the walls of the housing shells.
By means of the housing shells, to which the foamed material has been added, a cover of high mechanical strength for covering the parts of the drive unit, which are located on the outside, is being provided. It can be applied in the case of Z-drive units, which are, for example, available under the trade name of "Mercruiser", or for outboard motors, which are available under the name of "Mercury". It has been considered, in particular, to connect the housing shells to each other by mechanically strong components. In this manner, the protection against theft is significantly increased, because due to the form-fitting adaptation of the cover to the outside portion of the boat propulsion unit, the cover can no longer simply be pulled off. By the use of the foamed material on the inside of the housing shells, a sufficiently pliable coverage of the drive unit parts is ensured, which avoids damage to the covered parts even when there is shaking and impact from the outside.
In order to simplify their handling, it is proposed that the housing shells be joined by a hinge.
The protection against theft can be increased by connecting the housing shells to each other with a safety bolt, which, while closely fitting them, reaches behind a contour portion of the drive unit of the boat.
In order to improve the aerodynamic properties it is proposed that a rear part of the cover be disposed essentially vertically and that a connecting region, which produces a transition zone from the rear surface to the top surface, be disposed at an essentially oblique angle to the horizontal.
A typical application consists in having the foamed material generate an inner contour for a drive unit of a boat incorporating of a Z-drive.
A further area of application is opened up due to the fact that the foamed material generates an inner contour for a boat drive unit, which consists of an outboard motor.
In order to generate a high level of mechanical stability, it is proposed that the walls of the housing shells be made from a glass-fiber reinforced plas
REFERENCES:
patent: 2475135 (1949-07-01), Haven
patent: 2822183 (1958-02-01), Montgomery
patent: 2984096 (1961-05-01), Putman et al.
patent: 5072683 (1991-12-01), Colonna
patent: 5113791 (1992-05-01), Rottschafer
patent: 5148777 (1992-09-01), Brockhurst
patent: 5172575 (1992-12-01), Fisher
patent: 5469721 (1995-11-01), Pyle
"Stropp Fur Die Backstagen", Yacht, Jan. 1990, p. 95.
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