Boat outboard motor protection device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of protecting a boat motor powerhead or cowl or cowling and preventing damage to the powerhead, cowl or cowling when a boat is docking or backing into a bulk head. More particularly, the present invention relates to a protective device that easily attaches to and slips over the boat motor, allowing for easy positioning of a protective pad on the outside of the motor which protects it from impact and prevents damage to the motor while the boat is docking or backing into a bulk head.

Claims

1. An outboard boat motor protection device for protecting a boat outboard motor power head having a propeller, comprising: a) a cowling that includes a pad portion, wherein the cowling is removably connectable to the outboard motor and enveloping the power head, said cowling having a front end, a back end, side portions, a top panel, and a lower edge; b) the pad portion having a top end, a bottom end, a middle section, a front side, and a back side, said pad portion including a shell and an inflexible insert sized and shaped to be encased in the shell, said insert comprising one or more layers of foam material; c) one or more pad straps removably attached to said pad middle section with a fastening device, said one or more pad straps extending along the cowling side portions and front end to immovably secure said pad portion front side to the cowling back end; d) an interior strap having end portions and positioned inside the shell, wherein said interior strap extends across the pad middle section and said interior strap end portions removably connect to said one or more pad straps via said fastening device; e) wherein said interior strap is positioned in between the shell and insert near said pad portion back side; f) one or more securing devices on said one or more pad straps adapted to secure said one or more pad straps to said cowling side portions and front end; g) wherein said pad portion is sized and shaped to cover a majority of the cowling back end, and wherein said pad portion extends above and below said one or more pad straps; h) wherein said one or more pad straps are positioned in between the cowling top panel and the cowling lower edge and extend around said cowling at the pad portion middle section.

2. The outboard boat motor protection device of claim 1, wherein the pad portion extends below the cowling lower edge.

3. The outboard boat motor protection device of claim 1, wherein the middle section tapers to said top and bottom ends.

4. The outboard boat motor protection device of claim 1, wherein said one or more pad straps comprise at least two straps that removably connect to each other via a hook and loop fastener.

5. The outboard boat motor protection device of claim 1, wherein said securing devices include suction devices.

6. The outboard boat motor protection device of claim 1, wherein the fastening device includes a male clip and a female clip.

7. The outboard boat motor protection device of claim 1, wherein said pad top end has a top width, said pad bottom end has a bottom width, and said middle section has a middle width, and wherein the middle width is greater than the top width and the bottom width.

8. The outboard boat motor protection device of claim 1, wherein the pad portion is generally rectangular and includes laterally extending flaps provided on the middle section.

9. The outboard boat motor protection device of claim 8, wherein said fastening devices are enclosed in said laterally extending flaps.

10. The outboard boat motor protection device of claim 1, wherein the insert comprises at least two layers of foam material including an inner layer positioned against the cowling back end and an outer layer positioned near the pad portion back side.

11. The outboard boat motor protection device of claim 10, wherein the inner layer is a softer material than the outer layer.

12. The outboard boat motor protection device of claim 1, wherein the combination of the one or more pad straps connected to the interior strap provides for encircling the inflexible insert and the cowling.

13. The outboard boat motor protection device of claim 1, wherein the top and bottom end widths are 6-17 inches, the middle section width is 10-25 inches, and the pad has a length of 20.5-27 inches.

14. The outboard boat motor protection device of claim 1, wherein said inflexible insert comprises at least two layers of foam material including an inner layer positioned against the cowling back end and an outer layer positioned near the pad back side, wherein the inner layer is a softer material than the outer layer, and wherein the inner layer is 4# Ether Charcoal foam sheet and the outer layer is 4# XL PE Black foam board.

15. A method of protecting a power head of an outboard boat motor from abrasion and/or damage, comprising the steps of: a) providing a cowling that is removably connectable to the outboard boat motor and adapted to envelope the power head, said cowling having a front panel, a back panel, side panels, a top panel, and a lower edge; b) providing a protective device on the cowling, the protective device including: i) a pad portion including a sleeve and an inflexible insert sized and shaped to be encased in the sleeve, said pad portion having a top end, a bottom end, a middle section, a front side, and a back side; ii) one or more pad straps removably attached to said pad middle section with a fastening device; and iii) an interior strap having end portions, said interior strap positioned inside the sleeve and in between the sleeve and the inflexible insert near the pad back side, wherein said interior strap extends across the pad middle portion and said end portions connect to the one or more pad strap via said fastening device; c) securing the pad portion of the protective device to the cowling back panel by positioning said one or more pad straps along the cowling side panels and front panel and by attaching said one or more pad straps to the cowling side panels and front panel with one or more securing devices; and d) removably connecting the cowling with the protective device secured thereto to the power head to protect the power head; wherein said pad portion is sized and shaped to cover a majority of the cowling back panel, and wherein said pad portion extends above and below said one or more pad straps; and wherein said one or more pad straps are positioned in between the cowling top panel and the cowling lower edge and extend around said cowling at the pad portion middle section.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the pad portion middle section tapers to said top and bottom ends.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the one or more securing device include suction devices.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein in step c the pad is immovable secured to the cowling.

19. A method of protecting a power head of an outboard boat motor from abrasion and/or damage, comprising the steps of: a) connecting a protective device on a cowling that is removably connectable to the outboard boat motor and adapted to envelope the power head, said cowling having a front panel, a back panel, side panels, a top panel, and a lower edge, and wherein the protective device includes: i) a pad portion including a sleeve and an inflexible insert sized and shaped to be encased in the sleeve, said pad portion having a top end, a bottom end, a middle section, a front side, and a back side; ii) one or more pad straps removably attached to said pad middle section with a fastening device; and iii) an interior strap having end portions, said interior strap positioned inside the sleeve and in between the sleeve and the inflexible insert near the pad back side, wherein said interior strap extends across the pad middle section and said end portions connect to the one or more pad straps via said fastening device; and b) removably connecting the cowling with the protective device secured thereto on the outboard boat motor such that the cowling envelopes the power head and protects the power head.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein in step (a), the pad portion of the protective device is secured to the cowling back panel by: i) positioning said one or more pad straps along the cowling side panels and front panel; and ii) attaching said one or more pad straps to the cowling side panels and front panel with one or more securing devices, wherein said one or more pad straps are positioned in between the cowling top panel and the cowling lower edge and extend around said cowling from the pad portion middle section; and wherein said pad portion is sized and shaped to cover a majority of the cowling back panel, and wherein said pad portion extends above and below said one or more pad straps.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

(4) FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

(5) FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

(6) FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

(7) FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

(8) FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

(9) FIG. 8 is a top fragmentary view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing the straps attached to a boat motor;

(10) FIG. 9 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing the protective pad attached to a boat motor;

(11) FIG. 10 is a back view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing strap 24;

(12) FIG. 11 is a back view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing strap 34;

(13) FIG. 12 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing strap 24;

(14) FIG. 13 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing strap 34;

(15) FIG. 14 is a back view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing strap 24;

(16) FIG. 15 is a back view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing strap 34;

(17) FIG. 16 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing strap 24;

(18) FIG. 17 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing strap 34;

(19) FIG. 18 is a rear partial perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing the protective pads attached to boat motors;

(20) FIG. 19 is a side partial perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing the protective pads attached to boat motors;

(21) FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing the adapter;

(22) FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing the adapter attached to the protective pad;

(23) FIG. 22 is a partial perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing the adapter attached on a boat and connected to the protective pad;

(24) FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing the layered insert in the pad cover;

(25) FIG. 24 is a partial perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing the protective pads attached to boat motors and pressed up against a dock; and

(26) FIG. 25 is a partial perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing an interior strap in the pad cover/shell.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(27) FIGS. 1-25 show views of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, designated generally by the number 20. The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of protecting a boat motor 30 and preventing damage to the motor powerhead or cowl/cowling 65 when a boat 60 is docking or backing into a bulk head or dock 60. Motor 30 (see FIGS. 18, 19) can be an outboard type motor marketed under the marks Yamaha, Mercury, Johnson, and Evinrude as examples. Such motors 30 typically provide powerhead or upper covered with a cowl, cowling or shroud 65 and a lower or lower end 66 that includes a propeller 67. Such a motor with powerhead, cowling, lower unit and propeller can be seen in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,887,563; 4,498,875; 7,163,428; 7,736,207, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

(28) More particularly, the present invention relates to a cover 20 that can easily attach to and slip/slide over the boat motor 30, preferably allowing for easy positioning of a protective pad 21 on the outside of the motor 30. Motor engine 30 can have an upper portion or powerhead or cowl/cowling 65 and a lower portion 66 including a propeller 67. Upper portion or cowl/cowling 65 can have a lower edge 72. Pad portion 21 can protect motor 30 powerhead or cowl/cowling 65 from impact and prevents damage to the motor 30 powerhead or cowl or cowling 65 while a boat 60 is docking or backing into a bulk head.

(29) Pad portion 21 can have an upper end 73 having a width 78, a lower end 74 having a width 79, and a middle portion 75. Middle portion 75 can have a width 80 that is greater than the width 78 of the upper end 73, as seen in FIGS. 1-3. Middle portion 75 can have a width 80 that is greater than the width 79 of the lower end 75, as seen in FIGS. 1-3. Middle portion 75 can have flaps, tabs or ears 71, 72 on each side of the middle portion 75 of pad portion 21, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. Pad portion 21 can be generally rectangular in shape as seen in at least FIG. 1, and can have laterally extending flaps, tabs or ears 71, 72 on each side portion 51, 52 of the pad portion 21.

(30) FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, designated generally by the numeral 20. Boat motor cover 20 includes a protective pad portion 21 that is preferably comprised of an insert 23 encased in an outer shell 22. Insert 23 can be placed into shell 22 via an opening 48 preferably on a back side 38 of pad portion 21, as seen in FIG. 2. Opening 48 can be closed using a fastener 49, such as a hook and loop fastener, to preferably secure insert 23 in shell 22.

(31) The apparatus of the present invention preferably uses lightweight, marine friendly materials that preferably allow for the pad portion 21 to hug or fit snuggly around a motor 30, as seen in FIGS. 9, 18 and 19. Insert 23 can be made of heavy-duty foam. The outer shell 22 is preferably made of a cloth or cloth-like material. More preferably, the outer shell 22 is made of a material that is waterproof, flexible, and resistant to water damage, such as neoprene (for example neoprene 3 mm sheets). Preferably, the outer shell 22 is soft, durable, stretchable material that gives a smooth, clean appearance and provides for abrasion protection for the engine 30. The outer shell 22 material can also allow for logos, boat names, advertising, and the like, for example, to be printed on it. In some embodiments, the insert 23 can be comprised of at least two layers of foam. Preferably, at least one layer of foam is 4# XL PE Black. Preferably, at least one layer of foam is 4# Ether Charcoal. Preferably, the at least two layers of foam are bonded together with industrial upholstery glue.

(32) Preferably, the protective pad portion 21 has a front side 39 and a back side 38 wherein the back side 38 is preferably in contact with the motor 30, and the front side 39 preferably provides protection from, for example, a bulkhead of docking wall. The apparatus 20 also preferably includes straps 24, 34 preferably on either side 51, 52 of pad portion 21. Straps 24, 34 can be used for securing the protective pad portion 21 to the motor 30. Preferably, straps 24, 34 can be made of a material similar to the outer shell, that is waterproof, flexible, and resistant to water damage, such as neoprene (for example neoprene 3 mm sheets). Preferably, straps 24, 34 are between about 30 and 50 inches in length, more preferably they are between about 35 and 45 inches in length, and most preferably, they are about 41 inches in length.

(33) FIGS. 10-13 show straps 24, 34 in a longer length 63 that can be used for a larger sized motor 30. Straps having a length 63 can include multiple suction devices 27 and/or longer/additional fasteners 26 for attachment on motor 30. FIGS. 14-17 show straps 24, 34 in a shorter length 63 that can be used for a regular or smaller sized motor 30.

(34) Preferably, the straps 24, 34 are removably attached to the protective pad portion 21 with a clip or fastener 50. Clip or fastener 50 can be made up of a female clip 33 and a male clip 32, as seen in FIG. 4. Preferably, a male clip 32 is provided on each of straps 24, 34, as seen in FIGS. 10-17. Male clip 32 on strap 24, 34 can attach to a corresponding female clip 33 that can be provided on a side 51, 52 of protective pad portion 21 (see FIG. 4). Preferably, there are two female clips 33 on the protective pad portion 21, one on each side 51, 52 of the pad 21. Preferably, the outer shell 22 includes clip cover 31 on each side 51, 52 that preferably covers the clips 33 on each side (left and right) 51, 52 of the pad 21, as seen in FIG. 3. Cover 31 can also cover the connected clips or fasteners 50, as seen in FIG. 4.

(35) An interior strap 55 having ends 56, 57 can be located inside shell 22. End 56 of strap 55 can attach to female clip 33 on pad side 51. End 57 of strap 55 can attach to the other female clip 33 on the other pad side 52. Interior strap 55 can run along the inside of the front side 39 of shell 22, as seen in FIG. 6, preferably portioned behind insert 23. Interior strap 55 preferably adds support to the protective device 20, preferably creating full coverage around the motor 30 by fully encircling motor. Strap 55 ends 56, 57 preferably connect to female clips 33 on each pad side 51, 52; female clips 33 preferably connect to male clips 32 on straps 24, 34; straps 24 and 34 preferably attached to each other.

(36) Straps 24, 34 can attach to each other to preferably secure pad portion 21 to motor 30. Preferably, strap 24 has first end portion 40, a second, distal end portion 41, a front side 42 and a back side 43. First end portion 40 of strap 24 can have a male clip 32, which preferably attaches to female clip 33 provided on a side of protective pad 21. Second end or distal end portion 41 of strap 24 can be attached to strap 34. Back side 43 of strap 24 is preferably in contact with the motor 30. Preferably the strap 24 has one or more suction devices 27 located on the back side 43 at the second, distal end portion 41 for securing the pad portion 21 to the motor 30, as shown in FIGS. 8, 9.

(37) Preferably, strap 34 has first end portion 44, a second, distal end portion 45, a front side 46 and a back side 47. First end portion 44 of strap 34 can have a male clip 32, which preferably attaches to a female clip 33 on a side of protective pad 21. Second end or distal end portion 45 of strap 34 can be attached to strap 24. Back side 47 of strap 34 is preferably in contact with the motor 30.

(38) Preferably strap 24 has a fastener 26 (such as hook at loop fastener) located on the front side 42 preferably at the second, distal end portion 41 for attaching to strap 34. Preferably, strap 34 has a fastener 26 (such as hook at loop fastener) preferably provided on the back side 47 preferably at the second, distal end 45 of strap 34, for attaching strap 34 to strap 24. Fastener 26 on front side 42 of strap 24 is preferably attached to fastener 26 on back side 47 of strap 34 to secure pad portion 21 on the motor 30, as seen in FIGS. 8, 9.

(39) The apparatus of the present invention 20 can be made to allow for slight up-and-down movement of the pad 20 on the motor 30, as the motor 30 is pushed or moved with the wake/water, the pad 20 does not fall off. When installed properly, the motor protection pad 20 of a preferred embodiment of the present invention should not move from side-to-side. This embodiment is designed specifically for outboard motors, as shown in FIGS. 8, 9, 18, 19. The straps 24, 34 can be made of elastic, flexible rubber material, neoprene, or any other suitable material. Preferably, the straps 24, 34 are made of a material that can withstand sun, water, weather, and other damaging effects.

(40) In one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, insert 23 is preferably a heavy-duty foam piece made of a highly durable and impact resistant 4# XL PE foam board that can preferably take the brunt of impacts between the engine cover 30 and the dock or mooring; however, higher or lower density materials, or other suitable materials could also be used. In one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, there is a durable yet soft 4# Ether Charcoal foam sheet, or other suitable material, behind the XL PE foam board to provide a soft cushioning effect against the motor 30. Preferably, the XL PE foam board or other suitable material, and 4# Ether Charcoal foam sheet, or other suitable material, are bonded together. Preferably, the bonding material is industrial upholstery glue.

(41) Preferably, the protective pad cover 22 is removably secured over the insert 23. Insert 23 can be placed in opening 48 of cover 22. Cover 22 can be secured to the insert 23 using any suitable fastener 49, for example hook and loop fasteners, as seen in FIG. 2.

(42) In one embodiment, the insert 23 can have a length of preferably about 20.5-27 inches, and most preferably a length of about 23.5 inches. In one embodiment, the insert 23 can have a width of preferably about 10-25 inches at its widest point, and most preferably, a width of about 17.5 inches at its widest point. In one embodiment, the insert 23 can have a width of preferably about 6-17 inches at its top and bottom, and most preferably, a width of about 9 inches at its top and bottom. In one embodiment, the insert 23 can have a thickness of preferably about 0.5-3 inches, and most preferably, a thickness of about 1 inch. The protective pad portion 21 may be any suitable size and shape; however, it must not extend to a point where it interferes with the operation of the motor.

(43) In a preferred embodiment, insert 23 is comprised of at least two layers of foam, as seen in FIG. 23. Preferably, a first layer 28 is a softer material for contacting the motor 30, such as for example 4# Ether Charcoal foam sheet. Preferably a second layer 29 is a harder quality foam, such as for example XL PE foam board. Preferably, the two layers 28, 29 are bonded together with industrial upholstery glue.

(44) In one embodiment of the apparatus 20 of the present invention, protective pad 20 has a series of suction cups 27 in the form of a fitted pad that can preferably hold the straps 24, 34 in place on the forward facing side of the engine 30. Fasteners 26 on straps 24, 34, as seen in FIGS. 10-17, can preferably be complementary pieces of hook and loop fasteners used to attach straps 24, 34 together. Fastener 26 on front side 42 of strap 24 is preferably attached to fastener 26 on back side 47 of strap 34 to secure pad portion 21 on the motor 30, as seen in FIGS. 8, 9. The attachment of straps 24 and 34 preferably allow for adjustments necessary to allow for maximization of strength when wrapping straps 24, 34 around the engine 30. Preferably, the hook and loop fasteners 26 are Velcro brand. The piece of Velcro can have a length of preferably about 4-16 inches, and most preferably, a length of about 8 inches, and a width of preferably about 1-6 inches, and most preferably, a width of about 3 inches.

(45) The suction device 27 is preferably a 58 MM suction pad per unit. Preferably, the suction device 27 is a pad that comprises at least 6 suction cups. Suction device pad can comprise many suction cups.

(46) The present invention includes a method of using the protective device 20 to protect an outboard boat motor 30. Preferably the method comprises steps of:

(47) a) placing the back side 38 of the protective pad portion 21 against the outboard motor 30 where protection is needed, as seen in FIG. 9;

(48) b) wrapping strap 24 around the motor 30 and attaching suction device 27 to the motor 30, as seen in FIG. 8;

(49) c) wrapping strap 34 around the motor 30 and attaching it to strap 24 with fastener 26, as seen in FIG. 9.

(50) In some embodiments, the apparatus 20 can be adapted for use as a protective pad for the side of a boat 60 by using adapter 35 as shown in FIGS. 20, 21. Adapter 35 can have a male clip 32 at adapter end portion 53 and a rope 36 at adapter end portion 54, as seen in FIG. 20. The present invention includes a method of using the adapter 35 to convert the protective pad 20 into a pad for protecting a side of a boat 60, the method preferably comprising the steps of:

(51) a) removing one of the straps 24, 34 from the protective pad portion 21 by disengaging the male clip 32 on the strap 24, 34 from the female clip 33 on the pad 21;

(52) b) connecting the male clip 32 of adapter 35 to the female clip 33 on the pad 21, as seen in FIG. 21;

(53) c) using rope 36 connected to the adapter 35 end 54 via an eyelet or grommet 37 to connect the adapter 35 to a boat 60, and

(54) d) allowing the pad 21 to hang over the edge of the boat 60 thereby protecting the side of the boat 60.

(55) Preferably, the rope 36 can be adjusted in length to allow the pad 21 to be placed at the appropriate level for maximum protection of the side of the boat 60.

(56) The device 20 of the present invention can be used as a recreational floatation device when not in use on a motor 30 or side of the boat 60.

(57) The following is a list of parts and materials suitable for use in the present invention:

(58) TABLE-US-00002 PARTS LIST: Reference Numeral Description 20 motor cover 21 protective pad portion 22 protective pad cover 23 insert/foam piece 24 strap 25 end portion 26 fastener 27 suction device 28 foam piece, first layer 29 foam piece, second layer 30 boat motor/engine 31 clip cover 32 clip/fastener (male) 33 clip/fastener (female) 34 strap 35 adapter 36 rope 37 eyelet/grommet 38 back side of protective pad 39 front side of protective pad 40 first end of strap 41 second end of strap 42 front side of strap 43 back side of strap 44 first end of strap 45 second end of strap 46 front side of strap 47 back side of strap 48 opening 49 fastener 50 clip/fastener 51 side of pad 21 52 side of pad 21 53 adapter end 54 adapter end 55 interior strap 56 strap end 57 strap end 60 boat 63 length of strap 64 length of strap 65 upper portion or cowl/cowling/powerhead 66 lower/lower unit 67 propeller 68 dock 69 pier/piling 70 flap/tab/ear 71 flap/tab/ear 72 lower edge of cowl/cowling/powerhead 73 top end portion of pad 21 74 bottom end portion of pad 21 75 middle portion of pad 21 78 width of top end 73 79 width of bottom end 74 80 width of middle portion 75

(59) All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature and pressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise. All materials used or intended to be used in a human being are biocompatible, unless indicated otherwise.

(60) The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.