Multi-functional transom saver for supporting an outboard motor

Abstract

A transom saver is for supporting an outboard motor in a trim position relative to a marine vessel. The transom saver has a body that extends between a first end and a second end. The body has a first seat and a second seat that are spaced apart and configured to support a transom bracket in a first position of use. A spring is disposed on the second side and configured to resiliently support the first swivel bracket in the first position of use.

Claims

1. A transom saver for supporting an outboard motor in a trim position relative to a marine vessel, the outboard motor being pivotably coupled to the marine vessel by a transom bracket assembly comprising a transom bracket fixed to the marine vessel and a swivel bracket fixed to the outboard motor and being pivotable relative to the transom bracket, the transom saver comprising: a body that extends between a first end and a second end in a width direction, between a first side and a second side in a height direction that is perpendicular to the width direction, and between a front side and a back side in a depth direction that is perpendicular to the width direction and perpendicular to the height direction, wherein the body comprises a first seat and a second seat, the first seat and second seat being spaced apart along the first side in the width direction and being configured to support the transom bracket in a position of use; and at least one spring disposed on the second side and being configured to resiliently support the swivel bracket in the position of use.

2. The transom saver according to claim 1, further comprising a pedestal that supports the at least one spring with respect to the body.

3. The transom saver according to claim 1, wherein the at least one spring is one of a pair of springs that are spaced apart along the second side and are located between the first seat and the second seat in the width direction.

4. The transom saver according to claim 3, further comprising a pair of pedestals supporting the pair of springs with respect to the body, the pair of pedestals being located between the first seat and the second seat in the width direction.

5. The transom saver according to claim 1, wherein the first seat and the second seat each have inner and outer sidewalls that define a channel for receiving the transom bracket in a seated position.

6. The transom saver according to claim 5, further comprising a resilient pad located in the channel for resiliently abutting the transom bracket when the transom bracket is in the seated position.

7. The transom saver according to claim 1, further comprising a strengthening rib that centrally extends along the first side from the first seat to the second seat.

8. The transom saver according to claim 1, further comprising a first plurality of angular ribs extending along the front side from the first seat to the second seat and a second plurality of angular ribs extending along the back side from the first seat to the second seat.

9. The transom saver according to claim 1, being further configured for alternate use with a different second transom bracket assembly for pivotably coupling the outboard motor to the marine vessel, wherein the body comprises first and second seats on the second side, and further comprising at least one spring disposed on the first side.

10. The transom saver according to claim 9, wherein the at least one spring disposed on the first side is one of a pair of springs that are spaced apart along the first side and are located between the first seat and the second seat on the first side in the width direction.

11. A transom saver for supporting an outboard motor in a trim position relative to a marine vessel, the outboard motor being pivotably coupled to the marine vessel by (A) a first transom bracket assembly comprising a first transom bracket fixed to the marine vessel and a first swivel bracket fixed to the outboard motor and being pivotable relative to the first transom bracket, and alternately (B) a second transom bracket assembly comprising a second transom bracket fixed to the marine vessel and a second swivel bracket fixed to the outboard motor and being pivotable relative to the second transom bracket, the transom saver being configured for use with both the first transom bracket assembly and the second transom bracket assembly, the transom saver comprising: a body that extends between a first end and a second end in a width direction, between a first side and a second side in a height direction that is perpendicular to the width direction, and between a front side and a back side in a depth direction that is perpendicular to the width direction and perpendicular to the height direction, wherein the body comprises a first seat and a second seat, the first seat and second seat being spaced apart along the first side in the width direction and being configured to support the first transom bracket in a first position of use, and wherein a first spring is disposed on the second side and is configured to resiliently support the first swivel bracket in the first position of use, and wherein the body further comprises a third seat and a fourth seat, the third seat and the fourth seat being spaced apart along the second side in the width direction and being configured to support the second transom bracket in a second position of use, and a second spring disposed on the first side and being configured to resiliently support the second swivel bracket in the second position of use.

12. The transom saver according to claim 11, further comprising a first pedestal that supports the first spring with respect to the body and a second pedestal that supports the second spring with respect to the body.

13. The transom saver according to claim 11, wherein the first spring is one of a pair of first springs that are spaced apart along the second side and are located between the third seat and the fourth seat in the width direction, and further wherein the second spring is one of a pair of second springs that are spaced apart along the first side and are located between the first seat and the second seat in the width direction.

14. The transom saver according to claim 13, further comprising a first pair of pedestals supporting the first pair of springs with respect to the body, and a second pair of pedestals supporting the second pair of springs with respect to the body.

15. The transom saver according to claim 14, wherein the first seat and the second seat each have inner and outer sidewalls that define first channels for receiving the first transom bracket in a seated position, and wherein the third seat and the fourth seat each have inner and outer sidewalls that define second channels for receiving the second transom bracket in a seated position.

16. The transom saver according to claim 15, further comprising first resilient pads located in the first channels for resiliently abutting the first transom bracket when the first transom bracket is in the seated position and further comprising second resilient pads located in the second channels for resiliently abutting the second transom bracket when the second transom bracket is in the seated position.

17. The transom saver according to claim 11, further comprising a first strengthening rib that centrally extends along the first side from the first seat to the second seat and a second strengthening rib that centrally extends along the second side from the third seat to the fourth seat.

18. The transom saver according to claim 11 further comprising a first plurality of angular ribs extending along the front side from the first seat to the second seat and from the third seat to the fourth seat, a second plurality of angular ribs extending along the back side from the first seat to the second seat and from the third seat to the fourth seat.

19. The transom saver according to claim 11, wherein the first spring disposed on the second side is one of a pair of first springs that are spaced apart along the second side and are located between the first seat and the second seat on the first side in the width direction, and wherein the second spring disposed on the second side is one of a pair of second springs that are spaced apart along the second side and are located between the third seat and the fourth seat on the second side in the width direction.

20. The transom saver according to claim 19, wherein the first springs are spaced further apart from each other than the second springs are spaced apart from each other.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The present disclosure is described with reference to the following Figures.

(2) FIG. 1 is a port-side perspective view looking down at an outboard motor supported in a trim position relative to a marine vessel by a first embodiment of a transom bracket assembly and a transom saver according to the present disclosure.

(3) FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the transom saver.

(4) FIG. 3 is a view of the transom saver configured for use with the first embodiment of the transom bracket assembly.

(5) FIG. 4 is a view of the transom saver configured for use with second and third embodiments of the transom bracket assembly.

(6) FIG. 5 is a port-side perspective view looking up at the transom saver in position of use relative to the first embodiment of the transom bracket assembly comprising a first transom bracket for being fixed to the marine vessel and a first swivel bracket for being fixed to the outboard motor.

(7) FIG. 6 is a view of section 6-6, taken in FIG. 5.

(8) FIG. 7 is a view of section 7-7, taken in FIG. 6.

(9) FIG. 8 is a port-side perspective view looking up at the transom saver in position of use relative to the second embodiment of the transom bracket assembly comprising a second transom bracket for being fixed to the marine vessel and a second swivel bracket for being fixed to the outboard motor.

(10) FIG. 9 is a view of section 9-9, taken in FIG. 8.

(11) FIG. 10 is a port-side perspective view looking up at the transom saver in position of use relative to a third embodiment of the transom bracket assembly comprising a third transom bracket for being fixed to the marine vessel and a third swivel bracket for being fixed to the outboard motor.

(12) FIG. 11 is a view of section 11-11, taken in FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(13) During research and development, the present inventor determined it would be desirable to provide multi-functional transom saver embodiments for supporting the outboard motor in a trim position relative to a marine vessel, for example during trailering and road transport of the outboard motor together with the marine vessel. The present inventor determined it would be desirable to configure embodiments of the transom saver in such a way that it can function alternatively with a variety of different embodiments of transom bracket assemblies.

(14) FIG. 1 depicts a first embodiment of a transom bracket assembly 20a for supporting an outboard motor 22 in a trim position relative to the transom 24 of a marine vessel 26. The transom bracket assembly 20a includes a transom bracket 30a that is fixed to the transom 24 of the marine vessel 26 in a conventional manner and a swivel bracket 32a that is fixed to the outboard motor 22, for example to a supporting cradle of the outboard motor 22 as disclosed in the presently incorporated U.S. Pat. No. 10,981,637. A conventional hydraulic actuator 34a is configured to extend and retract under pressure from a hydraulic pump so as to pivot the swivel bracket 32a up and down relative to the transom bracket 30a about a trim axis 38a. Reference is made to the above-incorporated U.S. Pat. No. 10,981,637, which in detail discloses the transom bracket assembly 20a, including the hydraulic actuator 34a, and the manner in which the hydraulic actuator 34a is configured to pivot the swivel bracket 32a up and down about the trim axis 38a. As will become more apparent from the following description, the presently disclosed transom saver embodiments are specially configured for use with the transom bracket assembly 20a shown in FIG. 1 as well as for use with other, different transom bracket assemblies, for example the second and third embodiments thereof 20b, 20c shown in FIGS. 8-11.

(15) FIGS. 2-4 depict a novel transom saver 40 according to the present disclosure. The transom saver 40 has a body 42 that extends between a first end 44 and an opposite second end 46 in a width direction X, between a first side 48 and an opposite second side 50 in a height direction Y that is perpendicular to the width direction X, and between a front side (shown in FIGS. 2-4) and a back side (not shown in FIGS. 2-4, but being identical to the front side) in a depth direction Z that is perpendicular to the width direction X and perpendicular to the height direction Y.

(16) The body 42 has a central frame portion 56, opposing seats 58a, 58b that are spaced apart along the first side 48, on opposite sides of the central frame portion 56, and opposing seats 60a, 60b that are spaced apart along the second side 50, on the opposite side of the central frame portion 56. Each of the seats 58a, 58b and the seats 60a, 60b have inner and outer sidewalls 62, 64 that protrude from the respective first and second side 48, 50 of the body 42 and together define a channel 66 therebetween for receiving a transom bracket assembly 20a, 20b, 20c in a seated position, as will be further described herein below with reference to FIGS. 5-11. Optionally, resilient pads 68 are coupled to the body 42 in the channel 60. The resilient pads 68 are made of a thin strip of rubber or any other suitable resilient material that does not scratch the surfaces with which it contacts. The manner of coupling the resilient pads 68 to the body 42 can vary from what is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the resilient pads 68 have a pair of locking protrusions 70 with enlarged cone-shaped arrow heads sized large enough to engage with slots 74 formed in the front and back sides 52, 54 of the body 42 along the channel 60. As shown, the inner and outer sidewalls 62, 64 extend all the way from and between the respective opposing seats 58a, 58b and seats 60a, 60b. In the space between the opposing seats 58a, 58b and seats 60a, 60b, the body 42 has generally square-shaped recesses 75, i.e. on both the front side and back side, which provide reduced weight and material savings. As such, referring to FIGS. 2-4, the transom saver 40 has generally equally portioned opposing seats 58a, 58b and seats 60a, 60b, each having resilient surfaces for safely engaging and supporting surfaces of the transom bracket assembly 20a without scratching or damaging those surfaces, as will be further described herein below.

(17) Referring to FIGS. 2-4, the central frame portion 56 is generally elongated in the width direction X, having walls 76, 78 that extend between the opposing seats 58a, 58b, 60a, 60b in the width direction X and a back wall 80 that connects the end walls 76, 78 in the height direction Y. A first series of angular ribs 82 extend between the end walls 76, 78 and outwardly from the back wall 80 on the front side 52 of the body 42. The angular ribs 82, back wall 80, and end walls 76, 78 together define a series of triangular-shaped recesses. A corresponding second series of angular ribs (not shown) extends between the end walls 76, 78 and outwardly from the back wall 80 on the back side 54 of the body 42 and together with the end walls 76, 78 and back wall 80 define a series of triangular shaped recesses. Generally, the angular ribs 82, 84 provide a trusswork that strengthens the body 42 under load conditions and the triangular-shaped recesses provide material and weight savings.

(18) The central frame portion 56 has a strengthening rib 86 that outwardly protrudes from the center of the end wall 76 on the first side 48 of the body 42, between the opposing seats 58a, 58b. The central frame portion 56 also has an opposing strengthening rib 88 that outwardly protrudes from the center of the end wall 78 on the second side 50 of the body 42, between the opposing seats 60a, 60b. The strengthening ribs 86, 88 provide the body 42 with additional strength and rigidity under load conditions.

(19) A first pair of pedestals 90a, 90b is spaced apart in the width direction X and protrudes from the first side 48 of the body 42 along the central frame portion 56, between the seats 58a, 58b. Each pedestal 90 in the pair has a top flange 94 and a cylindrical center column 92 which extends from the end wall 76 to the top flange 94. A pair of radially opposed strengthening ribs 96 radially extend from the center column 92 and together with the strengthening rib 86 provide strength and rigidity to the pedestal 90 under loading conditions. A pair of springs 98a, 98b is removably coupled to the pair of pedestals 90a, 90b. The type and configuration of spring can vary from what is shown. In the illustrated example, each spring 98a, 98 is a high-load fastener-mount compression spring made of a blend of polyester and rubber, which for example is commercially available for purchase from McMaster-Carr. Each spring 98a, 98b has a barrel-shaped body and end flange that is removably attached to the top end of the pedestal 90a, 90b via a threaded fastener 100 engaged with a bore 102 in the center of the top flange 94.

(20) A second pair of pedestals 104a, 104b is spaced apart in the width direction X and protrudes from the second side 50 of the body 42 along the central frame portion 56, between the seats 60a, 60b. The spacing between the second pair of pedestals 104a, 104b is smaller than the spacing between the first pair of pedestals 90a, 90b. Similar to the first pair of pedestals 90a, 90b, each pedestal 104 has a top flange 94 and a cylindrical center column 92 that extends from the end wall 78 to the top flange 94. A pair of radially opposed strengthening ribs 96 radially extend from the center column 92 and together with the strengthening rib 88 provide strength and rigidity to the pedestal 104 under loading conditions. A pair of springs 106a, 106b is coupled to the pair of pedestals 104a, 104b. In certain examples, the pair of springs 106a, 106b are the very same springs described herein above with reference to 98a, 98b. For this reason, the pair of springs 106a, 106b are shown in phantom line in FIG. 2. In other words, in use, as further described herein below, the springs 98a, 98b can be removed from the pedestals 90a, 90b by unthreading the fastener 100 from the bore 102 and then installed as the springs 106a, 106b on the pedestals 104a, 104b. Thus, in the illustrated example, like the springs 98a, 98b, the springs 106a, 106b also have a barrel-shaped body and end flange that is removably attached to the top end of the pedestal 104a, 104b via a threaded fastener 100 engaged with a bore 102 in the center of the top flange 94.

(21) Referring to FIG. 5 a hole 101 can be formed in the body 42 for attaching a safety lanyard 103 for attaching the transom saver 40 to the transom bracket assembly or outboard motor to prevent loss of the transom saver 40 during transport, for example should it accidentally dislodge from its position of use.

(22) FIGS. 5-7 depict the transom saver 40 in a first position of use in conjunction with the first embodiment of the transom bracket assembly 20a shown in FIG. 1. In this position, the transom saver 40 is wedged between middle portions of the transom bracket 30a and swivel bracket 32a such that the first side 48 of the transom saver 40 faces and abuts the transom bracket 30a. In particular, the transom bracket 30a has port and starboard bracket arms 110a that generally extend along the surface of the transom 24. End flanges 112a laterally outwardly extend from the port and starboard bracket arms 110a along the surface of the transom 24 and have holes 114a through which fasteners (not shown) are inserted to fasten the transom bracket 30a to the transom 24. As best shown in FIG. 7, the spacing between the seats 58a, 58b, and particularly between the channels 66 thereof, corresponds to the spacing between the port and starboard bracket arms 110a. The width of the channels 66 is slightly larger than the width of the port and starboard bracket arms 110a such that in the position of use shown in FIGS. 5-7, the channels 66 receive the port and starboard bracket arms 110a and resilient pads 68 abut the outer surfaces of the port and starboard bracket arms 110a without scratching or causing any other damage to the transom bracket 30a.

(23) The opposite second side 50 of the transom saver 40 faces and abuts the swivel bracket 32a. In particular, the swivel bracket 32a has indented port and starboard surfaces 120a on opposite sides of a swivel tube 122, which is for steering of the outboard motor 22 as described in the above-incorporated U.S. Pat. No. 10,981,637. As best shown in FIG. 7, the spacing between the pair of pedestals 90a, 90b corresponds to the spacing between the port and starboard surfaces 120a. In the position of use shown in FIGS. 5-7, the pair of springs 98a, 98b abut the swivel bracket 32a along the indented port and starboard surfaces 120a such that the transom saver 40 resiliently supports the swivel bracket 32a and associated outboard motor 22 in the trim position shown without scratching or otherwise damaging the transom bracket assembly 20a, including the transom bracket 30a and swivel bracket 32a thereof. The outer contours of the transom saver 40 are advantageously configured so as to avoid engagement with components of the transom bracket assembly 20a other than the resilient and scratch-free engagements noted above. For example, the second side 50 of the body 42 along the central frame portion 56, between the 60a, 60b, has a concave shape (sec FIG. 7) configured to avoid engagement with the hydraulic actuator 34a on the transom bracket 30a.

(24) FIGS. 8-9 depict the transom saver 40 in a second position of use in conjunction with a second embodiment of the transom bracket assembly 20b. In this position, the transom saver 40 is wedged between middle portions of a transom bracket 30b and swivel bracket 32b of the second embodiment of the transom bracket assembly 20b, such that the second side 50 of the transom saver 40 faces and abuts the transom bracket 30b. Note that this is the opposite orientation compared to the first position of use described herein above with respect to FIGS. 5-7. In use, prior to installation in the position shown, the springs 98a, 98b are removed from the pedestals 90a, 90b and installed onto the pedestals 104a, 104b, as springs 106a, 106b, as described herein above.

(25) As shown in FIGS. 8-9, the transom bracket 30b has port and starboard bracket arms 110b that generally extend along the surface of the transom 24. End flanges 112b laterally outwardly extend from the port and starboard bracket arms 110b along the surface of the transom 24 and have holes 114b through which fasteners (not shown) are inserted to fasten the transom bracket 30b to the transom 24. As best shown in FIG. 9, the spacing between the seats 60a, 60b, and particularly between the channels 66 thereof, corresponds to the spacing between the port and starboard bracket arms 110b. The width of the channels 66 is slightly larger than the width of the port and starboard bracket arms 110b such that in the position of use shown in FIGS. 8-9, the channels 66 receive the port and starboard bracket arms 110b and resilient pads 68 abut the outer surfaces of the port and starboard bracket arms 110b without scratching or causing any other damage to the transom bracket 30b.

(26) The opposite second side 50 of the transom saver 40 faces and abuts the swivel bracket 32b. In particular, the swivel bracket 32b has indented port and starboard surfaces 120b on opposite sides of a swivel tube 122b, which is for steering of the outboard motor 22 as described in the above-incorporated U.S. Pat. No. 10,981,637. As best shown in FIG. 7, the spacing between the pair of pedestals 90a, 90b corresponds to the spacing between the port and starboard surfaces 120b, 120b. In the position of use shown in FIGS. 8-9, the pair of springs 106a, 106b abut the swivel bracket 32b along the indented port and starboard surfaces 120b such that the transom saver 40 resiliently supports the swivel bracket 32 and associated outboard motor 22 in the trim position shown without scratching or otherwise damaging the transom bracket assembly 20b, including the transom bracket 30b and swivel bracket 32b thereof. The outer contours of the transom saver 40 are advantageously configured so as to avoid engagement with components of the transom bracket assembly 20b other than the resilient and scratch-free engagements noted above.

(27) FIGS. 10-11 depict the transom saver 40 in the same (second) position of use shown in FIGS. 8-9, however it is shown in conjunction with a third embodiment of the transom bracket assembly 20c. In this position, the transom saver 40 is wedged between middle portions of a transom bracket 30c and swivel bracket 32c of the second embodiment of the transom bracket assembly 20c, such that the second side 50 of the transom saver 40 faces and abuts the transom bracket 30c. Note that this is the same orientation compared to the second position of use described herein above with respect to FIGS. 8-9. In particular, the transom bracket 30c has port and starboard bracket arms 110c that generally extend along the surface of the transom 24. End flanges 112c laterally outwardly extend from the port and starboard bracket arms 110c along the surface of the transom 24 and have holes 114c through which fasteners (not shown) are inserted to fasten the transom bracket 30b to the transom 24. As best shown in FIG. 11, the spacing between the seats 60a, 60b, and particularly between the channels 66 thereof, corresponds to the spacing between the port and starboard bracket arms 110c. The width of the channels 66 is slightly larger than the width of the port and starboard bracket arms 110c such that in the position of use shown in FIGS. 8-9, the channels 66 receive the port and starboard bracket arms 110c and resilient pads 68 abut the outer surfaces of the port and starboard bracket arms 110c without scratching or causing any other damage to the transom bracket 30b.

(28) The opposite second side 50 of the transom saver 40 faces and abuts the swivel bracket 32c. In particular, the swivel bracket 32c has indented port and starboard surfaces 120c on opposite sides of a swivel tube 122c, which is for steering of the outboard motor 22 as described in the above-incorporated U.S. Pat. No. 10,981,637. As best shown in FIG. 11, the spacing between the pair of pair of pedestals 90a, 90b corresponds to the spacing between the port and starboard surfaces 120c. In the position of use shown in FIGS. 10-11, the pair of springs 106a, 106b abut the swivel bracket 32c along the indented port and starboard surfaces 120c such that the transom saver 40 resiliently supports the swivel bracket 32 and associated outboard motor 22 in the trim position shown without scratching or otherwise damaging the transom bracket assembly 20c. The outer contours of the transom saver 40 are advantageously configured so as to avoid engagement with components of the transom bracket assembly 20c other than the resilient and scratch-free engagements noted above.

(29) It will thus be recognized that the present disclosure provides embodiments of a transom saver for supporting an outboard motor in a trim position relative to a marine vessel. The outboard motor is pivotably coupled to the marine vessel by (A) a first transom bracket assembly comprising a first transom bracket fixed to the marine vessel and a first swivel bracket fixed to the outboard motor and being pivotable relative to the transom bracket, and alternately (B) a second transom bracket assembly comprising a second transom bracket fixed to the marine vessel and a second swivel bracket fixed to the outboard motor and being pivotable relative to the transom bracket. The transom saver is advantageously configured for use with both the first transom bracket assembly and the second transom bracket assembly. The transom saver has a body that extends between a first end and a second end in a width direction, between a first side and a second side in a height direction that is perpendicular to the width direction, and between a front side and a back side in a depth direction that is perpendicular to the width direction and perpendicular to the height direction. The body has a first seat and a second seat, the first seat and second seat being spaced apart along the first side in the width direction and being configured to support the first transom bracket in a first position of use, and wherein a first spring is disposed on the second side and is configured to resiliently support the first swivel bracket in the first position of use. The body further has a third seat and a fourth seat, the third seat and fourth seat being spaced apart along the second side in the width direction and being configured to support the second transom bracket in a second position of use, and a second spring disposed on the first side and being configured to resiliently support the second swivel bracket in the second position of use.

(30) This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. Certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be inferred therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes only and are intended to be broadly construed. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have features or structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent features or structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.