BOAT TOWER AND COVER ARRANGEMENT

Abstract

A boat tower and cover arrangement includes a boat tower assembly that includes a pair of frames each having a pair of side frame portions and a cross-frame portion and an intermediate frame member extending between one of the side frame portions of the first frame and one of the side frame portions of the second frame and defining an interior space, a cover assembly that includes a cover frame member movable between first and second positions, and a cover operably coupled to the cover frame member, and a drive arrangement that includes an actuator including a motor operably coupled to the cover frame member for moving the cover frame member between the first and second positions, wherein at least a portion of the motor is located within the interior space of the first intermediate frame member.

Claims

1. A boat tower and cover arrangement, comprising: a boat tower assembly, comprising: a U-shaped first frame having a pair of side frame portions and a cross-frame portion extending between the side frame portions, a lower end of each of the side frame members configured to be secured to a structural member of a boat; a U-shaped second frame having a pair of side frame portions and a cross-frame portion extending between the side frame portions of the second frame, a lower end of each of the side frame members of the second frame configured to be secured to a structural member of the boat; and a first intermediate frame member extending between and connected to one of the side frame portions of the first frame and one of the side frame portions of the second frame, the intermediate frame member defining an interior space; a cover assembly, comprising: a cover frame member movable between a first position and a second position; and a cover operably coupled to the cover frame member where the cover member is in a retracted configuration when the cover frame member is in the first position and a deployed configuration when the cover frame member is in the second position; and a drive arrangement, comprising: a first actuator including a motor operably coupled to the cover frame member for moving the cover frame member between the first and second positions, wherein at least a portion of the motor is located within the interior space of the first intermediate frame member.

2. The boat tower and cover arrangement of claim 1, wherein the motor is entirely located within the interior space of the first intermediate frame member.

3. The boat tower and cover arrangement of claim 1, wherein the first intermediate frame member is a single, integrated piece.

4. The boat tower and cover arrangement of claim 1, wherein the first intermediate frame member includes at least two separate pieces.

5. The boat tower and cover arrangement of claim 1, wherein the first intermediate frame member extends in a substantially horizontal direction.

6. The boat tower and cover arrangement of claim 1, wherein the first actuator comprises a rotary actuator.

7. The boat tower and cover arrangement of claim 1, wherein the first actuator further includes a gear reduction assembly at least partially located within the interior space of the intermediate frame member.

8. The boat tower and cover arrangement of claim 7, wherein the gear reduction assembly includes a planetary gear arrangement.

9. The boat tower and cover arrangement of claim 8, wherein the gear reduction assembly is entirely located within the interior space of the intermediate frame member.

10. The boat tower and cover arrangement of claim 1, wherein the first actuator includes a worm gear assembly operably coupling the motor to the cover frame member, the worm gear assembly including a worm gear driven by the motor and a wheel gear operably coupled to the cover frame member.

11. The boat tower and cover arrangement of claim 1, wherein the boat tower assembly is movable between a raised position and a lowered position.

12. The boat tower and cover arrangement of claim 11, wherein the first frame member includes a lower portion and an upper portion pivotably coupled to the lower portion, wherein the upper portion pivots with respect to the lower portion as the boat tower moves between the raised and lowered positions, and wherein the first intermediate frame member is attached to the upper portion.

13. The boat tower and cover arrangement of claim 1, wherein the boat tower assembly further includes a tow point extending upwardly from at least one of the first frame and the second frame and configured to have a tow rope attached thereto.

14. The boat tower and cover arrangement of claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a fabric.

15. The boat tower and cover arrangement of claim 1, wherein the boat tower assembly further comprises a second intermediate frame member extending between and connected to the other of the side frame portions of the first frame and the other of the side frame portion of the second frame, the second intermediate frame member defining an interior space, and wherein the drive arrangement further comprises a second actuator including a motor operably coupled to the cover frame member for moving the cover frame member between the first and second positions, wherein at least a portion of the motor of the second actuator is located within the interior space of the second intermediate frame member.

16. A boat tower and cover arrangement, comprising: a boat tower assembly, comprising: a U-shaped first frame having a pair of vertically extending side frame portions and a horizontally extending cross-frame portion extending between the side frame portions, a lower end of each of the side frame members configured to be secured to a structural member of a boat; and an intermediate frame member extending substantially horizontally from one of the side frame portions of the first frame, the intermediate frame member defining an interior space; a cover assembly, comprising: a cover frame member operably coupled to the first frame to move between a first position and a second position; and a cover operably coupled to the cover frame member where the cover member is in a retracted configuration when the cover frame member is in the first position and a deployed configuration when the cover frame member is in the second position; and a drive arrangement, comprising: a first actuator including a motor operably coupled to the cover frame member for moving the cover frame member between the first and second positions, wherein at least a portion of the motor is located within the interior space of the intermediate frame member.

17. The boat tower and cover arrangement of claim 16, wherein the boat tower further includes a U-shaped second frame having a pair of side frame portions and a cross-frame portion extending between the side frame portions of the second frame, a lower end of each of the side frame members of the second frame configured to be secured to a structural member of the boat, and wherein the intermediate frame member extends between the one side frame portion of the first frame and one of the side frame portions of the second frame.

18. The boat tower and cover arrangement of claim 16, wherein the first intermediate frame member is a single, integrated piece.

19. The boat tower and cover arrangement of claim 16, wherein the first intermediate frame member includes at least two separate pieces.

20. The boat tower and cover arrangement of claim 16, wherein the motor of the first actuator is entirely located within the interior space of the intermediate frame member.

21. The boat tower and cover arrangement of claim 16, wherein the motor of the first actuator is entirely located within the interior space of the intermediate frame member.

22. The boat tower and cover arrangement of claim 16, wherein the actuator further includes a gear reduction assembly at least partially located within the interior space of the intermediate frame member.

23. The boat tower and cover arrangement of claim 22, wherein the gear reduction assembly includes a planetary gear arrangement.

24. The boat tower and cover arrangement of claim 22, wherein the gear reduction assembly is entirely located within the interior space of the intermediate frame member.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a rotary actuator for multiple marine applications;

[0006] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of a drive train of the rotary actuator;

[0007] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional, side perspective view of the rotary actuator;

[0008] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective end view of the rotary actuator;

[0009] FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of a housing of the rotary actuator where the housing is partially hidden to show a wheel gear and a clutch of the drive train of the rotary actuator;

[0010] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the rotary actuator where the housing is hidden to show components of the drive train of the rotary actuator;

[0011] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the rotary actuator;

[0012] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the rotary actuator, wherein the motor cover is partially hidden;

[0013] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the housing of the rotary actuator;

[0014] FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of the rotary actuator where the housing is hidden to show the worm gear and the wheel gear, where the wheel gear is partially hidden to show a pair of clutches of the drive train of the rotary actuator;

[0015] FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a boat tower and cover arrangement including a pair of actuators with the cover arrangement in a retracted position;

[0016] FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the cover arrangement in an extended position;

[0017] FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the actuators of FIG. 11;

[0018] FIG. 13 is a front elevation view of one of the actuators of FIG. 11;

[0019] FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of one of the actuators of FIG. 11;

[0020] FIG. 15 is a first perspective view of one of the actuators of FIG. 11;

[0021] FIG. 16 is a second perspective view of one of the actuators of FIG. 11; and

[0022] FIG. 17 is a top plan view of one of the actuators of FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] For purposes of description herein, the terms upper, lower, right, left, rear, front, vertical, horizontal, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIGS. 1 and 11. Unless stated otherwise, the term front shall refer to the surface of the element closer to an intended viewer of the mirror element, and the term rear shall refer to the surface of the element further from the intended viewer of the mirror element. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0024] Referring now to FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 generally designates a rotary actuator for use within a boat tower and cover arrangement 1000 (FIG. 11) as described below. The rotary actuator 10 generally includes a motor cover 12 and a housing 14. Together, the motor cover 12 and the housing 14 form a housing assembly 15. Connected to the housing 14 is a clutch plate 16 configured to rotate with respect to the housing 14. The motor cover 12 has an attachment end 18 coupled to the housing 14 and a free end 20 protruding from the housing 14. The clutch plate 16 is rotatable about an output axis 22 that is substantially perpendicular to an input axis 24 of a motor 26, the motor 26 being disposed within the motor cover 12. The clutch plate 16 has several attachment points 28 configured to couple to components of the boat tower and cover arrangement 1000, as described below. Generally, the clutch plate 16 may freely rotate zero to 360 degrees or more. In alternative embodiments, rotation of the clutch plate 16 may be manually or electronically limited to a narrower rotational range.

[0025] The coupling of the housing 14 and the attachment end 18 of the motor cover 12 creates a sealed connection provided by a sealant to retain lubrication in the housing 14 and/or to prevent water intrusion into the rotary actuator 10. The attachment end 18 of the motor cover 12 may define threads configured to secure to the housing 14. The housing 14 generally comprises two housing halves 32, which are also coupled together using sealant to form a sealed connection. When the housing halves 32 are coupled, the housing 14 defines an attachment port 34 that receives the attachment end 18 of the motor cover 12. The sealant used in the constructions described herein may include but is not limited to an elastomeric seal, an O-ring, and/or a liquid sealant such as Aviation Form-A-Gasket No. 3 Sealant, as available from Permatex.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the rotary actuator 10 includes a drive train 35. To maximize the available torque of the rotary actuator 10, a gear reduction assembly 36 is coupled to the motor 26, and the gear reduction assembly 36 is connected to a worm gear assembly 38. The motor 26 and the gear reduction assembly 36 may be provided as a single, integrated unit or as multiple separate components. As illustrated, the motor 26 and the gear reduction assembly 36 are combined into a single, integrated unit, forming a gearmotor 40.

[0027] The gear reduction assembly 36 may include a variety of different gear ratios and in response can vary the power output of the drive train 35 for a given angular velocity. Alternatively, the angular velocity can be varied in response to an alteration of the gear ratio of the gear reduction assembly 36. The gear reduction assembly 36 may be a two-stage planetary gear assembly, a three-stage planetary gear assembly, or a further-staged assembly based on the use case of the rotary actuator 10. For example, a gear reduction ratio for the boat tower and cover arrangement 1000 is preferably within a range of from about 70 to about 140, more preferably of about 70-90, and most preferably about 75-85. In the instant example, the gear reduction ratio for the Bimini boat top arrangement is preferably within a range of about 70 to about 85 when the motor 26 comprises a 42 mm electric motor, and preferably of about 140 when the motor 26 comprises a 36 mm electric motor.

[0028] The worm gear assembly 38 includes a worm gear 42 and a wheel gear 44. The worm gear 42 is situated between two flanged bearings 46, 48, has one or more helical teeth 50, and generally has between one and six starts. The worm gear 42 also has a first worm end 52 and a second worm end 54. The wheel gear 44 has slanted teeth 56 configured to receive the helical teeth 50 of the worm gear 42 as the worm gear 42 rotates. The rotation of the worm gear 42 occurs along the input axis 24, which runs along the worm gear 42 and through the flanged bearings 46, 48. The input axis 24 is substantially coaxial to the axis of rotation of a motor shaft 58 of the motor 26. According to some aspects, the first worm end 52 of the worm gear 42 is either directly connected to the motor shaft 58 of the motor 26 or coupled to the motor shaft 58 via an adapter piece 60. The coaxial relationship between the input axis 24 and the axis of rotation of the motor shaft 58 is not required for the rotary actuator 10.

[0029] In a use case where the prevention of back driving of the drive train 35 of the rotary actuator 10 is preferred, the wheel gear 44 may have fifty or more slanted teeth 56. In the rotary actuator 10 illustrated in FIG. 2, the wheel gear 44 has fifty slanted teeth 56. The wheel gear 44 also defines an opening 62 along the output axis 22 about which the wheel gear 44 rotates. A clutch 64 is coupled to the wheel gear 44 and is disposed within the opening 62 such that the clutch 64 rotates coaxially with the wheel gear 44. The opening 62 of the wheel gear 44 has an engagement mechanism 66 to couple the wheel gear 44 and the clutch 64, which may include internal fingers, hex grooves, double hex grooves, or spline grooves. The clutch 64 is further configured to engage with the clutch plate 16 such that the clutch plate 16 is rotatably coupled to the housing 14.

[0030] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the wheel gear 44 is encapsulated with the housing 14 such that the wheel gear 44 does not intersect the input axis 24. The motor 26 sits within the motor cover 12. The motor 26 is connected to the gear reduction assembly 36 that is in turn connected to the adapter piece 60. The adapter piece 60 is also connected to the worm gear 42 such that rotation of the worm gear 42 is driven by the actuation of the motor 26. When the motor cover 12 is coupled to the housing 14, the gearmotor 40 is disposed within the motor cover 12, and the adapter piece 60 is partially disposed in both the motor cover 12 and the housing 14. It is contemplated that the adapter piece 60 may be fully disposed in either the housing 14 or the motor cover 12. In some constructions, the gear reduction assembly 36 or the worm gear 42 may be partially encapsulated in the motor cover 12 and the housing 14.

[0031] Referring now to FIGS. 3-5, the rotary actuator 10 is shown having a pair of clutches including a first clutch 68 and a second clutch 70, and a pair of clutch plates 72, 74 including a first clutch plate 72 and a second clutch plate 74. The pair of clutches 68, 70 are disposed within the opening 62 of the wheel gear 44 on opposing sides of a rotation plane 76 of the wheel gear 44 which intersects the input axis 24. Further from the rotation plane 76 are the pair of clutch plates 72, 74. The first clutch 68 and the first clutch plate 72 are disposed on a first side 78 of the wheel gear 44, while the second clutch 70 and the second clutch plate 74 are disposed on a second side 80 of the wheel gear 44. The first clutch plate 72 is coupled to the first clutch 68, and the second clutch plate 74 is coupled to the second clutch 70. The first clutch 68 is configured to engage to and disengage from the first clutch plate 72 in response to the rotation of the wheel gear 44 and torque loads applied to the first clutch plate 72. Similarly, the second clutch 70 is configured to engage to and disengage from the second clutch plate 74 in response to the rotation of the wheel gear 44 and torque loads applied to the second clutch plate 74. In other embodiments, the wheel gear 44 may be directly or operably coupled to components of the boat tower and cover arrangement 1000 without the use of clutches. In some embodiments, the wheel gear 44 may be coupled with components of the Bimini boat top arrangement via a clutch-bypass plate.

[0032] According to some aspects, the clutch plates 72, 74 are not directly coupled to the wheel gear 44. The pair of clutches 68, 70 receive an output shaft 82 and are secured on the output shaft 82 by a pair of opposing securement pins 84 threadably coupled to the output shaft 82. The securement pins 84 may be a three-millimeter alignment pin. Notably, the exact dimensions of the securement pins 84 may vary.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 4-6, the clutches 68, 70 are configured to engage the clutch plates 72, 74. When the motor 26 of the rotary actuator 10 is activated, the motor shaft 58 drives the worm gear assembly 38. The clutches 68, 70 rotate with the wheel gear 44 and engage the clutch plates 72, 74, and the wheel gear 44 drives the clutch plates 72, 74 as a result. In some instances, the clutches 68, 70 are clutch discs or friction discs, and incorporate Belleville washers 85, respectively, to bias the clutches 68, 70 toward the clutch plates 72, 74, respectively. Notably, the clutches 68, 70 herein are not limited to such configurations. For example, the exclusion of the clutches 68, 70 in the drive train 35 may be preferred.

[0034] The wheel gear 44 is rotatably coupled to the housing 14 via two annular bearings 86, 88. Particularly, a first annular bearing 86 is disposed on the first side 78 of the wheel gear 44 between the wheel gear 44 and the housing 14, and a second annular bearing 88 is disposed on the second side 80 of the wheel gear 44 between the wheel gear 44 and the housing 14. The annular bearings 86, 88 are respectively separated from the clutch plates 72, 74 by a pair of worm gaskets 90, respectively. The pair of worm gaskets 90 provide a water-tight seal between the clutch plates 72, 74 and the housing 14, respectively, such that the connection between the clutch plates 72, 74 and the housing 14 has an ingress protection rating of at least IP66. In alternative embodiments, the connection between the clutch plates 72, 74 and the housing 14 may have an ingress protection rating of IP67 or IP68.

[0035] The housing halves 32 (FIG. 5) of the housing 14 are generally coupled together to encapsulate the wheel gear assembly 38 and the first and second clutches 68, 70. The housing halves 32 are connected using fasteners and/or a sealant. The housing halves 32 are further configured to couple to the motor cover 12 and the first and second clutch plates 72, 74. One or more ports 92 are also optionally defined by the housing 14 which may be utilized for the attachment of mechanical components in certain applications.

[0036] With reference to FIGS. 5-7, a side plate 94 is disposed on the side of the housing 14. The side plate 94 covers a side cavity 96 in which a sensor 98 is disposed. The side plate 94 is coupled to the housing 14 via fasteners and/or a sealant. For example, a screw, such as a hex screw, may be used to couple the housing halves 32 and/or the side plate 94 to the housing 14. If liquid sealant is used, the liquid sealant is disposed along points of contact between the housing halves 32 and/or between the side plate 94 and the housing 14, creating a sealed connection having an ingress protection rating of at least IP66. In some instances, the sealed connection between the housing halves 32 and/or between the side plate 94 and the housing 14 may have an ingress protection rating of IP67 or IP68. Liquid sealant, such as Permatex #3, may be used. The attachment end 18 of the motor cover 12 may define threads that are received by the housing 14. Here, a gasket and/or a liquid sealant, such as Permatex #3, may be used to create a sealed connection between the motor cover 12 and the housing 14 with an ingress protection rating of at least IP66.

[0037] The sensor 98 is disposed within the side cavity 96 of the housing 14 to detect a rotational position of the first clutch plate 72. The first clutch plate 72 has a perimeter 100 that includes a flange 102 extending toward the housing 14. The flange 102 extends into a detection path 104 of the sensor 98 when the flange 102 is in a base position. The flange 102 is configured to move into and out of the detection path 104 of the sensor 98 in response to rotation of the first clutch plate 72. The first clutch plate 72 is rotatable between a stowed position of zero degrees to a deployed position that can be a rotation of one to 360 or more degrees. For example, one rotational range between the stowed position and the deployed position for the Bimini boat top arrangement may be 0 to 180 degrees. In some instances, there may be more than one flange 102 included on the perimeter 100 of the first clutch plate 72. The direction of the detection path 104 is not limited to a vertical direction. The second clutch plate 74 may have a similar construction relative to the first clutch plate 72. In some instances, the rotary actuator 10 may include multiple sensors 98 disposed proximate each of the first side 78 of the wheel gear 44 and the second side 80 of the wheel gear 44.

[0038] Referring still to FIGS. 5-7, the flange 102 may include a flag 106 signaling a home position of the clutch plate 16. The flag 106 may include an IP67 switch, a magnetic reed switch, or an inductive proximity switch, for example. The flag 106 may be machined into the flange 102 or may be fixed to the flange 102. The rotary actuator 10 may include end of stroke signaling or rely solely on a torque limiting clutch or a current limiting device to prevent damage at the end of an operation of the rotary actuator 10. In applications including end of stroke signaling, the rotary actuator 10 may acquire one or more end of stroke signals from the sensor 98.

[0039] The flanged bearings 46, 48 are fixed within the housing 14 and are axially aligned with the input axis 24 of the worm gear 42, the flanged bearings 46, 48 each having a thrust bearing surface 108. Bearings of a plain bearing type or Delrin bearing type may be used for the flanged bearings 46, 48. An inner flanged bearing 46 is disposed at the first worm end 52 proximate the motor cover 12, and an outer flanged bearing 48 is disposed at the second worm end 54 proximate an end 110 of the housing 14 opposite the motor cover 12. The inner and outer flanged bearings 46, 48 are further configured to receive the worm gear 42, enabling rotation of the worm gear 42 with respect to the housing 14, the worm gear 42 rotating about the input axis 24. To prevent wear, a hardened washer 112 is disposed between the outer flanged bearing 48 and the helical teeth 50 of the worm gear 42 and receives the worm gear 42. The flanged bearings 46, 48 further retain the worm gear 42 at a position proximate to the wheel gear 44 such that the slanted teeth 56 of the wheel gear 44 receive the helical teeth 50 of the worm gear 42. Notably, additional bearings may be respectively disposed between the inner flanged bearing 46 and the worm gear 42 and between the outer flanged bearing 48 and the worm gear 42.

[0040] Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, the rotary actuator 10 is configured to operate on common direct current system voltages and may also communicate with digital switching systems pursuant to the NMEA 2000 standard. The articulation and control of the actuation of the rotary actuator 10 may be controlled by a switch, controller area network controller, and/or a multifunction display. In applications utilizing more than one rotary actuator 10, operation of the rotary actuators 10 may be tied together to perform common functions, achieve motor synchronization, and allow simultaneous monitoring. To achieve methods of communication, articulation, and control, the rotary actuator 10 includes a control board 114 disposed within a control compartment 116 in the housing 14. The control board 114 disposed in the control compartment 116 of the housing 14 may enable one or more of these desired methods, the combination of which may vary between applications. Utilizing internal sensors and controls, the control board 114 may be in communication with a control module or other actuators to perform functions including sequencing, position limiting, and/or force limiting.

[0041] The control compartment 116 may further house wiring for electronic arrangements such as the motor 26, an encoder, and end of stroke switches. The control compartment 116 is configured to couple to an external surface, creating a water-tight seal between the control compartment 116 and an environment external to the rotary actuator 10. Particularly, the control compartment 116 defines a perimeter 118 with a groove 120 running along the perimeter 118 of the control compartment 116. The groove 120 is configured to receive a gasket to assist with creating a sealed connection between the housing 14 and an external surface, providing the control compartment 116 with an ingress protection rating of IP66, IP67, or IP68. In some embodiments, the gasket may include an O-ring.

[0042] With further reference to FIGS. 7-8, the motor 26 is disposed within the motor cover 12. The motor 26 is coupled to the gear reduction assembly 36, and the gear reduction assembly 36 is in turn coupled to the adapter piece 60, wherein the adapter piece 60 is coupled to the worm gear 42 of the worm gear assembly 38. The gear reduction assembly 36 is coupled to a motor adaptor 124. The motor adaptor 124 is configured to connect to a variety of motors and gear reduction assemblies via fasteners, such as studs or threaded cap screw fasteners, for example. An outer diameter 126 of the motor adaptor 124 may further define threads configured to couple to threads of the motor cover 12. In such constructions, the motor adaptor 124 is in turn coupled to the housing 14. A sealant may also be used to create a sealed connection between the motor adaptor 124 and the motor cover 12 and a sealed connection between the motor adaptor 124 and the housing 14. If an O-ring, seal, or gasket is used to seal the connection of the motor adaptor 124 and the motor cover 12, the motor cover 12 may further define a seal groove to receive the O-ring, seal, or gasket.

[0043] According to some aspects, a pair of intermediate plates 130 are coupled to the pair of clutches 68, 70, respectively, and respectively positioned on the first side 78 of the wheel gear 44 and the second side 80 of the wheel gear 44. Each of the intermediate plates 130 axially receives the output shaft 82 and is configured to rotate about the output axis 22. Furthermore, each of the intermediate plates 130 is connected to one of the first clutch plate 72 and the second clutch plate 74 such that the intermediate plate 130 and one of the clutch plates 72, 74 rotate about the output axis 22 together with the same angular velocity.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 5-7, the housing 14 of the rotary actuator 10 is configured to receive port liners 132 within the ports 92 of the housing 14. As illustrated, the housing 14 defines two ports 92, each port 92 receiving two port liners 132. Accordingly, four port liners 132 are disposed in the housing 14. Each port liner 132 includes one insertion end 134 and one flanged end 136 that restrains the depth at which the port liner 132 may be inserted into the port 92 of the housing 14. Each housing half 32 includes two port liners 132. It is contemplated that the number of ports 92 and the dimensions of the port liners 132 may vary between constructions.

[0045] Referring now to FIGS. 7-9, the housing 14 includes the control compartment 116, the side cavity 96, and a primary cavity 138 configured to house the worm gear assembly 38. The control compartment 116 is configured to sealably couple to an external surface. The primary cavity 138 is configured to sealably couple to the clutch plates 72, 74. The side cavity 96 is configured to sealably couple to the side plate 94. In some instances, the housing 14 may also include auxiliary cavities in various locations about the housing 14 for accessing mounted switches, wiring, and/or mounting hardware. Auxiliary covers can further be used to sealably couple to the auxiliary cavities, creating a sealed connection with an ingress protection rating of at least IP66. A sealant may be used for the sealed connection between an auxiliary cavity and an auxiliary cover to achieve at least an IP66 ingress protection rating. Each of the control compartment 116, side cavity 96, primary cavity 138, and auxiliary cavities may define through ports therein to enable the passage of electronic wiring and similar components through the housing 14.

[0046] The housing 14 has a contour designed to limit pinch points and prevent access to open gear faces. The housing 14, illustrated in FIG. 9, defines a head 146, a neck 148, and a base 150. The head 146 of the housing 14 is substantially cylindrical in shape and includes filleted edges 152. The neck 148 of the housing 14 has a cross-section that is primarily rectangular in shape, having filleted corners 154. The base 150 of the housing 14 has a rectangular cross-section that is larger than the cross-section of the neck 148, the base 150 also having filleted corners 154. The housing 14 may be made of material including but not limited to stainless steel.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 10, a combination of one of the pair of clutches 68, 70 and one of the Belleville washers 85 forms a clutch assembly 156. The clutch assembly 156 relies on force generated by the Belleville washers 85, which are in contact with the wheel gear 44, to drive rotation of one of the clutch plates 72, 74. Each of the pair of clutches 68, 70 may be a torque limiting clutch in some instances, such as those where an undesired amount of force and/or torque may be applied to the rotary actuator 10. The pair of clutches 68, 70 may further be made of a variety of materials, including stainless steel, titanium, brass, steel, or aluminum. Furthermore, the pair of clutches 68, 70 may be laser-cut or stamped sheet metal and may have a variety of friction coefficients and mechanical properties. The Belleville washers 85 may be substituted with alternative springs, and the number of Belleville washers 85 in the clutch assembly 156 may vary. Each of the Belleville washers 85 may also be a series of internally splined, hex, or pinned discs positioned between one of the pair of clutches 68, 70 and the wheel gear 44.

[0048] The boat tower and cover arrangement 1000 (FIG. 11A) further includes a boat tower assembly 1002 including a U-shaped first frame 1004 and a U-shaped second frame 1006. In the illustrated example, the first frame 1004 includes a pair of side frame or leg portions 1008 each including an upper section 1007 having a lower end 1009 and an upper end 1012, and a lower section 1011 having a lower end 1010 and an upper end 1013. The first frame member 1004 further includes a cross frame portion 1014 connected to and extending between the upper end 1012 of the upper section 1007 of each of the leg portions 1008. The second frame 1006 includes a pair of side frame or leg portions 1016 each having a lower end 1018 and an upper end 1020, and a cross frame portion 1022 connected to and extending between the upper end 1020 of each of the leg portions 1016. Each portion 1008, 1014, 1016, 1022 of the first frame 1004 and the second frame 1006 are preferably tubularly-shaped each defining a hollow interior, and are preferably comprised of metal such as aluminum, but may also or alternatively be comprised of composite materials such as carbon fiber, and the like. The lower end 1010 of the lower section 1011 of each leg portion 1008 and the lower end 1018 of each leg portion 1016 are connected to respective mounting plates 1024 that are configured to be secured to a structural member of a marine vessel such as the floor of a boat. Alternatively, each mounting base 1024 may be secured to other structural members of a marine vessel such as gunnels, side walls, mounting platforms, and the like. The boat tower assembly 1002 further includes a first pair of frame members 1026 extending between and connected directly to the leg portions 1008 of the first frame 1004 and the leg portions 1016 of the second frame 1006 or indirectly as described below. Each intermediate frame member 1026 is provided a hollow, circularly-shaped cross sectional configuration and defines an interior space 1028 therein. The boat tower assembly 1002 further includes a pair of structural frame members 1032 extending between and connected to the leg portions 1008 of the first frame 1004 and the leg portions 1016 of the second frame 1006. In the illustrated example, each structural frame member 1032 is provided with a square or rectangularly-shaped cross sectional configuration, although other cross sectional shapes may be utilized. A tow point 1034 is supported from the first and second frames 1004, 1006 via a mounting plate 1036 that is attached to and extends between the cross frame portions 1014, 1022 of the first and second frames 1004, 1006. In the illustrated example, the tow point 1034 extends upwardly from the mounting plate 1036 to a position located above each of the cross frame portions 1014, 1022. Other devices or elements may also or alternatively be supported by the mounting plate 1036 such as navigation lights, communication antennas, radar equipment, fishing equipment supports and mounts, and the like.

[0049] The boat tower assembly 1002 includes an upper portion 1038 and a lower portion 1040 attached to one another via a pair of hinges 1042 positioned along a respective length of the leg portions 1008 of the first frame 1004, and a pair of releasable couplers 1044 located along a respective length of each of the leg portions 1016 of the second frame 1026. In operation, the upper portion 1032 of the boat tower assembly 1002 may be moved between an upright, in-use position as shown in FIG. 11 and a lowered or storage position (not shown) by releasing the releasable couplers 1044 and then pivoting the upper portion 1032 of the boat tower assembly 1002 with respect to the lower portion 1040 about the hinges 1042 in the directions 1046. It is noted that the hinges 1042 and releasable couplers 1044 are located below the intermediate frame members 1026.

[0050] The boat tower and cover arrangement further includes a cover assembly 1047 that includes a U-shaped cover frame 1048 having a pair of side frame portions 1050 each having a lower end 1052 and an upper end 1054, and a cross frame portion 1056 extending between and connected to the upper end 1054 of each of the side frame portions 1050. The lower end 1052 of each of the side frame portions 1050 is operably coupled to the boat tower assembly 1002 via a pair of respective drive arrangements 1058 as described below.

[0051] The cover assembly 1047 further includes a cover 1060 connected to and extending between the cross frame portion 1056 of the cover frame 1058 and the cross frame portion 1014 of the first frame 1004, where the cover comprises a fabric material. The drive arrangements 1058 are configured to move the cover frame 1048 and the cover 1060 between a retracted or storage position as shown in FIG. 11A and a deployed or extended position as shown in FIG. 11B by pivoting the cover frame 1048 with respect to the boat tower assembly 1002 in the directions 1062 as described below.

[0052] As best illustrated in FIGS. 12-14, each drive arrangement 1058 is attached to the associated leg portion 1008 of the first frame 1004 along a length of the leg portion 1008 via a housing 1062. In the illustrated example, the housing 1062 includes a first receiver 1066 configured to telescopingly receive the upper end 1013 of the lower section 1011 of the leg portion 1008 of the first frame 1004, a second receiver 1070 configured to telescopingly receive the lower end 1009 of the upper section 1007 of the leg portion 1008 of the first frame 1004, and a third receiver 1074 that telescopingly receives an end 1078 of the intermediate frame member 1026, thereby attaching the intermediate frame member 1066 with the associated leg portion 1008 of the first frame 1004. In the illustrated example, the ends 1013, 1009, 1078 are secured to the housing 1062 via an adhesive, although other suitable materials may be utilized depending on the materials, including welding, sonic welding, epoxies, press fittings, mechanical fasteners, and the like. Further, the housing 1062 is configured such that portions of the housing 1062 may cooperate with or form portions of the cooperating members, such as an upper extension 1068 of the housing 1062 cooperating with and forming part of the upper section 1007 of the leg member 1008, and a center extension 1072 of the housing 1062 cooperating with and forming part of the intermediate frame member 1026.

[0053] In the illustrated example, the drive arrangement 1058 includes a pair of rotary actuators 1078 similar in construction to the rotary actuator 10 as previously described with the most notable difference including the replacement of the housing 14 and inserting components of the actuator 1078 into the housing 1064 and the associated intermediate frame member 1026 of the boat tower assembly 1012. Since the actuators 1078 are similar to the rotary actuator 10 described above, similar parts appearing in FIGS. 2-10 and FIGS. 12-17 are represented by the same, corresponding reference numeral, except for the suffix a in the numerals of the latter. A pair of coupling arms 1080 respectively couple the clutch plates 72, 74 of each clutch 68, 70 to the side frame portions 1050 of the cover frame 1048, where the lower end 1052 of the side frame portions 1050 telescopingly receive a distal end of the coupling arms 1080 as shown in FIG. 12, or are configured to be telescopingly received within the coupling arms 1080 as shown in FIGS. 13-17, where the side frame portions 1050 of the cover frame 1048 are secured to the coupling arms 1080 via a plurality of mechanical fasteners such as screws 1082.

[0054] In assembly, each actuator 1078 is positioned such that the motor 26a and the gear reduction assembly 36a may either be partially or entirely located within the interior space 1028 of the associated intermediate frame member 1026 and/or the center extension 1072 of the housing 1064. In certain configurations, the motor 26a may be partially located within the interior space 1028 of the associated intermediate frame member 1026 and partially located within the center extension 1072 of the housing 1064, while the gear reduction assembly 36a may be entirely located within the center extension 1072 of the housing 1064. The actuator 1078 is attached to a cover 1084 which is attached to the housing 1064 via mechanical fasteners such as screws (not shown), and where the cover 1084 is secured thereto in a watertight manner including O-ring, gaskets, liquid sealant, and the like. It is noted that with locating at least certain components of the drive arrangement 1058 within an interior of the intermediate frame member 1026, the cover assembly 1047 and the drive arrangement 1058 pivot or move with the upper portion 1038 of the boat tower assembly 1002 as the upper portion 1038 is moved from the raised position to the lowered position. In certain configurations, the housing 1064 serves to both house at least portions of the associated actuator 1076 and as a structural member within the boat tower assembly 1002.

[0055] In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the embodiments as disclosed herein without departing from the concepts as disclosed herein.

[0056] For purposes of this disclosure, the term coupled (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

[0057] It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure, as shown in the exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes, and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts, or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

[0058] It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.