Stern drive
US4775342A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 2, 1983 |
| Grant date | Oct 4, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 2, 2003 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63H23/06
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A drive mechanism for a boat having the motor located inboard. The mechanism disclosed includes a gearbox located outboard of the transom with an input shaft extending toward the inboard motor and an output shaft extending aft toward a propeller shaft. A univerasl joint coupling is provided to drive the propeller shaft while a gimbal ring is employed to universally mount a propeller shaft housing such that the propeller may be used for steerage as well as forward thrust. The gearbox is disclosed as including a first gear pair capable of being changed to provide different output ratios. A second drive link in the gearbox gives a selection of directions of rotation of the propeller shaft. In a first instance, a gear pair is employed. In a second instance, a chain drive is employed. Access is provided into the gearbox by a plate located between the gearbox and the transom. This plate provides a mounting for the drive links within the gearbox. Another gearbox having a single gear pair is also disclosed for lowering the level of the propeller shaft relative to the boat hull.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.