Tiller lock for outboard motor
US6174211A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 5, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jan 16, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 5, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02B61/045
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An outboard motor has a tiller lock which retains the rotational orientation of the outboard motor relative to a watercraft. The tiller lock allows the motor to be pivoted about a substantially horizontal tilt and trim axis while the tiller lock is engaged. The tiller lock includes a friction track advantageously arranged rearward of the tilt and trim axis. The positioning of the friction track protects the it from damage due to inadvertent contact with other components of the outboard motor mounting assembly. In particular, the friction track is protected throughout a full range of motion of the outboard motor. In addition, a pair of opposing brake members are alternately engageable with the friction track to secure the motor in a desired orientation. A bi-directional actuator handle urges either of the brake members into the friction plate independent of the other brake member to create a locking drag force which accompanies a substantially normal compressive force.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.