Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
PROPULSION DEVICES WITH LOCK DEVICES AND METHODS OF MAKING
PROPULSION DEVICES WITH LOCK DEVICES FOR MARINE VESSELS
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to stowable propulsors
for marine vessels.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The following U.S. Patents provide background information.
[0003] U.S. Patent No. 6,142,841 discloses a maneuvering control system
which utilizes
pressurized liquid at three or more positions of a marine vessel to
selectively create thrust that
moves the marine vessel into desired locations and according to chosen
movements. A source of
pressurized liquid, such as a pump or a jet pump propulsion system, is
connected to a plurality of
distribution conduits which, in turn, are connected to a plurality of outlet
conduits. The outlet
conduits are mounted to the hull of the vessel and direct streams of liquid
away from the vessel for
purposes of creating thrusts which move the vessel as desired. A liquid
distribution controller is
provided which enables a vessel operator to use a joystick to selectively
compress and dilate the
distribution conduits to orchestrate the streams of water in a manner which
will maneuver the
marine vessel as desired.
[0004] U.S. Patent No. 7,150,662 discloses a docking system for a
watercraft and a
propulsion assembly therefor wherein the docking system comprises a plurality
of the propulsion
assemblies and wherein each propulsion assembly includes a motor and propeller
assembly
provided on the distal end of a steering column and each of the propulsion
assemblies is attachable
in an operating position such that the motor and propeller assembly thereof
will extend into the
water and can be turned for steering the watercraft.
[0005] U.S. Patent No. 7,305,928 discloses a vessel positioning system
which maneuvers
a marine vessel in such a way that the vessel maintains its global position
and heading in
accordance with a desired position and heading selected by the operator of the
marine vessel. When
used in conjunction with a joystick, the operator of the marine vessel can
place the system in a
station keeping enabled mode and the system then maintains the desired
position obtained upon
the initial change in the joystick from an active mode to an inactive mode. In
this way, the operator
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-06
can selectively maneuver the marine vessel manually and, when the joystick is
released, the vessel
will maintain the position in which it was at the instant the operator stopped
maneuvering it with
the joystick.
[0006] U.S. Patent No. 7,753,745 discloses status indicators for use with
a watercraft
propulsion system. An example indicator includes a light operatively coupled
to a propulsion
system of a watercraft, wherein an operation of the light indicates a status
of a thruster system of
the propulsion system.
[0007] U.S. Patent No. RE39032 discloses a multipurpose control mechanism
which
allows the operator of a marine vessel to use the mechanism as both a standard
throttle and gear
selection device and, alternatively, as a multi-axes joystick command device.
The control
mechanism comprises a base portion and a lever that is movable relative to the
base portion along
with a distal member that is attached to the lever for rotation about a
central axis of the lever. A
primary control signal is provided by the multipurpose control mechanism when
the marine vessel
is operated in a first mode in which the control signal provides information
relating to engine speed
and gear selection. The mechanism can also operate in a second or docking mode
and provide first,
second, and third secondary control signals relating to desired maneuvers of
the marine vessel.
[0008] European Patent Application No. EP 1,914,161, European Patent
Application No.
EP2,757,037, and Japanese Patent Application No. JP2013100013A also provide
background
information.
SUMMARY
[0009] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that
are further
described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to
identify key or
essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be
used as an aid in limiting
the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0010] The present disclosure generally relates to a propulsion device
for a marine vessel.
The propulsion device comprises a base configured to be coupled to the marine
vessel. The
propulsion device comprises a propulsor pivotally coupled to the base and
pivotable into and
between a deployed position and a stowed position. The propulsor is configured
to propel the
marine vessel in water when in the deployed position. The propulsion device
also comprises a lock
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-06
device having a rigid member, the lock device being selectively engageable
such that the rigid
member prevents the propulsor from pivoting away from the stowed position.
[0011] The present disclosure further relates to methods for making a
propulsion device
for a marine vessel. For instance, the method comprising configuring a base to
be coupleable to
the marine vessel and pivotably coupling a propulsion to the base, wherein the
propulsor is
pivotable into and between a deployed position and a stowed position, and
wherein the propulsor
is configured to propel the marine vessel in water when in the deployed
position. The method
further comprises coupling a lock device to the base, the lock device having a
rigid member and
being selectively engageable to prevent the propulsor from pivoting away from
the stowed position.
[0012] Various other features, objects and advantages of the disclosure
will be made
apparent from the following description taken together with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The present disclosure is described with reference to the
following Figures.
[0014] FIG. 1 is an isometric bottom view of a propulsion device coupled
to a marine
vessel and having a propulsor;
[0015] FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view showing the propulsor from
FIG. 1 in a stowed
position;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a sectional side view of the propulsion device shown in
FIG. 2;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the propulsion device shown in FIG. 2;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 2;
[0019] FIG. 6 is an isometric bottom view showing the propulsor from FIG.
2 in a deployed
position;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a sectional side view taken along the line 7-7 in FIG.
6;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a rear view of the propulsion device as shown in FIG. 6;
[0022] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of
propulsion device
coupled to a marine vessel and having a propulsor;
[0023] FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary control system for controlling
propulsion devices
according to the present disclosure;
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-06
[0024] FIG. 11 depicts an isometric bottom-right view of a propulsion
device with one
embodiment of lock device for preventing a propulsor from pivoting out of a
stowed position
according to the present disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the propulsion device of FIG. 11;
[0026] FIG. 13 is a close-up view of the propulsion device of FIG. 11
approaching the
stowed position;
[0027] FIG. 14 shows the propulsion device of FIG. 13 in the stowed
position without a
lock device engaged;
[0028] FIG. 15 shows the propulsion device of FIG. 14 with the lock
device engaged;
[0029] FIGS. 16-17 are front views of another embodiment of lock device
according to the
present disclosure engaged and disengaged, respectively;
[0030] FIGS. 18-19 are front views of another embodiment of lock device
according to the
present disclosure engaged and disengaged, respectively;
[0031] FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of lock
device according
to the present disclosure;
[0032] FIG. 21 is a sectional view taken along the line 21-21 in FIG. 20;
[0033] FIG. 22 is a front sectional view of the propulsion device of FIG.
20;
[0034] FIGS. 23-24 are sectional side views of the propulsion device of
FIG. 20 with the
lock device retained in engaged and disengaged positions, respectively;
[0035] FIGS. 25-26 are side views of another embodiment of a lock device
according to
the present disclosure in disengaged and engaged positions, respectively;
[0036] FIGS. 27-28 are sectional side views of another embodiment of a
lock device
according to the present disclosure in disengaged and engaged positions,
respectively;
[0037] FIG. 29 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a
lock device
according to the present disclosure; and
[0038] FIG. 30 is a sectional side view of the propulsion device of FIG.
29.
DETAILED DISCLOSURE
[0039] The present inventors have recognized a problem with bow thrusters
presently
known in the art, and particularly those that are retractable for storage.
Specifically, within the
context of a marine vessel having pontoons, there is insufficient clearance
between the pontoons
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-06
to accommodate a propulsive device, and particularly a propulsive device
oriented to create
propulsion in the port-starboard direction. The problem is further exacerbated
when considering
how marine vessels are trailered for transportation over the road. One common
type of trailer is a
scissor type lift in which bunks are positioned between the pontoons to lift
the vessel by the
underside of the deck. An exemplary lift of this type is the "Scissor Lift
Pontoon Trailer"
manufactured by Karavan in Fox Lake, WI. In this manner, positioning a bow
thruster between a
marine vessel's pontoons either precludes the use of a scissor lift trailer,
or leaves so little clearance
that damage to the bow thruster and/or trailer is likely to occur during
insertion, lifting, and/or
transportation of the vessel on the trailer. As such, the present inventors
have realized it would be
advantageous to rotate the propulsor in a fore-aft orientation when stowed to
minimize the width
of the bow thruster. Additionally, the present inventors have recognized the
desirability of
developing such a rotatable propulsor that does not require additional
actuators for this rotation,
adding cost and complexity to the overall system.
[0040] FIG. 1 depicts the underside of a marine vessel 1 as generally
known in the art, but
outfitted with an embodiment of a stowable propulsion device 30 according to
the present
disclosure. The marine vessel 1 extends between a bow 2 and a stern 3, as well
as between port 4
and starboard 5 sides, thereby defining a fore-aft plane FAP, and port-
starboard direction PS. The
marine vessel 1 further includes a deck 6 with a rail system 8 on top and
pontoons 12 mounted to
the underside 10 of the deck 6. The marine vessel 1 is shown with a portion of
a scissor type lift
20, specifically the bunks 22, positioned between pontoons 12 to lift and
support the marine
vessel 1 for transportation over land in a manner known in the art. As is
discussed further below,
embodiments of a novel stowable propulsion device 30 have a propeller 284 that
faces the
underside 10 of the deck 6 when stowed, in contrast to during use to propel
the marine vessel 1 in
the water as a bow thruster. This is distinguishable from propulsion devices
known in the art, in
which the propeller faces the pontoons. In prior art configurations, there
typically is insufficient
room between the propulsion device and the pontoons to fit the bunks of the
scissor type lift
without risking damage to the propulsion device while inserting the bunks,
lifting the marine vessel,
and/or traveling on the road.
[0041] FIGS. 2-3 depict an exemplary stowable propulsion device 30
according to the
present disclosure, here oriented in a stowed position. The stowable
propulsion device 30 includes
a base 40 having a top 42 with sides 44 extending perpendicularly downwardly
away from the top
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-06
42. The sides 44 include an inward side 46 and outward side 48 and extend
between a first end 65
and second end 67 defining a length 66 therebetween. A width 64 is defined
between the sides 44.
A stop 80 having sides 82 and a bottom 84 is coupled between the sides 44 of
the base 40. A leg
68 having an inward side 70 and outward side 72 extends between a top end 74
and a bottom end
76. The leg 68 is coupled at the top end 74 to the top 42 of the base 40 and
extends perpendicularly
downwardly therefrom. A stationary gear 92 having a mesh face 96 with gear
teeth and an opposite
mounting face 94 is coupled to the leg 68 with the mounting face 94 facing the
inward side 70 of
the leg 68. As shown in FIG. 4, one or more support rods 140 may also be
provided between the
sides 44 and received within support rod openings 143 defined therein to
provide rigidity to the
base 40. In the example shown, the support rod 140 is received within a
bushing 144 and held in
position by a snap ring 146 received within a groove defined within the
support rod 140.
[0042] Returning to FIGS. 2-3, the base 40 is configured to be coupled to
the marine
vessel 1 with the top 42 facing the underside 10 of the deck 6. The base 40
may be coupled to the
deck 6 using fasteners and brackets presently known in the art. A mounting
bracket 60 is coupled
via fasteners 62 (e.g., screws, nuts and bolts, or rivets) to the outward
sides 48 of the sides 44 of
the base 40, or in some cases formed as an extrusion. The mounting bracket 60
is receivable in a
C-channel bracket or other hardware known in the art (not shown) that is
coupled to the deck 6
and/or pontoons 12 to thereby couple the stowable propulsion device 30
thereto.
[0043] As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the stowable propulsion device 30 includes
a shaft 230 that
extends between a proximal end 232 and distal end 234 defining a length axis
LA therebetween.
The proximal end 232 of the shaft 230 is non-rotatably coupled to a moving
gear 100. The moving
gear 100 has a proximal face 102 and mesh face 104 having gear teeth, where
the mesh face 104
engages with the mesh face 96 of the stationary gear 92 to together form a
gearset 90 as discussed
further below. The moving gear 100 further includes a barrel 106 that extends
perpendicularly
relative to the proximal face 102 and is coupled to the shaft 230 in a manner
known in the art (e.g.,
via a set screw or welding). In this manner, the moving gear 100 is fixed to
the shaft 230 such that
rotation of the moving gear 100 causes rotation of the shaft 230 about the
length axis LA.
[0044] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 5-6, a pivot rotation device 150 is
coupled to the
shaft 230 near its proximal end 232, below the moving gear 100. The pivot
rotation device 150
includes a main body 152 extending between a first end 154 and a second end
156 with an opening
153 defined therebetween. The shaft 230 is received through the opening 153
between the first end
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-06
154 and second end 156 of the main body 152 and rotatable therein. In the
embodiment shown, a
bushing 155 is received within the opening 153 of the main body 152 and the
shaft 230 extends
through an opening 157 within the bushing 155. The bushing 155 provides for
smooth rotation
between the shaft 230 and the main body 152. The shaft 230 is retained within
the main body 152
via first and second clamp systems 210, 220. The first clamp system 210
includes two clamp
segments 212 coupled together by fasteners 216 received within openings and
receivers therein,
for example threaded openings for receiving the fasteners 216. The clamp
segments 212 are
configured to clamp around the shaft 230 just above the main body 152, in the
present example
with a gasket 213 sandwiched therebetween to provide friction. Likewise, clamp
segments 222 of
the second clamp system 220 are coupled to each other via fasteners 226 to
clamp onto the shaft
just below the main body 152, which may also include a gasket sandwiched
therebetween. In this
manner, the shaft 230 is permitted to rotate within the main body 152, but the
first and second
clamp systems 210, 220 on opposing ends of the main body 152 prevent the shaft
230 from moving
axially through the main body 152.
[0045] As shown in FIGS. 2-3 and 5, the shaft 230 is pivotable about a
transverse axis
(shown as pivot axis PA) formed by coaxially-aligned pivot axles 120, 121. The
pivot axles 120,
121 are received within pivot axle openings 52 defined within the sides 44 of
the base 40, with
bushings 122 therebetween to prevent wear. Snap rings 126 are receivable
within grooves 128
defined within the pivot axles 120, 121 to retain the axial position of the
pivot axles 120, 121
within the base 40. The interior ends of the pivot axles 120, 121 are received
within the main body
152 of the pivot rotation device 150 coupled to the shaft 230. The pivot axle
120 is received within
a pivot axle opening 162 of the main body 152 such that the outer surface of
the pivot axle 120
engages an interior wall 159 of the main body 152. In the embodiment of FIG.
5, a gap 164 remains
at the end of the pivot axle 120 to allow for tolerancing and bending and/or
movement of the sides
44 of the base 40.
[0046] With continued reference to FIG. 5, the pivot rotation device 150
further includes
an extension body 170 that extends away from the main body 152. The extension
body 170 defines
a pivot axle opening 178 therein for receiving the pivot axle 121. The pivot
axle 121 has an
insertion end 129 with threads 127 defined thereon, which engage with threads
173 of the pivot
axle opening 178 defined in the extension body 170. A slot 123 is defined in
the end of the pivot
axle 121 opposite the insertion end 129. The pivot axle 121 is therefore
threadably received within
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-06
the extension body 170 by rotating a tool (e.g., a flathead screwdriver)
engaged within the slot 123
defined in the end of the pivot axle 121. A snap ring 126 may also be
incorporated and receivable
within grooves 128 defined in the pivot axle 121 to prevent axial translation
of the pivot axle 121
relative to the sides 44 of the base 40.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 2, a face 176 of the extension body 170 defines a
notch 177
recessed therein, which as will become apparent provides for non-rotational
engagement with a
pivot arm 190. The pivot arm 190 includes a barrel portion 192 having a face
198 with a protrusion
179 extending perpendicularly away from the face 198. The protrusion 179 is
received within the
notch 177 when the faces 176, 198 about each other to rotationally fix the
pivot arm 190 and the
extension body 170. It should be recognized that other configurations for
rotationally fixing the
pivot arm 190 and extension body 170 are also contemplated by the present
disclosure, for example
other keyed arrangements or fasteners.
[0048] The barrel portion 192 of the pivot arm 190 further defines a
pivot axle opening
199 therethrough, which enables the pivot axle 121 to extend therethrough. The
pivot arm 190
further includes an extension 200 that extends away from the barrel portion
192. The extension
200 extends from a proximal end 202 coupled to the barrel portion 192 to
distal end 204, having
an inward face opposite an outward face 208. A mounting pin opening 209 is
defined through the
extension 200 near the distal end 204, which as discussed below is used for
coupling the pivot arm
190 to an actuator 240.
[0049] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the pivot arm 190 is biased into
engagement with the
main body 152 of the pivot rotation device 150 via a biasing device, such as a
spring 134. In the
example shown, the spring 134 is a coil or helical spring that engages the
outward face 208 of the
extension 200 of the pivot arm 190 at one end and engages a washer 124
abutting a snap ring 126
engaged within a groove of the pivot axle 121 at the opposite end. In this
manner, the spring 134
provides for a biasing force engaging the pivot arm 190 and the main body 152
such that the faces
176, 198 thereof remain in contact during rotation of the pivot arm 190, but
also provides a
safeguard. For example, if the shaft 230 experiences an impact force (e.g., a
log strike), the
presently disclosed configuration allows the protrusion 179 (shown here to
have a rounded shape)
to exit the notch 177 against the biasing force of the spring 134 to prevent
the force from damaging
other components, such as the actuator 240 coupled to the pivot arm 190
(discussed further below).
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-06
[0050] Referring to FIGS. 2-4, the stowable propulsion device 30 further
includes an
actuator 240 (presently shown is a linear actuator), which for example may be
an electric,
pneumatic, and/or hydraulic actuator presently known in the art. The actuator
240 extends between
a first end 242 and second end 244 and has a stationary portion 246 and an
extending member 260
that extends from the stationary portion 246 in a manner known in the art. The
stationary portion
246 includes a mounting bracket 248 (FIG. 3) that is coupled to the base 40
via fasteners 252, such
as bolts, for example. At the opposite end of the actuator 240, a mounting pin
opening 261 extends
through the extending member 260, which is configured to receive a mounting
pin 262
therethrough to couple the extending member 260 to the pivot arm 190 of the
pivot rotation device
150. The mounting pin 262 shown extends between a head 264 and an insertion
end 266, which in
the present example has a locking pin opening 268 therein for receiving a
locking pin 269. The
locking pin 269, for example a cotter pin, is inserted or withdrawn to
removably retain the
mounting pin 262 in engagement between the actuator 240 and the pivot arm 190.
In the
embodiment of FIGS. 2-4, it should be recognized that actuation of the
actuator 240 thus causes
pivoting of the shaft 230 about the pivot axis PA.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 2, the stowable propulsion device 30 further
includes a propulsor
270 coupled to the distal end 234 of the shaft 230. The propulsor 270 may be
of a type known in
the art, such as an electric device operable by battery. In the example shown,
the propulsor 270
includes a nose cone 272 extending from a main body 274. The main body 274
includes an
extension collar 276 that defines a shaft opening 278, whereby the shaft 230
is received within the
shaft opening 278 for coupling the shaft 230 to the propulsor 270. The
propulsor 270 includes a
motor 282 therein, whereby control and electrical power may be provided to the
motor 282 by
virtue of a wire harness 290 (FIG. 9, also referred to as a wire) extending
through the shaft 230, in
the present example via the opening 108 defined through the moving gear 100;
however, it should
be recognized that the wire harness 290 may enter the shaft 230 or propulsor
270 in other locations.
In some configurations, the wire harness 290 also extends through a gasket 291
(FIG. 9) that
prevents ingress of water or other materials into the shaft 230, for example.
The propulsor 270
further includes a fin 280 and is configured to rotate the propeller 284 about
a propeller axis PPA.
The propulsor 270 extends a length 286 (FIG. 3) and provides propulsive forces
in a direction of
propulsion DOP. With reference to FIG. 4, the propulsor 270 has a width PW
that is perpendicular
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-06
to the length 286, in certain embodiments the width PW being less than the
width 64 of the base
40.
[0052] As shown in FIG. 6 and discussed further below, the propulsor 270
is configured
to propel the marine vessel 1 through the water in the port-starboard
direction PS when the shaft
230 is positioned in the deployed position. It should be recognized that, for
simplicity, the
propulsor 270 is described as generating propulsion in the port-starboard
direction, and thus that
the marine vessel moves in the port-starboard direction. However in certain
configurations, the
propulsor 270 may accomplish this movement of the marine vessel in the port-
starboard direction
by concurrently using another propulsor coupled elsewhere on the marine vessel
1, for example to
provide translation rather than rotation of the marine vessel 1.
[0053] It should be recognized that when transitioning the shaft 230 and
propulsor 270
from the stowed position of FIG. 3 to the deployed position of FIG. 6, the
shaft 230 pivots 90
degrees about the pivot axis PA from being generally horizontal to generally
vertical, and the
propulsor 270 rotates 90 degrees about the length axis LA of the shaft 230
from the propeller axis
PPA being within the fore-aft plane FAP (FIG. 1) to extending in the port-
starboard direction PS.
The present inventors invented the presently disclosed stowable propulsion
devices 30 wherein
pivoting of the shaft 230 about the pivot axis PA automatically
correspondingly causes rotation of
the shaft 230 about is length axis LA without the need for additional
actuators (both being
accomplished by the same actuator 240 discussed above). With reference to
FIGS. 2-3, this
function is accomplished through a gearset 90, which as discussed above is
formed by the
engagement of the stationary gear 92 and moving gear 100.
[0054] As discussed above, the stationary gear 92 is fixed relative to
the base 40 and the
moving gear 100 rotates in conjunction with the shaft 230 rotating about its
length axis LA. In this
manner, as the shaft 230 is pivoted about the pivot axis PA via actuation of
the actuator 240, the
engagement between the mesh face 96 of the stationary gear 92 and the mesh
face 104 of the
moving gear 100 causes the moving gear 100 to rotate, since the stationary
gear 92 is fixed in place.
This rotation of the moving gear 100 thus causes rotation of the moving gear
100, which
correspondingly rotates the shaft 230 about its length axis LA. Therefore, the
shaft 230 is
automatically rotated about its length axis LA when the actuator 240 pivots
the shaft 230 about the
pivot axis PA. It should be recognized that by configuring the mesh faces 96,
104 of the gears
accordingly (e.g., numbers and sizes of gear teeth), the gearset 90 may be
configured such that
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-06
pivoting the shaft 230 between the stowed position of FIG.4 and the deployed
position of FIG. 6
corresponds to exactly 90 degrees of rotation for the shaft 230 about its
length axis LA, whether
or not the shaft 230 is configured to pivot 90 degrees between its stowed and
deployed positions.
It should be recognized that other pivoting and/or rotational angles are also
contemplated by the
present disclosure.
[0055] The present inventors invented the presently disclosed
configurations, which
advantageously provide for stowable propulsion devices 30 having a minimal
width 64 (FIG. 2)
when in the stowed position, clearing the way for use of a scissor type lift
20 or other lifting
mechanisms for the marine vessel 1, while also positioning the propulsor for
generating thrust in
the port-starboard direction PS when in the deployed position.
[0056] As shown in FIG. 6, certain embodiments include stop 80 within the
base 40 for
stopping, centering, and/or securing the shaft 230 in the stowed position. In
the embodiment shown,
a centering slot 86 is defined within the bottom 84 of the stop 80. This
centering slot 86 is
configured to receive a tab 308 that extends from a clamp 306 positioned at a
midpoint along the
shaft 230. When the shaft 230 is pivoted and rotated into its stowed position
as shown in FIG. 2,
the tab 308 of the clamp 306 is received within the centering slot 86 of the
stop 80, whereby the
bottom 84 of the stop 80 itself prevents further upward pivoting of the shaft
230, and whereby the
centering slot 86 prevents lateral movement of the propulsor 270 when in the
stowed position.
[0057] The embodiment of FIG. 6 further depicts a positional sensor 300
configured for
detecting whether the stowable propulsion device 30 is in the stowed position.
The positional
sensor 300 shown includes a stationary portion 302 and a moving portion 304,
whereby the
stationary portion 302 is a Hall Effect Sensor positioned adjacent to the
centering slot 86 of the
stop 80, which detects the moving portion 304 integrated within the tab 308.
In this manner, the
positional sensor 300 detects when the shaft 230 is properly in the stowed
position, and when it is
not.
[0058] It should be recognized that other positional sensors 300 are also
known in the art
and may be incorporated within the systems presently disclosed. For example,
FIG. 3 depicts an
embodiment in which the positional sensor 300 is incorporated within the
actuator 240, such as a
linear encoder, that can be used to infer the position of the shaft 230 via
the position of the
extending member 260 of the actuator 240 relative to the stationary portion
246. An exemplary
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-06
positional sensor 300 is Mercury Marine's Position Sensor ASM, part number
8M0168637, for
example.
[0059] The present disclosure contemplates other embodiments of stowable
propulsion
devices 30. For example, FIG. 9 depicts an embodiment having two pivot arms
190 coupled
directly to the main body 152 of the pivot rotation device 150. The actuator
240 is pivotally coupled
to the two pivot arms 190 in a similar manner as that discussed above. In
certain examples, the two
pivot arms 190 are integrally formed with the clamp segments 212 of the first
clamp system 210,
for example. The gearset 90 of the embodiment in FIG. 9 also varies from that
discussed above.
Specifically, the mesh face 96 of the stationary gear 92 includes openings 97
rather than gear teeth.
These openings 97 are configured to receive fingers 105 that extend from the
mesh face 104 of the
moving gear 100, generally forming a gear and sprocket type system for the
gearset 90. The
embodiment shown also includes a stop rod 81 for preventing the shaft 230 from
rotating too far,
or in other words past the deployed position.
[0060] FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary control system 600 for operating and
controlling the
stowable propulsion device 30. Certain aspects of the present disclosure are
described or depicted
as functional and/or logical block components or processing steps, which may
be performed by
any number of hardware, software, and/or firmware components configured to
perform the
specified functions. For example, certain embodiments employ integrated
circuit components,
such as memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements,
look-up tables, or
the like, configured to carry out a variety of functions under the control of
one or more processors
or other control devices. The connections between functional and logical block
components are
merely exemplary, which may be direct or indirect, and may follow alternate
pathways.
[0061] In certain examples, the control system 600 communicates with each
of the one or
more components of the stowable propulsion device 30 via a communication link
CL, which can
be any wired or wireless link. The control system 600 is capable of receiving
information and/or
controlling one or more operational characteristics of the stowable propulsion
device 30 and its
various sub-systems by sending and receiving control signals via the
communication links CL.
[0062] The control system 600 of FIG. 10 may be a computing system that
includes a
processing system 610, memory system 620, and input/output (I/O) system 630
for communicating
with other devices, such as input devices 599 and output devices 601, either
of which may also or
alternatively be stored in a cloud 602. The processing system 610 loads and
executes an executable
12
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-06
program 622 from the memory system 620, accesses data 624 stored within the
memory system
620, and directs the stowable propulsion device 30 to operate as described in
further detail below.
[0063] The processing system 610 may be implemented as a single
microprocessor or other
circuitry, or be distributed across multiple processing devices or sub-systems
that cooperate to
execute the executable program 622 from the memory system 620. Non-limiting
examples of the
processing system include general purpose central processing units,
application specific processors,
and logic devices. The memory system 620 may comprise any storage media
readable by the
processing system 610 and capable of storing the executable program 622 and/or
data 624. The
memory system 620 may be implemented as a single storage device, or be
distributed across
multiple storage devices or sub-systems that cooperate to store computer
readable instructions,
data structures, program modules, or other data. The memory system 620 may
include volatile
and/or non-volatile systems and may include removable and/or non-removable
media
implemented in any method or technology for storage of information. The
storage media may
include non-transitory and/or transitory storage media, including random
access memory, read
only memory, magnetic discs, optical discs, flash memory, virtual memory, and
non-virtual
memory, magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to
store information
and be accessed by an instruction execution system, for example.
[0064] The present disclosure further relates to lock devices and methods
for preventing a
propulsor from pivoting away from a stowed position. The inventors have
recognized that
propulsion devices presently known in the art do not have incorporate lock
devices to safely
maintain them in a stowed position. In particular, the inventors have
recognized a need to lock the
propulsor 270 in the stowed position if the actuator 240 fails and the
propulsor 270 must be
manually stowed, and/or when marine vessel 1 is trailered (to protect actuator
240 and other
components during transit). It is possible to manually tie the propulsor up in
the stowed position
(e.g., via rope or a bungee cord). However, the present inventors have
recognized that these ropes
are susceptible to being misplaced, becoming damaged (e.g., fraying or
stretching out over time),
can be difficult to use (e.g., untying wet rope can be challenging), and/or
slide around or risk
damage to components due to not having suitable elements for anchoring to the
rope.
[0065] FIGS. 11 and 12 depict a propulsion device 700 having some of the
components
discussed above, but also incorporating a lock device 700 for preventing the
propulsor 270 from
pivoting away from the stowed position. As previously discussed, the base 40
has sides 44 that
13
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-06
extend downwardly from the deck 6 of the marine vessel 1. The sides 44 each
extend from a top
42 to a bottom 45 and have an inward side 46 and opposite outward side 48. An
endcap 710 is
provided at the front 41 of the base 40, in this case with mounting ends 712
of the endcap 710
being coupled to the base 40 with a forward end 714 curving forwardly in an
arc. The propulsor
270 is pivotally coupled to the base 40 to be pivotable in tune between a
deployed position as
discussed above, as well as a stowed position as shown in FIG. 11.
[0066] A pivot rotation system 150 is provided in the manner described
above, which
allows for rotation of the propulsor 270 about a shaft 230 coupling the
propulsor 270 to the base
40 while the shaft 230 pivots between the deployed and stowed positions. The
shaft 230 pivots
about an axis parallel to a horizontal axis HA, which is perpendicular to a
vertical axis VA and
perpendicular to a fore-aft axis FAA. It should be recognized that the present
disclosure also
contemplates propulsion devices 10 with lock devices 700 for configurations in
which the
propulsor 270 does not both pivot and rotate between stowed and deployed
positions.
[0067] As shown in FIG. 12, the propulsor 270 includes a main body 284
coupled to the
shaft 230, as well as a nose cone 272 opposite the propeller 284, as discussed
above. A fin 280
(also referred to as a skeg) is provided along the main body 284 and extends
therefrom to a lower
edge 281 (see FIG. 21). The fin 280 protects the propeller 284 from impacts
forces caused by
striking an underwater object in a manner known in the art.
[0068] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the lock device 700 includes a
bracket 702 and rigid
member, here a pin 730, that engages therewith. The bracket 702 extends
between a top 704 and
bottom 706, between sides 708, and between a front 710 and back. Extensions
713 protrude
outwardly from the sides 708 and have openings 716 therein. The bracket 702
further includes a
base 712 with arms 714 extending downwardly therefrom. An inner contour 724 is
defined along
the bottom 706 between the arms 714, which in this case is generally circular
to correspond to the
shape of the shaft 230 to be received therein.
[0069] The brackets 702 is coupled to the sides 44 of the base 40 via
fasteners 718, which
are received through openings 719 in the base 40 and the openings 716 in the
extensions 713 of
the sides 708 of the bracket 702. The fasteners 718 may be threaded fasteners
such as nuts and
bolts or screws, be rivets, welds, adhesives, and/or the like. Additional
openings 728 are provided
through the arms 714, in the present example having an upper pair and a lower
pair along the
14
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-06
length between the top 704 and the bottom 706 of the bracket 702. The openings
728 are configured
to receive the pin 730 therein.
[0070] With continued reference to FIG. 12, the pin 730 extends between
the first end 732
and a second end 734. In the example shown, a stop 736 is provided
substantially near the second
end 734 to limit how far the pin 732 may be inserted within the opening 728 of
the bracket 702.
Likewise, a ring 738 is provided at the second end 734 to aid the operator in
grasping the pin 730
for removal or insertion into the bracket 702 in a manner described further
below. A rope or cable
may also be tied to the ring 738 to tether the pin 730 to the propulsion
device 10 or marine vessel
more generally to prevent misplacement of the pin 730.
[0071] FIG. 13-15 depict the lock device 700 with the propulsor 270
nearing the stowed
position in FIG. 13, in the stowed position but with the lock device 700
disengaged in FIG. 14,
and in the stowed position with the lock device 700 engaged in FIG. 15. As
shown in FIG. 13, a
resilient sleeve 726 is positioned on a portion of the shaft 230, which may be
formed of rubber or
a polymer, for example. The resilient sleeve 726 provides quiet, non-damaging
engagement of the
shaft 230 within the lock device 700, and particularly to buffer the contact
between the shaft 230
and the inner contour 724 of the bracket 702. In certain embodiments, the
resilient sleeve 726 is
further configured to provide a press-fit engagement between the shaft 230 and
the inner contour
724, in particular with the inter contour 724 having a first width W1 when the
propulsor 270 is in
the fully stowed position that is slightly greater than a second width W2,
whereby the resilient
member 726 must slightly compress (relative to its uncompressed, fourth width
W4) to move past
the second width W2 when the propulsor 270 is moving into the stowed position.
The entrance to
the inner contour 724 also has a third width W3 that is greater than both the
first width W1 and
second width W2, assisting in funneling or aligning and the shaft 230 within
the lock device 700.
[0072] FIG. 13 further shows the locking pin 730 being stored in an upper
pair of openings
724 extending through the bracket 702. The pin 730 does not prevent the
propulsor 270 from
pivoting away from the stowed position while inserted in this upper pair of
openings 728. This
provides for safe keeping of the pin 730 so it does not become lost or damaged
when the lock
device 700 is disengaged as shown.
[0073] FIG. 14 shows the pin 730 withdrawn from the upper opening 728
through the
bracket 702. The pin 730 further includes a detent 739 provided near the first
end 732 of the pin
730, for example a spring-loaded ball that extends outwardly to resist the pin
730 from starting to
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-06
be withdrawn from the bracket 702 (whereby the detent 739 extends outwardly
from beyond the
opposing side 708 of the bracket 702 when the pin 730 is fully seated). The
propulsor 270 is now
shown in the stowed position.
[0074] FIG. 15 shows the pin 730 reinserted into the bracket 702, whereby
the pin 730 (as
the ridged member) is now positioned below the shaft 230 to prevent the
propulsor 270 from
pivoting away from the stowed position. The lock device 700 can be again
disengaged by
withdrawing the pin 730 from the openings 728 in the bracket 702, allowing the
propulsor 270 to
then be deployed.
[0075] FIGS. 16 and 17 are front views of another embodiment of lock
device 700 that
when engaged (or in the locked position) prevents the propulsor from pivoting
away from the
stowed position, again by supporting the shaft 230 from below. In this
embodiment, the rigid
member is a body 750 that is pivotally coupled to the base 40 via a hinge 760.
The body 750
extends between a distal end 752 and a base end 754, with a barrel 756
positioned near the base
754 having an opening therethrough. The hinge 760 includes a base mount 762
configured to be
coupled to the base 40, for example using fasteners, welds, adhesives, rivets,
and such or the like.
The hinge 760 further includes an axle 758 configured to be received within
the opening of the
body 750 such that the body 750 may pivot about the axle 764. A lower arm 770
extends away
from the body 750 to a distal end 772. A ramp 778 angles upwardly from the
distal end 772 to a
floor 776 that is perpendicular to the distal end 772. The shaft 230 rests
upon the floor 776 when
the lock member 700 is engaged as shown in FIG. 16. The ramp 778 assists with
aligning the shaft
230 within the lock member 700 as the body 750 is rotated. In this manner, the
body 750 and the
lower arm 770 are pivotable relative to the base 40 to engage and disengage
the lock device 700,
which prevents the propulsor 270 from pivoting away from the stowed position
by engagement
with the shaft 230.
[0076] Another lock device 700 is shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, whereby in
addition to the
lower arm 770, an upper arm 780 is coupled to the body 780 and extends
outwardly to a distal end
782. An inner contour 786 is defined between the lower arm 770 and upper arm
780, in the present
example having an inner diameter ID corresponding to the outer diameter OD of
the shaft 230.
The shaft 230 thus engaged with the inner contour 786 when the body 750 of the
lock device 700
is pivoted away from the base 40. In this manner, the upper arm 780 prevents
the shaft 230 from
further moving in an upward direction when the lock device 700 is engaged.
This further protects
16
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-06
elements of the propulsion device 10 from damage caused by the propulsor 270
bouncing up, for
example when transporting on a trailer.
[0077] The lock device 700 of FIGS. 18 and 19 further depicts an
alternate hinge 760
relative to the hinge 760 shown in FIGS. 16-17. In this embodiment, the axle
764 is formed by a
an arm 766 that extends outwardly from the base 40, whereby a post 768
extending upwardly from
the arm 766 (here being at 90 degree angles to each other). The arm 766 may be
welded, integrally
formed with, or otherwise coupled to the base 40 in a manner presently known
in the art. Likewise,
the post 768 may be integrally formed with, or coupled to, the arm 766.
[0078] FIGS. 20-22 depict another embodiment of lock device 700 for
preventing the
propulsor 270 from pivoting away from the stowed position, now through
engagement with the fin
280 or skeg. The lock device 700 includes a hook 800 having opposing sides 802
that meet together
at an end 804, the end 804 aligning with the fin 280. The hook 800 also
extends between a first
edge 806 and second edge 808 and has an outside surface 810 and an inside
surface 812. The hook
800 is pivotally coupled at first ends 814 thereof to the base 40. A barrel
816 extends between the
first ends 814 of the sides 802 and has an axle opening 825 extending
therethrough. The barrel 816
may be coupled to sides 802, or integrally formed therewith.
[0079] As shown in FIG. 22, a lock axle 824 extends through the axle
opening 725 of the
hook 800 and is rotatably fixed to the hook 800 using a mechanism known in the
art, such as set
screws, adhesives, welds, or other techniques presently known in the art.
Inventors- are there
particular materials we can cite for the hook 800 or other parts? The lock
axle 824 extends through
openings in the sides 44 of the base 40 such that the lock axle 824 and hook
800 may pivot together
about a pivot axis 826 centered through the lock axle 824.
[0080] With reference to FIGS. 20 and 22, a handle 850 has a grip 852 and
a barrel 856
defined therein. The handle 850 is rotatably fixed to the lock axle 824 via a
set screw 854 received
through the handle 850 before extending into an opening 828 within the lock
axle 824. In this
manner, rotation of the handle 850 by the operator from outside of the base 40
causes the hook
800 to rotate about the pivot axis 826, thereby pivoting the hook 800 under
the fin 280 to engage
the lock device 700. This prevents the propulsor 270 from pivoting away from
the stowed position.
The lock device 700 is then disengaged by rotating the hook 800 upwardly, away
from the fin 280.
[0081] As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, a limit member 830 may also be
provided to limit
the rotational range of motion for the hook 800 relative to the base 40. The
limit member 830 has
17
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-06
an upper stop 832 that limits the rotation of the hook 800 by engagement with
the first edge 806
thereof, and a lower stop 834 that limits downward rotation of the hook 800 by
engagement with
the second edge 808 thereof. The upper stop 832 and lower stop 834 extend
perpendicularly from
the inward surface 46 of one of the sides 44 and may be coupled to the base 40
via adhesives,
welds, rivets, fasteners, and/or other methods presently known in the art.
[0082] FIGS. 23 and 24 further depict an engagement lock 836 that retains
the hook 800
in either the engaged or disengaged position. In particular, the engagement
lock 836 includes a
detent 838 having a spring 840, ball 842, and cap 844 as conventionally known
in the art. The
detent 838 is non-rotatable relative to the base 40, for example being fixed
to the limit member
830. A first opening 846 is defined within a number 831 rotatable with the
hook 800, as well as
the second opening 846. In this manner, the detent 838 engages with the first
opening 846 to retain
the hook 800 in the disengaged position for the lock device 700 such as shown
in FIG. 24, and
engages with the second opening 848 to retain the hook 800 in the engaged
position for the lock
device 700 as shown in FIG. 23. Thus, the detent 838 generally retains the
hook 800 in the desired
position until a rotation force is provided by the handle 850.
[0083] FIGS. 25 and 26 depict another lock device 700 for preventing the
propulsor 270
from pivoting away from the stowed position, now by supporting or engaging
with the nose cone
272 of the propulsor 270. The lock device 700 includes a hook 800 having
similar characteristics
to that discussed above, including having sides 802 that extend from first
ends 814 to a second end
804, having a first edge 806 and a second edge 808, and having an outside
surface 810 and an
inside surface 812. A third edge 912 and fourth edge 916 are also defined near
the first ends 814
of the hook 800.
[0084] The hook 800 further includes a slot 906 defined in one of both of
the sides 802
substantially near the first ends 814. For simplicity, the slot 906 will
presently be described as
singular. The slot 906 extends from a first end 908 to a second end 910. A
first pin 900 extends
outwardly from the outward surface 48 of the side 44 of the base 40. The slot
906 is configured to
receive the first pin 900 therein. In this manner, the hook 800 is slidable
and pivotable with the
slide pin 800 extending through the slot 906.
[0085] Additionally, a second pin 902 and a third pin 904 extend
outwardly from the
outward surface 48 of the base 40, which selectively engaged with the hook 800
to retain the hook
800 in the engaged or disengaged positions. As shown in FIG. 25, the hook 800
may be pivoted
18
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-06
upwardly and translated rearwardly (e.g., towards the base 40) such that the
second pin 902
engages with the third edge 912 defined near the first end 814 of the hook 800
to prevent the hook
800 from pivoting downwardly. In certain embodiments, the third edge 912 has a
generally circular
contour that corresponds to the shape of the second pin 902. Specifically, a
narrowed opening 914
is provided as an entrance to the third edge 912. In this configuration, to
seat the second pin 902
in the third edge 912 to lock the hook 800 in the disengaged position.
Likewise, force is required
to disengage the second pin 902 to again move the hook 800.
[0086] With reference to FIG. 26, the fourth edge 916 is generally linear
and approximately
parallel to the second edge 808 of hook 800. In this manner, engagement
between the third pin 904
and the fourth edge 916 of the hook 800 prevents further downward rotation of
the hook 800,
which is generally maintained in position through the assistance of gravity.
Moreover, the mass of
the propulsor 270 supported on the hook 800 assists and maintains in retaining
the orientation of
the hook 800 relative to the base 40.
[0087] FIGS. 27 and 28 depict another lock device 700 according to the
present disclosure,
now engaging with the fin 280 to prevent the propulsor 270 from pivoting away
from the stowed
position. A sliding member 920 has an upper arm 923 at the a top 924 and
extends downwardly to
a bottom 926 with a front 928 therebetween. An underside 925 of the upper arm
923 of the sliding
member 920 rests and slides upon the top 42 of the base 40.
[0088] An end plate 932 having a top 933 and a bottom 935 is coupled to
the base 40. A
barrel 934 extends forwardly from the end plate 932 and has an opening 936
defined therethrough,
which in the present example has a bushing 938 received therein. A plunger 940
extends
rearwardly from the sliding member 920 and extends between a first end 942 and
a second end
944. The plunger 940 is received through an opening in the bushing 938 and
thus through the end
plate 932. In this manner. sliding the sliding member 920 towards the end
plate 932 results in the
plunger 940 moving inwardly relative to the base 40.
[0089] With continued reference to FIGS. 27 and 28, a hook 960 extends
between a first
end 962 and a second end 964, an inside surface 968 and outside surface 970
extending
therebetween. An opening 966 is defined through the hook 960, in this
embodiment closer to the
first end 962 thereof. The second end 964 of the hook 960 curls away from the
front 928 of the
sliding member 920 by a depth 972. The plunger 940 of the sliding member 920
is received through
the opening 966 in the hook 960 and coupled thereto with a fastener, which may
be a nut, adhesive,
19
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-06
press-fit arrangement, or via other methods known in the art. The hook 960 is
shaped to correspond
to the lower edge 281 of the fin 280. In this manner, sliding of the sliding
member 920 also moves
the hook 960 relative to the fin 980 such that pressing the sliding member 920
towards the base
940 causes engagement between the hook 960 and the fin 280. Likewise,
withdrawing the sliding
member 920 from the base 40 disengages the lock device 700 by removing the
hook 960 from
engagement with the fin 280. In certain embodiments, such as that shown in
FIG. 28, a bumper
976 is provided along the inside surface 961 of the hook 960, which provides
padding and prevents
noise or damage caused by engagement between the hook 960 and the fin 280
(including
movement while the marine vessel 1 is in transit, for example on the road).
[0090] Another lock device 700 is shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, whereby
instead of the entire
front of the propulsion device 10 moving (sliding number 120), a handle 930
extends outwardly
and is slidable for engaging and disengaging the lock device 700. The handle
930 is coupled to the
plunger 940 such that pressing the handle 230 toward the base 940 moves the
hook 960 into
engagement with the fin 280 as discussed above, and withdrawing of the handle
930 causes
disengagement with the lock device 700. Additionally, FIG. 30 shows the
plunger 940 including a
first detent 48 and a second detent 950 each having a spring 954 that biases a
ball 956 in a manner
known in the art. The balls 956 are configured to engage with an opening 952
defined within the
bushing 938 inside the barrel 934 of the end plate 932. In this manner,
pressing the handle 930
forwardly caused the second detent 952 to engage, retaining the hook 960 in
the locked position,
and similarly withdrawing the handle 930 until the ball 956 of the first
detent 948 engages with
the opening 952 retains the hook 960 in the disengaged position.
[0091] In certain examples, the lock device 700 further includes a sensor
such as the
positional sensor 300 from FIG. 6 discussed above (e.g., a switch or a Hall
effect sensor) that
detects when the rigid member is positioned such that the lock device is
engaged and prevents the
propulsor 270 from pivoting away from the stowed position. The control system
600
communicates with this sensor and may thus be configure to prevent actuation
of the actuator 240
when the lock device 700 is engaged. This prevents damage to the actuator 240,
lock device 700,
propulsor 270, and/or other components if the operator forgets to disengage
the lock device 700
before attempting to pivot the propulsor 270. Additional feedback may also be
provided to the
operator based on the detected state of the lock device 700, including an
indication at the helm
when the control system 600 is preventing operation of the actuator 240 based
on the engagement
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-06
of the lock device 700, and/or to show a current state of the lock device 700.
In certain examples,
a reminder to engage the lock device 700 may also be provided, so example when
trailering another
propulsor on the marine vessel 1.
[0092] The functional block diagrams, operational sequences, and flow
diagrams provided
in the Figures are representative of exemplary architectures, environments,
and methodologies for
performing novel aspects of the disclosure. While, for purposes of simplicity
of explanation, the
methodologies included herein may be in the form of a functional diagram,
operational sequence,
or flow diagram, and may be described as a series of acts, it is to be
understood and appreciated
that the methodologies are not limited by the order of acts, as some acts may,
in accordance
therewith, occur in a different order and/or concurrently with other acts from
that shown and
described herein. For example, those skilled in the art will understand and
appreciate that a
methodology can alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated
states or events, such as in
a state diagram. Moreover, not all acts illustrated in a methodology may be
required for a novel
implementation.
[0093] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,
including the best
mode, and also 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.
21
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-06-06
