Trolling motor device

Abstract

A trolling motor device including an extendable / retractable length drive unit. Preferably, the drive unit is a telescoping drive unit.

Description

CONTINUING INFORMATION [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11 / 396,592 filed on Apr. 4, 2006 and U.S. application Ser. No. 11 / 341,506 filed on Jan. 30, 2006.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention is directed to a trolling motor device, in particular to a retractable or telescoping trolling motor device. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Currently, there exist a number of electrical powered trolling motors for use with smaller boats, in particular fishing or bass boats. Typically, the trolling motor is mounted on top of the deck at or adjacent the bow or stern of the fishing or bass boat. [0004] The conventional trolling motor includes a mounting unit having a mounting plate, which is fastened to the deck of the boat. The drive unit is pivotably connected to the mounting unit so that the drive unit can be lifted upwards out of the water and pivoted by a pull cord connected to the mounting unit so that the drive unit then lays do...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0031] The drive unit includes an upper steering unit and a lower drive unit. A drive unit housing connects the upper steering unit to the lower drive unit. In some embodiments of the transom mounted version of the trolling motor device according to the present invention, the steering unit may be eliminated.

[0058] The adjustable height drive unit (e.g. telescoping drive unit) according to the present invention can be configured to change height by the use of manual, mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and / or pneumatic actuation. A simple manual and mechanical height adjustment is preferred in many applications due to the simplicity, ease of operation and durability of such adjustable height mechanism for the adjustable height drive unit (e.g. telescoping drive unit). For example, a handle to be actuated by a user's hand to lift and lower (i.e. shorten and lengthen) the adjustable height drive unit can be suitable for some applications. More specifically, a handle attached to a wire or cable connected internally within the adjustable height drive unit to change the height of the drive unit can be a good arrangement. For instance, a user grips the handle and lift upwardly to both reduce the height of the drive unit, and serially or simultaneously actuates the mounting device to raise the drive unit onto the deck of the boat in a one-step or two-step operation. To return the drive unit to the water, the user simples again lifts up on the handle to drop the drive unit into the water and continues to release the handle to allow the drive unit to lengthen to its operational length.

Problems solved by technology

The long length of the drive unit and mounting unit take up deck space and substantially interfere with the user fishing from the deck of the boat.

Further, the amount of force required to lift the drive unit using the pull cord in and out of the boat is significant due to the long length of the drive unit.

Images