Quick release hydraulic steering system for marine outboard engine

Abstract

A fastener system 10 for fastening a hydraulic steering system to an outboard engine comprises a bracket 11 configured to attach to both an outboard engine and a hydraulic steering system; a first fas

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a quick release fastening system for a marine outboard engine, a boat having a fastener system for fastening a hydraulic steering system to a marine outboard engine, and a method of fastening and removing a hydraulic steering system to and from a marine outboard engine. BACKGROUND Outboard engines are commonly used to propel watercraft such as small boats, and may be mounted to the boat by a mounting bracket that allows the engine to rotate for easy steering. An outboard engine can be rotated manually, with a tiller arm, or remotely, often using a hydraulic steering system. An example simple hydraulic steering system comprises a steering wheel at the helm of the boat, which the driver rotates to input a preferred direction of travel, and two tubes connected to the steering wheel that extend to the transom of the boat and connect to either side of a hydraulic steering cylinder, which is fastened to the outboard engine. In this example, when the driver turns the steering wheel to make a port turn, fluid is released into the port-side tube and enters the steering cylinder, causing the cylinder to actuate. As the steering cylinder is fastened to the outboard engine, which comprises a propulsion unit of some sort, the outboard engine and the attached propulsion unit rotate in accordance with the actuation of the steering cylinder, changing the direction of travel of the boat accordingly. Due to spatial restrictions associated with a typical transom and splash well of a boat, current hydraulic steering systems have a disadvantage in that the steering cylinder of the hydraulic steering system must be fastened to the outboard engine before the outboard engine is attached to the boat. However, this may make installing the outboard engine onto the boat more difficult. The hydraulic steering system must also be fastened to the outboard engine with a number of fastening members, each of which can be time consuming to attach and remove. Furthermore, most hydraulic steering systems are incompatible with an outboard engine that is fitted with a tiller arm and thumb screw clamp brackets. SUMMARY In one aspect, the invention provides a fastening system for fastening a hydraulic steering system to an outboard engine, comprising a bracket configured to attach to both the outboard engine and the hydraulic steering system, and a first fastening member configured to secure the bracket to the hydraulic steering system. The fastening system further comprises a first inset member configured to be partially inserted into a first receiving member of the outboard engine, such that, in use, a first portion of the first inset member is received by the first receiving member and a second portion of the first inset member protrudes from the first receiving member. The fastener system further comprises a first steering arm configured on one end to attach rotatably to the hydraulic steering system, and a second end configured to attach to the second portion of the first inset member. The fastener system also comprises a second inset member configured to be partially inserted into another receiving member of the outboard engine such that, in use, a first portion of the second inset member is received by the second receiving member and a second portion of the second inset member protrudes from the second receiving member. The fastener system further comprises a second steering arm having a first end configured to attach rotatably to the hydraulic steering system, and a second end configured to hook onto the second portion of the second inset member. The fastening system also comprises a second fastening member configured to secure the second steering arm to the second inset member. Preferably, the bracket is configured to attach to a mounting bracket of the outboard engine and a pivot plate of the hydraulic steering system. In such an example, the first fastening member is configured to secure the bracket to the pivot plate of the hydraulic steering system. The first end of the first steering arm is configured to attach rotatably to the pivot rod of the hydraulic steering system, and the first end of the second steering arm is configured to attach rotatably to the pivot rod of the hydraulic steering system. In some embodiments, the third fastening member is configured to slide over the second portion of the second inset member and to fasten to the outboard engine. In such an embodiment, a first cover member is configured to fasten to an end of the second portion of the first inset member, and a second cover member is configured to fasten to an end of the second portion of the second inset member. In some embodiments, the first and second receiving members of the outboard engine are first and second ends of a tubular member of the outboard engine, and the third fastening member is configured to fasten to the tubular member of the outboard engine. In some embodiments, the third fastening member when fastened onto the outboard engine is configured to be adjusted such that the second steering arm is substantially positionally fixed with respect to the second inset member and secured between the third fastening member and second cover member. Preferably, the third fastening member is configured to screw onto the tubular member of the outboard engine, and adjusting the third fastening member comprises screwing or unscrewing the third fastening member. In some embodiments, the first cover member and second cover member are caps configured to attach to the first and second inset members using one of: a press fit, an interference fit, or a threaded connection. In some embodiments, the first steering arm is permanently attached to the first steering inset. In some embodiments, the bracket comprises a fork configured to receive the pivot plate of the outboard engine. In some embodiments, the first fastening member is a clevis pin. In some embodiments, the second fastening member is a dual clevis pin. In some embodiments, the bracket is attached to the outboard engine such that a tiller arm is additionally attachable to the outboard engine. Preferably, the components of the fastener system are manufactured from aluminium and optionally comprises a corrosion inhibiting plating. In some embodiments, the fastening system is a hydraulic steering system fastening system. In another aspect, the invention provides a fastener system and outboard engine, wherein the fastener system comprises a bracket configured to attach to both the outboard engine and a hydraulic steering system for use with the outboard engine, and a first fastening member configured to secure the bracket to the hydraulic steering system. The fastening system further comprises a first inset member configured to be partially inserted into a first receiving member of the outboard engine, such that, in use, a first portion of the first inset member is received by the first receiving member and a second portion of the first inset member protrudes from the first receiving member. The fastening system further comprises a first steering arm having a first end configured to attach rotatably to the hydraulic steering system, and a second end configured to attach to the second portion of the first inset member. The fastening system also comprises a second inset member configured to be partially inserted into a second receiving member of the outboard engine, such that, in use, a first portion of the second inset member is received by the second receiving member and a second portion of the second inset member protrudes from the second receiving member. The fastener system further comprises a second steering arm configured having a first end configured to attach rotatably to the hydraulic steering system, and a second end configured to hook onto the second portion of the second inset member. The fastening system also comprises a second fastening member configured to secure the second steering arm to the second inset member. In another aspect, the invention provides a fastener system and hydraulic steering system for an outboard engine, wherein the fastener system comprises a bracket configured to attach to both an outboard engine and the hydraulic steering system, and a first fastening member configured to secure the bracket to the hydraulic steering system. The fastening system further comprises a first inset member configured to be partially inserted into a first receiving member of the outboard engine, such that, in use, a first portion of the first inset member is received by the first receiving member and a second portion of the first inset member protrudes from the first receiving member. The fastening system further comprises a first steering arm having a first end configured to attach rotatably to the hydraulic steering system, and a second end configured to attach to the second portion of the first inset member. The fastening system also comprises a second inset member configured to be partially inserted into a second receiving member of the outboard engine, such that, in use, a first portion of the second inset member is received by the second receiving member and a second portion of the second inset member protrudes from the second receiving member. The fastener system further comprises a second steering arm configured having a first end configured to attach rotatably to the hydraulic steering system, and a second end configured to hook onto the second portion of the second inset member. The fastening system also comprises a second fastening member configured to secure the second steering arm to the second inset member. In another aspect, the invention provides a boat comprising an outboard engine, a hydraulic steering system for the outboard engine, and a fastening system for attaching the hydraulic steering system to the outboard engine, the fastening system comprising a bracket configured to attach to both the outboard engine and the hydraulic steering system, and a first fastening member configured to secure the bracket to the hydraulic steering system. The fastening system further comprises a first inset member configured to be partially inserted into a first receiving member of the outboard engine, such that, in use, a first portion of the first inset member is received by the first receiving member and a second portion of the first inset member protrudes from the first receiving member. The fastening system further comprises a first steering arm having a first end configured to attach rotatably to the hydraulic steering system, and a second end configured to attach to the second portion of the first inset member. The fastening system also comprises a second inset member configured to be partially inserted into a second receiving member of the outboard engine, such that, in use, a first portion of the second inset member is received by the second receiving member and a second portion of the second inset member protrudes from the second receiving member. The fastener system further comprises a second steering arm configured having a first end configured to attach rotatably to the hydraulic steering system, and a second end configured to hook onto the second portion of the second inset member. The fastening system also comprises a second fastening member configured to secure the second steering arm to the second inset member. In another aspect, the invention provides a method for removing a hydraulic steering system from an outboard engine by a fastener system, the method comprising removing a first fastening member, and de-attaching the pivot plate of the hydraulic steering system from the steering bracket of the fastening system. The method then comprises unhooking a second steering arm from the second portion of the second inset member, wherein unhooking the second steering arm comprises rotating the second steering arm away from the second portion of the second inset member, such that the second steering arm rotates about its first end, while the first end of the second steering arm remains attached to the hydraulic steering system. The method further comprises sliding the hydraulic steering system and the second steering arm away from the outboard engine, such that the hydraulic steering system is removed from the steering bracket and the first inset member is removed from the first receiving member of the outboard engine. An object of the present invention is to provide a fastener for fastening a hydraulic steering system to an outboard engine before or after the outboard engine is mounted to a boat or other watercraft. Another object of the invention is to provide a fastening system that enables quick release of the fasteners, saving time whilst replacing or repairing the hydraulic steering system. A further object of the invention is to provide a fastening system that can be used for an outboard engine with a tiller arm and / or thumb screw clamp brackets. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figures 1a, 1b, and 1c are respectively perspective, plan and side schematic illustrations of an assembled fastening system, according to the present invention; Figure 2a illustrates a fastening system fastened to a steering cylinder of an outboard engine, according to the present invention; Figure 2b illustrates portion C of Figure 2a; Figures 3a and 3b illustrate an operation of a quick release mechanism of the fastening system, according to the present invention, where Figure 3a is a plan view looking down on the mechanism, and Figure 3b is a perspective view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Described herein is fastener system 10 for fastening a hydraulic steering system to an outboard engine (which may also be referred to as a hydraulic steering fastener system). In one, non-limiting example, the fastener system 10 comprises a bracket 11 configured to attach to both an outboard engine and a hydraulic steering system, a first fastening member 12 configured to secure the bracket 11 to the hydraulic steering system; a first inset member 14a configured to be partially inserted into a first receiving member 24 of the outboard engine, such that, in use, a first portion of the first inset member 14a is received by the first receiving member 24 and a second portion of the first inset member 14a protrudes from the first receiving member 24; a first steering arm 13 having a first end configured to attach rotatably to the hydraulic steering system, and a second end configured to attach to the second portion of the first inset member 14a; a second inset member 14b, configured to be partially inserted into a second receiving member of the outboard engine; a second steering arm 17 having a first end configured to attach rotatably to the hydraulic steering system, and a second end configured to hook onto the second portion of the second inset member 14b; and a second fastening member 15 configured to secure the second steering arm 17 to the second inset member 14b. It will be appreciated that the use of the terms “first”, “second” and “third” are used purely to provide clarity of explanation, and that a “first” feature may equally be referred to as a “second” feature, and vice versa. Similarly, a “third” feature may be described as a “first” feature, and so on. Also described herein is a system, or kit, which includes a fastener system 10 and a hydraulic steering system, and / or a system which includes a fastener system 10 and an outboard motor, and / or a system which includes a fastener system 10, a hydraulic steering system, and an outboard motor. In one example, the outboard motor is suitable for steering and / or propelling a boat, or similar marine craft or vessel. Further described herein is a boat which includes an outboard motor, a hydraulic steering system and the fastener system 10. The fastener system (10) may, in one example, be suitable for retrofitting to an existing hydraulic steering system and / or outboard motor. A method of attaching a hydraulic steering system to an outboard motor using the fastener system, and a method of de-attaching (or removing) the hydraulic system from the outboard motor, the hydraulic system having been attached to the outboard motor using the fastener system 10, is also described. Non-limiting embodiments of the fastening system are illustrated in Figures 1a, 1b and 1c. In this illustrated embodiment, the fastening system 10 comprises a bracket 11, a first fastening member 12, a first inset member 14a, a steering arm 13 (hereinafter referred to as a first steering arm 13), a steering arm 17 (hereinafter referred to as a second steering arm 17), an inset member 14b (hereinafter referred to as a second inset member 14b), and a second fastening member 15. The second steering arm 17 is configured to attach temporarily to the second inset member 14b and to be secured thereto by the second fastening member 15. Said another way, the second steering arm 17 is configured so as to be removable or de-attachable from the second inset member 14b. Preferably, the fastening system also comprises first and second cover members 16a and 16b, and a third fastening member 18. When the fastener system 10 is attached or connected to the outboard motor, the first and second steering arms 13 and 17 are secured in place by the first and second cover members 16a and 16b, and the second steering arm 17 is also secured in place by the third fastening member 18. The first and second steering arms 13 and 17 may be collectively referred to as the steering arms 13 and 17. The first and second inset members 14a and 14b may be collectively referred to as the inset members 14. The first and second cover members 16a and 16b may be collectively referred to as the cover members 16. The fastening system components are preferably manufactured from aluminium and in one example, are provided with a corrosion inhibiting plating, or coating. Of course, other suitable materials, or combinations of materials, may be employed. The fastening system is preferably a hydraulic steering fastener system or marine hydraulic fastener system, used to fasten a hydraulic steering system to a marine outboard engine. However, in one example it is possible with minor adjustments to use the fastener system described to instead fasten a cable steering system to a marine outboard engine. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1a, 1b and 1c, the fastener system 10 is configured such that, when assembled, the first steering arm 13, first inset member 14a, and cover member 16a are on the port side of a boat, and the second steering arm 17, second inset member 14b, second cover member 16b, third fastening member 18, and second fastening member 15 are on the starboard side of the boat. The hydraulic steering system is then released from the outboard engine by removing it in the port direction, which is described in more detail later. However, this configuration is not intended to be limiting. The assembled invention may easily be configured such that the first steering arm 13, first inset member 14a, and cover member 16a are on the starboard side, and the second steering arm 17, second inset member 14b, second cover member 16b, third fastening member 18, and second fastening member 15 are on the port side of the boat. The hydraulic steering system would then be released first on the starboard side. Generally, the fastening system 10 attaches to the hydraulic steering system by the bracket 11, first fastening member 12, first steering arm 13, and second steering arm 17, and attaches to the outboard engine by the bracket 11, first inset member 14a, and second inset member 14b (see Figure 3a). As illustrated in Figures 1a, 1b and 1c, the fastener system 10 attaches to a pivot plate 22 which is itself connected to a steering cylinder 21 of the hydraulic steering system. This attachment is formed by the bracket 11 and first fastening member 12 of the fastener system 10, wherein the pivot plate 22 slides underneath the bracket 11 and is fastened thereto by the first fastening member 12. The fastener system 10 of Figure 1 further attaches to each end of a pivot rod 23, which runs through the steering cylinder 21 by the steering arms 13 and 17, such that the steering cylinder 21 can move from side to side as the hydraulic steering system is operated. In the example of Figure 1a, 1b and 1c, the bracket 11 allows the pivot plate 22 to pivot at the first fastening member 12. As illustrated, in this non-limiting example, the bracket 11 comprises a fork, between the arms of which the pivot plate 22 may be inserted and secured. The pivot plate 22 is secured to the bracket 11 by the first fastening member 12, such that the pivot plate 22 may pivot around the first fastening member 12 in order to tilt the outboard engine during steering. This arrangement is best understood from Figure 1c, which illustrates a side view of the fastener system shown in Figure 1a. In standard fastening systems, the pivot plate 22 of the hydraulic steering system would typically be secured with a bolted fixing instead of the first fastening member 12 which, as shown in Figures 1a, 1b and 1c, secures the pivot plate 22 to the bracket 11 of the fastener system 10. Therefore, in the present invention as illustrated in Figures 1a, 1b and 1c, the bracket 11 is advantageously able to support the pivot plate 22, hence avoiding the pivot plate 22 dropping or tilting downwards. The first fastening member 12 therefore may only need to form a connection between the pivot plate 22 and the bracket 11. The novel combination of the bracket 11 and first fastening member 12 as an alternative to a typical bolted fixing also allows the bracket 11 to be mounted onto the outboard engine in addition to a tiller arm (not shown here). This arrangement would not usually be possible, as the hydraulic steering system would typically be fastened to the outboard engine using the same mounting bracket that a tiller arm would otherwise be attached to. The first fastening member 12 may be, for example, a clevis pin, a bolt, or the like. The first fastening member 12 may secure the pivot plate 22 between the fork of the bracket 11 by being inserted through the fork of the bracket 11 and the pivot plate 22. The steering arms 13 and 17 are each configured to attach to an end of the pivot rod 23. For example, the steering arms 13 and 17 may both comprise a hole which enables them to slide onto the ends of the pivot rod 23 of the steering cylinder 21. In one example, the steering arms 13 and 17 are attached rotatably to the pivot rod 23, such that the steering arms 13, 17 can rotate around the pivot rod 23 while attached. In one example, placing the pivot plate 22 into the steering bracket 11 is the final stage of installing the hydraulic steering system to the outboard engine using the fastener system 10. By allowing the second steering arm 17 to rotate around the pivot rod 23, the pivot plate 22 may be easily picked up and placed into the bracket 11, which may not otherwise be possible, or which may be more difficult. The rotatable attachment of the second steering arm 17 also allows for the quick release of the hydraulic steering system 10 from the outboard engine, as will be further described below. Typically, pivot rods 23 of hydraulic steering systems have on both ends a region of a smaller diameter, followed by a region with a larger diameter closer to the steering cylinder 21. In such an embodiment, the steering arms 13 and 17 may be configured to only fit onto the region of smaller diameter, as illustrated in Figure 1b, such that they are prevented by the increased rod diameter from sliding closer to the steering cylinder 21. When assembled, the fastening system 10 may connect to a tubular member 24 of the outboard engine by the inset members 14, the steering arms 13 and 17, the second fastening member 15, the cover members 16, and the third fastening member 18, as illustrated in Figure 1a. The inset members 14 (14a, 14b) are each configured to insert into a receiving member of the outboard engine. In this example, the receiving members each correspond to one end of a hollow tubular member 24. Said another way, each end of the tubular member 24 of Figures 1a, 1b, 1c is an example of a receiving member. In one example, the tubular member 24 may be a tilt tube. Typically, a tilt tube in an outboard motor connects the outboard engine to a transom of the boat and allows the motor to pivot. The tilt tube may act as a sleeve or pipe that houses a steering cable, for example. The inset members 14a, 14b insert into either end of the tubular member 24 (or, generally, the receiving member) such that, when assembled, a region of each the inset members 14a, 14b remains protruding externally from the tubular member 24. This region may be referred to as an ‘external region’ of the inset members 14; alternatively or additionally, the region of the inset member 14a, 14b which is inserted into the tubular member 24 may be referred to as a first portion, and the region which protrudes from the tubular member 24 may be referred to as a second portion. In the present example, the two steering arms 13 and 17 are configured to attach to the external or protruding region (i.e. the second portion) of the inset members 14a and 14b, respectively. The inset members 14a and 14b may be substantially identical to one another, such that they can be interchanged without effect. The steering arms 13,17 may have a curved or an S-shape. In the present example, the first inset member 14a is secured substantially permanently to the first steering arm 13 with the first cover member 16a. In contrast, the second steering arm 17 is fastened to the second inset member 14b with the use of the second fastening member 15, which is described in more detail below. In some examples, including the example shown in Figures 1a, 1b, and 1c, the second steering arm 17 is secured between the second cover member 16b and the third fastening member 18, such that the second steering arm 17 cannot move laterally along the second inset member 14b when the fastener system 10 is assembled. Said another way, the second steering arm 17 is positionally fixed with respect to the second inset member 14b. The third fastening member 18 is configured to fasten to the tubular member 24, as shown in Figure 1a and 1b, such as by screwing. The third fastening member 18 may be, for example, a nut configured to screw onto and off of a thread. The third fastening member 18 secures the second steering arm 17 in place and, in some examples, allows for adjustments to the second steering arm 17 when needed. For example, if the third fastening member 18 is a nut, the nut can be tightened or loosened as needed to ensure that the second steering arm 17 is secured firmly between the third fastening member 18 and the second cover member 16b. It will of course be appreciated that the third fastening member may not be a nut but a different suitable fixing type. The second steering arm 17 is located on the starboard-side of the tubular member 24 in the present example. The second steering arm 17 fastens to the second inset member 14b when used with the second fastening member 15. For example, the second steering arm 17 may be shaped to slot onto the second inset member 14b, and is configured such that the second fastening member 15 may fasten the second steering arm 17 to the second inset member 14b. In the non-limiting example illustrated in Figure 1c, the end of the second steering arm 17 is formed in a u-shape. The second steering arm 17 could also be formed in a hooked shape, a c-shape, or any other suitable shape. This advantageously allows the second steering arm 17 to be removed efficiently from the second inset member 14b simply by removing the second fastening member 15. In one example, the second fastening member 15 may be a clevis pin, a dual clevis pin, or the like. In one example, the second fastening member 15 may be longitudinally insertable into the second steering arm 17 along an axis parallel to the tubular member 24, or may be insertable into the second steering arm 17 along an axis perpendicular to an axis of the tubular member 24, as shown in Figure 3a. The cover members 16a, 16b are configured to respectively fasten to the end of the inset members 14a, 14b. The cover members 16a, 16b may be, for example, end caps, and may attach through a push fit, friction fit, screw fit, or other attachment method. In this example, the inset members 14a, 14b are cylindrically shaped. The end of the inset members 14a, 14b may refer to the base of the cylinder which is farthest from the tubular member 24 when the fastening system 10 is assembled. In this example, the cover members 16a, 16b are slightly larger than the diameter of the inset members 14a, 14b, such that, when fully assembled, the cover members 16a, 16b secure the steering arms 13 and 17, respectively, so that they cannot move laterally along the inset members 14a, 14b. The cover members 16a, 16b may be substantially identical, such that the first cover member 16a and the second cover member 16b may be interchanged without effect. A hydraulic steering system fastened to an outboard engine using the fastening system 10 is shown in Figure 2a and in Figure 2b, which illustrates in more detail portion C of Figure 2a. While in use, for example on a boat, the driver may turn a steering wheel or other remote direction control unit to make a port turn. The hydraulic steering system will cause the steering cylinder 21 to shift along the pivot rod 23. When the steering cylinder 21 shifts along the pivot rod 23, the pivot plate 22 pivots at the first fastening member 12, whilst the steering arms 13 and 17 each remain stationary. The bracket 11 therefore rotates, enabling steering of the outboard engine. At this time, the cover members 16a, 16b prevent the steering arms 13 and 17 from shifting along the inset members 14a, 14b. The second steering arm 17 is also secured onto the second inset member 14b on the starboard-side by the second fastening member 15 and the third fastening member 18. The outboard engine of Figure 2a is also equipped with a tiller arm. As illustrated in this example, the bracket 11 may be advantageously secured onto the same mount at the same time as a tiller handle, whilst working independently. It is therefore possible for an outboard engine to be equipped with both a remote hydraulic steering system, and a tiller arm for manual steering when desired. The present invention is therefore convenient for the user, who may switch between remotely steering with the quick release steering system, or manually steering with the tiller arm. A process for removing a hydraulic steering system which has been attached to an outboard engine using the quick release fastening system 10 is now described with reference to Figure 3a and Figure 3b. When the previously attached hydraulic steering system is desired to be released from the outboard engine, the user removes the first fastening member 12 from the bracket 11, and the second fastening member 15 from the second steering arm 17. The second steering arm may then be lifted off of the second inset member 14b, as shown in Figure 3b. The second inset member 14b meanwhile remains inserted within the tubular member 24. The hydraulic steering system may be removed from the outboard engine by sliding the hydraulic steering system in the direction of port, as shown in the example of Figure 3a, such that the pivot plate 22 is removed from between the fork of the bracket 11, and the first inset member 14a is removed from the tubular member 24. The second inset member 14b, the second cover member 16b, the third fastening member 18, and the bracket 11 meanwhile remain connected to the outboard engine. The arrows of Figures 3a and 3b show the direction of motion of the hydraulic steering system while being removed from the outboard engine in the current example. Of course, the direction of motion can be reversed if the first steering arm 13, first inset member 14a, and first cover member 16a are configured to be on the starboard side, and the second steering arm 17, second inset member 14b, second cover member 16b, second fastening member 15 and third fastening member 18 are configured to be on the port side. In such an example, the positioning of the steering bracket 11 and first fastening member 12 do not change. In one example, second inset member 14b may remain inserted into one end of the tubular member 24 in order to facilitate quick reattachment of the hydraulic steering system using the fastener system 10. In this way, the hydraulic steering system may be removed from the outboard engine in an efficient, time-saving manner, as fewer fasteners are used than in a conventional system. Furthermore, this method may be performed while the outboard engine is mounted to the watercraft. The outboard engine does not need to be removed in order to repair or replace the hydraulic steering system. To attach (or to re-attach) the hydraulic steering system to the outboard engine, the user may slide the pivot plate 22 into the bracket 11 whilst inserting the first inset member 14a into the port side of the tubular member 24. The second steering arm 17 can be slotted or hooked onto the second inset member 14b, and the first fastening member 12 and the second fastening member 15 may be attached or replaced to secure the fastening system 10. Hence, time is saved when re-installing the hydraulic steering system onto the onboard engine after repairing, maintaining, transporting, or replacing the steering system. Furthermore, as mentioned above, this method can be performed while the onboard engine is already mounted to the boat, which is not possible with conventional fastening systems, so there is no need to remove the outboard engine whilst re-installing the hydraulic steering system. Routine maintenance thus becomes efficient and easy. It will be appreciated that in this or in different examples, the steps of the above-described process may vary, and steps may be re-arranged, carried out in a different order or even omitted. REFERENCE NUMERALS 10 - Fastener System 11 - Bracket 12 - First Fastening Member 14 (a, b) - Inset Member 15 - Second Fastening Member 13, 17 - Steering Arms 16 (a, b) - Cover Member 18 - Third Fastening Member 21 - Steering Cylinder 22 - Pivot Plate 23 - Pivot Rods 24 - Tubular Member

Claims

1. A fastener system (10) for fastening a hydraulic steering system to an outboard engine; the fastener system (10) comprising:a bracket (11) configured to attach to both an outboard engine and a hydraulic steering system;a first fastening member (12) configured to secure the bracket (11) to the hydraulic steering system;a first inset member (14a) configured to be partially inserted into a first receiving member (24) of the outboard engine, such that, in use, a first portion of the first inset member (14a) is received by the first receiving member (24) and a second portion of the first inset member (14a) protrudes from the first receiving member (24);a first steering arm (13) having a first end configured to attach rotatably to the hydraulic steering system, and a second end configured to attach to the second portion of the first inset member (14a);a second inset member (14b), configured to be partially inserted into a second receiving member of the outboard engine, such that, in use, a first portion of the second inset member (14b) is received by the second receiving member and a second portion of the second inset member (14b) protrudes from the second receiving member;a second steering arm (17) having a first end configured to attach rotatably to the hydraulic steering system, and a second end configured to hook onto the second portion of the second inset member (14b); anda second fastening member (15) configured to secure the second steering arm (17) to the second inset member (14b).

2. The fastener system (10) of claim 1, wherein the outboard engine comprises a mounting bracket, and the hydraulic steering system comprises a pivot plate (22) and a pivot rod (23), and:the bracket (11) is configured to attach to the mounting bracket of the outboard engine and the pivot plate (22) of the hydraulic steering system;the first fastening member (12) is configured to secure the bracket (11) to the pivot plate (22) of the hydraulic steering system;the first end of the first steering arm (13) is configured to attach rotatably to a first end of the pivot rod (23) of the hydraulic steering system;the first end of the second steering arm (17) is configured to attach rotatably to a second end of the pivot rod (23) of the hydraulic steering system.

3. The fastener system (10) of any preceding claim, further comprising:a third fastening member (18) configured to slide over the second portion of the second inset member (14b) and to fasten to the outboard engine;a first cover member (16a) configured to fasten to an end of the second portion of the first inset member (14a); and,a second cover member (16b) configured to fasten to an end of the second portion of the second inset member (14b).

4. The fastener system (10) of claim 3 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the first and second receiving members of the outboard engine are first and second ends of a tubular member (24) of the outboard engine, and wherein the third fastening member (18) is configured to fasten to the tubular member (24) of the outboard engine.

5. The fastener system (10) of any of claims 3 or 4, wherein the third fastening member (18), when fastened to the outboard engine, is configured to be adjusted such that the second steering arm (17) is substantially positionally fixed with respect to the second inset member (14b) and secured between the third fastening member (18) and the second cover member (16b).

6. The fastener system (10) of claim 5, wherein the third fastening member (18) is configured to screw onto the tubular member (24) of the outboard engine, and wherein adjusting the third fastening member (18) comprises screwing or unscrewing the third fastening member (18).

7. The fastener system (10) of any of claims 3-6, wherein the first cover member (16a) and second cover member (16b) are caps configured to attach to the first and second inset members using one of: a press fit, an interference fit, a threaded connection.

8. The fastener system (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the first steering arm (13) is permanently attached to the first steering inset (14a).

9. The fastener system (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the bracket (11) comprises a fork configured to receive the pivot plate of the outboard engine.

10. The fastener system (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the first fastening member (12) is a clevis pin.

11. The fastener system (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the second fastening member (15) is a dual clevis pin.

12. The fastener system (10) of any preceding claim, configured to attach to the outboard engine such that a tiller arm is additionally attachable to the outboard engine.

13. The fastener system (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the fastener system (10) is of aluminium and optionally comprises a corrosion inhibiting plating.

14. The fastener system (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the fastener system (10) is a hydraulic steering system fastener system.

15. A system comprising a fastener system (10) and an outboard engine,wherein the fastener system (10) comprises:a bracket (11) configured to attach to both the outboard engine and a hydraulic steering system for use with the outboard engine;a first fastening member (12) configured to secure the bracket (11) to the hydraulic steering system;a first inset member (14a) configured to be partially inserted into a first receiving member of the outboard engine, such that, in use, a first portion of the first inset member (14a) is received by the first receiving member and a second portion of the first inset member (14a) protrudes from the first receiving member;a first steering arm (13) having a first end configured to attach rotatably to the hydraulic steering system, and a second end configured to attach to the second portion of the first inset member (14a);a second inset member (14b), configured to be partially inserted into a second receiving member of the outboard engine, such that, in use, a first portion of the second inset member (14b) is received by the second receiving member and a second portion of the second inset member (14b) protrudes from the second receiving member;a second steering arm (17) having a first end configured to attach rotatably to the hydraulic steering system, and a second end configured to hook onto the second portion of the second inset member (14b); anda second fastening member (15) configured to secure the second steering arm (17) to the second inset member (14b).

16. A fastener system (10) and a hydraulic steering system for an outboard engine, the fastener system (10) comprising:a bracket (11) configured to attach to both an outboard engine and the hydraulic steering system;a first fastening member (12) configured to secure the bracket (11) to the hydraulic steering system;a first inset member (14a) configured to be partially inserted into a first receiving member of the outboard engine, such that, in use, a first portion of the first inset member (14a) is received by the first receiving member and a second portion of the first inset member (14a) protrudes from the first receiving member;a first steering arm (13) having a first end configured to attach rotatably to the hydraulic steering system, and a second end configured to attach to the second portion of the first inset member (14a);a second inset member (14b), configured to be partially inserted into a second receiving member of the outboard engine, such that, in use, a first portion of the second inset member (14b) is received by the second receiving member and a second portion of the second inset member (14b) protrudes from the second receiving member;a second steering arm (17) having a first end configured to attach rotatably to the hydraulic steering system, and a second end configured to hook onto the second portion of the second inset member (14b); anda second fastening member (15) configured to secure the second steering arm (17) to the second inset member (14b).

17. A boat comprising an outboard engine, a hydraulic steering system for the outboard engine, and a fastener system (10) for attaching the hydraulic steering system to the outboard engine, wherein the fastener system (10) comprises:a bracket (11) configured to attach to both the outboard engine and the hydraulic steering system;a first fastening member (12) configured to secure the bracket (11) to the hydraulic steering system;a first inset member (14a) configured to be partially inserted into a first receiving member of the outboard engine, such that, in use, a first portion of the first inset member (14a) is received by the first receiving member and a second portion of the first inset member (14a) protrudes from the first receiving member;a first steering arm (13) having a first end configured to attach rotatably to the hydraulic steering system, and a second end configured to attach to the second portion of the first inset member (14a);a second inset member (14b), configured to be partially inserted into a second receiving member of the outboard engine, such that, in use, a first portion of the second inset member (14b) is received by the second receiving member and a second portion of the second inset member (14b) protrudes from the second receiving member;a second steering arm (17) having a first end configured to attach rotatably to the hydraulic steering system, and a second end configured to hook onto the second portion of the second inset member (14b); anda second fastening member (15) configured to secure the second steering arm (17) to the second inset member (14b).

18. A method for removing a hydraulic steering system attached to an outboard engine by the fastener system (10) of any one of claims 1 to 17, the method comprising:removing the first fastening member (12);de-attaching the pivot plate of the hydraulic steering system from the steering bracket (11) of the fastening system (10),unhooking the second end of the second steering arm (17) from the second portion of the second inset member (14b), wherein unhooking the second steering arm (17) comprises rotating the second steering arm (17) away from the second portion of the second inset member (14b), such that the second steering arm (14b) rotates about its first end, while the first end of the second steering arm (17) remains attached to the hydraulic steering system; andsliding the hydraulic steering system and the second steering arm (17) away from the outboard engine, such that the hydraulic steering system is removed from the steering bracket (11) and the first inset member (14a) is removed from the first receiving member of the outboard engine.12 03 26Amendments to the Claims have been filed as follows;CLAIMS:

1. A fastener system (10) for fastening a hydraulic steering system to an outboard engine; the fastener system (10) comprising:a bracket (11) configured to attach to both an outboard engine and a hydraulic steering system;a first fastening member (12) configured to secure the bracket (11) to the hydraulic steering system;a first inset member (14a) configured to be partially inserted into a first receiving member (24) of the outboard engine, such that, in use, a first portion of the first inset member (14a) is received by the first receiving member (24) and a second portion of the first inset member (14a) protrudes from the first receiving member (24);a first steering arm (13) having a first end configured to attach rotatably to the hydraulic steering system, and a second end configured to attach to the second portion of the first inset member (14a);a second inset member (14b), configured to be partially inserted into a second receiving member of the outboard engine, such that, in use, a first portion of the second inset member (14b) is received by the second receiving member and a second portion of the second inset member (14b) protrudes from the second receiving member;a second steering arm (17) having a first end configured to attach rotatably to the hydraulic steering system, and a second end configured to hook onto the second portion of the second inset member (14b); anda second fastening member (15) configured to secure the second steering arm (17) to the second inset member (14b).

2. The fastener system (10) of claim 1, wherein the outboard engine comprises a mounting bracket, and the hydraulic steering system comprises a pivot plate (22) and a pivot rod (23), and:the bracket (11) is configured to attach to the mounting bracket of the outboard engine and the pivot plate (22) of the hydraulic steering system;the first fastening member (12) is configured to secure the bracket (11) to the pivot plate (22) of the hydraulic steering system;12 03 26the first end of the first steering arm (13) is configured to attach rotatably to a first end of the pivot rod (23) of the hydraulic steering system;the first end of the second steering arm (17) is configured to attach rotatably to a second end of the pivot rod (23) of the hydraulic steering system.

3. The fastener system (10) of any preceding claim, further comprising:a third fastening member (18) configured to slide over the second portion of the second inset member (14b) and to fasten to the outboard engine;a first cover member (16a) configured to fasten to an end of the second portion of the first inset member (14a); and,a second cover member (16b) configured to fasten to an end of the second portion of the second inset member (14b).

4. The fastener system (10) of claim 3 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the first and second receiving members of the outboard engine are first and second ends of a tubular member (24) of the outboard engine, and wherein the third fastening member (18) is configured to fasten to the tubular member (24) of the outboard engine.

5. The fastener system (10) of any of claims 3 or 4, wherein the third fastening member (18), when fastened to the outboard engine, is configured to be adjusted such that the second steering arm (17) is substantially positionally fixed with respect to the second inset member (14b) and secured between the third fastening member (18) and the second cover member (16b).

6. The fastener system (10) of claim 5, wherein the third fastening member (18) is configured to screw onto the tubular member (24) of the outboard engine, and wherein adjusting the third fastening member (18) comprises screwing or unscrewing the third fastening member (18).12 03 267. The fastener system (10) of any of claims 3-6, wherein the first cover member (16a) and second cover member (16b) are caps configured to attach to the first and second inset members using one of: a press fit, an interference fit, a threaded connection.

8. The fastener system (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the first steering arm (13) is permanently attached to the first steering inset (14a).

9. The fastener system (10) of claim 2 or any of claims 3-8 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the bracket (11) comprises a fork configured to receive the pivot plate of the outboard engine.

10. The fastener system (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the first fastening member (12) is a clevis pin.

11. The fastener system (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the second fastening member (15) is a dual clevis pin.

12. The fastener system (10) of any preceding claim, configured to attach to the outboard engine such that a tiller arm is additionally attachable to the outboard engine.

13. The fastener system (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the fastener system (10) is of aluminium.

14. The fastener system (10) of claim 13, wherein the fastener system (10) comprises a corrosion inhibiting plating.

15. The fastener system (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the fastener system (10) is a hydraulic steering system fastener system.12 03 2616. A system comprising a fastener system (10) and an outboard engine,wherein the fastener system (10) comprises:a bracket (11) configured to attach to both the outboard engine and a hydraulic steering system for use with the outboard engine;a first fastening member (12) configured to secure the bracket (11) to the hydraulic steering system;a first inset member (14a) configured to be partially inserted into a first receiving member of the outboard engine, such that, in use, a first portion of the first inset member (14a) is received by the first receiving member and a second portion of the first inset member (14a) protrudes from the first receiving member;a first steering arm (13) having a first end configured to attach rotatably to the hydraulic steering system, and a second end configured to attach to the second portion of the first inset member (14a);a second inset member (14b), configured to be partially inserted into a second receiving member of the outboard engine, such that, in use, a first portion of the second inset member (14b) is received by the second receiving member and a second portion of the second inset member (14b) protrudes from the second receiving member;a second steering arm (17) having a first end configured to attach rotatably to the hydraulic steering system, and a second end configured to hook onto the second portion of the second inset member (14b); anda second fastening member (15) configured to secure the second steering arm (17) to the second inset member (14b).

17. A fastener system (10) and a hydraulic steering system for an outboard engine, the fastener system (10) comprising:a bracket (11) configured to attach to both an outboard engine and the hydraulic steering system;a first fastening member (12) configured to secure the bracket (11) to the hydraulic steering system;a first inset member (14a) configured to be partially inserted into a first receiving member of the outboard engine, such that, in use, a first portion of the first inset member (14a)12 03 26is received by the first receiving member and a second portion of the first inset member (14a) protrudes from the first receiving member;a first steering arm (13) having a first end configured to attach rotatably to the hydraulic steering system, and a second end configured to attach to the second portion of the first inset member (14a);a second inset member (14b), configured to be partially inserted into a second receiving member of the outboard engine, such that, in use, a first portion of the second inset member (14b) is received by the second receiving member and a second portion of the second inset member (14b) protrudes from the second receiving member;a second steering arm (17) having a first end configured to attach rotatably to the hydraulic steering system, and a second end configured to hook onto the second portion of the second inset member (14b); anda second fastening member (15) configured to secure the second steering arm (17) to the second inset member (14b).

18. A boat comprising an outboard engine, a hydraulic steering system for the outboard engine, and a fastener system (10) for attaching the hydraulic steering system to the outboard engine, wherein the fastener system (10) comprises:a bracket (11) configured to attach to both the outboard engine and the hydraulic steering system;a first fastening member (12) configured to secure the bracket (11) to the hydraulic steering system;a first inset member (14a) configured to be partially inserted into a first receiving member of the outboard engine, such that, in use, a first portion of the first inset member (14a) is received by the first receiving member and a second portion of the first inset member (14a) protrudes from the first receiving member;a first steering arm (13) having a first end configured to attach rotatably to the hydraulic steering system, and a second end configured to attach to the second portion of the first inset member (14a);a second inset member (14b), configured to be partially inserted into a second receiving member of the outboard engine, such that, in use, a first portion of the second inset12 03 26member (14b) is received by the second receiving member and a second portion of the second inset member (14b) protrudes from the second receiving member;a second steering arm (17) having a first end configured to attach rotatably to the hydraulic steering system, and a second end configured to hook onto the second portion of the second inset member (14b); anda second fastening member (15) configured to secure the second steering arm (17) to the second inset member (14b).

19. A method for removing a hydraulic steering system attached to an outboard engine by the fastener system (10) of any one of claims 1 to 18, the method comprising:removing the first fastening member (12);de-attaching the pivot plate of the hydraulic steering system from the steering bracket (11) of the fastening system (10),unhooking the second end of the second steering arm (17) from the second portion of the second inset member (14b), wherein unhooking the second steering arm (17) comprises rotating the second steering arm (17) away from the second portion of the second inset member (14b), such that the second steering arm (14b) rotates about its first end, while the first end of the second steering arm (17) remains attached to the hydraulic steering system; andsliding the hydraulic steering system and the second steering arm (17) away from the outboard engine, such that the hydraulic steering system is removed from the steering bracket (11) and the first inset member (14a) is removed from the first receiving member of the outboard engine.A

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