Mounting Plate Assemblies and Systems

Abstract

An assembly adapted to mount a water-engaging device to a marine vessel may include a transom plate, an actuator plate, and a clamp assembly. The transom plate may be adapted to be connected to the marine vessel. The actuator plate may include a flange disposed under a bottom side of the transom plate. The clamp assembly is configured to engage the transom plate and the actuator plate to connect the actuator plate to the transom plate.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Non-provisional Patent Application No. 17 / 876,756, filed July 29, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 235,988, filed August 23, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to an improved mounting assembly and system for mounting equipment to a bulkhead, and more particularly to a mounting plate assembly and system for mounting water engaging equipment to the aft transom of a vessel, ship or boat. [Background technology]

[0003] It is commonly understood in the marine industry that mechanical devices may be used to generate variable lift on a vessel as needed. Variable lift can be generated by deploying the device in the water current under the transom of the vessel as the vessel moves forward, or by changing the angle of attack of the device relative to the water current while the vessel is in operation. A non-exhaustive list of commonly available and previously used devices includes trim tabs, fins, wakegates, interceptors, and other devices that similarly engage the water and / or provide similar functionality. Each of these devices also includes actuators that allow the device to be deployed, angle of attack changed, or retracted. The actuators may provide the same functionality with electrical, hydraulic, or other technologies. In this disclosure, such devices and their associated actuators and other components are collectively referred to as water-engaging devices.

[0004] Prior art techniques for mounting water engaging devices at or near the transom of a vessel typically involve pivoting or linear sliding mechanisms, both of which suffer from multiple penetration points in the transom or hull, as well as a lack of modularity or adjustability.

[0005] The pivoting mechanism includes a mounting flange through which fasteners secure the flange to the transom. The fasteners may extend into or through the transom. Typically, through fasteners are used, but the structure of the vessel may require stiffening members or stringers to be co-located, making it impossible to stabilize the installation or requiring the water engaging device to be relocated, which may be less desirable in some cases. Fasteners that extend into the transom do not penetrate the transom. To facilitate the pivoting of the water engaging device, an actuator is mounted on or near the transom or inside the vessel through a through opening.

[0006] Linear sliding mechanisms are limited to interceptor type water engaging devices and typically include a housing secured to the transom with a through fastener, the housing housing containing the water engaging device and possibly an actuator. In other examples, the actuator is located inside the vessel and has an action link connected to the water engaging device through a through opening.

[0007] Thus, there is a need for an assembly and system for mounting a water engaging device at or near the transom of a marine vessel that does not require fasteners extending into or through the transom to secure the water engaging device at or near the transom, and that is modular and adjustable to accommodate various marine vessel transom configurations. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The present invention has been made to solve the problems in the conventional techniques described above. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Certain embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be understood, however, that the present disclosure is not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the mounting plate assembly and system of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of a transom plate of the mounting plate assembly and system of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the transom plate of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is an end elevation view of the transom plate of FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of an actuator plate of the mounting plate assembly and system of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a rear elevational view of the actuator plate of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is an end elevation view of the actuator plate of FIG. 5. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an assembled view of the mounting plate assembly and system of FIG. 1, illustrating one embodiment of a wedge pack. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an assembled view of the mounting plate assembly and system of FIG. 1 showing another embodiment of a wedge pack. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an assembled cross-sectional view of the mounting plate assembly or system of FIG. 9 showing the positioning fasteners and lower clamp assembly. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an assembled cross-sectional view of the mounting plate assembly and system of FIG. 9 showing the upper clamp assembly. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an assembled cross-sectional view of the mounting plate assembly and system of FIG. 9 showing the upper nut retainer and the lower nut retainer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] For the purposes of promotion and understanding of the principles disclosed herein, reference will now be made to the embodiments (including preferred embodiments) illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same.

[0012] In one aspect of the disclosure, an assembly that may be adapted to mount a water-engaging device to a marine vessel may include a transom plate, an actuator plate, and a clamp assembly. The transom plate may have a front face adapted to be connected to the marine vessel and a bottom side. The actuator plate may have a front face and a flange extending from the front face, the flange being disposed below the bottom side of the transom plate. The clamp assembly may be configured to engage the transom plate and the actuator plate to connect the actuator plate to the transom plate.

[0013] In another aspect of the disclosure, the actuator plate may have a front surface and a bottom side extending beyond the front surface to define a flange, the bottom side of the transom plate being disposed above the flange.

[0014] In another aspect of the disclosure, a wedge pack including at least one shim may be disposed between the transom plate and the actuator plate.

[0015] In another aspect of the disclosure, the actuator plate can include an upper binding pocket configured to have an upper nut retainer and a nut disposed therein, the nut being oriented to receive a fastener passing through the back surface.

[0016] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the upper nut retainer may include an opening that is aligned with the nut opening.

[0017] In another aspect of the disclosure, the actuator plate can include a lower bonding pocket configured to have a lower nut retainer and a nut disposed therein, the nut being oriented to receive a fastener passing through the bottom side.

[0018] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the upper and lower nut retainers may be cantilevers that are snap-fit ​​within their respective mating pockets.

[0019] In another aspect of the disclosure, a marine vessel may include a transom, a transom plate connected to the transom, an actuator plate having a ledge (located near a rear surface of the transom plate with a bottom side of the transom plate located above the ledge), a wedge pack including at least one shim located between the transom plate and the actuator plate, and a clamp assembly that, when tightened, compresses the actuator plate and the wedge pack against the transom plate.

[0020] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the transom plate may include a protrusion disposed on a forward surface and extending therefrom to contact the transom.

[0021] In another aspect of the disclosure, a locating fastener may be connected to the transom and placed in a locating opening formed in the transom plate.

[0022] In another aspect of the disclosure, a method of installing an assembly adapted to mount a water engagement device to a transom of a marine vessel may include measuring an angle of the transom relative to a bottom of the marine vessel, selecting a shim for a wedge pack based on the angle of the transom, installing a positioning fastener to engage the transom, compressing the assembly including the wedge pack disposed between a transom plate and an actuator plate with a clamp assembly, aligning a positioning opening formed in the transom plate with the positioning fastener, and adhesively securing the assembly to the transom.

[0023] Accordingly, it is the intent of this disclosure not to include within its scope any previously known products, processes for making a product, methods for using a product, or methods of processing, as applicants reserve their rights and hereby disclose any disclaimers of any previously known products, processes, or methods. As a further note, this disclosure is not intended to include within its scope any products, processes for making a product, or methods for using a product that do not meet the description and enablement requirements of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) (35 U.S.C. § 112, first paragraph) or the European Patent Office (EPO) (Article 83 EPC), as applicants reserve their rights and hereby disclose any disclaimers of any previously described products, processes for making a product, or methods of using a product.

[0024] As a note, in this disclosure, and particularly in the claims and / or paragraphs, terms such as "comprises," "comprised," "comprising," and the like may have the meaning ascribed to them in U.S. Patent Law (e.g., they may mean "includes," "included," "including," and the like), and terms such as "consisting essentially of" and "consists essentially of" have the meaning ascribed to them in U.S. Patent Law (e.g., they may mean "includes," "included," "including," and the like), and terms such as "consisting essentially of" and "consists essentially of" have the meaning ascribed to them in U.S. Patent Law (e.g., they may allow for elements not expressly recited, but exclude elements found in the prior art or that affect a basic or novel characteristic of the disclosure).

[0025] These and other embodiments are disclosed or are apparent from and encompassed by the following detailed description.

[0026] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a mounting plate assembly and system 10 of the present disclosure. The mounting plate assembly or system 10 may primarily include a transom plate 100 and an actuator plate 300. Additionally, a wedge pack 20 may be included. The wedge pack 20 may include one or more shims 200 based on the angle 604 of the transom 602 of the vessel 600. A clamp assembly 400 may be used to compress the assembly 10 prior to installation. The clamp assembly 400 may include at least a threaded fastener 402, a washer 404, and a nut 406. In one embodiment, the washer 404 is semi-cylindrical in shape and the nut 406 is cylindrical in shape. Such component shapes facilitate the use of straight threaded fasteners 402 to allow for a uniform compressive clamp load to be applied to the transom plate 100 and actuator plate 300 (as well as the wedge pack 20, if used) over a wide range of angles while still maintaining the same transom plate 100 and actuator plate 300. To facilitate connection of the water-engaging device to the actuator plate 300, an upper nut retainer 430 and a lower nut retainer 450 may be operatively connected to the actuator plate 300. To facilitate installation of the assembly or system 10, a locating fastener 420 may engage a transom 602 of a vessel 600.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the transom plate 100 of the mounting plate assembly and system 10 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view thereof. The transom plate 100 may include a front face 102, a rear face 104, a bottom side 106, a top side 108, and a pair of opposing ends 110, 112. Routing openings 126 may be defined or formed in the transom plate 100 to facilitate connecting a water-engaging device (not shown) to power and communication signal connections on the vessel 600. Protrusions 114 may be disposed in extensions from the front face 102. In one embodiment, three protrusions 114 may be formed that define a plane when placed in engagement with the transom 602 of the vessel 600 to promote a substantially uniform thickness of the adhesive 500 between the transom 602 and the transom plate 100, and to prevent the transom plate 100 from distorting when connected to the transom 602, causing misalignment or connection problems with other components of the assembly 10. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the transom 602 of the vessel 600 will typically have some imperfections and will not be as flat or smooth as the transom plate 100 due to the materials of construction of the vessel 600. In another embodiment, the protrusions 114 may be located near the opposing ends 110, 112 along the bottom side 106 as well as near the center of the top side 108.

[0028] Locating apertures 116 may be defined or formed in the transom plate 100. In one embodiment, a locating aperture 116 may be located near each protrusion 114. In another embodiment, the locating apertures 116 may have a centerline 118 that bisects the protrusions 114. In another embodiment, each of the three protrusions 114 is located in vertical alignment with the centerline 118 of the locating aperture 116.

[0029] A clamping pocket 120 may be defined or formed in the front surface 102 of the transom plate 100. The clamping pocket 120 may include a contoured surface 122 that is recessed relative to the front surface 102 and a clamping opening 124 that extends through the transom plate 100. In one embodiment, the contoured surface 122 is configured to be complementary in shape to the washer 404 to allow the washer 404 to be oriented in multiple orientations to facilitate uniform compression clamping of the transom plate 100 and the actuator plate 300 over a wide range of angles. In another embodiment, the contoured surface 122 has a semi-cylindrical shape that complementarily engages with the semi-cylindrical shaped washer 404. In another embodiment, the clamping opening 124 has an oval shape to facilitate uniform compression clamping of the transom plate 100 and the actuator plate 300 over a wide range of angles without binding or restricting the movement of the threaded fastener 402.

[0030] Figure 4 is an end elevation view of the transom plate of Figure 2. To facilitate the potential use of multiple shims 200 (any number) of the wedge pack 20 to provide a non-binding relationship between the transom plate 100, shims 200, and actuator plate 300, a groove 130 may be defined or formed in the rear surface 104 near the bottom side 106. In one embodiment, the groove 130 extends from end 110 to end 112 of the front surface 103 (see Figure 2).

[0031] FIG. 5 is a front elevation view, FIG. 6 is a rear elevation view, and FIG. 7 is an end elevation view of the actuator plate 300 of the mounting plate assembly or system 10 of FIG. 1. The actuator plate 300 may include a front side 302, a rear side 304, a bottom side 306, a top side 308, and a pair of opposing ends 310, 312. Positioning openings 116 may be defined or formed in the actuator plate 300 to facilitate installation of the assembly 10, and may align with similar openings in the transom plate 100. Routing openings 126 may be defined or formed in the actuator plate 300 to facilitate connection of water-engaging devices (not shown) to power and communication signal connections on the vessel 600, and may align with similar openings in the transom plate 100.

[0032] An upper coupling pocket 340 may be defined or formed in the front surface 302 of the actuator plate 300. The upper coupling pocket 340 may be located near the upper side surface 308 and may include a contoured surface 342 that is recessed relative to the front surface 302 and an upper coupling opening 344 that extends through the actuator plate 300. In one embodiment, the contoured surface 342 is configured to be complementary in shape to position the upper nut retainer 430 and the nut 432 therein. In another embodiment, the upper coupling opening 344 extends through the rear surface 302 of the actuator plate 300. In another embodiment, the upper coupling opening 344 may be aligned with the nut opening 433 such that the upper coupling opening 344 and the opening 433 of the nut 432 are adapted to receive a threaded fastener 434 therethrough. The threaded fastener 434 may directly or indirectly aid in facilitating connection of a water engagement device to the actuator plate 300. The nut 432 is placed in the upper binding pocket 350 before the upper nut retainer 430 is connected to the actuator plate 300 so that the nut 432 remains properly positioned, which promotes the threaded fastener 434 to engage the nut without any contact. In another embodiment, the upper nut retainer 430 can include a back surface 436 that defines or forms an opening 438 that aligns with the nut opening 433. In one embodiment, the nut retainer 430 is connected to the upper binding pocket 430. In another embodiment, the nut retainer 430 is a cantilever that is snap-fit ​​into the upper binding pocket 340 by an arm 440 having a catch 442 that deflects the arm 440 while being inserted into the upper binding pocket 340 until the catch 442 is positioned in an opening 444 in the upper side 308 of the actuator plate 300.

[0033] A lower bonding pocket 350 may be defined or formed in the front surface 302 of the actuator plate 300. The upper bonding pocket 340 may be disposed near the bottom side 306 and may include a contoured surface 352 recessed relative to the front surface 302 and a lower bonding opening 354 extending through the actuator plate 300. In one embodiment, the contoured surface 352 is configured to be complementary in shape to position the lower nut retainer 450 and the nut 452 therein. In another embodiment, the lower bonding opening 354 extends through the bottom side 306 of the actuator plate 300. In another embodiment, the lower bonding opening 354 may be aligned with the nut opening 453 such that the lower bonding opening 354 and the opening 453 of the nut 452 are adapted to receive a threaded fastener 454 therethrough. The threaded fastener 454 may directly or indirectly aid in facilitating connection of a water engagement device to the actuator plate 300. The nut 452 is placed in the lower binding pocket 350 before the lower nut retainer 450 is connected to the actuator plate 300 so that the nut 452 remains properly positioned, facilitating a complete contactless engagement of the threaded fastener 454 with the nut. In another embodiment, the lower nut retainer 450 is a cantilever that is snap-fit ​​into the lower binding pocket 350 by an arm 456 having a catch 457 that deflects the arm 456 while being inserted into the lower binding pocket 350 until the catch 457 is positioned in an opening 458 in the bottom side 306 of the actuator plate 300.

[0034] A flange 360 ​​may be defined by the bottom side 306 extending beyond or from the front side 302. In one embodiment, the flange 360 ​​is disposed below the bottom side 106 of the transom plate 100 when the assembly 10 is compressed by the clamp assembly 400. In another embodiment, the bottom side 306 of the transom plate 100 is disposed above the flange 360 ​​when the assembly 10 is compressed by the clamp assembly 400.

[0035] A clamping pocket 320 may be defined or formed in the rear surface 302 of the actuator plate 300. The clamping pocket 320 may include a contoured surface 322 that is recessed relative to the rear surface 302 and a clamping opening 324 that extends through the actuator plate 100. In one embodiment, the contoured surface 322 is configured to be complementary in shape to the nut 406 to allow the nut 406 to be oriented in multiple orientations to facilitate uniform compression clamping of the transom plate 100 and the actuator plate 300 over a wide range of angles. In another embodiment, the contoured surface 322 has a semi-cylindrical shape that complementarily engages with the cylindrical nut 406. In another embodiment, the clamping opening 324 has an oval shape to facilitate uniform compression clamping of the transom plate 100 and the actuator plate 300 over a wide range of angles without binding or restricting the movement of the threaded fastener 402.

[0036] 8 is an assembled view of the mounting plate assembly and system 10 of FIG. 1, showing one embodiment of the wedge pack 20 having one shim 200 but not properly installed. One step in the method of installing the assembly 10 (which may be considered to include installing the assembly 10 in the wall of a pocket or recess defined or formed near the intersection of the transom 602 and the bottom surface 606 of the vessel 600, as is commonly known, whereby the assembly 10 is positioned above the bottom surface 606 of the vessel 600 but forward of the transom 602) is to measure the angle 604 of the transom 602 relative to the bottom surface 606 of the vessel 600 near the transom 602. This angle 604 is entirely up to the manufacturer of the vessel 600, but a typical transom angle 604 for conventional designs is approximately 68-83 degrees. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, transom angles 604 greater or less than that range may be utilized. The assembly 10 is capable of accommodating and properly mounting a water engagement device on the transom 602 at any available or desired transom angle 604 by simple measurement and calculation of the appropriate wedge pack that reduces the assembly angle 610 to near zero. Thus, a further step in the installation process may include selecting at least one shim 200 for the wedge pack 20 based on the transom angle 604.

[0037] To properly connect the assembly 10 to the transom 602, the transom plate 100 must be used as a template to transfer the location of the locating apertures onto the transom 602 so that the locating fasteners 420 can be positioned in engagement with the transom 602 sufficiently to penetrate the transom 602 while still functioning to facilitate installation of the compressed assembly 10. The assembly 10, including the transom plate 100, wedge pack 20 (including the appropriate shims 200 based on the measured transom angle 604), actuator plate 300, and clamp assembly 400, may be combined into a functional integrated unit. Tightening of the clamp assembly 400 may be accomplished by rotating the threaded fasteners 402 against the fixed nuts 406, thereby sandwiching the wedge packs 20 between the transom plate 100 and the actuator plate 300 and compressing the assembly 10 to the desired force.

[0038] The installed assembly 10 of FIG. 8 includes an adhesive 500 that bonds the assembly to a transom 602, a transom plate 100, a wedge pack with one shim 200, and an actuator plate 300. However, the assembly angle 610 is greater than zero. One result of such an installation is that the water engagement device is less efficient and effective and does not operate as designed. It is preferred that the assembly angle 610 be close to zero degrees. In another embodiment, the assembly angle 620 may be in the range of about -1 to +1 degrees. In another embodiment, the assembly angle 620 may be in the range of about -2 to +2 degrees. In another embodiment, the assembly angle 620 may be in the range of about -3 to +3 degrees. In another embodiment, the assembly angle 620 may be in the range of about -4 to +4 degrees. In another embodiment, the assembly angle 620 may be in the range of about -5 to +5 degrees. In another embodiment, the assembly angle 620 may be in the range of about -10 to +10 degrees. In another embodiment, the assembly angle 620 may range from about -15 degrees to +15 degrees. In one embodiment, the adhesive 500 is a strong adhesive or glue that allows the transom plate 100 and other parts of the connected assembly 10 to remain permanently attached to the transom. In another embodiment, the adhesive 500 may be a two-part epoxy, methacrylate, or acrylic adhesive, such as those available from Plexus®, Loctite®, Orenco®, Parson®, and others, by way of example only. In one embodiment, the adhesive 500 may be applied to the transom plate 100. In another embodiment, the adhesive 500 may be applied to the transom 602. In another embodiment, the adhesive 500 may be applied to the transom plate 100 and the transom 602. Additionally, the application of the adhesive 500 may be performed after the assembly 10 is installed to ensure smooth water flow from the bottom surface 606 to the flange 360.

[0039] FIG. 9 is an assembled view of the mounting plate assembly or system 100 of FIG. 1 showing another embodiment of the wedge pack 20 having multiple shims 200 for proper installation. In this embodiment, three shims 200 based on the transom angle 604 result in an assembly angle 610 of zero. In one embodiment, the wedge pack 20 may include shims 200 to provide an adjustment range of approximately 3 degrees to 18 degrees. In another embodiment, the wedge pack 20 may be configured to provide an adjustment range of greater than 18 degrees. In another embodiment, the wedge pack 20 may be configured to provide an adjustment range of less than 3 degrees. In one embodiment, each shim 200 may be configured to provide an adjustment range of approximately 1 degree to 10 degrees. In another embodiment, each shim 200 may be configured to provide an adjustment range of greater than 10 degrees. In another embodiment, each shim 200 may be configured to provide an adjustment range of less than 1 degree. Once a properly configured wedge pack 20 is sandwiched between the transom plate 100 and the actuator plate 300 and compressed to a desired force, the assembly 10 is preferably positioned such that the locating apertures 116 are aligned over the locating fasteners 420, thereby allowing the assembly 10 to be engaged with the transom 602 such that the locating fasteners 420 extend through the locating apertures 116. The locating fasteners 420 can be tightened to secure the assembly 10 in place so that the adhesive 500 can cure. The locating fasteners 420 do not secure the assembly 10 to the transom 602.

[0040] 10 is an assembled cross-sectional view of the mounting plate assembly or system 10 of FIG. 9 showing the locating fastener 420 and the lower clamp assembly 400. The locating fastener 420 may include a head 422 that is larger than a portion of the locating opening 116 to rest against the transom plate 100.

[0041] 11 is an assembled cross-sectional view of the mounting plate assembly and system of FIG. 9, showing the upper clamp assembly 400. The longitudinal axis of the lower threaded fastener 402 is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the upper threaded fastener 402. This is mostly a result of the thickness of the shim 200. However, as described in this disclosure, the ability to accommodate a wide range of angles is a strength of this assembly 10.

[0042] Figure 12 is an assembled cross-sectional view of the mounting plate assembly and system of Figure 9, showing upper nut retainer 430 and lower nut retainer 450. The arrangement of these components greatly simplifies the design of the actuator plate 300 and overcomes the complications of precisely recessing nuts or screw holes in each of the horizontal and vertical faces of the actuator plate.

[0043] All references cited in this specification, including publications, patent applications, and patents, are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference herein, as if each reference was individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference herein to the same extent as if each reference was set forth in full herein.

[0044] The use of the words "a," "an," and "the," and similar referents in the context of describing this disclosure (particularly in the context of the claims that follow) should be construed as encompassing both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The words "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" should be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to"), unless otherwise indicated. The recitation of numerical ranges herein is intended merely to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each value is incorporated herein as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The use of any examples or exemplary language provided herein (e.g., "such as"), unless otherwise claimed, is intended merely to further clarify the disclosure and does not limit the scope of the disclosure. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosure.

[0045] It should be understood that the above is merely a detailed description of some examples and embodiments of the present disclosure, and that various modifications to the disclosed embodiments may be made in accordance with the disclosure made herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

[0046] Therefore, the above description is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, but is intended to provide a disclosure sufficient to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present disclosure without undue burden. It will be appreciated that the scope of the present disclosure fully encompasses other embodiments that would become apparent to those skilled in the art, and therefore the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by anything other than the appended claims.

[0047] Features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used on another embodiment to yield still a further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure cover all such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Other objects, features, and aspects of the present disclosure are disclosed in the following detailed description.

[0048] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, this description is merely a description of example embodiments and is not intended to limit the broader aspects of the disclosure, which broader aspects are embodied in the example configurations.

[0049] Although the present disclosure and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An assembly adapted for mounting a water engagement device on a vessel, A transom plate having a front and bottom sides adapted to be connected to the aforementioned vessel, An actuator plate having a front surface and a flange extending from the front surface, wherein the flange is positioned below the bottom side surface of the transom plate, A wedge pack including at least one shim positioned between the transom plate and the actuator plate, A clamp assembly for engaging the transom plate and the actuator plate to connect the actuator plate to the transom plate, wherein the clamp assembly compresses the wedge pack between the actuator plate and the transom plate when tightened, An assembly that includes this.

2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the actuator plate further includes an upper coupling pocket, the upper coupling pocket comprising a nut and an upper nut retainer disposed within the upper coupling pocket, and an upper coupling opening formed within the upper coupling pocket, extending through the back surface of the actuator plate and aligned with the nut opening, so as to be adapted for the upper coupling opening and the nut opening to receive fasteners passing through them.

3. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein the upper nut retainer includes a back surface, the back surface having an opening defined within the back surface and aligned with the opening through which the nut passes.

4. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein the upper nut retainer is a cantilever that snaps into the upper coupling pocket.

5. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the actuator plate further includes a lower coupling pocket, the lower coupling pocket comprising a nut and a lower nut retainer disposed within the lower coupling pocket, and a lower coupling opening formed within the lower coupling pocket, extending through the bottom side surface of the actuator plate and aligned with the nut opening, so that the lower coupling opening and the nut opening are adapted to receive fasteners passing through them.

6. The assembly according to claim 5, wherein the lower nut retainer is a cantilever that snaps into the lower coupling pocket.

7. An assembly adapted for mounting a water engagement device on a vessel, A transom plate having a front, opposite rear, and bottom sides adapted to be connected to the aforementioned vessel, An actuator plate having a front surface and a bottom side surface extending beyond the front surface and defining a flange, wherein the bottom side surface of the transom plate is positioned above the flange, A clamp assembly for connecting the actuator plate to the transom plate, wherein when tightened, the back surface of the transom plate is positioned near the front surface of the actuator plate; An assembly that includes this.

8. The present invention further includes a wedge pack comprising at least one shim positioned between the transom plate and the actuator plate, wherein the wedge pack is compressed between the actuator plate and the transom plate. The assembly according to claim 7.

9. The assembly according to claim 7, wherein the actuator plate further includes an upper coupling pocket, the upper coupling pocket comprising a nut and an upper nut retainer disposed within the upper coupling pocket, and an upper coupling opening formed within the upper coupling pocket, extending through the back surface of the actuator plate and aligned with the nut opening, so that the upper coupling opening and the nut opening are adapted to receive fasteners passing through them.

10. The assembly according to claim 9, wherein the upper nut retainer includes a back surface, the back surface having an opening defined within the back surface, aligned with the opening through which the nut passes.

11. The assembly according to claim 9, wherein the upper nut retainer is a cantilever that snaps into the upper coupling pocket.

12. The assembly according to claim 7, wherein the actuator plate further includes a lower coupling pocket, the lower coupling pocket comprising a nut and a lower nut retainer disposed within the lower coupling pocket, and a lower coupling opening formed within the lower coupling pocket, extending through the bottom side surface of the actuator plate and aligned with the nut opening, so that the lower coupling opening and the nut opening are adapted to receive fasteners passing through them.

13. The assembly according to claim 12, wherein the lower nut retainer is a cantilever that snaps into the lower coupling pocket.

14. Transom and, A transom plate having a front, a back, and a bottom side extending between the front and back, wherein the front is connected to the transom, An actuator plate having a front and a ledge, wherein the actuator plate is positioned near the rear of the transom plate, and the bottom side surface of the transom plate is positioned above the ledge, A wedge pack including at least one shim positioned between the transom plate and the actuator plate, A clamp assembly that presses the actuator plate and the wedge pack against the back surface of the transom plate when tightened, Ships including

15. The vessel according to claim 14, wherein the transom plate includes a plurality of projections positioned on the front surface and extending from the front surface to contact the transom.

16. The vessel according to claim 14, further comprising a positioning fastener connected to the transom and positioned in a positioning opening formed in the transom plate.

17. A method for installing an assembly adapted to mount a water engagement device on the transom of a vessel, A step of measuring the angle of the transom with respect to the bottom surface of the vessel near the transom, The steps include selecting at least one shim for the wedge pack based on the angle of the transom, The steps include: installing the positioning fastener so as to engage with the transom, The steps include compressing the assembly, which includes the wedge pack positioned between the transom plate and the actuator plate, with a clamp assembly, The steps include aligning the positioning opening formed in the transom plate with the positioning fastener above it, The steps include: adhesively fixing the compressed assembly to the transom; A method that includes this.

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