Pivot and sliding mount for a trolling motor of a marine vessel

Abstract

In an aspect, a pivot and sliding mount for a trolling motor of a marine vessel is presented. A pivot and sliding mount for a trolling motor includes a mount having a top surface and a bottom surface. A bottom surface is attachable to a surface of a marine vessel. A pivot and sliding mount includes a base. A base includes a rotatable element and a slidable element. A base is configured to allow both a rotation and axial translation of the trolling motor with respect to the mount.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Prov. App. No. 63 / 672,133 filed Jul. 16, 2024, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to trolling motors. In particular, the present disclosure relates to pivot and sliding mounts for trolling motors.SUMMARY

[0003] In an aspect, a pivot and sliding mount for a trolling motor of a marine vessel is presented. A pivot and sliding mount for a trolling motor includes a mount having a top surface and a bottom surface. A bottom surface is attachable to a surface of a marine vessel. A pivot and sliding mount includes a base. A base includes a rotatable element and a slidable element. A base is configured to allow both a rotation and axial translation of the trolling motor with respect to the mount.

[0004] In another aspect, a method of pivoting and sliding a trolling motor is presented. A method includes rotating a trolling motor via a rotatable element of a base. A trolling motor is rotated to align with a length of a mount. A method includes axially translating a trolling motor of a marine vessel via a slidable element of a base attached to a mount of the marine vessel.

[0005] The above and other preferred features, including various novel details of implementation and combination of elements, will now be more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawings and pointed out in the claims. It will be understood that the particular methods and apparatuses are shown by way of illustration only and not as limitations. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the principles and features explained herein may be employed in various and numerous embodiments.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The disclosed embodiments have advantages and features which will be more readily apparent from the detailed description, the appended claims, and the accompanying figures (or drawings). A brief introduction of the figures is below.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a side view of a pivot and sliding mount system;

[0008] FIG. 2 is another side view of a pivot and sliding mount system;

[0009] FIG. 3 is a rear view of a pivot and sliding mount system;

[0010] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of a pivot and sliding mount system;

[0011] FIG. 5 is another rear perspective view of a pivot and sliding mount system;

[0012] FIGS. 6A-B are views of an embodiment of a pivot and sliding mount;

[0013] FIG. 7 is an illustration of an embodiment of a pivot and sliding mount;

[0014] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a base; and

[0015] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method of pivoting and sliding a trolling motor.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The Figures (Figs.) and the following description relate to preferred embodiments by way of illustration only. It should be noted that from the following discussion, alternative embodiments of the structures and methods disclosed herein will be readily recognized as viable alternatives that may be employed without departing from the principles of what is claimed.

[0017] Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. It is noted that wherever practicable similar or like reference numbers may be used in the figures and may indicate similar or like functionality. The figures depict embodiments of the disclosed system (or method) for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles described herein.

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a pivot and trolling mount system 100. System 100 may include mount 104. A “mount” as used in this disclosure refers to an object capable of coupling to a surface of another object. Mount 104 may be rectangular, circular, square, or other shapes. Mount 104 may have a top surface 108 and a bottom surface 112. Bottom surface 112 may be attachable to a surface of a marine vessel, in some embodiments. For instance and without limitation, bottom surface 112 may be attached to a surface of a marine vessel through one or more screws, slots, locks, or other mechanisms. A “marine vessel” as used in this disclosure refers to any vehicle capable of carrying a person or object in a body of water. Mount 104 may be positioned at a rear of a marine vessel, which may allow manipulation of trolling motor 116. In some embodiments, mount 104 is omitted from system 100 and base 120 is directly coupled to a surface of a marine vessel. For instance, a user may operate system 100 at a rear of a marine vessel which may allow for rotation, pivoting, sliding, or other maneuvers of trolling motor 116. In some embodiments, top surface 108 of mount 104 may be configured to attach to base 120. Top surface 108 of mount 104 may attach to base 120 through one or more connection mechanisms, such as screws, pivots, slides, rails, and / or other devices. Base 120 may be rotatably coupled to mount 104. For instance, mount 104 may include one or more rotatable elements. A “rotatable element” as used in this disclosure refers to an object capable of rotating about a rotational axis. Rotatable elements may include, but are not limited to, gears, disks, wheels, and / or other rotatable elements. In some embodiments, base 120 may include one or more rotatable elements. For instance, base 120 may include rotatable elements, such as, but not limited to, gears, disks, wheels, and / or other rotatable elements. In some embodiments, mount 104 may include a mounting surface that may rotatably couple to base 120. For instance, a mounting surface of mount 104 may include, but is not limited to, a gear, wheel, disk, protrusion, or other mounting surface. Base 120 may have an insert that may be designed to couple to a mounting surface of mount 104. In some embodiments, base 120 may have a slot to couple to a mounting surface of mount 104. For instance, a slot of base 120 may allow for base 120 to be placed on top of a mounting surface of mount 104. As a non-limiting example, mount 104 may have a circular mounting surface that may insert into a circular slot of base 120, which may allow base 120 to rotate while coupled to mount 104. In some embodiments, base 120 is directly couplable to a surface of a marine vessel. For instance, base 120 may be coupled directly to a surface of a marine vessel through one or more bolts, screws, or other mechanisms. Base 120 may allow for rotation and / or axial translation of trolling motor 160 without additional components. Although use of mount 104 is described herein, base 120 may be configured to couple to a surface of a marine vessel directly instead of utilization of mount 104 in any way described with reference to a coupling of base 120 to mount 104 without limitation.

[0019] In some embodiments, base 120 may include one or more rotatable elements such as, but not limited to, treads, wheels, gears, or other elements. A bottom of base 120 may include one or more rotatable elements which may allow base 120 to rotate while coupled a surface of a marine vessel. In some embodiments, mount 104 may be coupled to a marine vessel and base 120 may be coupled to a rotatable element of mount 104. For instance, mount 104 or a surface of a marine vessel may include a rod or other cylindrical mounting surface that may be inserted into a slot of base 120, which may couple base 120 to mount 104 or a surface of a marine vessel. In some embodiments, while coupled to mount 104 or a surface of a marine vessel, base 120 may be configured to rotate through one or more rotatable elements. For instance, base 120 may include power circuitry such as, but not limited to, resistors, transistors, capacitors, inductors, or other power circuitry. Power circuitry of base 120 may be electrically connected to one or more electromechanical components. An “electromechanical component” as used in this disclosure refers to an object capable of receiving electrical power and converting the electrical power into kinetic energy. For instance, base 120 may include one or more motors, such as, but not limited to, alternating current (AC) motors, direct current (DC) motors, asynchronous motors, synchronous motors, or any other type of electrical motor. An electromechanical component of base 120 may provide a force to one or more rotatable elements of base 120, which may allow base 120 to rotate. For instance, base 120 may include wheels, treads, or other rotatable elements that may contact top surface 108 of mount 104 or a surface of a marine vessel. Rotation of one or more rotatable elements of base 120 on top surface 108 of mount 104 or a surface of a marine vessel may allow base 120 to rotate. For instance, rotation of rotatable elements of base 120 may occur due to frictional forces between top surface 108 of mount 104 or a surface of a marine vessel and surfaces of one or more rotatable elements of base 120. In some embodiments, top surface 108 of mount 104 or a surface of a marine vessel may include a mounting surface in which one or more rotatable elements of base 120 may be configured to provide rotational forces to. For instance, mount 104 or a surface of a marine vessel may include a gear, wheel, rod, or other mounting surface that may be stationarily coupled to mount 104 or a surface of a marine vessel. Base 120 may include an insert that may allow for insertion of a mounting surface of mount 104 or a surface of a marine vessel, such as but not limited to a gear, wheel, rod, or other mounting surface. Base 120 may house one or more rotatable components that may contact a surface of a mounting surface of mount 104 or a surface of a marine vessel that may be inserted into a slot of base 120. Rotatable components of base 120 may provide a frictional force to a mounting surface inserted into base 120, which may allow base 120 to rotate. As a non-limiting example, a gear may be coupled to top surface 108 of mount 104 or a surface of a marine vessel and may be inserted into a gear slot of base 120. Rotatable components of base 120 may include one or more gears or other rotatable elements that may provide a rotational force to the gear. Base 120 may be configured to rotate in a stationary position relative to mount 104 or a surface of a marine vessel. For instance, base 120 may rotate in a clock wise or counter-clockwise direction while coupled to a position on mount 104 or a surface of a marine vessel. Base 120 may be configured to rotate about 0 degrees to about 360 degrees, without limitation. Base 120 may be configured to rotate at about 1 rotation per minute (RPM) to about 10 RPM, less than about 1 RPM, or greater than about 10 RPM, without limitation.

[0020] Still referring to FIG. 1, base 120 may include housing 124. Housing 124 may be an entire outer surface of base 120. In some embodiments, housing 124 may house a rotatable element and / or a slidable element. For instance, a rotatable element and / or a slidable element may be integrated into housing 124 such that base 120 may be rotatable and / or axially translatable with respect to mount 104 without separate components. In some embodiments, housing 124 may facilitate coupling to trolling motor 116. A “trolling motor” as used in this disclosure refers to a marine propulsion unit. Trolling motor 116 may be a Global Positioning System (GPS), Global Network Satellite System (GNSS) trolling motor, or any other type of trolling motor. Trolling motor 116 may include a propeller, motor, control system, and / or other components. Housing 124 may mechanically couple trolling motor 116 to base 120. For instance, housing 124 may include slots 132A,B or other openings for which at least a portion of trolling motor 116 may be housed in. Housing 124 may be oriented substantially perpendicular to base 120 in an initial position but may be moveable to a substantially parallel position to base 120. Housing 124 may be a slidable element. For instance, a portion of trolling motor 116 may be slidable through a portion of housing 124. In a substantially perpendicular position to base 120, housing 124 may be slidable within base 120. For instance, base 120 may include one or more slidable components. A “slidable component” as used in this disclosure refers to an object capable of facilitating motion between two locations. A slidable component may include, but is not limited to, slots, rails, springs, or other slidable components. Housing 124 may be slidably coupled to base 120 through one or more slidable components. Housing 124 may be slidable along a longitudinal axis of base 120. In some embodiments, trolling motor 116 may be slidable through housing 124. In some embodiments, housing 124 may be slidable by about 0.1 inches to about 10 inches or greater. In some embodiments, a slidable component of base 120 may extend past a surface of base 120, which may allow housing 124 to slide past an end of base 120. Slidable components may extend by about 1 inch to about 12 inches or greater form an end of base 120. A movement of housing 124 may cause a movement of trolling motor 116. For instance, a rotation of base 120, which may cause a rotation of housing 124, may also cause a rotation of trolling motor 116. A sliding of housing 124 through one or more slidable components of base 120 may allow for a sliding of trolling motor 116. Base 120 may be configured to rotate and / or slide trolling motor 116.

[0021] Trolling motor 116 may be mechanically coupled to shaft 128. Shaft 128 may be a cylindrical or tubular structure that may have a hollow interior. An interior of shaft 128 may house one or more mechanical and / or electrical components, such as, but not limited to, conductive wires, levers, gears, or other components. Shaft 128 may extend longitudinally away from trolling motor 116. For instance, shaft 128 may extend about 10 inches to about 50 inches or greater away from trolling motor 108. Shaft 128 may be coupled to trolling motor 116 at a first end and coupled to one or more blades and / or fins at a second end opposite the first end. In some embodiments, trolling motor 116 and / or shaft 128 may be housed within housing 124. Housing 124 may be rectangular, circular, ovular, or other shapes. Housing 124 may include slots 132A,B that may allow an axial translation of shaft 128 and / or trolling motor 116 with respect to housing 124. For instance, shaft 128 may be able to axially translate with respect to housing 124 through slots 132A,B of housing 124. Axial translation of shaft 128 with respect to housing 124 may allow axial translation of trolling motor 116 with respect to housing 124. For instance, housing 124 may slide from a first position relative to base 120 to a second position relative to base 120. Housing 124 may be configured to rotate in a second position, which may cause housing 124 to become substantially parallel with base 120. In a second position in which housing 124 may be substantially parallel with base 120, shaft 128 may axially translate through a slot of housing 124, which may allow for deployment of trolling motor 116 into a body of water. In some embodiments, base 120 may include a vertical rotational element. A “vertical rotational element” as used in this disclosure refers to any object capable of rotating along a vertical axis. A vertical axis of system 100 may be an axis extending perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of system 100. A vertical rotational element may include a pivot, pulley, gear, or other device. A vertical rotational element may be configured to vertically rotate trolling motor 116 with respect to base 120. A vertical rotational element may be configured to vertically rotate housing 124 with respect to base 120. For instance, a vertical rotational element may be configured to rotate housing 124 about 0 degrees to about 90 degrees or greater with respect to a vertical axis of base 120. A user may operate a vertical rotational element to position housing 124 substantially parallel to base 120, which may cause trolling motor 116 to become substantially perpendicular relative to a longitudinal axis of base 120. A user may axially translate shaft 128 through a slot of housing 124, which may allow deployment of trolling motor 116 into a body of water. Bodies of water may include, but are not limited to, oceans, seas, rivers, lakes, or other bodies of water, without limitation.

[0022] Still referring to FIG. 1, base 120 may be coupled to base component 132. Base component 132 may store power sources such as, but not limited to, batteries, super capacitors, fuel cells, or other forms of power. In some embodiments, base component 132 may include one or more electromechanical components. For instance, base component 132 may include one or more motors, gears, actuators, or other devices. Electromechanical components of base component 132 may be mechanically coupled to one or more components of base 120, such as but not limited to rotatable and / or slidable components. In some embodiments, base component 132 may provide an initial force to one or more components of base 120, which may allow base 120 to rotate and / or slide. In other embodiments, base component 132 may receive an initial force of one or more components of base 120, such as from one or more electromechanical components. Base component 132 may include a clutch assembly, steering motor, gear sleeve, and / or other components. Base component 132 may allow for axial translation of trolling motor 116. For instance, base component 132 may include one or more mechanical components that may facilitate an axial translation of trolling motor 116 with respect to a longitudinal axis of base 120. In some embodiments, base component 132 may be motorized. For instance, axial translation of base 120 may be motorized via one or more components of base component 132.

[0023] In some embodiments, a rotatable element of base 120 may include a locking mechanism. A locking mechanism may include one or more gears, locks, hooks, and / or other devices that may prevent a rotation of base 120. In some embodiments, a locking mechanism of base 120 may prevent a rotation beyond a horizontal alignment of base 120 with respect to mount 104. For instance, a user may rotate base 120 until base 120 aligns along a length of mount 104, to which a locking mechanism may lock a positioning of base 120. In some embodiments, a rotatable element of base 120 may include a spring or other mechanism that may assist a user in rotating base 120. For instance, a spring mechanism may assist a user in rotating base 120 in a clock wise or counter clock wise direction. In some embodiments, two or more spring mechanisms may be used, each positioned to assist with a clock wise rotation and a counter clock wise rotation, respectively. In some embodiments, base 120 may include a user interactive element. A user interactive element may include a knob, button, pulley, electrical switch, mechanical switch, or other device. A user interactive element may enable a switch between an engagement of a rotatable element and an engagement of a slidable element. For instance and without limitation, a user may interact with a user interactive element which may mechanically or electrically switch engagement between a rotatable element and a slidable element. In some embodiments, a user interactive element may act as a rotational lock, which may lock and unlock a rotational positioning of base 120 with respect to mount 104.

[0024] Still referring to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, a rotatable element may be integrated into a housing of base 120. In some embodiments, a slidable element may be integrated into a housing of base 120. For instance, a rotatable element and / or a slidable element may be part of a housing of base 120, rather than separate devices. In some embodiments, mount 104 may be any surface that base 120 may be attachable to and may be separate from base 120. In other embodiments, mount 104 may be coupled to base 120, both of which may be couplable to a marine vessel. In other embodiments, base 120 may be couplable to a rotatable element and / or a slidable element as separate devices.

[0025] In some embodiments, trolling motor 116 may include one or more rotatable elements and / or slidable elements, rather than base 120. For instance, trolling motor 116 may be couplable to base 120 via one or more rotatable elements and / or slidable elements that may allow trolling motor 116 to rotate and / or axially translate while base 120 remains stationary. In some embodiments, trolling motor 116 may include a rotatable element, a slidable element, and / or a locking mechanism. A locking mechanism of trolling motor 116 may lock movement of a rotatable element and / or a slidable element of trolling motor 116. In some embodiments, a locking mechanism of trolling motor 116 may have a quick release feature. For instance, a locking mechanism of trolling motor 116 may lock a rotatable element and / or a slidable element of trolling motor 116 but may unlock either or both of the rotatable element and / or slidable element under a threshold force amount. A threshold force amount may be about 1 ft lb to about 100 ft lb of torque.

[0026] Referring now to FIG. 2, a side perspective view of a pivot and trolling system 100 is shown. System 100 may be the same as that of system 100 described above with reference to FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 2, base 120 is rotated with respect to mount 104. Base 120 may rotate in a clock wise or counter-clock wise direction. In some embodiments, base 120 may be configured to rotate between about 0 degrees to about 360 degrees. Trolling motor 116 may rotate along a rotation of base 120, in some embodiments. System 100 may include step 136. Step 136 may be positioned at an end of base 120 and may be configured to receive force from a user, such as by a user's foot and / or leg. A force applied to step 136 may unlock a locking mechanism that may hold trolling motor 116 and / or housing 124 in a stationary position. For instance, housing 124 may be in a locked position in which housing 124 has not yet axially translate with respect to base 120. A force applied to step 136 may depress step 136 partially or completely, which may unlock housing 124 from an initial position which may allow housing 124 to axially translate with respect to base 120. In some embodiments, a force applied to step 136 may allow for a vertical rotation of base 120 and / or trolling motor 116. Housing 124 may be vertically locked, which may prevent housing 124 from rotating along a vertical axis of system 100. Housing 124 may be locked by locking mechanisms such as, but not limited to, locks, levers, gears, or other locking mechanisms. Upon partial or complete depressing of step 136, a locking mechanism preventing housing 124 from being vertically rotated may be unlocked, which may allow housing 124 to vertically rotate with respect to a vertical axis of system 100. In some embodiments, depressing of step 136 may cause axial translation of housing 124 with respect to base 120. For instance, a user may apply a force to step 136 which may cause a slidable component of base 120 to activate to axially translate housing 124. A processor or other computing device of base 120 may be configured to receive input from step 136 and activate one or more electromechanical components of base 120 to axially translate housing 124 using one or more slidable components. For instance a user may press on step 136 a single time which may cause a controller or other computing device of base 120 to partially or fully axially translate housing 124 with respect to base 120. In some embodiments, axial translation of housing 124 may be directly correlated with a force applied to step 136. For instance a user may press down on step 136 for a duration, in which a controller or other computing device of base 120 may cause axial translation of housing 124 for the duration. In some embodiments, a force applied to step 136 may cause rotation of base 124. For instance, a force applied to step 136 may cause a controller or other computing device of base 120 to activate one or more rotatable components of base 120, which may cause base 120 to rotate. In some embodiments, a single press of step 136 may cause a full rotation of base 120 by about 90 degrees or greater. In other embodiments, a user may continuously press on step 136 which may cause a continuous rotation of base 120 through a controller or other computing device activating one or more electromechanical components and / or rotatable elements of base 120. For instance, trolling motor 116 may be deployed in a body of water, and a user may apply a force to step 136 which may cause trolling motor 116 to rotate out of the body of water and into an area of a marine vessel. In some embodiments, step 136 may be stationary. Step 136 may be stationary coupled to base 120 and may not be depressible. A user may operate step 136 to rotate base 120 and / or trolling motor 116 directly. For instance, a user may place their foot or hand on step 136 and may provide a force which may cause a rotation and / or axial translation of trolling motor 116.

[0027] Referring now to FIG. 3, a rear view of system 100 is presented. In some embodiments, base 120 may include display device 144. Display device 144 may include any type of display device, without limitation. In some embodiments, display device 144 may include a touch screen. A touchscreen of display device 144 may allow a user to command a positioning of base 120 and / or trolling motor 316. For instance and without limitation, display device 144 may be in communication with one or more controllers that may be in communication with one or more electromechanical, rotatable, and / or slidable components of base 120. A user may enter one or more commands into display device 144, which may allow an activation of one or more electromechanical, rotatable, and / or slidable components that may cause a rotation of trolling motor 116 via base 120, a sliding of base 120 and / or trolling motor 116, a vertical adjustment of trolling motor 116 via one or more vertical rotation device, and / or a vertical rotation of trolling motor 116 from or to a body of water. Display device 144 may display information such as, but not limited to, power supplied to trolling motor 116, angular position of trolling motor 116, height of trolling motor 116, battery levels of system 100, global positioning system (GPS) coordinates, water temperature, or any other data. In some embodiments, display device 114 may display one or more positional icons. A “positional icon” as used in this disclosure refers to a graphical icon relating to a position of an object. Positional icons may be text boxes displaying directions such as left, right, up, down, or other directions. In some embodiments, display device 144 may display two or more display icons. A user may interact with a positional icon, which may cause a controller or other computing device of system 100 to manipulate base 120 and / or trolling motor 116. For instance and without limitation, a user may interact with a positional icon of display device 144 which may cause trolling motor 116 to move left, right, up, or down. In some embodiments, display device 144 may allow for deployment of trolling motor 116. For instance, display device 144 may be in communication with a controller in communication with one or more electromechanical components that may allow for an axial translation of trolling motor 116 with respect to a vertical axis of base 120. For instance, trolling motor 116 may be lifted upwards or descended downwards through an electromechanical component of base 120. In some embodiments, interaction with one or more icons of display device 144 may cause rotation of one or more fins 148 of trolling motor 116. Trolling motor 116 may include one or more fins 148. A “fin” as used in this disclosure refers to a thin object that radially extends outwards from a center point. Fins 148 maybe blades or other fin-like objects. In some embodiments, trolling motor 116 may have three or more fins 148. Fins 148 may be configured to rotate around a longitudinal axis of trolling motor 116. Fins 148 may rotate at rates of between about 1 RPM to about 10,000 RPM or greater. An RPM value of fins 148 may be adjusted and / or selected through display device 144.

[0028] In some embodiments, system 100 may include user interactive element 140. User interactive element 140 may be a slot, bar, pulley, and / or other device. Interaction of user interactive element 140 may lock or unlock a locking mechanism of base 120. For instance, pulling user interactive element 140 outwards from base 120 may unlock a locking mechanism preventing base 120 from rotating and / or from trolling motor 116 from axially translating. For instance, base 120 may be in a locked position in which base 120 may not be able to rotate. In a locked position, user interactive element 140 may be pushed inwards towards base 120. A pulling of user interactive element 140 away from base 120 may unlock a locking mechanism of base 120 which may allow rotation of base 120 and / or trolling motor 116. In some embodiments, user interactive element 140 may prevent an axial translation of trolling motor 116. For instance, user interactive element 140 may be in communication with a locking mechanism preventing trolling motor 116 from axially translating within base 120. Operation of user interaction element 140 may unlock a locking mechanism preventing trolling motor 116 from axially translating, which may allow trolling motor 116 to axially translate. In some embodiments, a locking mechanism may prevent trolling motor 116 from axially translating while base 120 is being rotated. For instance and without limitation, user interactive element 140 may be in mechanical or electrical communication with one or more devices such as, but not limited to, gears, pulleys, slots, motors, and / or other devices that may assist in rotation or axial translation of trolling motor 116. In some embodiments, rotation of base 120 and / or axial translation of trolling motor 116 may be motorized and / or automated. For instance and without limitation, a user may enter one or more commands into display device 124 which may cause a controller in communication with display device 124 to activate one or more actuators or other electro mechanical devices that may rotate and / or axially translate trolling motor 116. In some embodiments, a user may enter degrees of rotation and / or lengths of axial translation into display device 124, which a controller in communication with display device 124 may carry out.

[0029] Referring now to FIG. 4, a perspective side view of system 100 is shown. System 100 may include base 120, mount 104, trolling motor 116, display device 144, and step 136 as described above with reference to FIGS. 1-3.

[0030] Referring now to FIG. 5, another side view of system 100 is shown. System 100 may be as described above with reference to FIGS. 1-4. Base 120 may include housing slot 152. Housing slot 152 may be an opening within base 120 in which housing 124 may be designed to move within. For instance, housing 124 may axially translate in or out of housing slot 152, which may cause axial translation of trolling motor 116. In some embodiments, a user may interact with display device 144 which may cause housing 124 to axially translate into or out of housing slot 152. In some embodiments, housing 124 may axially translate past housing slot 152 beyond a distal end of base 120.

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 6A, an exploded view of an embodiment of a pivot and sliding mount 600 is presented (also referred to as “mount 600”). Mount 600 may include mount base 604. Mount base 604 may be rectangular, circular, or other shapes. Mount base 604 may include connectors 608A-D. Connectors 608A-D may be screw holes or other forms of fastening elements that may facilitate a coupling of mount base 604 to a marine vessel. In some embodiments, mount base 604 has a connector 608 at each corner of a rectangular surface. In other embodiments, mount base 604 has five or more connectors 608. Mount base 604 may include rotatable element connector 644. Rotatable element connectors 644 may be screw holes or other forms of fastening elements that may assist in mechanically coupling stem 620 to mount base 604. For instance, screws 628 may be insertable through rotatable element holes 648 of stem 620 and into rotatable element connectors 644.

[0032] Mount base 604 may be mechanically couplable to ring 612. Ring 612 may be, but is not limited to, a wear ring. For instance, ring 612 may be placeable between mount base 604 and rotatable element 616. In some embodiments, stem 620 may be insertable into opening 632 of ring 612. Opening 632 of ring 612 may be a hollow center of ring 612 that may be circular, rectangular, ovular, or other shapes. Stem 620 may be mechanically couplable to mount base 604 through cap 624 and / or screw 628. For instance, cap 624 may include one or more cap holes 640. Cap holes 640 may be screw holes or other forms of fastening elements. Screws 628 may be insertable through cap holes 640, rotatable element holes 648, and / or rotatable element connectors 644. Stem 620 may be inserted into ring 612 via hole 632 and may be mechanically coupled to ring 612 via cap 624 and / or screws 628. In some embodiments, stem 620 may be inserted into rotatable element 616. For instance, rotatable element 616 may have a slot 636 in which a portion of stem 620 may be positionable in. Rotatable element 616 may be mechanically couplable to base mount 604 through cap 624 and / or screws 628. For instance, ring 612 may be placed on top of base mount 604. Stem 620 may be inserted into ring 612 via opening 632 and may be placed on top of mount base 604. Rotatable element 616 may be positioned over and / or around stem 620. For instance, a portion of stem 620 may be inserted into slot 636 of rotatable element 616. Cap 624 may be placed on rotatable element 616 and may secure rotatable element 616, stem 620, and / or ring 612 to mount base 604 via screws 628. For instance, screws 628 may be inserted through cap holes 640, rotatable element holes 648, and / or rotatable element connectors 644. Rotatable element 616 may include pivot lock 662. Pivot lock 662 may be insertable into pivot slot 658 of rotatable element 616. Pivot lock 662 may be securable into pivot slot 658 via first pivot screw 664, second pivot screw 672, and / or pivot spring 672. Pivot lock 662 may mechanically couple rotatable element 616 to stem 620, which may allow stem 662 to rotate with rotatable element 616. In other embodiments, rotatable element 616 may rotate freely around stem 620. Rotatable element 616 may have additional slots 676A and 676B. Additional slots676A and 676B may allow for insertion of one or more external components into rotatable element 616. External components may include, but are not limited to, rods, springs, latches, levers, pivots, or other components. In some embodiments, pivot spring 672 may facilitate automatic engagement of pivot lock 662. springs of mount 600 may facilitate automatic engagement of pivot lock 662. In some embodiments, one or more springs of pivot lock 662 may facilitate automatic engagement of a slidable element locking mechanism. For instance, one or more springs of pivot lock 662 may provide a force on one or more components of mount 600 that may push the one or more components into a locking mechanism and / or locked position.

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 6B, a perspective view of pivot and sliding mount 600 is presented. Pivot and sliding mount 600 may include mount base 604, ring 612, stem 620, rotatable element 616, and / or pivot lock 662 as described above with reference to FIG. 6A. Rotatable element 616 may be configured to rotate in direction R or opposite direction R. Rotatable element 616 may be rotatable in a stationary position relative to mount base 604. In some embodiments, rotatable element 616 may be locked in place via pivot lock 662. For instance, pivot lock 662 may be inserted into rotatable element 616, which may prohibit rotatable element 616 from rotating. A user may pull screw 668, which may unlock pivot lock 662, allowing rotatable element 616 to rotate. In some embodiments, pivot lock 662 couples stem 620 with rotatable element 616 such that a rotation of rotatable element 616 causes rotation of stem 620. In other embodiments, pivot lock 662 locks rotatable element616 in a position such that rotatable element 616 does not rotate. Mount 600 may include a quick release function, which may allow rotatable element 616 to rotate despite being in a locked position under a threshold amount of force. In some embodiments, mount 600 may include a quick release function that may allow a base and / or trolling motor to decouple from mount 600. In some embodiments, rotatable element 616 may be configured to rotate despite being in a locked position, which may assist in a torque overload event of a trolling motor attached to mount 600. For instance, a torque of about 1 ft-lb to about 100 ft-lb may cause rotatable element 616 to disengage pivot lock 662 and being rotating. In some embodiments, mount 600 may have a slip mechanism that may allow rotatable element 616 to rotate under torques of 1 ft-lb to about 100 ft-lb. In some embodiments, a torque of about 1 ft-lb to about 50 ft-lbs applied on each of screws 628 may result in slippage of ring 612. In some embodiments, a torque of about 600 ft-lb may result in slippage of ring 612. Ring 612 may be coupled to a friction clutch mechanism. A friction clutch mechanism may allow pivot lock 662 to not completely disengage but instead ring 612 may slide in relation to mount base 604 and rotatable element holes 648. Screws 628 may apply a combined clamping force of about 15,000 lbs to cap 624, ring 612, and / or rotatable element holes 648, which may compress each of cap 624, ring 612, and / or rotatable element holes 648 to mount base 604. Mount base 604 may be processed with a vibratory tumbled finish prior to anodizing, which may optimize frictional forces acting on mount base 604.

[0034] Mount 600 may be directly integrated with a housing of a base, such as base 120 described above with reference to FIG. 1. For instance, rather than requiring coupling if mount 600 to a base, a housing of the base may integrated mount 600 directly into the base such that the base and mount 600 are combined into a single apparatus.

[0035] Referring now to FIG. 7, an illustration of mount 600 is presented. Mount 600 may include rotatable element 616, mount base 604, and / or stem 620 as described above with reference to FIGS. 6A-B. Mount base 604 may be mechanically coupled to marine vessel surface 708. Rotatable element 616 may be locked in a stationary position relative to stem 620. For instance, rotatable element 616 may be rotationally locked with stem 620. In some embodiments, a locking mechanism of rotatable element 616 may be mechanically coupled to interactive element 704. Interactive element 704 may be, but is not limited to, a pulley, latch, lever, button, or other form of interactive element. Interaction with user interactive element 704 may lock or unlock rotatable element 616 from a stationary position. For instance, a user may interactive with interactive element 704 which may cause rotatable element 616 to become rotationally unlocked, allowing rotatable element 616 to rotate between about 0 degrees to about 360 degrees around stem 620 or with stem 620. In some embodiments, rotation of the rotatable element 616 can be accomplished or assisted by a spring or spring-like mechanism. A user may be able to transition rotatable element 616 from a freely rotating position to a locked position by aligning rotatable element 616 in a desired orientation and interacting with interactive element 704. In some embodiments, alignments with respect to mount base 604 may cause rotatable element 616 to become rotatably locked. For instance, and without limitation, degrees of about 90, 180, 270, 360, or any degrees therebetween of rotatable element 616 with respect to mount base 604 may cause rotatable element 616 to become in a locked position. In some embodiments, any degree of rotation relative to base mount 604 may become a locked position upon interaction with interactive element 704. For instance, a user may align rotatable element 616 at a degree of rotation with respect to mount base 604 and may push or otherwise interact with interactive element 704, which may lock rotatable element 616 in an angle with respect to mount base 604. In some embodiments, mount base 604 may have one or more predefine lock points with respect to rotatable element 616. For instance and without limitation, at angles of about 45 degrees, 60 degrees, 75 degrees, and / or 90 degrees with respect to a longitudinal axis of mount base 604 and rotatable element 616, rotatable element 616 may reengage with a locking mechanism that may rotationally lock rotatable element 616 to mount base 604. Predefine lock points of mount base 604 may allow for automatic engagement of a locking mechanism of rotatable element 616 without use of interactive element 704. Increments of predefine lock points may be between about, but not limited to, 1 degree to about 15 degrees or greater. In some embodiments, a user may select or otherwise adjust one or more predefine lock points of rotatable element 616 with respect to mount base 604.

[0036] Referring now to FIG. 8, an exploded view of a base 800 is presented. Base 800 may be the same as base 120 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-5.

[0037] Base 800 may include first saddle 1. First saddle 1 may be a housing or compartment that may couple to one or more components of base 800. First saddle 1 may be mechanically couplable to second saddle 2. Second saddle 2 and / or first saddle 1 may be mechanically couplable to first side cover 21 and / or second side cover 23. First side cover 21, second side cover 23, first saddle 1, and / or second saddle 2 may be couplable to base mount 16. Base mount 16 may be rectangular or other shapes. Base mount 16 may be designed to allow for a positioning of a trolling motor therein. For instance, a trolling motor may be partially positioned on top of base mount 16. In some embodiments, a trolling motor may be positioned on top of base mount 16 and between first side cover 21 and second side cover 23. First side cover 21 and / or second side cover 23 may assist in securing a trolling motor to an interior space of base 800 provided by base mount 16. In some embodiments, base mount 16 may have one or more guide rails or other structures that may facilitate a lateral movement of a trolling motor. For instance, sides of first cover 21 and / or second cover 23 may have indents or protrusions in which sides of a trolling motor may be couplable to. Base mount 16 may be couplable to linkage 6. Linkage 6 may be couplable to retaining ring 19. Linkage 6 may allow for a coupling of first cover 21 and / or first saddle 1 to base mount 16. In some embodiments, first cover 21 and / or second cover 23 is couplable to step 37. Step 37 may be the same as step 136 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-5, without limitation.

[0038] A user may operate step 37 to rotate base 800 on a rotatable element. Step 37 may be couplable to base mount 16 via foot pedal pin 40, cotter pin 41, foot pedal washer 42, and / or other components. In some embodiments, step 37 may be slidable along a longitudinal axis of base 800. A sliding of step 37 along a longitudinal axis of base 800 may allow a trolling motor to slide along a longitudinal axis of base 800. For instance, step 37 may be mechanically coupled to a slidable block, slidable rail, or other slidable element which may be slidable along a longitudinal axis of base 800. In some embodiments, base 800 may include a telescopic slidable member. A “telescopic slidable member” as used in this disclosure refers to an object capable of increasing its length substantially laterally. For instance, one or more rails of base mount 16 may extend past a distal end of base mount 16, which may allow for a sliding of a trolling motor past a distal end of base mount 16. In some embodiments, step 37 may be depressible. A depression of step 37 may unlock base 800 from a locking mechanism of a rotatable element. In some embodiments, a depression of step 37 may allow an unlocking of a locking mechanism preventing a trolling motor from laterally translating across base mount 16. Base mount 16 may include bushing 17. Pin 18 may be insertable into bushing 17.

[0039] Still referring to FIG. 8, first cover 21 and / or first saddle 1 may be couplable to latch 5. First saddle 1 may be couplable to base mount 16 via one or more screws 11 and / or pivot washer 44. In some embodiments, latch 5 may be couplable to base mount 16. For instance, latch 5 may be couplable to base mount 16 through washer 45, washer flat 3, latch hook 4, bushing 7, screw 8, washer 9, pivot washer 46, and / or pivot 43. In some embodiments, first cover 21 may be couplable to pin 25 which may be couplable to spring 26, screw 27, screw 34, and pin housing 24. In some embodiments, base 800 may include lock housing 28. Lock housing 28 may be couplable to lock assembly 33. Lock assembly 33 may lock one or more rails or other slidable elements of base 800 in place. In some embodiments, lock assembly 33 may lock first cover 21 to second cover 23 and / or base mount 16. Lock assembly 33 may be couplable to screw 32, lock slide 29, spring 30, and / or screw 31. Second cover 23 may include bumper 38. Bumper 38 may be couplable to second cover 23 via screw 22. In some embodiments, step 37 may be couplable to base mount 16 via nut 36, foot pedal assembly 39, screw 35, pin 41, foot pedal pin washer 42, latch lower unit 5, bushing 12, washer lock 13, washer flat 14, and / or screw 15.

[0040] Referring now to FIG. 9, a method of pivoting and sliding a trolling motor is presented. At step 905, method 900 includes rotating a trolling motor via a rotatable element of a base attached to a mount. A trolling motor may be rotated in a clock wise or counter clock wise direction. In some embodiments, a trolling motor may be rotated until a base is locked into place via a locking mechanism. A locking mechanism may lock a trolling motor into a position aligning with a length of a mount. This step may be implemented as described above with reference to FIGS. 1-5, without limitation.

[0041] At step 910, method 900 includes axially translating the trolling motor via a slidable element of a base. The trolling motor may be axially translate in a positive or negative direction with respect to an x-axis aligning with a length of a mount. In some embodiments, a locking mechanism may lock the trolling motor to a certain length with respect to the mount. The trolling motor may be axially translated between about 0.1 cm to about 1 m, less than about 0.1 cm, or greater than about 1 m, without limitation. In some embodiments, the trolling motor may be vertically angularly displaced with respect to a mount via a vertically rotatable element. A vertically rotatable element may include a gear, pivot, shaft, pulley, or other device. The trolling motor may rotate vertically away from or towards a mount. The trolling motor may rotate vertically into or out of a body of water. In some embodiments, the trolling motor may be vertically rotated out of a body of water before being axially translated, such as during a retraction of the trolling motor. In other embodiments, the trolling motor may be axially translated before being vertically rotated, such as during a deployment of the trolling motor.

[0042] In some embodiments, a user may adjust a positioning of the trolling motor via a display device of a base of a pivot and sliding system. For instance a user may enter one or more commands into a touchscreen of a display device, which may cause activation of one or more shafts, actuators, gears, or other devices via a controller in communication with the display device. A user may rotate an angle of the trolling motor while the trolling motor is deployed. In some embodiments, a user may adjust a vertical positioning, such as a height, of the trolling motor while the trolling motor is deployed.

[0043] While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0044] Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

[0045] Particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. For example, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. As one example, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In certain implementations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Other steps or stages may be provided, or steps or stages may be eliminated, from the described processes. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

[0046] The phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0047] The term “approximately”, the phrase “approximately equal to”, and other similar phrases, as used in the specification and the claims (e.g., “X has a value of approximately Y” or “X is approximately equal to Y”), should be understood to mean that one value (X) is within a predetermined range of another value (Y). The predetermined range may be plus or minus 20%, 10%, 5%, 3%, 1%, 0.1%, or less than 0.1%, unless otherwise indicated.

[0048] The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.” The phrase “and / or,” as used in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and / or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and / or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and / or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

[0049] As used in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and / or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and / or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,”“one of,”“only one of,” or “exactly one of.”“Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

[0050] As used in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and / or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

[0051] The use of “including,”“comprising,”“having,”“containing,”“involving,” and variations thereof, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and additional items.

[0052] Use of ordinal terms such as “first,”“second,”“third,” etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed. Ordinal terms are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term), to distinguish the claim elements.

[0053] Having thus described several aspects of at least one embodiment of this invention, it is to be appreciated that various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure, and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only.

Claims

1. A pivot and sliding mount for a trolling motor of a marine vessel, comprising:a base attachable to a top surface of a marine vessel and comprising:a housing capable of facilitating coupling of a trolling motor to the base;a rotatable element; anda slidable element, wherein the base is configured to allow both a rotation and axial translation of the trolling motor with respect to the mount via the rotatable and slidable elements.

2. The pivot and sliding mount of claim 1, wherein rotatable element comprises a disk configured to rotate the base between about 1 degree to about 360 degrees.

3. The pivot and sliding mount of claim 1, wherein the slidable element comprises a set of rails that allow the trolling motor to axially translate between about 0.1 cm to about 1 meter.

4. The pivot and sliding mount of claim 1, wherein the slidable element is positioned on top of the rotatable element such that a rotation of the rotatable element causes a rotation of the slidable element with respect to the mount.

5. The pivot and sliding mount of claim 4, wherein the slidable element allows the trolling motor to axially translate from any angle of rotation of the rotatable element.

6. The pivot and sliding mount of claim 1, further comprising an interactive element configured to mechanically switch engagement of the rotatable element and the slidable element.

7. The pivot and sliding mount of claim 1, wherein the rotatable element comprises a locking device configured to align the base with the mount and prevent rotation once the base aligns with the mount.

8. The pivot and sliding mount of claim 1, wherein the rotatable element comprises a spring mechanism configured to assist a user in rotating the rotatable element in a clock wise or counter clock wise direction.

9. The pivot and sliding mount of claim 1, wherein the rotatable element is integrated within the housing of the base.

10. The pivot and sliding mount of claim 1, wherein the slidable element is integrated within the housing of the base.

11. A method of pivoting and sliding a trolling motor, comprising:rotating a trolling motor via a rotatable element of a base attached to a mount of a marine vessel, wherein the trolling motor is rotated to align with a length of a mount; andaxially translating the trolling motor via a slidable element of the base.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the rotatable element comprises a disk configured to rotate the base between about 1 degree to about 360 degrees.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the slidable element comprises a set of rails that allow the trolling motor to axially translate between about 0.1 cm to about 1 meter.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the slidable element is positioned on top of the rotatable element such that a rotation of the rotatable element causes a rotation of the slidable element with respect to the mount.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the slidable element allows the trolling motor to axially translate from any angle of rotation of the rotatable element.

16. The method of claim 11, further comprising switching, via an interactive element, an engagement of the slidable element and an engagement of the rotatable element.

17. The method of claim 11, further comprising locking, by a locking device in communication with the rotatable element, a positioning of the trolling motor to align the trolling motor along a length of the mount.

18. The method of claim 11, further comprising assisting, via a spring mechanism, a user in rotating the rotatable element in a clock wise or counter clock wise direction.

19. The method of claim 11, further comprising vertically rotating, via a vertical rotation element, the trolling motor into or out of a body of water.

20. The method of claim 11 wherein the rotatable element is integrated within a housing of the base.

Images