Mount for trolling motors that pass through the steering housing upon deployment

Abstract

A remote-control transducer pivot style mount for tandem deployment trolling motors with shafts passing through trolling motor pivot housing steering knuckle, allowing independent directional adjustment of the sonar transducer without obstructing the motor shaft's movement during deployment. The system, including a trolling motor shaft selective adjustment attachments assuring transducer

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 755,518 filed on Feb. 7, 2025.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to marine sonar and propulsion systems used in fishing. Such propulsion units are commonly defined as trolling motors that are secured to the water craft for controlled propulsion and steering primarily during fishing. Sonar locator systems are used to detect underwater objects, determine water depth and location of fish. Operational parameters of such system requires steering input by directional or re-orientation of the trolling motor and preferably independent directional operation of the sonar transducer in relation thereto.2. Description of Prior Art

[0003] Prior art devices of this type have been developed to aid in the deployment and steering of trolling motors with fixed shafts on fold out deployment and associated sonar transducers, see for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,152,690, 4,926,399, 5,573,221, 6,899,574, 11,760,459 and U.S. Publication 2024 / 0159899.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,152,690 describes a flexible transducer mount allowing the transducer to be moved beneath the water by use of a flexible control cable for pointing the transducer.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,926,399 is directed to a transducer mounting system that allows pivotal activation of the transducer underwater mounted to conventional trolling motors on a boat.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,573,221 claims an apparatus for supporting a depth finding transducer independently of a trolling motor. A track supports the transducer support shelf for direct user induced rotation thereof while attached to the trolling motor.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,899,574 shows a transducer bracket for mounting a transducer directly to the trolling motor opposite the propulsion propellor thereon.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 11,370,516 is directed to a transducer mount assembly that allows independent directional rotation of a sonar transducer on a motorized rotating support.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 11,760,459 discloses a trolling motor foot pedal control sonar device wherein a trolling motor having a propulsion motor and steering activated and sonar assembly. User activated electrical turning input rotates the propulsion motor and transducer in respect thereto.

[0010] U.S. Publication 2024 / 0159899 describes a trolling motor assembly and transducer assembly mounted to the motor shaft with an adjustable field of view in relation thereto.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A transducer mount assembly for tandem deployment and stowage with a pivot style trolling motor. The assembly is configured to attach to the motor's steering transmission and includes a guide through which an independent transducer shaft passes, wherein the transducer shaft translates through the guide in mechanical tandem with the trolling motor shaft passing through the steering transmission during deployment and stowage. This integrated structure provides stable, forward-facing sonar positioning independently of the trolling motor's direction without obstructing the motor shaft. Directional control of the transducer is provided by a remote actuator.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the transducer assembly for trolling motors.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view thereof.

[0014] FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial perspective sectional view of the transducer directional activation assembly.

[0015] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a transducer directional indicator flag.

[0016] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a transducer attachment assembly mount and support.

[0017] FIG. 6 is an electric diagram of the directional control circuitry for the directional transducer assembly.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a graphic side elevational view of the directional transducer assembly of the invention in use.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] A remote-controlled sonar transducer mount assembly 10 of the invention can be seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 7 of the drawings having a power transducer directional activation assembly 11 comprising a support housing 12 with a trolling motor shaft guide engagement fitting 14 extending therefrom. The support housing 12 has an integral waterproof contoured enclosure 15 with an equipment mounting base 16. A transducer directed drive motor 17 is secured to the mounting base 16 within an apertured opening for a motor output shaft 17A within a depending enclosure sleeve 18.

[0020] A transfer drive coupling 19 extends from the motor output shaft 17A receiving a directional transducer support shaft 20 there within. A controller 21 is mounted to the mounting base 16 within the contoured enclosure 15 and provides power transfer relays and electronic circuitry for selective forward and reverse direct power output to the directional drive motor 17 as illustrated in FIG. 6 of the drawings imparting by directional rotation to the transducer support shaft 20. A power source B and a remote user activation foot switch assemblies SW are in communication therewith, in this example, of a basic controller configuration as will be understood by those skilled in the art. It will be evident that alternate switch configurations may provide variations of switch-controlled duration and release such as self-holding if so desired and within the scope of the invention.

[0021] The transducer directional support shaft 20 has a sonar transducer 20A on its free end and extends from the drive coupling 19 through a primary assembly support and alignment fitting 21A, best seen in FIGS. 2 and 5 of the drawings. The support and alignment fitting 21A has an upstanding sleeve 22 for freely receiving the transducer shaft 20 therethrough.

[0022] A base 23 extends at right angle from the sleeve 22 having an attachment fitting 24 securing the directional transducer assembly 10 to a steering knuckle 25 of the pivot style trolling motor propulsion and steering assembly 26 as seen in FIG. 7 of the drawings.

[0023] A visual sonar transducer directional confirmation indicator 27, best seen in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 7 of the drawings comprises a split open annular engagement fitting 28 with a right angular extending flag elements 29 formed thereon. The directional confirmation indicator 27 is secured directly to the directional transducer support shaft 20 above the water surface to provide the user a visual indication of where the sonar transducer 20A is directionally pointing on the end of the rotatable transducer support shaft 20, as noted.

[0024] As seen in FIG. 7 of the drawings, the orientation of the primary elements of the transducer mounting assembly 10 are mounted on a water craft 30 having the pivot style trolling motor propulsion and steering assembly 26 with a trolling motor shaft 31. A trolling motor 32 is secured to the end of the trolling motor's shaft 31 and is therefore free to rotate by the steering knuckle assembly 25 on the trolling motor body 32. The transducer directional activation assembly 10 via its shaft guide engagement fitting 14 extending from the support housing 12 provides directional rotation thereof as hereinbefore described.

[0025] It will be evident from the above description that the remote-control sonar transducer mounting system 10 of the invention addresses the current limitations of restricted use allowing a user to deploy a pivot style trolling motor assembly 26 and a forward-facing sonar transducer assembly simultaneously with independent direct adjustment of the sonar transducer 20A remotely.

[0026] This is primarily applicable in pivot style trolling motors assembly 26 that have the trolling motor shaft 31 sliding through the steering knuckle assembly 25. The sonar transducer mounting system 10 is therefore non-obstructive and compatible with such pivoted deployment designated systems which are heretofore unavailable.

[0027] It will thus be seen that a new and novel directional transducer mount assembly 10 of the invention has been illustrated and described and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, I claim:

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0019]A remote-controlled sonar transducer mount assembly 10 of the invention can be seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 7 of the drawings having a power transducer directional activation assembly 11 comprising a support housing 12 with a trolling motor shaft guide engagement fitting 14 extending therefrom. The support housing 12 has an integral waterproof contoured enclosure 15 with an equipment mounting base 16. A transducer directed drive motor 17 is secured to the mounting base 16 within an apertured opening for a motor output shaft 17A within a depending enclosure sleeve 18.

[0020]A transfer drive coupling 19 extends from the motor output shaft 17A receiving a directional transducer support shaft 20 there within. A controller 21 is mounted to the mounting base 16 within the contoured enclosure 15 and provides power transfer relays and electronic circuitry for selective forward and reverse direct power output to the directional drive motor 17 as illustrated in FIG. 6 of the drawings imparting...

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 755,518 filed on Feb. 7, 2025.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to marine sonar and propulsion systems used in fishing. Such propulsion units are commonly defined as trolling motors that are secured to the water craft for controlled propulsion and steering primarily during fishing. Sonar locator systems are used to detect underwater objects, determine water depth and location of fish. Operational parameters of such system requires steering input by directional or re-orientation of the trolling motor and preferably independent directional operation of the sonar transducer in relation thereto.2. Description of Prior Art

[0003] Prior art devices of this type have been developed to aid in the deployment and steering of trolling motors with fixed shafts on fold out deployment and associated sonar transducers, see for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,152,690, 4,926,399, 5,573,221, 6,899,574, 11,760,459 and U.S. Publication 2024 / 0159899.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,152,690 describes a flexible transducer mount allowing the transducer to be moved beneath the water by use of a flexible control cable for pointing the transducer.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,926,399 is directed to a transducer mounting system that allows pivotal activation of the transducer underwater mounted to conventional trolling motors on a boat.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,573,221 claims an apparatus for supporting a depth finding transducer independently of a trolling motor. A track supports the transducer support shelf for direct user induced rotation thereof while attached to the trolling motor.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,899,574 shows a transducer bracket for mounting a transducer directly to the trolling motor opposite the propulsion propellor thereon.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 11,370,516 is directed to a transducer mount assembly that allows independent directional rotation of a sonar transducer on a motorized rotating support.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 11,760,459 discloses a trolling motor foot pedal control sonar device wherein a trolling motor having a propulsion motor and steering activated and sonar assembly. User activated electrical turning input rotates the propulsion motor and transducer in respect thereto.

[0010] U.S. Publication 2024 / 0159899 describes a trolling motor assembly and transducer assembly mounted to the motor shaft with an adjustable field of view in relation thereto.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A transducer mount assembly for tandem deployment and stowage with a pivot style trolling motor. The assembly is configured to attach to the motor's steering transmission and includes a guide through which an independent transducer shaft passes, wherein the transducer shaft translates through the guide in mechanical tandem with the trolling motor shaft passing through the steering transmission during deployment and stowage. This integrated structure provides stable, forward-facing sonar positioning independently of the trolling motor's direction without obstructing the motor shaft. Directional control of the transducer is provided by a remote actuator.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the transducer assembly for trolling motors.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view thereof.

[0014] FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial perspective sectional view of the transducer directional activation assembly.

[0015] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a transducer directional indicator flag.

[0016] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a transducer attachment assembly mount and support.

[0017] FIG. 6 is an electric diagram of the directional control circuitry for the directional transducer assembly.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a graphic side elevational view of the directional transducer assembly of the invention in use.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] A remote-controlled sonar transducer mount assembly 10 of the invention can be seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 7 of the drawings having a power transducer directional activation assembly 11 comprising a support housing 12 with a trolling motor shaft guide engagement fitting 14 extending therefrom. The support housing 12 has an integral waterproof contoured enclosure 15 with an equipment mounting base 16. A transducer directed drive motor 17 is secured to the mounting base 16 within an apertured opening for a motor output shaft 17A within a depending enclosure sleeve 18.

[0020] A transfer drive coupling 19 extends from the motor output shaft 17A receiving a directional transducer support shaft 20 there within. A controller 21 is mounted to the mounting base 16 within the contoured enclosure 15 and provides power transfer relays and electronic circuitry for selective forward and reverse direct power output to the directional drive motor 17 as illustrated in FIG. 6 of the drawings imparting by directional rotation to the transducer support shaft 20. A power source B and a remote user activation foot switch assemblies SW are in communication therewith, in this example, of a basic controller configuration as will be understood by those skilled in the art. It will be evident that alternate switch configurations may provide variations of switch-controlled duration and release such as self-holding if so desired and within the scope of the invention.

[0021] The transducer directional support shaft 20 has a sonar transducer 20A on its free end and extends from the drive coupling 19 through a primary assembly support and alignment fitting 21A, best seen in FIGS. 2 and 5 of the drawings. The support and alignment fitting 21A has an upstanding sleeve 22 for freely receiving the transducer shaft 20 therethrough.

[0022] A base 23 extends at right angle from the sleeve 22 having an attachment fitting 24 securing the directional transducer assembly 10 to a steering knuckle 25 of the pivot style trolling motor propulsion and steering assembly 26 as seen in FIG. 7 of the drawings.

[0023] A visual sonar transducer directional confirmation indicator 27, best seen in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 7 of the drawings comprises a split open annular engagement fitting 28 with a right angular extending flag elements 29 formed thereon. The directional confirmation indicator 27 is secured directly to the directional transducer support shaft 20 above the water surface to provide the user a visual indication of where the sonar transducer 20A is directionally pointing on the end of the rotatable transducer support shaft 20, as noted.

[0024] As seen in FIG. 7 of the drawings, the orientation of the primary elements of the transducer mounting assembly 10 are mounted on a water craft 30 having the pivot style trolling motor propulsion and steering assembly 26 with a trolling motor shaft 31. A trolling motor 32 is secured to the end of the trolling motor's shaft 31 and is therefore free to rotate by the steering knuckle assembly 25 on the trolling motor body 32. The transducer directional activation assembly 10 via its shaft guide engagement fitting 14 extending from the support housing 12 provides directional rotation thereof as hereinbefore described.

[0025] It will be evident from the above description that the remote-control sonar transducer mounting system 10 of the invention addresses the current limitations of restricted use allowing a user to deploy a pivot style trolling motor assembly 26 and a forward-facing sonar transducer assembly simultaneously with independent direct adjustment of the sonar transducer 20A remotely.

[0026] This is primarily applicable in pivot style trolling motors assembly 26 that have the trolling motor shaft 31 sliding through the steering knuckle assembly 25. The sonar transducer mounting system 10 is therefore non-obstructive and compatible with such pivoted deployment designated systems which are heretofore unavailable.

[0027] It will thus be seen that a new and novel directional transducer mount assembly 10 of the invention has been illustrated and described and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, I claim:

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0019]A remote-controlled sonar transducer mount assembly 10 of the invention can be seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 7 of the drawings having a power transducer directional activation assembly 11 comprising a support housing 12 with a trolling motor shaft guide engagement fitting 14 extending therefrom. The support housing 12 has an integral waterproof contoured enclosure 15 with an equipment mounting base 16. A transducer directed drive motor 17 is secured to the mounting base 16 within an apertured opening for a motor output shaft 17A within a depending enclosure sleeve 18.

[0020]A transfer drive coupling 19 extends from the motor output shaft 17A receiving a directional transducer support shaft 20 there within. A controller 21 is mounted to the mounting base 16 within the contoured enclosure 15 and provides power transfer relays and electronic circuitry for selective forward and reverse direct power output to the directional drive motor 17 as illustrated in FIG. 6 of the drawings imparting...

Claims

1. A transducer mount for pivot style troller motor assemblies comprising;a support housing, a troller motor shaft engagement fitting extending from said support housing,a transducer directed drive motor in said housing having a main motor output shaft with a depending and closure sleeve,a transducer support shaft secured to said motor output shaft,an electronic controller in communication with said transducer directed drive motor for selectively directional rotation of said transducer support shaft,a sonar transducer on the free end of said transducer support shaft,a primary assembly support and alignment fitting extending from said transducer support shaft,a visual directional confirmation indicator on said transducer support shaft in spaced relation to said depending enclosure sleeve.

2. A transducer mount for pivot style troller motor assemblies set forth in claim 1 wherein said support housing is waterproof.

3. The transducer mount for pivot style troller motor assemblies set forth in claim 1 wherein said transducer directed drive motor is secured within said housing in an apertured opening for said depending enclosure sleeve.

4. The transducer mount for pivot style troller motor assemblies set forth in claim 1 wherein said primary support and alignment fitting is rotatably secured about said transducer support shaft, and extends through a steering knuckle on a troller motor body.

5. The transducer mount for pivot style troller motor assemblies set forth in claim 1 wherein said solar transducer is in communication with said electronic controller and a power source.

6. The transducer mount for pivot style troller motor assemblies set forth in claim 1 wherein said transducer support shaft and said sonar transducer is independent of said troller motor shaft and a troller motor mounted thereon.

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