Brunswick Corporation

Larry A Floeter

Edwin B Hatch

Gary G Gilbertson

Howard J Derber

David R Brower

A remote control mechanism is provided with a cam mechanism that allows an operator of a marine vessel or other type of apparatus to move a handle along a generally linear path to simultaneously select the gear selection and throttle selection for the marine vessel. Cam mechanisms within a support structure translate the linear motion of the handle into preselected motions that cause first and second actuators to affect first and second parameters of the propulsion system. Cam followers attached to a control member are moved in coordination with the handle movement to cause first and second cam tracks to rotate about pivot points relative to the support structure. This rotation of the first and second cam tracks causes first and second actuators to be moved. The actuators, which can be cables, are also connected to selectors of both gear position and throttle position.

Remote control mechanism

A twin lever control actuator (10) operates push-pull cables (17, 17a) and has two sets of pulleys (12, 12a and 13, 13a) on opposite sides of a control body (11). Interlock structure (120-124, 126, 128, 132, 134) normally prevents movement of the shift lever (14) and its cable (17) when the throttle lever (14a) and its cable (17a) are in a high speed position and with the operator applying normal force to the shift lever (14). Override structure (136, 148, 150, 152, 154) permits movement of the shift lever (14) and its cable (17) with the throttle lever (14a) in a high speed position when the operator applies an abnormally high force to the shift lever (14), to enable emergency high speed shifting including from forward to reverse, to facilitate rapid deceleration.

Marine drive twin lever remote control with interlock override

A control unit for an engine of the type having a shift means for shifting between forward, neutral, and reverse and a throttle means for controlling engine speeds between idle and high speed includes a housing and a control handle rotatably supported at one end by the housing. Shift and throttle cables extend between the engine and the housing, and respond to rotation of the handle to control the engine shifting and throttle during portions of the period of rotation of the handle. A lock rod extends through the handle and is adapted at one end to alternately engage and disengage with the housing; and when engaged with the housing, prevents rotation of the handle from a position corresponding to neutral and idle throttle. A trigger at the outer end of the handle is connected to axially rotate the lock rod to radially disengage the other end of the lock rod and permit rotation of the handle out of the neutral and idle conditions. The lock rod engages a lock ring which is coupled to the housing by a pair of pins, the housing being provided with a circular set of holes permitting the neutral position of the handle to be rotated with respect to the housing.

Control unit for marine engines employing neutral lock mechanism

A control unit for an engine of the type requiring shifting control between forward, neutral, and reverse and throttle control for engine speeds between idle and high speed includes a housing having a control handle rotatably supported by the housing. Shift and throttle linkage means within the housing are connected to the engine and are responsive to rotation of the handle for separate control of the shift and throttle of the engine during respective portions of the arc of rotation of the handle. A throttle only shaft extends from the housing and is connected to the handle. A latch means is connected to the throttle only shaft to engage and disengage the shift linkage while permitting operation of only the throttle function responsive to rotation of the handle.

Growing community of inventors

Campbellsport, WI, United States of America

Larry A Floeter