The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 04, 1997
Filed:
Jun. 03, 1994
Darrel Bernloehr, Mankato, MN (US);
Johnson Fishing, Inc., Mankato, MN (US);
Abstract
A breakaway mounting device for a trolling motor, such as an electric trolling motor, includes a support frame adapted for coupling to a mounting assembly on the bow of a fishing boat. An omni-directional swivel joint is provided in the support frame for receiving the motor's support tube. The swivel joint preferably includes a spherical bearing surface formed in the frame and a spherical bearing member conforming to the bearing surface to permit pivotal movement of the trolling motor. A biasing assembly is also provided in the frame and cooperates with the swivel joint to urge the support tube of the trolling motor into its normal operating position, while allowing angular displacement of the support tube with respect to the normal operating position when the trolling motor impacts a submerged obstruction. The biasing assembly preferably includes a concave biasing surface formed in the frame and opening toward the bearing surface, a convex biasing member cooperating with the biasing surface, and a compression member that urges the biasing member toward the biasing surface. The mount permits angular breakaway action in any radial direction and offers self-centering realignment of the trolling motor after the trolling motor is freed from the obstruction.