Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6383042
-
Patent Number
6,383,042
-
Date Filed
Tuesday, April 11, 200024 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, May 7, 200222 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
- Morano; S. Joseph
- Wright; Andy
Agents
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 440 49
- 440 79
- 440 83
- 416 93 A
- 416 134 R
- 416 245 A
- 416 244 B
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
A propeller assembly that includes an interchangeable drive sleeve, a resilient inner hub having a bore in which the drive sleeve is inserted, and a propeller including an outer hub in which the drive sleeve and resilient inner hub are inserted, is described. In an exemplary embodiment, the drive sleeve includes a cylindrical shaped body and a plurality of splines extend from an outer diameter surface of drive sleeve body. A bore extends through drive sleeve, and a plurality of grooves are in an inner diameter surface of the drive sleeve bore. These grooves are configured to mate with splines on a propeller shaft. Resilient inner hub includes a cylindrical shaped body and a plurality of tapered grooves in an inner diameter surface of the inner hub body. Each groove is arranged to receive one drive sleeve spline. The inner hub also includes a drive flange at one end thereof. The propeller includes an outer hub having a cylindrical shaped body, and a plurality of blades extend from an outer diameter surface of the outer hub body. An inner diameter surface of the outer hub body is shaped to mate with the inner hub drive flange to limit relative movement between the inner hub drive flange and the outer hub.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to marine engines, and more particularly, to propeller hubs.
Outboard engines include a drive shaft which extends from the engine power head, through an exhaust case, and into an engine lower unit. The lower unit includes a gear case, and a propeller shaft extends through the gear case. Forward and reverse gears couple the propeller shaft to the drive shaft. The drive shaft, gears, and propeller shaft sometimes are referred to as a drive train.
A propeller is secured to and rotates with the propeller shaft. Torque from the propeller is transmitted to the shaft. Specifically, propeller hub assemblies transmit torque to the propeller shaft. Exemplary propeller hub assemblies include cross bolts, keys, shear pins, plastic hubs, and compressed rubber hubs. Such hub assemblies should have sufficient strength or stiffness so that during normal engine operations, very few losses occur between the propeller shaft and the propeller. Such hub assemblies, however, also should be resilient so that the engine drive train is protected in the event of an impact, e.g., if the propeller hits a log or rock.
A propeller hub assembly also should facilitate “limp home” operation of the engine so that even in the event that an interface between the propeller shaft and the propeller shears due to a large impact, the propeller and propeller shaft still remain sufficiently engaged so that the engine still drives the boat, for example, to return to a dock for repairs. Further, since engine manufacturers often utilize different propeller shaft arrangements, it would be desireable to provide propeller hub assemblies that facilitate use of one propeller on engines of different engine manufacturers.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
These and other objects may be attained by a propeller assembly that includes an interchangeable drive sleeve, a resilient inner hub having a bore in which the drive sleeve is inserted, and a propeller including an outer hub in which the drive sleeve and resilient inner hub are inserted. In an exemplary embodiment, the drive sleeve includes a cylindrical shaped body and a plurality of splines extend from an outer diameter surface of drive sleeve body. A bore extends through drive sleeve, and a plurality of grooves are in an inner diameter surface of the drive sleeve bore. These grooves are configured to mate with splines on a propeller shaft.
Resilient inner hub includes a cylindrical shaped body and a plurality of tapered grooves in an inner diameter surface of the inner hub body. Each groove is arranged to receive one drive sleeve spline. The inner hub also includes a drive flange at one end thereof.
The propeller includes an outer hub having a cylindrical shaped body, and a plurality of blades extend from an outer diameter surface of the outer hub body. An inner diameter surface of the outer hub body is shaped to mate with the inner hub drive flange to limit relative movement between the inner hub drive flange and the outer hub.
For limp home operation, the drive sleeve includes a flange at one end of the drive sleeve cylindrical shaped body, and a plurality of limp home projections, or drive arms, extend from the drive sleeve flange. A plurality of limp home projections, or drive arms, also extend from the outer hub inner diameter surface.
During operation, and upon the occurrence of an impact, resilient hub twists along its axial length, and drive sleeve splines progressively come into contact with side walls of grooves in inner hub. When the splines are in contact with one groove side wall along the entire length of wall, such contact limits further twisting by inner hub. The operational condition in which hub is twisted along its axial length as described above is sometimes referred to herein as the resilient operation mode.
If the impact forces are sufficient, it is possible that the splines will shear. In the event that all splines shear, then the propeller shaft and drive sleeve rotate relative to the propeller outer hub until the limp home arm projections of the drive sleeve and outer hub come into contact. If the forces are not sufficient to also shear the limp home projections, then the propeller will resume rotating with the propeller shaft. Such operational condition is sometimes referred to herein as the limp home operation mode.
In addition to operating in both a resilient mode to protect the engine drive train from damage, and a limp home mode so that even in the event that the propeller strikes an object in the water, the propeller is still operational, the above described propeller assembly facilitates the easy replacement of the resilient hub. Specifically, in the event that the inner hub needs to be replaced, a user simply removes the propeller assembly from the propeller shaft, and removes the drive sleeve and resilient hub from within the outer hub. A replacement inner hub can then be utilized when reassembling the propeller assembly and mounting the assembly on the propeller shaft.
Further, different drive sleeves can be provided so that the propeller can be utilized on many different types of marine engines. For example, one particular marine engine may have splines on the propeller shaft of a first length, and another particular marine engine may have splines on a propeller shaft of a second length. Different drive sleeves having different length splines on their inner diameter surfaces can be provided. Although different drive sleeves a reutilized, a same propeller can be used. That is, by providing inter changeable drive sleeves, one propeller can be used in conjunction with many different type engines.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1
is a front perspective view of a propeller assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2
is an exploded view of the propeller assembly shown in FIG.
1
.
FIG. 3
is a rear perspective view of the propeller assembly shown in FIG.
1
.
FIG. 4
is an exploded view of the propeller assembly shown in FIG.
3
.
FIG. 5
is a side cross-sectional view of the propeller assembly shown in FIG.
1
.
FIG. 6
is a cross-sectional view through line
6
—
6
shown in FIG.
5
.
FIG. 7
is a side cross-sectional view of the propeller assembly shown in FIG.
1
.
FIG. 8
is a cross-sectional view through line
8
—
8
shown in FIG.
7
.
FIG. 9
is a cross-sectional view through line
9
—
9
shown in FIG.
7
.
FIG. 10
is a cross-sectional view through line
10
—
10
shown in FIG.
9
.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is not limited to practice in connection with a particular engine, nor is the present invention limited to practice with a particular propeller configuration. The present invention can be utilized in connection with many engines and propeller configurations. For example, a propeller having three blades is described herein. The present invention, however, can be used in connection with propellers having any number of blades. Therefore, although the invention is described below in the context of an exemplary outboard engine and propeller configuration, the invention is not limited to practice with such engine and propeller.
FIG. 1
is a front perspective view of a propeller assembly
100
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Propeller assembly
100
is configured for being secured to a propeller shaft
102
of a marine engine. Propeller assembly
100
includes a thrust washer
104
, a propeller
106
having an outer hub
108
and a plurality of blades
110
extending from an outer diameter hub surface
112
, a washer
114
, and a nut
116
which secures assembly
100
to propeller shaft
102
.
Generally, propeller assembly
100
rotates with propeller shaft
102
during normal operations. In the event of an impact, e.g., propeller
106
strikes an object in the water, propeller
106
may rotate relative to shaft
102
as described below in more detail to protect the engine drive train. In addition, and in the event that such relative rotation of propeller
106
results in shearing the primary engagement between propeller
106
and propeller shaft
102
, a limp home arrangement provides that propeller
106
may still be rotatable with propeller shaft
102
so that the operator can at least reach a dock for repairs.
FIG. 2
is an exploded view of propeller assembly
100
. As shown in
FIG. 2
, assembly
100
also includes a drive sleeve
118
having a cylindrical shaped body
120
. Drive sleeve
118
extends from thrust washer
104
to washer
114
. Tightening of nut
116
pre-loads sleeve
118
to eliminate propeller rattle and wear, which facilitates eliminating damaging wear on load carrying thrust washer
104
.
A plurality of splines
122
extend from an outer diameter surface
124
of drive sleeve body
120
. A plurality of grooves
126
are in an inner diameter surface
128
of drive sleeve cylindrical shaped body
120
. A flange
130
is at one end of drive sleeve cylindrical s h aped body
120
, and a plurality of limp home projections
132
extend from drive sleeve flange
130
. Although not shown in
FIG. 1
, a plurality of limp home projections extend from an outer hub inner diameter surface
134
to provide limp home operation, as described below in more detail. In an exemplary embodiment, drive sleeve
118
is cast from bronze.
Assembly also includes a resilient inner hub
136
having a cylindrical shaped body
138
. A plurality of grooves
140
are formed in an inner diameter surface
142
inner hub body
138
, and each groove
140
is located, or arranged, to receive one drive sleeve spline
122
. Grooves
140
are tapered, as described hereinafter in more detail, to enable maximum torsional twisting and even stress distribution along hub
136
in the event of a significant impact.
A drive flange
144
is located at one end of inner hub body
138
. Flange
144
is shaped to tightly mate with outer hub
108
. Specifically, and in the embodiment shown in
FIG. 2
, flange
144
has four projections
146
spaced by intermediate sections
148
. Outer hub bore
150
is shaped so that flange
144
tightly fits within bore
150
. Body
138
has an outer diameter less than an inner diameter of bore
150
. Therefore, flange
144
tightly fits with outer hub
108
, but body
138
can rotate relative to hub
108
.
More specifically, and with respect to a longitudinal axis of resilient hub
136
, body
138
axially twists along such axis in the event of an impact, as described below in more detail. To facilitate such axial twisting, which protects the engine drive train, hub
136
is fabricated from resilient material. An exemplary resilient material suitable for fabrication of hub is a plastic. Of course, other resilient material can be used.
Assembly further includes propeller
106
having outer hub
108
with a cylindrical shape. Blades
110
extend from outer diameter surface
112
of outer hub
108
. As explained above, bore
150
extends through hub
108
and is shaped to mate with inner hub drive flange
144
to limit relative movement between inner hub drive flange
144
and outer hub
108
. Propeller
106
can be cast from aluminum, stainless steel, or other materials.
Propeller shaft
102
has a tapered section
152
for mating with thrust washer
104
, and a splined section
154
for mating with drive sleeve grooves
126
. Propeller shaft
102
also includes a threaded section
156
for engagement with nut
116
. Different engines may have different length splined sections, and as described below in more detail, by simply using a mating drive sleeve, one propeller (e.g., propeller
106
) can be used on such different engines.
FIG. 3
is a rear perspective view of propeller assembly
100
. To secure propeller
106
to propeller shaft
102
, drive sleeve
118
and resilient inner hub
136
(
FIG. 3
) are inserted into outer hub bore
150
. Drive sleeve
118
can first be inserted into inner hub
136
to form a subassembly, and then the subassembly is inserted into outer hub bore
150
. Alternatively, inner hub
136
can first be inserted into outer hub bore
150
, and then drive sleeve
118
is inserted into inner hub
136
.
Thrust washer
104
and propeller
106
, inner hub
136
, and drive sleeve
118
assembly are then pushed over propeller shaft
102
so that propeller shaft
102
extends through and engages drive sleeve
118
. Washer
114
is then pushed over shaft
102
, and threaded nut
116
is tightened on shaft
102
to secure propeller
106
to shaft
102
. As shown in
FIG. 3
, nut
116
is tightened on propeller shaft
102
so that washer
114
is tightly secured against drive sleeve flange
130
.
FIG. 4
is an exploded view of propeller assembly
100
. As shown in
FIG. 4
, one or more limp home projections
158
extend from outer hub inner diameter surface
134
to provide limp home operation. Specifically, in the event of an impact and shearing of splines
122
, drive sleeve
118
rotates until further rotation is prevented by contact between drive sleeve limp home projections
132
and outer hub limp home projections
158
. Upon contact, outer hub
108
begins to once again rotate with drive sleeve
118
. Limp home projections
132
and
158
provide sufficient strength so that propeller
106
continues to rotate at low speeds without shearing of projections
132
and
158
. Projections
132
and
158
therefore facilitate continued operation of propeller
106
even after an impact which results in shearing drive sleeve splines
122
.
FIG. 5
is a side cross-sectional view of propeller assembly
100
. As shown in
FIG. 5
a gap
160
between drive sleeve
118
and intermediate section
148
of resilient hub flange
144
. An inner diameter surface
162
of hub
136
tapers and extends between splines (not shown in
FIG. 5
) of drive sleeve
118
.
As shown in
FIG. 6
, which is a cross-sectional view through line
6
—
6
shown in
FIG. 5
, each drive sleeve limp home projection
132
extend into a space between pairs of outer hub limp home projections
158
. In the event that drive sleeve splines
122
(
FIG. 4
) sheer then drive sleeve
118
rotates with propeller shaft
102
and the engagement between propeller outer hub
106
and drive sleeve
118
slips until drive sleeve limp home projections
132
engage hub limp home projections
158
. When drive sleeve and outer hub projections
132
and
158
engage, propeller
106
again rotates with propeller shaft
102
due to the engagement between propeller shaft
102
, drive sleeve
118
, and outer hub
108
.
As shown in
FIG. 7
, resilient inner hub flange projection
146
tightly fits against inner diameter surface
134
of outer hub
108
. An outer diameter surface
164
of inner hub cylindrical shaped body
138
is not in contact with outer hub
108
, and engages drive sleeve
118
via the groove and spline arrangement described above.
In operation, as propeller shaft
102
rotates, torque from shaft
102
is transferred to drive sleeve
118
, and from drive sleeve
118
to resilient inner hub
136
. Torque is transferred from resilient inner hub
136
to outer hub
108
at flange
144
. In the event that propeller
106
strikes an object, inner resilient hub
136
may twist along a longitudinal axis of propeller shaft
102
due to the tight fit between hub flange
144
and propeller
106
and the gap between inner hub cylindrical body
138
and outer hub
108
. Such twisting provides that splines
122
are not necessarily sheared upon the occurrence of the impact, yet the engine drive train is protected.
FIG. 8
is a cross-sectional view through line
8
—
8
shown in FIG.
7
. As shown in
FIG. 8
, drive sleeve splines
122
at a location adjacent flange
144
are not in contact with side walls of tapered grooves
140
in inner diameter surface
142
of resilient hub
136
. As resilient hub
136
twists, however, splines
122
progressively come into contact with such side walls and limit the extent of twisting by inner hub
136
.
FIG. 9
is a cross-sectional view through line
9
—
9
shown in FIG.
7
. As shown in
FIG. 9
, splines
122
are in a tight fit with tapered grooves
130
at an end of inner hub
126
opposite flange
144
. Such tight fit is necessary to provide that during normal operations, torque is efficiently transferred from propeller shaft
102
to propeller
106
through drive sleeve
118
and inner hub
136
.
FIG. 10
is a cross-sectional view through line
10
—
10
shown in FIG.
9
. Drive sleeve spline
122
extends through resilient hub groove
140
, and groove
140
is tapered as described above. Again, drive sleeve spline
122
at a location adjacent flange
144
is not in contact with side walls of tapered groove
140
, and spline
122
is in a tight fit with tapered groove
140
at an end of inner hub
136
opposite flange
144
. The tight fit between spline
122
and groove
140
provides that during normal operations, torque is efficiently transferred from propeller shaft
102
to propeller
106
through drive sleeve
118
and inner hub
136
. Such operational condition is sometimes referred to herein as the normal operation mode of propeller assembly
100
.
Upon the occurrence of an impact, and as resilient hub
136
twists, spline
122
progressively come into contact with a side wall of groove
140
. When spline
122
is in contact with one groove side wall along the entire length of wall, such contact limits further twisting by inner hub
136
. The operational condition in which hub
136
is twisted is sometimes referred to herein as the resilient operation mode of propeller assembly
100
.
The torsional forces are transmitted along a serpentine path from the end of drive sleeve
118
splined to propeller shaft
102
, to hub
136
at the location at which hub
136
is engaged to sleeve
118
, and to propeller outer hub
108
at flange
144
. This serpentine path provides the advantages of facilitating more even distribution of forces, as well as facilitating absorption of greater forces due to the length of the path as compared to a direct (e.g., radial) path from the shaft to the propeller hub.
If the impact forces are sufficient, it is possible that splines
122
will shear. In the event that all splines
122
shear, then propeller shaft
102
and drive sleeve
118
rotate relative to propeller outer hub
108
until limp home projections
132
and
158
of drive sleeve
118
and outer hub
108
come into contact. If the forces are not sufficient to also shear limp home projections
132
and
158
, then propeller
106
will resume rotating with propeller shaft
102
. Such operational condition is sometimes referred to herein as the limp home operation mode of propeller assembly
100
.
In addition to operating in both a resilient mode to protect the engine drive train from damage, and a limp home mode so that even in the event that the propeller strikes an object in the water, propeller
106
is still operational, propeller assembly
100
facilitates the easy replacement of resilient hub
136
. Specifically, in the event that inner hub
136
needs to be replaced, a user simply removes propeller assembly
100
from propeller shaft
102
, and removes drive sleeve
118
and resilient hub
136
from within outer hub
108
. A replacement inner hub
136
can then be utilized when reassembling propeller assembly
100
and mounting assembly
100
on propeller shaft
102
.
Further, different drive sleeves can be provided so that propeller
106
can be utilized on many different types of marine engines. For example, one particular marine engine may have splines on the propeller shaft of a first length, and another particular marine engine may have splines on a propeller shaft of a second length, or a different number of splines or different size splines. Different drive sleeves having different length splines on their inner diameter surfaces can be provided. Although different drive sleeves are utilized, a same propeller can be used. That is, by providing interchangeable drive sleeves, one propeller can be used in conjunction with many different type engines.
It is contemplated that drive sleeve or resilient hub, or both, could be sold in kit form. For example, different kits containing different drive sleeves specified for particular engine types could be provided. In one specific embodiment, a kit includes both a drive sleeve and a resilient replaceable inner hub.
From the preceding description of various embodiments of the present invention, it is evident that the objectives of the invention are attained. Although the invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it is to be clearly understood that the same is intended by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the invention are to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims.
Claims
- 1. A propeller assembly for being secured to a propeller shaft of a marine engine, said propeller assembly comprising:a drive sleeve comprising a cylindrical shaped body, a plurality of splines extending from an outer diameter surface of said drive sleeve body, a resilient inner hub comprising a cylindrical shaped body, a plurality of grooves in an inner diameter surface of said inner hub body, each said groove arranged to receive one said drive sleeve spline, and a drive flange at one end of said inner hub body, and a propeller comprising an outer hub comprising a cylindrical shaped body, and a plurality of blades extending from an outer diameter surface of said outer hub body, an inner diameter surface of said outer hub body shaped to mate with said inner hub drive flange to limit relative movement between said inner hub drive flange and said outer hub.
- 2. A propeller assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein a plurality of grooves are in an inner diameter surface of said drive sleeve cylindrical shaped body.
- 3. A propeller assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein said drive sleeve is pre-loaded.
- 4. A propeller assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein said drive sleeve further comprises a flange at one end of said drive sleeve cylindrical shaped body.
- 5. A propeller assembly in accordance with claim 4 further comprising a plurality of limp home projections extending from said drive sleeve flange, and a plurality of limp home projections extending from said outer hub inner diameter surface.
- 6. A propeller assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein said grooves in said inner diameter surface of said inner hub body are tapered.
- 7. A propeller assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein said resilient inner hub is fabricated from plastic.
- 8. An interchangeable drive sleeve for a propeller assembly to secure a propeller to a propeller shaft, said drive sleeve comprising a cylindrical shaped body, a plurality of splines extending from an outer diameter surface of said drive sleeve body, a plurality of splines extending from an inner diameter surface of said drive sleeve cylindrical shaped body, a flange at one end of said drive sleeve cylindrical shaped body, and a plurality of limp home projections extending from said flange.
- 9. An interchangeable drive sleeve in accordance with claim 8 wherein an inner diameter of said sleeve is selected based on an outer diameter of the propeller shaft.
- 10. An interchangeable drive sleeve in accordance with claim 8 wherein a longitudinal length of said splines extending from said drive sleeve body inner diameter surface is selected based on a length of splines extending from an outer diameter surface of the propeller shaft.
- 11. A resilient replaceable inner hub for a propeller assembly to secure a propeller to a propeller shaft, said inner hub comprising a cylindrical shaped body, a plurality of grooves in an inner diameter surface of said inner hub body, and a drive flange at one end of said inner hub body.
- 12. A resilient replaceable inner hub in accordance with claim 11 wherein said grooves in said inner hub body inner diameter surface are tapered.
- 13. A resilient replaceable inner hub in accordance with claim 11 wherein said drive flange is configured to mate with an inner diameter surface of a propeller outer hub, and wherein said cylindrical shaped body is configured to twist about a longitudinal axis thereof.
- 14. A propeller assembly in accordance with claim 11 wherein said resilient inner hub is fabricated from plastic.
- 15. A kit for securing a propeller to a propeller shaft of a marine engine, said kit comprising:an interchangeable drive sleeve comprising a cylindrical shaped body, a plurality of splines extending from an outer diameter surface of said drive sleeve body, a plurality of splines extending from an inner diameter surface of said drive sleeve cylindrical shaped body, and a flange at one end of said drive sleeve cylindrical shaped body, and a resilient replaceable inner hub comprising a cylindrical shaped body, a plurality of grooves in an inner diameter surface of said inner hub body, and a drive flange at one end of said inner hub body.
- 16. A kit in accordance with claim 15 wherein said interchangeable drive sleeve further comprises a plurality of limp home projections extending from said flange.
- 17. A kit in accordance with claim 15 wherein an inner diameter of said drive sleeve is selected based on an outer diameter of the propeller shaft.
- 18. A kit in accordance with claim 15 wherein a longitudinal length of said splines extending from said drive sleeve body inner diameter surface is selected based on a length of splines extending from an outer diameter surface of the propeller shaft.
- 19. A kit in accordance with claim 15 wherein said grooves in said inner hub body inner diameter surface of said resilient replaceable inner hub are tapered.
- 20. A kit in accordance with claim 15 wherein said drive flange is configured to mate with an inner diameter surface of a propeller outer hub, and wherein said cylindrical shaped body is configured to twist about a longitudinal axis thereof.
- 21. A kit in accordance with claim 15 wherein said resilient inner hub is fabricated from plastic.
- 22. A method for securing a propeller to a propeller shaft of a marine engine with a drive sleeve including at least one limp home projection extending therefrom, the propeller including an outer hub having at least one limp home projection extending therefrom, said method comprising the steps of:inserting a drive sleeve and a resilient hub into an outer hub of a propeller such that the limp home projection of the drive sleeve is aligned with the limp home projection of the outer hub, the resilient hub being torsionally twistable relative to the drive sleeve, and pushing the drive sleeve, resilient hub, and propeller over the propeller shaft so that the propeller shaft extends through and engages the drive sleeve.
- 23. A method in accordance with claim 22 further comprising the step of tightening a threaded nut on the propeller shaft to secure the propeller to the shaft.
- 24. A propeller assembly for being secured to a propeller shaft of a marine engine, said propeller assembly comprising at least a mating pair of limp home projections, said propeller assembly configured to operate in a normal operation mode wherein said limp home projections are separated from one another, a resilient operation mode wherein the separation of said limp home projections is decreased from the normal operation, and a limp home operation mode wherein said limp home projections are engaged to one another.
- 25. A propeller assembly in accordance with claim 24 wherein said propeller assembly comprises a resilient inner hub having a longitudinal axis, and wherein in said resilient operation mode, said inner hub twists along said hub longitudinal axis.
- 26. A propeller assembly in accordance with claim 24 wherein propeller assembly comprises a drive sleeve and an outer hub, and wherein in said limp home operation mode said drive sleeve and said outer hub are in direct contact.
- 27. A propeller assembly for being secured to a propeller shaft of a marine engine, said propeller assembly comprising:means for engaging the propeller shaft comprising a drive sleeve comprising a cylindrical shaped body, a plurality of splines extending from an outer diameter surface of said drive sleeve body, said drive sleeve comprising a flange at one end of said drive sleeve cylindrical shaped body, a plurality of limp home projections extending from said drive sleeve flange; a resilient means progressively engageable to said propeller shaft engaging means, said resilient means engaging said propeller shaft engaging means at a first end of said propeller shaft engaging means opposite a second end at which said propeller shaft engaging means engages said propeller shaft, a propeller comprising an outer hub comprising a cylindrical shaped body, and a plurality of blades extending from an outer diameter surface of said outer hub body, an inner diameter surface of said outer hub body shaped to mate with said resilient means at said second end of said resilient means opposite said resilient means first end engaged to said means for engaging said propeller shaft, a plurality of limp home projections extending from said outer hub inner diameter surface; and said first end of resilient means separated from said means for engaging the propeller shaft so as to prevent driving engagement thereof at said first end.
- 28. A propeller assembly for being secured to a propeller shaft of a marine engine, said propeller assembly comprising:means for engaging the propeller shaft; a resilient means progressively engageable to said propeller shaft engaging means, said resilient means engaging said propeller shaft engaging means at a first end of said propeller shaft engaging means opposite a second end at which said propeller shaft engaging means engages said propeller shaft, said resilient means comprising an inner hub comprising a cylindrical shaped body, and a plurality of grooves in an inner diameter surface of said inner hub body, each said groove arranged to receive one said drive sleeve spline, and a drive flange at one end of said inner hub body, and wherein said grooves in said inner diameter surface of said inner hub body are tapered; a propeller comprising an outer hub comprising a cylindrical shaped body, and a plurality of blades extending from an outer diameter surface of said outer hub body, an inner diameter surface of said outer hub body shaped to mate with said resilient means at said second end of said resilient means opposite said resilient means first end engaged to said means for engaging said propeller shaft, and said first end of resilient means separated from said means for engaging the propeller shaft so as to prevent driving engagement thereof at said first end.
- 29. A propeller assembly for being secured to a propeller shaft of a marine engine, said propeller assembly comprising:means for engaging the propeller shaft; a resilient means progressively engageable to said propeller shaft engaging means, said resilient means engaging said propeller shaft engaging means at a first end of said propeller shaft engaging means opposite a second end at which said propeller shaft engaging means engages said propeller shaft, said resilient means comprising an inner hub comprising a cylindrical shaped body, and a plurality of grooves in an inner diameter surface of said inner hub body, each said groove arranged to receive one said drive sleeve spline, and a drive flange at one end of said inner hub body, said resilient inner hub is fabricated from plastic; a propeller comprising an outer hub comprising a cylindrical shaped body, and a plurality of blades extending from an outer diameter surface of said outer hub body, an inner diameter surface of said outer hub body shaped to mate with said resilient means at said second end of said resilient means opposite said resilient means first end engaged to said means for engaging said propeller shaft, and said first end of resilient means separated from said means for engaging the propeller shalt so as to prevent driving engagement thereof at said first end.
- 30. A propeller assembly for being secured to a propeller shaft of a marine engine, said propeller assembly comprising:means for engaging the propeller shaft; a resilient means progressively engageable to said propeller shaft engaging means, said resilient means engaging said propeller shaft engaging means at end of said propeller shaft engaging means opposite end at which said propeller shaft engaging means engages said propeller shaft; a propeller comprising an outer hub comprising a cylindrical shaped body, and a plurality of blades extending from an outer diameter surface of said outer hub body, an inner diameter surface of said outer hub body shaped to mate with said resilient means at end of said resilient means opposite said resilient means end engaged to said means for engaging said propeller shaft; and said resilient means comprising an inner hub comprising a cylindrical shaped body, a plurality of grooves in an inner diameter surface of said inner hub body, each said groove arranged to receive one said drive sleeve spline, and a drive flange at one end of said inner hub body and wherein said grooves in said inner diameter surface of said inner hub body are tapered.
- 31. A propeller assembly in accordance with claim 30 wherein said resilient inner hub is fabricated from plastic.
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