Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6799946
-
Patent Number
6,799,946
-
Date Filed
Tuesday, April 11, 200024 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, October 5, 200419 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
- Look; Edward K.
- Edgar; Richard A.
Agents
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 416 134 R
- 416 169 R
- 416 244 R
- 416 245 A
- 416 244 B
- 416 247 A
- 416 93 A
- 440 89
- 440 47
- 440 88
- 440 900
- 464 159
- 464 39
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
A propeller assembly includes an interchangeable drive sleeve, an inner hub, a biasing member forcing the drive sleeve into contact with the inner hub, and a propeller including an outer hub in which the drive sleeve and inner hub are inserted. In an exemplary embodiment, the drive sleeve includes a plurality of teeth that engage a plurality of teeth on the inner hub. The spring is configured to permit the drive sleeve to move axially away from the inner hub upon the occurrence of a sufficient torque and allow the drive sleeve to rotate relative to the inner hub. 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. The inner hub includes a plurality of keys and the outer hub includes a plurality of complimentary keyways 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 extending from an 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. Further, since engine manufacturers often utilize different propeller shaft arrangements, it would be desirable to provide propeller hub assemblies that facilitate use of one propeller on engines of different engine manufacturers.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In an exemplary embodiment, a propeller assembly includes an inner hub, an interchangeable drive sleeve that mates with the inner hub, a biasing member that biases the drive sleeve into contact with the inner hub, and a propeller including an outer hub in which the inner hub and drive sleeve are inserted. More particularly, the inner hub includes a plurality of teeth that mate with a corresponding plurality of drive sleeve teeth.
The drive sleeve includes a first body portion and a second body portion. The second body portion has a larger diameter than the first body portion and includes drive sleeve teeth. A bore extends through the drive sleeve, and a plurality of splines are in an inner diameter surface of the drive sleeve bore. The splines are configured to mate with a plurality of splines on a propeller shaft that extends through the bore.
The inner hub includes a plurality of drive keys that mate with a plurality of grooves in an inner surface of the outer hub. The inner hub teeth are at an end of the inner hub and mate with the drive sleeve teeth. The biasing member contacts the drive sleeve and biases the drive sleeve into contact with the inner hub such that rotation of the inner hub rotates with the drive sleeve.
The outer hub includes a cylindrical shaped body. 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 keys to limit relative movement between the inner hub and the outer hub.
During operation, and upon the occurrence of an impact, the drive sleeve compresses the biasing mechanism and the drive sleeve teeth slip with respect to the inner hub teeth. Thus, the propeller shaft and drive sleeve are permitted to rotate with respect to the inner hub and propeller outer hub. The operational condition in which the drive sleeve teeth slip with respect to the inner hub teeth is sometimes referred to herein as the resilient operation mode.
The above described propeller assembly facilitates the easy replacement of the inner 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 inner hub from within the outer hub. A replacement drive sleeve and/or 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 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.
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 another cross-sectional view of the assembly shown in FIG.
5
.
FIG. 7
is a cross-sectional view through line
7
—
7
shown in FIG.
6
.
FIG. 8
is a cut-away side view of the propeller assembly shown in FIG.
1
.
FIG. 9
is a cut-away side view of the propeller assembly shown in
FIG. 1
in the resilient mode.
FIG. 10
is a schematic view of the inner hub teeth engaged with the drive sleeve teeth shown in FIG.
2
.
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 an engine drive train.
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 first portion
120
and a second portion
122
. A plurality of grooves
124
are in an inner diameter surface
126
of drive sleeve
118
. Second portion
122
has a larger outer diameter than first portion
120
and includes a plurality of teeth
128
that extend from an end
130
of second portion
122
. Drive sleeve
118
further includes a ledge
132
that extends between an outer diameter outer surface
134
of first portion
120
and an outer diameter outer surface
136
of second portion
122
. Ledge
132
is substantially perpendicular to an axis
138
of propeller shaft
102
. In an exemplary embodiment, drive sleeve
118
is fabricated from an extruded plastic.
Assembly
100
also includes an inner hub
144
. A plurality of keys
146
are formed on an outer diameter surface
148
of inner hub
136
. Keys
146
are shaped to tightly mate with outer hub
108
. Specifically, and in the embodiment shown in
FIG. 2
, inner hub
144
includes four keys
146
spaced by intermediate sections
150
. Inner hub
144
also includes a plurality of teeth
152
that extend from an end
154
thereof. Inner hub teeth
152
are complimentary to drive sleeve teeth
128
such that rotation of drive sleeve
118
causes rotation of inner hub
144
.
Outer hub
108
includes a bore
160
shaped so that inner hub
144
and keys
146
tightly fit within bore
160
. Bore
160
includes a plurality of keyways
162
that accommodate keys
146
. In addition, drive sleeve
118
has an outer diameter less than an inner diameter of bore
160
. Therefore, inner hub
144
fits tightly within outer hub
108
, while drive sleeve
118
rotates relative to outer hub
108
.
Assembly
100
further includes a biasing mechanism
170
that extends between washer
114
and drive sleeve second portion
122
. In one embodiment, biasing mechanism
170
extends between an end wall (not shown) of outer hub
108
and second portion
122
of drive sleeve
118
. Biasing mechanism
170
, in the particular embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 2
, is a helical spring
172
extending between and contacting ledge
132
and the outer hub end. In an alternative embodiment, biasing mechanism
170
is a resilient grommet that contacts drive sleeve
118
and the outer hub end.
Biasing mechanism
170
biases drive sleeve
118
into contact with inner hub
144
such that drive sleeve teeth
128
mesh with inner hub teeth
152
and inner hub
144
rotates with drive sleeve
118
. In the event of an impact, drive sleeve
118
will continue to rotate at a same speed while inner hub
144
and outer hub
108
slow, or stop, their rotation, as described below in greater detail. Inner hub
144
is fabricated from a material, such as brass, which provides frictional contact between inner hub teeth
152
and drive sleeve teeth
128
sufficient to drive outer hub
108
up to a preset load limit and permit inner hub teeth
152
and drive sleeve teeth
128
to rotate relative to each other above that preset load limit such that drive sleeve
128
rotates relative to outer hub
108
.
Outer hub
108
has a cylindrical shape and blades
110
extend from outer diameter surface
112
of outer hub
108
. As explained above, bore
160
is shaped to mate with inner hub outer diameter surface
148
to limit relative movement between inner hub
144
and outer hub
108
. Propeller
106
can be cast from aluminum, stainless steel, or other materials.
Propeller shaft
102
has a tapered section
174
for mating with thrust washer
104
, and a splined section
176
for mating with drive sleeve grooves
124
. Propeller shaft
102
also includes a threaded section
178
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
, an outer hub assembly is formed by inserting biasing mechanism
170
(shown in
FIG. 2
) and drive sleeve
118
(shown in
FIG. 2
) into outer hub bore
160
. Inner hub
144
is then inserted into outer hub bore
160
.
Thrust washer
104
, propeller
106
, and outer hub
144
(shown in
FIG. 2
) 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 outer hub
108
.
FIG. 4
is an exploded view of propeller assembly
100
. As shown in
FIG. 4
, outer hub
108
includes an end
180
having an opening
182
therethrough. Washer
114
contacts end
180
. In addition, biasing member
170
contacts end
180
and is positioned between end
180
and drive sleeve ledge
132
. In the particular embodiment shown in
FIG. 4
, biasing member
170
is a spring
172
, such as a compression spring. Spring
172
includes a pair of ends that are closed and ground which provides better load transferring capability than a spring with open ends that are not ground.
FIG. 5
is a side cross-sectional view of propeller assembly
100
along inner hub intermediate sections
150
. An outer diameter of drive sleeve
118
and an outer diameter of inner hub intermediate sections
150
are substantially similar. In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 5
, drive sleeve
118
has a substantially uniform outer diameter that corresponds to the outer diameter of inner hub intermediate sections
150
. Drive sleeve
118
is sized to rotate within outer hub bore
160
without engaging keyways
162
(shown in FIG.
2
).
As shown in
FIG. 5
, drive sleeve
118
is biased into contact with inner hub
144
by spring
172
. Spring
172
extends between outer hub end
180
and drive sleeve ledge
132
. Spring
172
, drive sleeve
118
and inner hub
144
are maintained within outer hub
108
with washer
104
which contacts an end
188
of outer hub
108
and an end
190
of inner hub
144
. Washer
104
has a tapered inner surface
192
complimentary to propeller shaft tapered portion
174
such that a washer bore first end
194
has a first diameter and a washer bore second end
196
has a second diameter. The second diameter is greater than the first diameter.
FIG. 6
is a side cross-sectional view of propeller assembly
100
along inner hub keys
146
. An outer diameter of inner hub keys
146
is larger than an outer diameter of drive sleeve
118
. In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 6
, outer hub keyways
162
extend from first outer hub end
180
to second outer hub end
188
. Thrust washer
104
has a shape complimentary to a shape of propeller shaft
102
and is maintained in contact with outer hub first end
180
by nut
116
.
FIG. 7
is a cross-sectional view through line
7
—
7
shown in FIG.
6
. As shown in
FIG. 7
, spring
172
extends between drive sleeve first portion
122
and an outer hub inner surface
198
. Drive sleeve first portion
122
tightly fits against propeller shaft
102
and engages propeller shaft
102
via the spline arrangement described above.
FIG. 8
is a cut-away side view of propeller assembly
100
showing spring
172
forcing drive sleeve
118
into contact with inner hub
144
such that drive sleeve teeth
128
engage inner hub teeth
152
. The compression force of spring
172
is sufficient such that during normal operations, torque is efficiently transferred from propeller shaft
102
to propeller
106
through drive sleeve
118
and inner hub
144
and drive sleeve teeth
128
maintain engagement with inner hub teeth
152
.
FIG. 9
is a cut-away side view of propeller assembly
100
showing spring
172
in a compressed state such that drive sleeve teeth
128
do not engage inner hub teeth
152
. Drive sleeve teeth
128
and inner hub teeth
152
are configured to maintain engagement up to a preset torque, such as 1000 lbf. Above the preset torque, the configuration of teeth
128
and
152
causes drive sleeve
118
to move axially away from inner hub
144
such that drive sleeve teeth
128
do not engage inner hub teeth
152
and drive sleeve
118
rotates with respect to inner hub
144
. In one exemplary embodiment, spring
172
has the following characteristics.
|
Wire properties
|
d = 0.18 in
wire diameter
|
D = 1.6 in
mean spring diameter
|
G = 10 × 10
6
shear modulus
|
|
exemplary range of C is from 5 to 9
|
|
Calculation of spring force given a prescribed deflection
|
For a plain spring,
|
Ne = 0
end coils
|
Na = 45
number of active coils
|
Nt = Na
total coils
|
p = 0.35 in
pitch
|
Lo = p(Na) + d
free length, limit is 2 in
|
Lo = 1.755 in
|
Ls = d(Nt + 1)
solid length
|
Ls = 0.99 in
|
|
outside diameter of spring at solid length max := 2.23 in
|
|
OD = 1.783 in
|
δ = 0.35 in
prescribed deflection
|
Lo-Ls = 0.765 in > 2δ = 0.7 in
|
|
spring force
|
|
Fs = 24.917 lbf
|
Shear stress calculations
|
|
stress factor
|
|
|
|
Sut = 75000 psi
stainless steel 302 spring
|
Ssy = 0.35 Sut
|
|
|
|
n = 1.3
|
For a squared and ground spring
|
Ne = 2
end coils
|
Na = 4.5
number of active coils
|
Nt = Na + 2
total coils
|
p = 0.35 in
pitch
|
Lo = p(Na) + 2d
free length, limit is 2 in
|
Lo = 1.935 in
|
Ls = dNt
solid length
|
Ls = 1.17 in
|
|
outside diameter of spring at solid length max := 2.23 in
|
|
OD = 1.783 in
|
δ = 0.35 in
prescribed deflection
|
Lo-Ls = 0.765 in > 2δ = 0.7 in
|
|
spring force
|
|
Fs = 24.917 lbf
|
Shear stress calculations
|
|
stress factor
|
|
|
|
Sut = 75000 psi
stainless steel 302 spring
|
Ssy = 0.35 Sut
|
|
|
|
n = 1.3
|
RUBBER GROMMET AS SPRING
|
T = Breakaway torque
|
F
Rub
= Force on rubber grommet @ a given torque
|
R = Radius at which surfaces between brass extrusion and plastic part
|
make contact
|
μ = 0.35 θ = 20 deg T = 1000 ft lbf R = 0.78 in
|
|
Equation derived from freebody diagram
|
|
F
Rub
= 190.641 lbf Force exerted on rubber grommet @ breakaway torque
|
CALCULATION OF SHAPE FACTOR AND
|
MAXIMUM STRESS FOR CONTINUOUS
|
LOADING
|
SF = Shape factor for rubber grommet (assuming grommet can expand
|
only in the outward direction
|
OD = Outer diameter on rubber grommet
|
ID = Inner diameter on rubber grommet
|
L = Length of rubber grommet @ free position
|
σ
comp
= Compressive stress on rubber grommet
|
σ
cont
= Stress for continuous loading @ 15% for 70 DURO A soft
|
Urethane in compression
|
η = Safety factor
|
|
|
|
|
|
SF = 0.311 Shape factor for rubber grommet
|
CALCULATION OF PRELOAD AND
|
DEFLECTION DUE TO BREAKAWAY TORQUE
|
ON RUBBER GROMMET
|
P
pre
= Preload on rubber grommet (load @ installed)
|
δ
c
= Deflection due to preload (a percentage of length L depending on
|
preload desired)
|
A = Load area on rubber grommet
|
E
c
= Compressive modulus of elasticity for an 70 DURO A @ 15%
|
compression
|
δ
Rub
= Deflection on rubber grommet due to breakaway torque
|
L = Length of rubber grommet @ free position (value defined in previous
|
page)
|
|
|
|
Compressive stress on rubber
|
|
|
|
n = 1.292
Safety factor for continuous loading
|
CALCULATION OF PRELOAD AND
|
DEFLECTION DUE TO BREAKAWAY TORQUE
|
ON RUBBER GROMMET
|
P
pre
= Preload on rubber grommet (load @ installed)
|
δ
c
= Deflection due to preload (a percentage of length L depending on
|
preload desired)
|
A = Load area on rubber grommet
|
E
c
= Compressive modulus of elasticity for an 70 DURO A @ 15%
|
compression
|
δ
Rub
= Deflection on rubber grommet due to breakaway torque
|
L = Length of rubber grommet @ free position (value defined in previous
|
page)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
P
pre
= 164.2 lbf
Preload on rubber grommet (load @ installed)
|
|
|
|
δ
Rub = 0.116 in
Deflection on rubber grommet due to breakaway torque
|
δ
Ratchet =
δ
Rub −
δ
c
|
δ
Rub = 0.116 in
Deflection (depth) for ratchet feature
|
E
c
= 100 . . . 1000
|
|
|
|
FIG. 10
is a schematic view of drive sleeve teeth
128
engaged with inner hub teeth
152
. Drive sleeve
118
, inner hub
144
, and biasing member
170
(shown in
FIG. 2
) form a ratchet assembly that permits outer hub
108
to rotate relative to propeller shaft
102
when a sufficient torque is applied to propeller
106
. In one embodiment, drive sleeve
118
is fabricated from a resilient material and inner hub
144
is fabricated from brass. In an alternative embodiment, drive sleeve
118
is fabricated from brass and inner hub
144
is fabricated from a resilient material.
In the particular embodiment shown in
FIG. 10
, teeth
128
and
152
are tapered and are configured to provide for relative rotation of drive sleeve
118
to inner hub
144
at a preset torsional load. In one embodiment, the preset torsional load is 1000 ft-lbs. In the particular embodiment shown in
FIG. 10
, teeth
128
and
152
have a length of about 0.35 inches and include a pair of sidewalls angled with respect to longitudinal axis
138
of approximately 19.403 degrees. The configuration of teeth
128
and
152
is determined as follows.
|
TORQUE CALCULATIONS FOR TEETH
|
ENGAGEMENT
|
F
S
= spring force
|
F
T
= torque force = 1000 ft-lbs
|
φ
1
= tooth angle
|
ΣF
X
= 0
|
F
T
= Ncosφ
1
+ fsinφ
1
1)
|
ΣF
Y
= 0
|
F
S
= −fcosφ
1
+ Nsinφ
1
2)
|
f = μN μ = brass vs acetal
|
F
T
= N(cosφ
1
+ μsinφ
1
)
1a)
|
F
S
= N(−μcosφ
1
+ sinφ
1
)
2a)
|
|
900 ft-lbs => 11,368 lbf therefore, F
S
= 22.411 lbf
|
|
approximate moment arm is about 0.95 in
|
|
|
|
Determination of tooth angle given the spring force
|
Ft = 12632 lbf
μ = 0.35
|
φ = 15 deg, 16 deg, 45 deg
F3 = 24.917 lbf
|
|
|
|
Fs(19.403 deg) = 24.903 lbf
|
CALCULATION OF TEETH TORSIONAL
|
SHEAR
|
J = .62648456 in
4
from section PS B-14
|
SLEEVE SECT. E AREA = 1.0534426 in
2
(6 teeth)
|
TORQUE: 1000 ft-lbs
|
|
c = 1.05 in
|
|
|
|
Propeller assembly
100
facilitates easy replacement of inner hub
144
. Specifically, in the event a user desires to replace inner hub
144
, the user simply removes propeller assembly
100
from propeller shaft
102
, and removes drive sleeve
118
and inner hub
144
from within outer hub
108
. A replacement inner hub
144
and/or drive sleeve
118
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. 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.
Propeller assembly
100
can repeatedly handle impact torque load with no upper torque limit. Inner hub
144
, drive sleeve
118
and biasing mechanism
170
accommodate impact loads for a life of biasing mechanism
170
or friction wear surfaces of drive sleeve
118
and inner hub
144
.
It is contemplated that drive sleeve, inner 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 replaceable inner hub.
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. An interchangeable drive sleeve for a propeller assembly to secure a propeller to a propeller shaft, said drive sleeve comprising a first portion, and a second portion comprising a plurality of teeth, said second portion having a larger outer diameter than an outer diameter of said first portion, thereby forming a ledge extending between said first portion and said second portion, said ledge configured to engage a biasing mechanism causing said teeth to engage a hub, the biasing mechanism configured to be engaged between the ledge and an outer hub.
- 2. An interchangeable drive sleeve in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a plurality of splines extending from an inner diameter surface of said drive sleeve.
- 3. An interchangeable drive sleeve in accordance with claim 2 wherein a longitudinal length of said splines extending from said drive sleeve inner diameter surface is configured to mate with a length of splines extending from an outer diameter surface of the propeller shaft.
- 4. A replaceable inner hub for a propeller assembly to secure a propeller to a propeller shaft, said inner hub comprising a body, a plurality of generally sinusoidal keys formed on an outer diameter surface of said inner hub extending from said body, and a plurality of teeth at one end of said body, wherein the inner hub is constructed to be positioned on the propeller shaft prior to positioning the propeller thereon.
- 5. A replaceable inner hub in accordance with claim 4 wherein said teeth are tapered.
- 6. A replaceable inner hub in accordance with claim 4 further comprising a plurality of intermediate sections connecting the keys, the teeth extending from an end of the inner hub.
- 7. A kit for securing a propeller to a propeller shaft of a marine engine, the kit comprising:a drive sleeve fabricated of brass comprising a first portion and a second portion, the second portion comprising a plurality of teeth, the second portion having a larger outer diameter than an outer diameter of the first portion; an inner hub comprising a plurality of teeth and an outer diameter, the outer diameter forming a plurality of integrally formed keys, an outer diameter of the keys being larger than the outer diameter of the second portion of the drive sleeve; and a biasing mechanism contacting the drive sleeve and biasing the drive sleeve such that the drive sleeve teeth engage the inner hub teeth.
- 8. A kit in accordance with claim 7 wherein said drive sleeve teeth extend from an end thereof.
- 9. A kit in accordance with claim 7 further comprising a plurality of splines extending from an inner diameter surface of said drive sleeve.
- 10. A kit in accordance with claim 7 wherein said splines are configured to extend a length similar to a length of splines extending from an outer diameter surface of the propeller shaft.
- 11. A kit in accordance with claim 7 wherein said drive sleeve teeth and said inner hub teeth are tapered.
- 12. A kit in accordance with claim 7 wherein said inner hub circumferentially engages an outer hub and axially engages said drive sleeve such that said inner hub is fixed relative to said outer hub and rotatable relative to the drive sleeve.
- 13. A kit in accordance with claim 12 wherein said inner hub keys are configured to mate with an inner diameter surface of a propeller outer hub.
- 14. A propeller assembly for being secured to a propeller shaft of a marine engine, said propeller assembly comprising:a drive sleeve comprising a first portion and a second portion, said second portion comprising a plurality of teeth and having a larger outer diameter than said first portion thereby forming a ledge between said first portion and said second portion; an inner hub comprising an outer diameter and a plurality of teeth at an end thereof, said outer diameter comprising a plurality of keys integrally formed therewith, an outer diameter of said keys being larger than the outer diameter of said second portion of said drive sleeve; a biasing mechanism contacting said drive sleeve at said ledge and biasing said drive sleeve such that said drive sleeve teeth engage said inner hub teeth; said biasing mechanism comprises a helical spring contacting an end of said outer hub and said drive sleeve ledge; 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 comprising a plurality of keyways, said keyways shaped to mate with said inner hub keys to limit relative movement between said inner hub and said outer hub.
- 15. A propeller assembly in accordance with claim 14 wherein a plurality of splines are in an inner diameter surface of said drive sleeve.
- 16. A propeller assembly in accordance with claim 14 wherein said drive sleeve teeth extend from said drive sleeve second portion.
- 17. A propeller assembly in accordance with claim 14 wherein said inner hub is fabricated from one of brass and a resilient material.
- 18. A propeller assembly in accordance with claim 14 wherein said drive sleeve is fabricated from one of brass and a resilient material.
- 19. A propeller assembly in accordance with claim 14 wherein said drive sleeve comprises an outer diameter sized to enable said drive sleeve to rotate relative to said outer hub.
- 20. A propeller assembly in accordance with claim 14 wherein said drive sleeve is configured to deflect axially away from said inner hub upon the occurrence of a sufficient torque so that said drive sleeve teeth disengage said inner hub teeth and said drive sleeve is able to rotate relative to said inner hub.
- 21. A propeller assembly for being secured to a propeller shaft of a marine engine, the propeller assembly comprising:means for engaging said propeller shaft, the engaging means comprising a first portion and a second portion, the second portion comprising a plurality of teeth, the second portion having a larger outer diameter than an outer diameter of the first portion; an inner hub comprising an outer diameter and a plurality of teeth at an end thereof, the outer diameter of the inner hub comprising a plurality of keys integrally formed thereon, an outer diameter of the keys being larger than the outer diameter of said second portion of the engaging means; a propeller comprising an outer hub comprising a cylindrical shaped body and a plurality of blades extending from an outer diameter surface of the outer hub body, an inner diameter surface of the outer hub body comprising a plurality of keyways formed thereon, the keyways shaped to mate with the inner hub keys to limit relative movement between the inner hub and the outer hub; and means for biasing the engaging means from the outer hub of the propeller such that the engaging means teeth engage the inner hub teeth.
- 22. A propeller assembly in accordance with claim 21 wherein said engaging means comprises an inner diameter surface comprising a plurality of splines thereon.
- 23. A propeller assembly in accordance with claim 21 further comprising a ledge extending between said engaging means first portion and said engaging means second portion.
- 24. A propeller assembly in accordance with claim 21 wherein said biasing means comprises a helical spring contacting an end of said outer hub.
- 25. A propeller assembly in accordance with claim 21 wherein said inner hub is fabricated from one of brass and a resilient material.
- 26. A propeller assembly in accordance with claim 21 wherein said engaging means is fabricated from one of brass and a resilient material.
- 27. A propeller assembly in accordance with claim 21 wherein said engaging means comprises an outer diameter sized to enable said engaging means to rotate relative to said outer hub.
- 28. A propeller assembly in accordance with claim 21 wherein said engaging means is configured to deflect axially away from said inner hub upon the occurrence of a sufficient torque so that said engaging means teeth disengage said inner hub teeth and said engaging means is able to rotate relative to said inner hub.
US Referenced Citations (12)
Foreign Referenced Citations (1)
Number |
Date |
Country |
4138917 |
Nov 1992 |
DE |