Patent US4661076A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4661076A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Cowling assembly for an outboard engine
Assignee: Yamaha Marine Co Ltd
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Filing: 1986-04-08
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Granted: 1987-04-28
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Expires: 2006-04-08
Abstract
Abstract Two embodiments of outboard motors including improved protective cowling arrangements for sealingly enclosing a liquid level tank. In each embodiment, a filler neck of the tank extends through an opening in a plate that is affixed relative to the starter handle and which is sealingly engaged with an opening in the protective cowling.
Inventors
- 👤 Tomio Iwai
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 10:02
CPC Classifications
B; B63; B63H; B63H20/00; B63H20/001; B63H20/002; B63H20/32
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
199 words
In an outboard motor having a power head positioned at the top of a drive shaft housing, said power head comprising an internal combustion engine, a pull starter having a housing fixed relative to said engine, a pull handle and rope for pull starting of said engine, a liquid tank for containing a liquid for said engine and supported in fixed relation to said engine, a filler neck for said tank in an upper surface thereof, and a protective cowling encircling said engine and said liquid tank, the improvement comprising said protective cowling having an opening formed therein in proximity to said pull handle and to said filler neck for access thereto, a plate affixed to said engine and having a guide portion for said rope of said pull starter, said plate having an opening passing said filler neck, first seal means surrounding said plate opening and sealingly engaging said plate and said liquid tank for preventing spilled liquids from passing through said opening, said plate spanning said protective cowling opening, and second seal means between said plate and said protective cowling around said protective cowling opening for precluding spilled liquids from entering said protective cowling through its opening.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
199 words
In an outboard motor having a power head positioned at the top of a drive shaft housing, said power head comprising an internal combustion engine, a pull starter having a housing fixed relative to said engine, a pull handle and rope for pull starting of said engine, a liquid tank for containing a liquid for said engine and supported in fixed relation to said engine, a filler neck for said tank in an upper surface thereof, and a protective cowling encircling said engine and said liquid tank, the improvement comprising said protective cowling having an opening formed therein in proximity to said pull handle and to said filler neck for access thereto, a plate affixed to said engine and having a guide portion for said rope of said pull starter, said plate having an opening passing said filler neck, first seal means surrounding said plate opening and sealingly engaging said plate and said liquid tank for preventing spilled liquids from passing through said opening, said plate spanning said protective cowling opening, and second seal means between said plate and said protective cowling around said protective cowling opening for precluding spilled liquids from entering said protective cowling through its opening.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
45 words
In an outboard motor as set forth in claim 1 wherein the protective cowling further includes a pivotally supported cover operative, when in its closed position, to conceal the protective cowling opening, the pull handle for the pull starter and the liquid tank filler neck.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
In an outboard motor as set forth in claim 1 wherein the plate is affixed to the pull starter housing.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
In an outboard motor as set forth in claim 1 wherein the liquid tank comprises a lubricant tank for supplying lubricant to a lubricant pump driven by the engine for lubricating the engine.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
45 words
In an outboard motor as set forth in claim 4 wherein the protective cowling further includes a pivotally supported cover operative, when in its closed position, to conceal the protective cowling opening, the pull handle for the pull starter and the liquid tank filler neck.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
In an outboard motor as set forth in claim 5 wherein the plate is affixed to the pull starter housing.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
In an outboard motor as set forth in claim 1 wherein the liquid tank is a fuel tank for delivering fuel to the engine.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
45 words
In an outboard motor as set forth in claim 7 wherein the protective cowling further includes a pivotally supported cover operative, when in its closed position, to conceal the protective cowling opening, the pull handle for the pull starter and the liquid tank filler neck.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
In an outboard motor as set forth in claim 8 wherein the plate is affixed to the pull starter housing.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
In an outboard motor as set forth in claim 1 wherein the liquid tank includes a liquid level gauge supported in its upper surface and extending through the protective cowling opening.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
40 words
In an outboard motor as set forth in claim 10 further including an opening in the plate passing the liquid level gauge and third seal means interposed between the plate and the liquid level tank around the liquid level gauge.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
45 words
In an outboard motor as set forth in claim 11 wherein the protective cowling further includes a pivotally supported cover operative, when in its closed position, to conceal the protective cowling opening, the pull handle for the pull starter and the liquid tank filler neck.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
29 words
In an outboard motor as set forth in claim 1 wherein the protective cowling is formed from a plastic and the plate is formed from a more rigid material.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
18 words
In an outboard motor as set forth in claim 13 wherein the plate is formed form a metal.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-04-27 | 1990-10-27 | 1991-04-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-04-27 | 1994-10-27 | 1995-04-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-04-27 | 1998-10-27 | 1999-04-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |