Torsional control boat throttle system

Abstract

A torsional throttle control system is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the throttle control system is twist-style grip that has an axis with an angle adjustable to a housing. Another feature comprises trim and/or outboard motor control(s) atop the grip. Yet another feature comprises the internal mechanism adapted to effect throttle control. Methods associated with use of the throttle control hardware and systems including a boat are also covered.

1 . A throttle control assembly comprising: 
 a twist handle having a longitudinal axis of rotation;    a flexible shaft having a first end coupled to the twist handle, wherein rotation of the handle about its axis rotates at least a portion of the flexible shaft to provide an output for throttle control, and    wherein the axis of the twist handle is adjustable relative to a fixed housing.    
   
   
       2 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the twist handle axis is adjustable between about 15 and about 90 degrees.  
   
   
       3 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible shaft has a second end coupled to a rotatable arm, and wherein the rotatable arm has a distal end coupled to a push-pull cable to provide the output for throttle control.  
   
   
       4 . The assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the rotatable arm comprises a sector, wherein a ball detent interfaces with detent positions spaced around the sector.  
   
   
       5 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein a detent means is provided for the handle axis adjustment.  
   
   
       6 . The assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one of trim and motor up/down buttons atop the handle.  
   
   
       7 . The assembly of  claim 1  set in a housing, the housing further comprising a gear shifter.  
   
   
       8 . The assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a cable, the cable connected to a rack gear meshing with a pinion gear, the pinion gear positioned to actuate fuel supply to an engine or motor.  
   
   
       9 . A throttle control, the controller having a rotatable handle to control engine or motor throttle, wherein the improvement comprises: 
 the grip having an axis, wherein the axis is adjustable to a base at an angle without effecting steering.    
   
   
       10 . The throttle assembly of  claim 9 , wherein a detent means is provided for the adjustment.  
   
   
       11 . The throttle assembly of  claim 9 , wherein a position of the grip can be locked at a desired point of adjustment.  
   
   
       12 . A throttle control, the controller having a rotatable handle to control engine or motor throttle, wherein the improvement comprises: 
 at least one of a trim and an outboard up/down buttons atop the handle.    
   
   
       13 . A boat comprising: 
 a hull,    at least one motor, and    a throttle control as described in  claim 1  mounted to or integrated with the boat.    
   
   
       14 . A boat comprising: 
 a hull,    at least one motor, and    a throttle control as described in  claim 9  mounted to or integrated with the boat.    
   
   
       15 . A boat comprising: 
 a hull,    at least one motor, and    a throttle control as described in  claim 12  mounted to or integrated with the boat.    
   
   
       16 . A method of operating a boat by a user having first and second hands, the method comprising: 
 grasping a steering wheel with the first hand,    grasping a throttle control having a fixed location with the second hand, and    substantially maintaining a body position while effecting throttle control by supporting the body from forward and aft movement with the wheel and throttle control.    
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising adjusting at least one of trim and motor up/down without substantially altering the second hand position.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the fixed location of the throttle control is adjustable by a user before it is fixed.  
   
   
       19 . A method of operating a boat by a user having first and second hands, the method comprising: 
 grasping a throttle control with the first hand, and    adjusting at least one of trim and motor up/down with the first hand while grasping the throttle control.    
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising grasping a steering wheel with the second hand while grasping the throttle control with the first hand.