Marine engine thrust augmenter

Abstract

The thrust augmenter may be of a generally circular open ended cylindrical from having an open side portion. The thrust augmenter may be attached about a propeller axis to partially enclose the propeller. The attachment may be such that the open side portion may be positioned at the lower portion of the propeller. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A device to augment the thrust of an outboard marine engine comprising: 
 a thrust augmenter of generally circular open ended cylindrical form having an open side portion therein and attachable about a propeller shaft axis to partially enclose a propeller such that said open side portion is positioned at the lower portion of said propeller.    
     
     
         2 . The device as in  claim 1  wherein a side wall of said thrust augmenter is terminated approximately at a propeller shaft horizontal axis.  
     
     
         3 . The device as in  claim 1  wherein a side wall of said thrust augmenter is spaced apart approximately one inch from a propeller outer edge.  
     
     
         4 . The device as in  claim 1  wherein said thrust augmenter is formed of a first augmenter element and a second augmenter element.  
     
     
         5 . The device as in  claim 1  wherein a side wall of said thrust augmenter at a forward edge is tapered from an upper portion to a bottom edge.  
     
     
         6 . The device as in  claim 1  wherein said thrust augmenter is attachable to a horizontal plane element of a lower unit.  
     
     
         7 . The device as in  claim 1  wherein said thrust augmenter is attached by bolts.  
     
     
         8 . A device to augment the thrust of an outboard marine engine comprising: 
 a thrust augmenter of generally open ended cylindrical form having an open side portion therein attachable to said outboard marine engine wherein a side wall of said thrust augmenter is terminated approximately at a propeller shaft horizontal axis of said outboard marine engine.    
     
     
         9 . The device as in  claim 8  wherein a side wall of said thrust augmenter is spaced apart approximately one inch from a propeller outer edge.  
     
     
         10 . The device as in  claim 8  wherein said thrust augmenter is formed of a first augmenter element and a second augmenter element.  
     
     
         11 . The device as in  claim 8  wherein a side wall of said thrust augmenter at a forward edge is tapered from an upper portion to a bottom edge.  
     
     
         12 . The device as in  claim 8  wherein said thrust augmenter is attachable to a horizontal plane element of a lower unit.  
     
     
         13 . The device as in  claim 8  wherein said thrust augmenter is attached by bolts.  
     
     
         14 . A device to augment the thrust of an outboard marine engine comprising: 
 a thrust augmenter of generally open ended cylindrical form having an open side portion therein attachable to said outboard marine engine wherein a side wall of said thrust augmenter is terminated approximately at a propeller shaft horizontal axis of said outboard marine engine; and    said side wall is spaced apart approximately one inch from a propeller outer edge.