Trolling motor anti-theft device

Abstract

An anti-theft device for deterring unauthorized removal of an electric trolling motor from a vessel. The device is adapted to secure a trolling motor's control shaft and motor assembly to the trolling motor mount or directly to the vessel. The device includes only a clevis pin, a clevis and a padlock, the device is compact in design and easy to use. A uniquely designed hasp is employed in some instances to accomplish proper attachment of the anti-theft device. The hasp is secured directly to the hull or deck of the vessel.

1 . A trolling motor ant-theft device, comprising: 
 a u-shaped clevis member, said clevis member having a first end and a second end;    openings disposed through said clevis member adjacent said first end and said second end;    a clevis pin, said clevis pin having a distal end and a proximate end, said clevis pin adapted to be inserted through said openings in said clevis member;    an opening defined through said clevis pin adjacent said proximate end; and    a padlock adapted to be inserted in said opening defined through said clevis pin.    
   
   
       2 . The trolling motor anti-theft device according to  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a hasp, said hasp fabricated form a solid stock material and having an opening formed therethrough, wherein said opening in said hasp is adapted to receive said clevis pin.    
   
   
       3 . The trolling motor anti-theft device according to  claim 1 , wherein said distal end of said clevis pin is of L-shaped configuration.  
   
   
       4 . A trolling motor anti-theft device, comprising: 
 a u-shaped clevis member, said clevis member having a first end and a second end;    openings disposed through said clevis member adjacent said first end and said second end;    a clevis pin, said clevis pin having a distal end and a proximate end, said clevis pin adapted to be inserted through said openings in said clevis member;    an opening defined through said clevis pin adjacent said proximate end, said distal end having an L-shaped configuration;    a hasp, said hasp fabricated from a solid stock material and having an opening formed therethrough, wherein said opening in said hasp is adapted to receive said clevis pin; and    a padlock adapted to be inserted in said opening defined through said clevis pin.    
   
   
       5 . The trolling motor anti-theft device according to  claim 4 , wherein said clevis member, said clevis pin and said hasp are fabricated from durable metallic stock.  
   
   
       6 . In a marine vessel having a trolling motor mounted thereon said trolling motor having a shaft, an anti-theft device, comprising: 
 a U-shaped clevis member, said clevis member having a first end and a second end, said clevis member disposed to encompass said shaft;    openings disposed through said clevis member adjacent said first end and said second end;    a clevis pin, said clevis pin having a distal end and a proximate end, said clevis pin adapted to be inserted through said openings in said clevis member;    an opening defined through said clevis pin adjacent said proximate end; and    a padlock adapted to be inserted in said opening defined through said clevis cin.    
   
   
       7 . In a marine vessel according to  claim 6 , including a conventional motor mount disposed on said vessel and wherein said anti-theft device is attached to said motor mount.  
   
   
       8 . In a marine vessel according to  claim 6 , including a hasp mounted on said vessel and wherein said anti-theft device is attached to said hasp.  
   
   
       9 . In a marine vessel according to  claim 8 , wherein said said hasp fabricated from a solid stock material and having an opening formed therethrough, wherein said opening in said hasp is adapted to receive said clevis pin.  
   
   
       10 . In a marine vessel according to  claim 9 , 
 wherein said clevis member, said clevis pin and said hasp are fabricated from durable metallic stock.