Propulsion protection device

Abstract

The Propulsion Protection Device includes rigid inclined deflection surfaces in the configuration of three or four rails/bars affixed, permanently and/or removable, both to the transom and to the bottom of a hull of a watercraft. The unit is aligned parallel with the longitudinal axis of the watercraft. At the forward most attachment point, approximately mid-point between the stern and bow, the rails/bars are flush and smooth with the hull/bottom. At the rear/transom, the rails/bars extend below the propeller, beyond the arc of the propeller, and rigid engine parts. There is a calculated inclination along the length of the rail/bars, thereby creating a deflection effect. The Propulsion Protection Device is designed to prevent catastrophic human/animal loss-of-life or injury, property loss/damage resulting from the accidental contact with the spinning propeller, and/or blunt force trauma from the impact with protruding rigid mechanical engine parts.

1 . A Propulsion Protection Device comprising:
 a) three or four inclined rails/bars adapted to be permanently affixed/removable to the hull of a watercraft and aligned parallel with the longitudinal axis of said watercraft, wherein said rails/bars extend below the propeller, beyond the arc of the propeller, and rigid engine parts, and;   b) said protection device is attached permanently and/or removable, using mounting brackets affixed to the transom and the hull/bottom of the watercraft;   c) said safety device has a forward attachment point, wherein the rails/bars are flush and smooth with the hull at said front end, and extend toward the rear;   d) wherein the front end is arranged to be positioned on the watercraft forward of the rear end;   e) the length of the three or four deflection rails/bars, from said rear end to said front end, being at least substantially half the length of the bottom of the hull.   
     
     
         2 . The Propulsion Protection Device of  claim 1 , wherein the number and size of said rigid rails/bars are adapted according to the diameter of the propeller, the arc of the propulsion unit, and the size/shape of the hull of said watercraft. 
     
     
         3 . The Propulsion Protection Device of  claim 1 , wherein said unit can be adapted to be mounted on the hull during the process of fabrication of said hull and/or affixed post-manufacturing as an “aftermarket” safety product.