Rotary latch mechanism for securing cowl sections of an outboard motor

摘要

An outboard marine motor housing by a cowl assembly having an upper cowl section and a lower cowl section includes various features for improving the structural integrity of the cowl assembly and for providing a water-resistant seal at the joint between the cowl sections and at various points of entry of cables and other mechanical devices. A rotary latch mechanism includes an internal hook connected to a shaft leading to an external rotatable handle. The shaft is supported on either side of the point of engagement of the hook to the shaft. In particular, a bearing is formed integrally with the bottom of the lower cowl section and is adapted to receive an end of the shaft for support thereof. The catch for the latch mechanism is provided with a hook-receiving member having support on both sides of the point of engagement of the hook-receiving member by the hook. In pair of depending arms connected to an upper plate, which is adapted for direct connection to a pair of columnar lugs formed integrally with an end of the upper cowl section.