Patent Application
20220161906
The present disclosure relates to boat lights, particularly to boat safety lights, more particularly to boat safety lights that can be activated to alert other boaters that swimmers are in the water.
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a boat driver awareness system that alerts other boaters that there are swimmers, skiers, divers, rope or other hazards are in the water, thereby telling them to be aware and take extra caution in the area. When boating, especially on smaller or busy lakes/areas, this system will alert all other boaters that there are people/swimmers in the water and they can respond by keeping out of the area.
It is an object of the invention to provide a boat driver awareness light.
In accordance with an aspect of the invention there is provided a boat safety warning system, comprising: a bracket assembly configured to be affixed to boat; a light assembly comprising a housing, having a translucent section, said housing configured to be attached to said bracket assembly, said housing containing an LED light, and an LED printed circuit board; a power source in electrical connection with said LED light; and a switch which when activated allows power to be supplied from said source to said LED light.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a boat safety signaling kit, comprising: a bracket assembly consisting of a bracket, a bracket base plate and attachment means; a light assembly configured to be attached to said bracket assembly, said light assembly consisting of a housing, having a translucent section, an LED light, an LED printed circuit board, and a rechargeable battery in electrical connection with said LED light; and a switch which, when activated, allows power to be supplied from said source to said LED light.
The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like elements are identified with like symbols.
To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.
To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.
Devices and methods for carrying out the invention are presented in terms of embodiments depicted within the FIGS. However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and the configurations shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope.
The light assembly 116 is secured to the bracket assembly 118 by way of a locker screw 108. In certain embodiments of the invention, a charging port 106 may be installed to supplement the power produced by the solar panel 110. In some embodiments of the invention, an optional switch 122 may be present on the light assembly 116.
In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket assembly 118 comprises a bracket 104 having attachment bolts 306 and a bracket base plate 308 that cooperates with the bracket 104 and attachment bolts 306. A plastic cover 510, having indentations 512 configured to cooperate with the attachment bolts 306, can be seen covering the upper part of the bracket base plate 308 and attachment bolts 306.
In the illustrated embodiment, the light assembly 116 comprises a control panel 502, an LED printed control panel (PCB) 504 and a battery 506 situated within the translucent housing 114. An O-ring 508 is seated between the light bases 102 and the translucent housing 114 to seal the unit from moisture.
The solar panel 110, is positioned below the solar panel housing 514, and is in electrical connection with the battery 506. The lower surface of the light base 102 has one or more indentation housings 516 to accommodate the attachment bolts 306.
There are numerous ways in which the light can be activated. For example, when the boat is towing a skier, wakeboarder etc. and they release the rope the system a spotter in the boat can activate the light and/or a system of lights to provide warning other boaters.
In other embodiments of the invention, activation of the light may be achieved via remote control. The remote control can be a remote switch or by voice activation via Bluetooth. Activation of the light can also be achieved manually via a physical switch by operator in the boat, or the spotter.
The light is typically configured to flash orange/red/amber LED light, although any color of light is within the scope of protection sought. The light may emit an assortment of colors, and patterns including but not limited to strobe or flash. The light may be attached to a rod, bar or tube on the boat. It is recommended to install the light at a high point on the boat, such as the tower, to achieve maximum visibility. The LED light assembly 116 is waterproof, and is great for night boating and for signaling to other boaters.
The system may be solar powered or battery powered. Some embodiments of the invention may have a power supply in addition to or in place of the solar panel 110. The additional power supply is typically provided from the boat battery. Such an additional power supply, to the LED light or to the rechargeable battery 506 in the light assembly 116, may be provided via charging port 106 with a variety of charger fittings such as a USB port.
The light is powered by a rechargeable battery, and typically can continue work for 4˜5 hours. The battery can be charged by a power supply or solar panel. The light can easily be removed and taken home for charging, or you can connect the light to the power supply on the boat by a connection cable.
In an additional embodiment, this system may be connected to an existing lighting and existing power supply within a boat (existing wiring). It is envisioned that some installations may be factory-fitted into boats during manufacture.
With regard to the bracket assembly 118, it is envisaged that the bracket base plate 308 is made from a hard plastic, and the bracket 104 from a stainless rod covered by soft plastic, with optional gripper elements 602.
Boaters have more hazards these days with wake boats, ski boats jet skis, paddle boards etc. on the water. People need a warning system to know when people are in the water, be they swimmers or skiers, wakeboarders or divers, or in the event of emergencies, such as but not limited to running out of fuel or engine failure. When you are towing a person and they fall or let go of the tow rope the system deploys and the flashing warning lights alert others of potential hazards. It gives a boater extra protection and peace of mind knowing that every other boater in the area knows of the situation and to take extra caution when deployed.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments described were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.
