Boating and Water Sports Lighting Safety System
A boating and water sports lighting safety system is provided. The system is designed to enhance visibility and safety of watercraft and individuals participating in aquatic activities, particularly during low-light, nighttime, or adverse weather conditions. The system comprises a flagpole removably attached to a mounting bracket suitable for various boat surfaces, wherein the flagpole comprises at least one integrated or externally mounted waterproof light source. The flagpole further supports a high-visibility flag. The system additionally comprises at least one wearable waterproof safety bracelet with embedded lighting elements. A remote control device allows a user to control lighting patterns, intensity, color, and signaling modes for each lighting component individually or in coordination.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/684,650, which was filed on Aug. 19, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates generally to the field of boating and water sports. More specifically, the present invention relates to a boat-mounted and body-worn lighting system designed to enhance the visibility and safety of watercraft and individuals participating in aquatic activities. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.
BACKGROUNDRecreational water activities such as boating, wakeboarding, tubing, and open water swimming have become increasingly popular. These activities often extend into periods of low-light visibility, including dusk, nighttime, or during inclement weather. During such conditions, the visibility of both watercraft and individuals becomes significantly reduced, increasing the risk of collisions and other potentially dangerous incidents. Boats may fail to detect nearby swimmers or smaller vessels, while individuals in the water may not be easily seen by those operating watercraft. Current safety measures such as standard boat lighting, passive reflective materials, or flags lack the sufficient visibility and versatility needed to alert surrounding vessels in dynamic or adverse conditions. Moreover, there is often little integration between lighting systems and individual user equipment, such as wearable devices, to provide real-time visual signaling. There is also a lack of coordinated control for lighting behavior between vessel-mounted indicators and personal safety gear. These shortcomings in current safety technologies underscore the need for a robust, integrated solution that improves visual awareness for all parties engaged in water-based recreational activities.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a boating and water sports lighting safety system that increases visibility of individuals and vessels during low-light or poor weather conditions. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a boating and water sports lighting safety system that provides integrated, active illumination through both vessel-mounted and wearable components. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a boating and water sports lighting safety system that allows remote and synchronized control of lighting patterns for enhanced safety signaling.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a boating and water sports lighting safety system. The system is designed to enhance the visibility and safety of watercraft and individuals participating in aquatic activities, particularly during low-light, nighttime, or adverse weather conditions. The system comprises a flagpole removably attached to a mounting bracket suitable for various boat surfaces, wherein the flagpole comprises at least one integrated or externally mounted waterproof light source. The flagpole further supports a high-visibility flag. The system additionally comprises at least one wearable waterproof safety bracelet with embedded lighting elements. A remote control device allows a user to control lighting patterns, intensity, color, and signaling modes for each lighting component individually or in coordination.
In this manner, the boating and water sports lighting safety system of the present invention accomplishes all the foregoing objectives and provides a system that increases the visibility of individuals and vessels during low-light conditions through multi-mode lighting integrated into both vessel-mounted and wearable components. More specifically, the flagpole and flag assembly enhance the visual presence of the watercraft, while the safety bracelet provides personal illumination for individuals in the water. The remote control further enables coordinated activation of visual signals across all components, addressing the need for synchronized safety alerts. The structural adaptability of the mounting system, the waterproof and buoyant design of the bracelet, and the inclusion of rechargeable power sources collectively solve the limitations associated with traditional passive or non-integrated safety systems. As a result, the system thereby significantly reduces the risk of collision or injury, improving safety outcomes during recreational water activities.
SUMMARYThe following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a boating and water sports lighting safety system. The system is designed to attach to a boat to enhance visibility of watercraft and individuals engaged in aquatic activities under low-light conditions, during nighttime operation, or in poor weather. The system provides a safety solution by indicating the presence of individuals in the water and the operational status of the vessel through high-visibility lighting, enabling use during activities such as boating, wakeboarding, waterskiing, tubing, or open water swimming.
The system is comprised of a flagpole. The flagpole is further comprised of at least one integrated light source. The light source is preferably but not limited to an LED that may emit various lighting behaviors such as but not limited to steady-on, fade, flash, strobe, hazard alert, or SOS signaling. A high-visibility safety flag may be affixed to the flagpole and may also be comprised of at least one integrated light source.
The flagpole removably attaches to a mounting bracket that is configured for marine installation. The bracket is adapted to attach to various boat surfaces including but not limited to tubular rails, hardtops, wakeboard towers, gunwales, or deck sections. The flagpole is attached to the bracket via at least one fastener. The fastener may be mounted to a flexible element of the flagpole, such as but not limited to a spring, to reduce breakage risk. At least one power cord may be routed through or integrated with the bracket to provide electrical connectivity to the flagpole and flag.
The system is further comprised of at least one waterproof safety bracelet designed for wear by individuals engaged in aquatic activities. The bracelet is houses an embedded light source capable of high-visibility lighting behaviors including but not limited to steady-on, pulsing, flashing, or color cycling. The bracelet is buoyant and waterproof and is secured using a fastener. The bracelet may operate autonomously via manual controls or may wirelessly synchronize with a remote via an internal transmitter.
The remote is waterproof and comprised of user controls such as buttons for on/off, mode, brightness, color selection, and emergency signaling. The remote wirelessly controls the light sources on the flagpole, flag, and bracelet either individually or in coordinated patterns. The remote may connect to the flagpole and/or bracket via a physical data/power cable or communicate wirelessly using a transmitter configured to pair with the transmitters of the flagpole and bracelet, enabling synchronized lighting control.
The system further includes a method of use, comprising installation of the bracket to a boat, attachment of the flagpole to the bracket, affixation of the flag to the flagpole, connection of the lighting system to a power source, securing the bracelet to a user, pairing the remote with the system components, and operating the remote to control the lighting behaviors of the flagpole, flag, and/or bracelet for enhanced safety during aquatic activities.
Accordingly, the boating and water sports lighting safety system of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a system that increases the visibility of individuals and vessels during low-light conditions through multi-mode lighting integrated into both vessel-mounted and wearable components. More specifically, the flagpole and flag assembly enhance the visual presence of the watercraft, while the safety bracelet provides personal illumination for individuals in the water. The remote control further enables coordinated activation of visual signals across all components, addressing the need for synchronized safety alerts. The structural adaptability of the mounting system, the waterproof and buoyant design of the bracelet, and the inclusion of rechargeable power sources collectively solve the limitations associated with traditional passive or non-integrated safety systems. As a result, the system thereby significantly reduces the risk of collision or injury, improving safety outcomes during recreational water activities.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a boating and water sports lighting safety system that increases visibility of individuals and vessels during low-light or poor weather conditions. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a boating and water sports lighting safety system that provides integrated, active illumination through both vessel-mounted and wearable components. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a boating and water sports lighting safety system that allows remote and synchronized control of lighting patterns for enhanced safety signaling.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a boating and water sports lighting safety system. The system is configured to be mounted on a boat to improve visibility of both watercraft and individuals engaged in aquatic activities during low-light conditions, nighttime operation, or adverse weather. Enhanced safety is achieved through the use of high-visibility lighting, which signals the presence of individuals in the water and indicates vessel activity. This configuration is particularly applicable to activities such as boating, wakeboarding, waterskiing, tubing, and open water swimming.
The system is comprised of a flagpole, which includes at least one integrated light source. The light source is preferably an LED and is capable of emitting various lighting modes including steady-on, fade, flash, strobe, hazard alert, or SOS signaling. A high-visibility safety flag may also be secured to the flagpole and may be comprised of at least one integrated light source as well.
The flagpole is removably secured to a marine-grade mounting bracket, which is adapted for installation on a variety of boat surfaces such as tubular rails, hardtops, wakeboard towers, gunwales, or flat deck areas. The connection between the flagpole and bracket is achieved using at least one fastener, which may be mounted on a flexible element such as a spring to reduce breakage risk. At least one power cord may be routed through or integrated with the bracket to supply power to the flagpole and flag.
The system is further comprised of at least one waterproof safety bracelet intended for use by individuals participating in aquatic activities. The bracelet includes an embedded light source capable of high-visibility lighting effects including steady-on, pulsing, flashing, or color cycling. The bracelet is both buoyant and waterproof and is secured using a fastener. The bracelet may function independently via manual controls or may be wirelessly linked to a remote using an internal transmitter.
The remote control unit is waterproof and comprised of various user controls including buttons for on/off, mode selection, brightness adjustment, color selection, and emergency signaling. The remote enables individual or synchronized wireless control of the light sources on the flagpole, flag, and bracelet. Communication may occur via a physical data/power cable or wirelessly through a transmitter paired with the transmitters of the flagpole and bracelet.
A method of use involves installing the bracket onto a boat, securing the flagpole to the bracket, attaching the flag to the flagpole, connecting the lighting components to a power source, fastening the bracelet to a user, pairing the remote with the system components, and utilizing the remote to control lighting functions of the flagpole, flag, and/or bracelet to enhance safety during aquatic activities.
As a result, the system provides significant advantages by increasing the visibility of both individuals and vessels in low-light environments through integrated, multi-mode lighting. The flagpole and flag assembly improve the visibility of the watercraft, while the safety bracelet provides individual illumination. The remote control further supports coordinated activation of all lighting components, addressing the demand for synchronized safety signaling. The adjustable bracket, waterproof and buoyant bracelet design, and rechargeable power sources also work to collectively overcome the limitations of passive or non-integrated safety systems. As a result, the system significantly reduces the likelihood of collisions or injuries, thereby enhancing safety during recreational water activities.
Referring initially to the drawings,
In one embodiment, the system 100 is comprised of a flagpole 102. In one configuration, the flagpole 102 may be of a fixed length. In an alternative embodiment, the flagpole 102 is telescopic and may be comprised of multiple interlocking segments configured with a locking mechanism 105 that may be comprised of but is not limited to any combination of twist-lock collars, spring-loaded detents, cam levers, or friction clamps.
The flagpole 102 may further be comprised of at least one integrated light source 104. The light source 104 may be externally affixed to the exterior surface 103 of the flagpole 102 or may be embedded internally, wherein the flagpole 102 is constructed from a light-transmissive or transparent material. The light source 104 may be comprised of any light source capable of producing a variety of colors and lighting effects but is preferably (but not limited to) an LED. The lighting behaviors may include but are not limited to any combination of steady-on, slow fade, fast flash, strobe, hazard alert, and SOS signaling. In configurations where the light source 104 is externally mounted on the exterior surface 103, the light source 104 is comprised of a waterproof light source.
A high-visibility safety flag 110 may be further affixed to the flagpole 102, as seen in
The flag 110 may also incorporate at least one integrated light source 114. The integrated light source 114 may be comprised of lighting elements such as but not limited to fiber optic strands, electroluminescent wires, or surface-mounted LEDs distributed across or along the surface of the flag 110 to provide active illumination. The flag 110 may be removably secured to the flagpole 102 via at least one fastener 116. The fastener 116 may include but is not limited to any combination of hook and loop straps, sewn sleeves, zip ties, elastic bands, magnetic latches, or snap clips to facilitate quick removal or repositioning. In one embodiment, the light sources 104,114 may be controlled by at least one button 111 on the flagpole 102.
The flagpole 102 removably attaches to a mounting bracket 120 (as seen in
The flagpole 102 may be attached to the bracket 120 via at least one fastener 126 of the flagpole 102, as seen in
At least one power cord 130 may be routed through or integrated with the bracket 120 to facilitate electrical connectivity to the flagpole 102 and flag 110. In one configuration, the power cord 130 may supply power to the light sources 104, 114 via at least one electrical connection 140. The electrical connection 140 may be comprised of but is not limited waterproof electrical connectors such as but not limited to marine-grade coaxial power plugs, magnetic pogo pins, or scaled twist-lock connectors. The power cord 130 may be terminated with a plug 131 configured to mate with a 12V or 24V marine accessory socket or battery terminal.
In an alternative embodiment, the flagpole 102 and/or flag 110 may house an internal rechargeable battery 160, as seen in
The system 100 is further comprised of at least one waterproof safety bracelet 170 (as seen in
The bracelet 170 may be made to meet or exceed IP68 waterproofing standards and may be buoyant, allowing the system to float if dropped in water. The bracelet 170 may be secured to the wearer using at least one fastener 174. The fastener 174 may be selected from types such as but not limited to any combination of adjustable buckle clasps, magnetic snap-locks, hook and loop systems, or elastic stretch-fit closures. The bracelet 170 may include a rechargeable battery 176 and a charging port 178 configured similarly to the charging solutions described for the flagpole 102.
In some embodiments, the bracelet 170 may operate autonomously via manual controls 173 or may be configured to wirelessly synchronize with a remote 180 via a wireless transmitter 177 within the bracelet 170. The wireless transmitter 177 may use protocols such as but not limited to Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), RF, or infrared signaling to communicate with the paired remote 180.
As seen in
The remote 180 may interface with the flagpole 102 and/or bracket 120 through at least one physical data/power cable 190 or may alternatively communicate wirelessly via a wireless transmitter 183. The wireless transmitter 183 may be configured to pair with the transmitter 127 of the flagpole 102 and/or the transmitter 177 of the bracelet 170, allowing simultaneous and coordinated lighting control of the flagpole 102, bracelet 170, and/or flag 110.
The present invention is also comprised of a method of using 200 the system 100, as seen in
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “boating and water sports lighting safety system” and “system” are interchangeable and refer to the boating and water sports lighting safety system 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, the boating and water sports lighting safety system 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the boating and water sports lighting safety system 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the boating and water sports lighting safety system 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the boating and water sports lighting safety system 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the boating and water sports lighting safety system 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
Claims
1. A boating and water sports lighting safety system comprising:
- a mounting bracket;
- a flagpole comprising a first light source, the flagpole removably attached to the mounting bracket;
- a flag affixed to the flagpole;
- a safety bracelet comprising a second light source; and
- a remote configured to control the first light source and the second light source.
2. The boating and water sports lighting safety system of claim 1, wherein the first light source is mounted on an exterior surface of the flagpole.
3. The boating and water sports lighting safety system of claim 1, wherein the flagpole is comprised of a telescopic flagpole.
4. The boating and water sports lighting safety system of claim 3, wherein the flagpole is comprised of a locking member.
5. The boating and water sports lighting safety system of claim 1, wherein the flag is affixed to the flagpole via a first fastener.
6. The boating and water sports lighting safety system of claim 1, wherein the remote is in wireless communication with the flagpole and the safety bracelet.
7. The boating and water sports lighting safety system of claim 1, wherein the safety bracelet is comprised of a battery.
8. The boating and water sports lighting safety system of claim 1, wherein the safety bracelet is comprised of a second fastener.
9. The boating and water sports lighting safety system of claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket is comprised of a set screw.
10. The boating and water sports lighting safety system of claim 1, wherein the flag is comprised of a visibility-enhancing coating.
11. A boating and water sports lighting safety system comprising:
- a mounting bracket;
- a flagpole comprising a first light source, the flagpole removably attached to the mounting bracket;
- a flag affixed to the flagpole, the flag comprised of a second light source;
- a safety bracelet comprising a third light source; and
- a remote configured to control the first light source, the second light source, and the third light source.
12. The boating and water sports lighting safety system of claim 11, wherein the first light source is positioned within the flagpole.
13. The boating and water sports lighting safety system of claim 11, wherein the flagpole is comprised of a spring.
14. The boating and water sports lighting safety system of claim 11, wherein the flagpole is comprised of a first fastener.
15. The boating and water sports lighting safety system of claim 14, wherein the mounting bracket is comprised of a second fastener.
16. The boating and water sports lighting safety system of claim 15, wherein the first fastener attaches to the second fastener.
17. The boating and water sports lighting safety system of claim 11, wherein the mounting bracket is comprised of a joint.
18. The boating and water sports lighting safety system of claim 11 further comprised of a power cord.
19. The boating and water sports lighting safety system of claim 18, wherein the power cord is comprised of a plug.
20. A method of using a boating and water sports lighting safety system, the method comprising the following steps:
- providing a boating and water sports lighting safety system comprised of a flagpole comprising a first light source, a flag attached to the flagpole, a mounting bracket, at least one safety bracelet comprised of a second light source, and a remote control;
- securing the mounting bracket to a surface of a boat;
- attaching the flagpole to the mounting bracket;
- securing the bracelet to a user; and
- operating the remote to control a lighting behavior of the first light source and the second light source.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 14, 2025
Publication Date: Feb 19, 2026
Inventor: Aaron Jones (Cedar Hills, UT)
Application Number: 19/300,069