NAUTICAL SAFETY DEVICE

Abstract

A nautical safety device for man-overboard (MOB) situations, comprising a rechargeable flashlight with an integrated primary light and secondary floodlight, and one or more transmission capabilities configured to send GPS coordinates, distress signals, and Automatic Identification System (AIS) messages to receivers within range. The device may include two independent rechargeable batteries, one powering the lights and the other powering the transmission capabilities, allowing operation for over 24 hours even if one battery is depleted. The device may be waterproof, have a hardened housing, and may be charged via USB-C or inductive charging. The device may be manually activated by a user or automatically activated upon immersion in water, providing immediate location and distress signaling.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/742,475, filed Jan. 7, 2025, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates to nautical safety and personal flotation devices, and more particularly to a portable device for providing man-overboard alerts and assisting in locating and rescuing individuals in the water.

BACKGROUND

In boating, a significant problem exists with individuals falling overboard due to rough water conditions, slippery decks, adverse weather, or other factors. Due to high ambient noise and limited visibility, a person going overboard may not be immediately detected by other crew members or passengers. In many cases, there may be only a single person on a vessel, making detection even more difficult. Even when a person is observed going overboard, locating the individual in the water can be extremely challenging due to elapsed time, currents, and environmental conditions.

Current man-overboard (MOB) devices are often coupled to lifejackets or life vests and may include automated activation based on immersion or fall detection. Some devices provide ancillary features such as emergency lights or broadcast signals. However, existing devices generally have limited utility outside emergency situations, and may not provide reliable location tracking or continuous signaling under all conditions.

SUMMARY

Exemplary Embodiments may provide a nautical safety device that includes a plurality of utility functions. The device may include one or more integrated lights, such as a primary flashlight and a secondary floodlight to improve visibility in low-light conditions. The device may further include one or more transmission capabilities configured to send GPS coordinates and distress signals to nearby vessels and receivers. Further, the device may include multiple batteries that independently power the lights and transmission components, ensuring continuous operation even if one power source is depleted.

In some embodiments, the device may include one or more magnets or hooks for hands-free positioning or attachment to metal surfaces. The device may provide indicators, such as LEDs, to show battery status, transmission status, or GPS functionality. The device may include a USB-C charging port or inductive charging capability. The device may include waterproof or watertight switches and housings to protect the components from environmental conditions.

The device may be manually activated by a user or automatically activated upon immersion in water, providing immediate man-overboard alert and location information. Other optional features and configurations may provide additional utility without departing from the scope of the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments. The following detailed description should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is an exemplary cross-sectional diagram of a nautical safety device.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary cutaway perspective view of the nautical safety device.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary first perspective view of the nautical safety device.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary second perspective view of the nautical safety device.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary third perspective view of the nautical safety device.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary first wireframe diagram of the nautical safety device.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary second wireframe diagram of the nautical safety device.

FIG. 8 is an exemplary third wireframe diagram of the nautical safety device.

FIG. 9 is an exemplary circuit diagram illustrating the electrical components and battery connections of the nautical safety device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the invention are disclosed in the following description and related drawings directed to specific embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention. Further, to facilitate an understanding of the description discussion of several terms used herein follows.

As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance or illustration.” The embodiments described herein are not limiting, but rather are exemplary only. It should be understood that the described embodiment are not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Moreover, the terms “embodiments of the invention”, “embodiments” or “invention” do not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-9, a nautical safety and alert device 100 is provided. The device 100 may include a number of capabilities, including digital selective calling (DSC), global positioning (GPS), and transmission of VHF messages or alerts. Further, the device 100 may have the capability of sending automatic identification system (AIS) transmissions, allowing for the device to provide specific location information to AIS receivers. In some embodiments, the device 100 may include a communication unit configured to transmit GPS coordinates, distress signals, and/or AIS messages to external receivers. The communication unit may be powered by one or more batteries independently from the one or more lights, allowing for continuous operation even if other power sources are depleted.

In some embodiments, one or more antennas 102 may be disposed in or on the device 100. The one or more antennas 102 may be utilized by the communication unit to transmit and receive, for example, GPS, DSC, or VHF signals. Further, the one or more antennas 102 may be disposed inside of a housing 103 of the device 100 such that the one or more antennas 102 are not exposed to any external elements, as shown in FIG. 1.

In other embodiments, any of the one or more antennas 102 may be configured to be extendable and/or retractable into the device 100, for example in a manner where any internal elements of the device 100 are not affected or otherwise exposed to outside elements when the one or more antennas 102 are extended. For example, the device 100 may have an extendable VHF antenna, but when the antenna is extended, the device 100 may remain watertight.

Still further capabilities of the device 100 may include an integrated flashlight 104 and/or floodlight 106. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a flashlight 104 may be disposed on different parts of the device 100 and may be sealed so as to be watertight and/or waterproof. In the example shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a flashlight 104 may be disposed at a distal end of device 100 and a floodlight 106 may be disposed on a side of a head portion of the device 100. Other orientations may be utilized as desired.

The flashlight 104 and/or floodlight 106 may be powered by a battery 108, including a rechargeable battery. In some embodiments, the device 100 may include batteries that, when charged, allow for extended operation of the flashlight 104 and/or other elements. The flashlight 104 may be operated using a switch 105 in a traditional manner. Similarly, the floodlight 106 may be operated using a switch 101. Switches 105 and 101 may be sealed and substantially waterproof or watertight to prevent any water from entering device 100.

In some embodiments, a crown 107 of the device 100 may be formed of a durable metal or other material so as to provide additional functionality, such as glass breaking capabilities.

Referring to FIGS. 3-5, the device 100 may include a first light and a second light, for example, a flashlight 104 and a floodlight 106. The floodlight 106 and the flashlight 104 may have different housings and/or may be located in different parts of the device 100, as desired.

These lights may be powered by a battery 108, which may be separate from a battery 110 that is used to power any of the emergency transmission capabilities. Further, the lights may have one or more integrated controls, such as switches 101, 105 or power buttons that can be depressed and/or cycled so as to power on/off one or both lights, or cycle through powering on/off one or both lights, or go through modes of light activation. Such modes may include, for example, strobing, pulsing, color changing, SOS patterns, or other light mode activations. Any of the switches 101, 105 or power buttons may be waterproof or watertight, for example having a rubberized coating, allowing for activation in any environment without detriment to device functionality.

In some embodiments, the device 100 may include batteries (108, 110) that can be charged in any of a variety of manners. The device 100 may utilize any standard or known charging protocol, such as, but not limited to, USB-C or any other type of charging port.

In other embodiments, the device may have inductive charging capabilities, for example, using inductive charging coil 111, as shown in FIG. 3, when placed on or near an inductive charging pad. As such, the device 100 may be substantially sealed from all outside elements and utilize inductive charging to enhance functionality and usability in all environments.

In further embodiments, device 100 may utilize a variety of power sources, including regular or rechargeable batteries, as well as alternative energy sources such as solar panels integrated into housing 103, a hand-crank mechanism accessible on handle 125, or other charging capabilities, as disclosed herein.

Referring to FIG. 4, the device 100 may include a charge indicator 114, which may be a series of lights (such as LED lights) that indicate the general charge of device 100. The charge indicator 114 may be located on any portion of the device 100. Further, the device may have a GPS indicator 116, which may also be a light indicating if the device has GPS functionality, such as receiving GPS coordinates. GPS indicator 116 may also be a series of lights or a light that shows different colors for different states, for example indicating GPS signal strength.

The device 100 may include a GPS switch 118 that can be toggled or pressed to activate GPS unit 109. In some embodiments, GPS unit 109 may also be activated automatically.

Some embodiments may utilize two separate battery elements 108, 110 inside device 100, as shown in the FIG. 9. The battery elements 108, 110 may be physically separate or configured to operate separately or otherwise be electrically separate, despite being joined or housed in the same compartment. FIG. 9 provides an exemplary circuit diagram showing a possible orientation and power flow of battery elements 108, 110 with respect to inductive charging coil 111 and other functional components. It may be understood the shown circuit diagram is exemplary only and in other embodiments other configurations may be used according to the components and needs of the embodiment.

One battery 108 may be utilized for powering the flashlight 104 and/or floodlight 106, while the other battery 110 may be utilized for powering transmission capabilities, such as a GPS unit 109. Each battery 108, 110 may power associated components for an extended time in any condition. For example, the device 100 may maintain emergency transmission capabilities for 24 hours or more on a single charge.

In some embodiments, batteries 108 and 110 may operate entirely separately. In other embodiments, batteries 108 and 110 may be electrically connected, for example as shown in FIG. 9., allowing battery 108 to provide backup power to battery 110 for extended emergency transmission capabilities if needed. Device 100 may also automatically switch from primary power to backup power as needed to maintain continuous emergency transmission capabilities. For example based on a remaining amount of battery in the GPS battery or other set trigger conditions.

In further embodiments, the interior of device 100 may be configured such that housing 103 properly shields and secures functional components, protecting them from outside elements, for example being waterproof and/or watertight.

In some embodiments, the device 100 may be activated manually or automatically. In one embodiment, an activation switch, such as GPS activation switch 118, may be provided on the body of the device. Once activated, the device 100 may transmit emergency signals, including, for example, GPS coordinates and/or a distress signal.

The device 100 may automatically activate when it is detected that a user or wearer has gone overboard, for example by detecting submersion in water. Device 100 may also automatically activate in response to other emergency conditions, such as sudden acceleration or tilt, as would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, without departing from the disclosure herein. In such embodiments, hydrostatic automatic actuator 120 may be provided on the body 103 to provide automatic activation, including broadcasting GPS coordinates upon activation.

When activated, the device 100 may send, for example, GPS location information to AIS plotters and/or send one or more distress signals indicating a man overboard condition to AIS plotters and/or VHF receivers or radios. This may be beneficial as other vessels, such as commercial vessels, may be understood to be likely to have GMDSS stations capable of displaying location and transmission data, and may respond to such transmissions.

Exemplary embodiments may include additional physical and functional elements. For example, one or more magnets 122, 124 may be disposed on the device 100, including on the housing 103, chassis, hook element 129 and/or handle 125, allowing coupling to metal objects for easy location and positioning. Further, the device 100 may include one or more eyelets, carabiners, hooks, or the like on the housing 103 or chassis for fastening to different objects or apparel. In some embodiments a handle 125 may be provided on the device 100, and may further include a hinge or axle 126 to allow pivoting or movement. Further, the device 100 may utilize a high-grip coating, such as a rubberized coating on the chassis, in order to provide for ease of handling or holding. The device 100 may further be made out of materials that enable it to float. Also, as noted above, one or more indicators 114, 116, such as lights, including LED lights, may be utilized on the device 100. Indicators 114, 116 (or others) may indicate status, such as battery charge or transmission activity, and may be located on any desired portion of the housing 103 or chassis.

It may also be appreciated that the device 100 may be made in a variety of sizes and shapes. In one embodiment, device 100 may be substantially cylindrical, with a length of about six inches and a diameter of about one inch. Variations in dimensions and shape are possible depending on the application.

In some embodiments the device 100 may be easily transportable and provide ease of access in both emergency and non-emergency situations. The device 100 may be lightweight and durable to provide functionality during normal activities, both on and off a nautical vessel.

The foregoing description and accompanying figures illustrate the principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A nautical safety device, comprising:

a housing;

one or more lights disposed on the housing, the one or more lights including at least one flashlight and/or floodlight;

one or more batteries configured to power the one or more lights; and

a communication unit configured to transmit GPS coordinates and distress signals,

wherein the one or more lights and the communication unit are powered independently, and the one or more lights are operable in multiple selectable modes, such as strobing, pulsing, or color changing.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising one or more antennas disposed in or on the housing, the one or more antennas being configured to transmit and receive GPS, DSC, or VHF signals.

3. The device of claim 1, further comprising one or more switches or buttons configured to operate the one or more lights, the switches or buttons being waterproof or sealed and including a rubberized coating to allow activation in any environment.

4. The device of claim 1, further comprising a charge indicator and a GPS indicator, the charge indicator including a light configured to indicate battery charge level, and the GPS indicator including a light configured to indicate GPS signal status.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is configured to be activated manually via a user-operated switch or automatically via a hydrostatic actuator, and wherein, upon activation, the device transmits GPS coordinates and a man-overboard distress signal, and wherein automatic activation occurs when the hydrostatic actuator detects submersion in water, sudden acceleration, or tilting of the device.

6. The device of claim 1, further comprising multiple batteries configured to provide independent or backup power to the one or more lights and the communication unit, wherein the batteries are electrically isolated or connected to provide extended emergency operation.

7. The device of claim 1, further comprising a handle pivotably coupled to the housing, and one or more magnets, hooks, or attachment elements configured to facilitate positioning or securing of the device.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing is waterproof and watertight, and the device is buoyant.

9. A nautical safety system, comprising:

one or more nautical safety devices comprising; a housing; one or more lights disposed on the housing, the one or more lights including at least one of a flashlight or a floodlight; a first battery configured to power the one or more lights; a communication unit configured to transmit GPS coordinates and a man-overboard distress signal; a second battery configured to power the communication unit independently of the first battery; one or more switches or buttons configured to operate the one or more lights, the switches or buttons being waterproof or sealed and including a rubberized coating to allow activation in any environment; a charge indicator including a light configured to indicate battery charge level; a GPS indicator including a light configured to indicate GPS signal status; and a hydrostatic actuator configured to automatically activate the device when submersion in water, sudden acceleration, or tilting of the device is detected; and

one or more external receivers configured to receive GPS coordinates and man-overboard distress signals from the nautical safety device.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the external receivers include AIS plotters, VHF radios, or GMDSS stations.