Marine Patents (Class 362/477)
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Publication number: 20090086498Abstract: A device for creating a predetermined light output distribution having a substantially rectangular shape in angle space is provided having a lens with a revolved inner surface and a complex outer surface. The inner surface has a combination of reflective and refractive surface facets swept about an axis of revolution perpendicular to the optical axis of the device. The outer surface has a non-planar, non-circular, non-spherical shape. This outer surface generates an appropriate intensity distribution in a direction generally parallel to the major axis of the output rectangle and may also distribute energy generally parallelly to the minor axis of the output rectangle as well. The optical efficiency improvement in the design of this improved preferably LED-based product has several direct benefits including; increased reliability, lower operating temperature, reduced electrical requirements, greater product life and significantly reduced cost as compared to existing LED products.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2007Publication date: April 2, 2009Inventors: Patrick Jeffrey Condon, Mark Bryan Pruss
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Patent number: 7488084Abstract: A lens for a wet environment lighting device that has a fixture with an interior that has an opening, and at least one light source located within the fixture interior. Light from the light source proceeds out through the opening. The lens is for location in front of the fixture and the light source located therein and the lens encloses the opening from the wet environment. The lens has a first light-directing area for directing light in a first beam pattern. The lens also has a second light-directing area, distinct from the first light-directing area, for directing light in a second beam pattern, distinct from the first beam pattern. The lens is positioned relative to fixture and light source therein to select from the distinct beam patterns based on the alignment of the light-directing areas relative to the light source resulting from a positioning of the lens.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2005Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Potucek, Dennis Dunn
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Publication number: 20090021954Abstract: An apparatus and method that improves the usable life and reliability of detachable stem lights for boats. It replaces electrical energy coupling by light energy coupling, thereby eliminating electrical contact corrosion problems.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2008Publication date: January 22, 2009Inventor: John Joseph Burke
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Patent number: 7455436Abstract: Disclosed is a flush mounted lighting system for a vehicle. In one embodiment, the lighting system includes a frame member and a light member mounted in the frame member. The frame member is disposed within a portion of the vehicle so that the frame member is flushly mounted with an outer surface of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2007Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: Lippert Components, Inc.Inventors: Edward R. Rowland, Thomas W. Hunsucker
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Patent number: 7448780Abstract: A marine light mounting system for attaching at least one light to a marine vehicle includes a support structure for supporting one or more lights on the marine vehicle. The support structure includes a light mounting portion configured to receive a housing of one of the lights, and to facilitate attachment of the housing to the support structure. The light mounting portion includes a surface that may be generally arcuate, and which is configured to cooperate with the housing such that the surface does not completely surround a housing of the light. This facilitates attachment of the housing to the support structure while the light is electrically wired to a power source remote from the housing. This provides flexibility with regard to mounting the light in the first instance, and changing the orientation of the bracket in the second.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2007Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Inventor: Todd R. Hurley
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Patent number: 7444953Abstract: Transom lights for boats are easily attached before the boat is towed on a trailer. Each light includes a housing attached to a post, a major lens and a minor lens. The transom light circuitry is connected to the electrical circuitry of the towing vehicle. The housing is rigidly affixed to the post and in an alternate form the housing is pivotable to better conform to the shape of the transom. A socket can be readily attached to the transom for slidably receiving the post. Before the boat is placed in the water the transom lights are disconnected and removed.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2007Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Inventor: Michael D. Player
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Patent number: 7425086Abstract: A dock light for mounting in a void in the side of a floating dock. The light has a housing with a floor, sidewalls, lens and lid defining a chamber. The chamber houses a power source, such as a battery and photovoltaic cell, and a light source, such as a light emitting diode (LED). The lid is removably mounted to the sidewalls, and is flush with, or set beneath, the top surface of the dock when in an operable position. The lens extends from the void at a side opening when the dock light is in an operable position, and is flush with, or set beneath, the side surface of the dock. The light shines from the side of the dock, and is powered by collecting energy from the sun, thereby requiring little to no maintenance. The dock light is protected by the surrounding surfaces of the dock.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2006Date of Patent: September 16, 2008Assignee: Moon River Docks LLCInventor: Robert J. Murphy
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Patent number: 7422351Abstract: A pole light electrical interface is described that allows the connection of electrical devices in lieu of standard pole lights that are used as running lights on boats. Several configurations are described including a connection in place of a running light, a side connector, and a pole light electrical interface with a voltage converter.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2006Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Inventor: Alexander R. Villani
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Publication number: 20080130304Abstract: The present invention is a thru-hull light for installation under the waterline of a vessel comprising a lens capable of diffusing the light broadly through the water. In a preferred embodiment, the lens is a separate, discrete component with a prismatic surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2007Publication date: June 5, 2008Inventors: Randal Rash, Ian MacDonald
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Patent number: 7367686Abstract: A position lamp for watercraft or for placing ashore, in particular a multicolored lamp, having light to be emitted in at least two different directions and at least one light source per direction, the light passing optically refractive elements, and in which a dedicated optically refractive element is provided per light source, the optically refractive elements being held on a common housing body, the housing body also accommodating the light sources.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2005Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: Aqua Signal AktiengesellschaftInventors: Ralph Rohlfing, Wolfgang Serfass
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Patent number: 7320631Abstract: A nautical light emitting diode (“LED”) safety channel marker that is cylindrical in shape, capable of displaying lighted oceanic regulation symbols on either side, and that at night illuminates the panels that display a red triangle and a green square through the use of LEDs that surround the perimeter of the square and triangle in order to more effectively prevent boats from colliding with the markers during the darkness hours.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2006Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Inventors: Matthew Distefano, Charles Taylor
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Publication number: 20070279922Abstract: A pole light electrical interface is described that allows the connection of electrical devices in lieu of standard pole lights that are used as running lights on boats. Several configurations are described including a connection in place of a running light, a side connector, and a pole light electrical interface with a voltage converter.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2006Publication date: December 6, 2007Inventor: Alexander R. Villani
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Patent number: 7303320Abstract: A bracket (10) for mounting accessories on a pick-up truck cab (20) consisting of a Z-shaped elongated body (22) having a forward upper horizontal mounting flange (24), a rearward lower horizontal mounting flange (28), and an integral arcuate upright section (26) located in between. The upright section (26) conforms to the shape of the truck cab (20) and includes a recessed cavity (30) in reverse image of a truck third brake light socket (32) that is formed within the truck cab. A number of threaded fasteners (54) are used for attaching the third brake light onto existing threaded mounting holes (38) in the truck third brake light socket (32) when the bracket is inserted into the socket (32), thereby securely retaining both the light and the bracket in place.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2005Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Inventor: David M. Ashley
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Patent number: 7264384Abstract: An integrated marine vessel hardtop and navigation lighting system, for use on boats having a hardtop or platform which covers the helm, bridge, cockpit or similar areas. The system includes a hardtop having recessed voids which receive specially designed starboard, port and stern integral lighting assemblies and LED matrix array modules. The lights provide improved chromaticity and luminosity in desired angular fields of light, and further having arcuate surfaces which complement port and starboard lenses having mating surfaces. The lighting system is secured and self contained and coterminous with the hardtop. The hardtop and lighting modules constitute a generally unitary and stealth assembly, the light fixtures being integrated within said hardtop means in an unobtrusive manner without protuberances.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2005Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Pipewelders, Inc.Inventors: Peter Derek Ryan, Edward Ray Hughes, Javier Alejandro Carbi Haubold
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Patent number: 7258472Abstract: An illuminated bumper assembly having an elongated light source for emitting light rays and an elongated bumper for carrying the elongated light source. The elongated bumper is adapted to allow light rays from the elongated light source to be emitted along its length. In some embodiments, the elongated bumper has a primary bumper surface that faces away from a protected surface, and the elongated bumper is structured to engage one or more approaching objects and at least partially protect the protected surface from the one or more approaching objects. In some cases, the elongated light source may be situated between the primary bumper surface and the protected surface such that the primary bumper surface also helps protect the elongated light source from the one or more objects. The illuminated bumper may be adapted for use on boats and/or other applications, as desired.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2002Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: i3 Ventures, LLCInventor: Brian N. Tufte
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Patent number: 7252405Abstract: A lighting device having a plurality of LEDs mounted on a heat sink that serves to transfer heat from the LEDs to the outside environment. The lighting device is positioned within a fresnel lens to produce a distribution of light.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2006Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Automatic Power, Inc.Inventors: Stephen E. Trenchard, Alan Trojanowski
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Patent number: 7230547Abstract: An indicator light apparatus of a marine vessel is provided. The indicator light apparatus includes a sensor for detecting a value related to a traveling speed of the marine vessel, an indicator light provided in the marine vessel, and a control device configured to change an illuminating pattern of the indicator light based on the value related to the traveling speed detected by the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2005Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Atsufumi Ozaki, Keiji Takahashi
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Patent number: 7207701Abstract: A self-powered illumination device includes an illumination source protruding from its lower surface for projecting light into a body of water to provide light that is emitted preferentially outwardly to illuminate the sides of a pool. Light emitted with an upward angle of inclination strikes the underside surface of the water-air interface surrounding the device and is reflected outwardly and laterally away the from the light source after striking such underside surface. Preferably, the illumination source has a length that extends downwardly that is commensurate or greater than its width and may be in the form of a fluorescent tube. The illumination device is fully self righting when inverted on the surface of a body of water.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Ultra-Light Floating Objects Inc.Inventors: Miles Kennedy, John Charles Tutton, Aldo Balatti, Marcus Willi Karl Gerhard Bosch
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Patent number: 7192170Abstract: Disclosed is a flush mounted lighting system for a vehicle. In one embodiment, the lighting system includes a frame member and a light member mounted in the frame member. The frame member is disposed within a portion of the vehicle so that the frame member is flushly mounted with an outer surface of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2004Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Rowland & Hunsucker LLCInventor: Edward Rowland
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Patent number: 7134769Abstract: The invention relates to a lantern, preferably for use aboard ships, in particular leisure vessels, which has a housing, at least one illuminant and a light-permeable cover. According to the invention, at least one LED is provided as the illuminant and is associated with a beam baffler.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2004Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: Aqua Signal AktiengesellshaftInventors: Ralph Rohlfing, Wolfgang Serfass
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Patent number: 7111961Abstract: A lighting device having a plurality of high flux LEDs mounted on a heat sink and surrounded by a diffuser. The heat sink serves to transfer heat from the LEDs to the outside environment. In one embodiment the lighting device is positioned within a fresnel lens to produce a distribution of light.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2003Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Assignee: Automatic Power, Inc.Inventors: Stephen E. Trenchard, Alan Trojanowski
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Patent number: 7059737Abstract: A floating light (1), having a base (2) which accommodates a light source or luminescing means; and a screen (3) which is connected thereto and which surrounds the light source. The screen has an inlet opening (4) for connection with the base (2) and an otherwise closed, preferably substantially spherical surface. The light has a seal in the contact area (6) between the screen and the base (2), preferably a sealing element or sealing ring (5), so that in the operational position, the sealed contact area (6) can be located beneath the surface (7) of a liquid in which the floating light is to float.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2001Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Inventor: Willi Wolfgang Oswald
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Patent number: 7055995Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling light from a non-rectangular light source. The apparatus and method relate to using a light guide of a single piece of light-transmissive material having a plurality of external surfaces. One external surface is shaped to collect and substantially collimate light from the light source into the interior of the light guide. At least one external surface is shaped to internally control and direct light such that it issues from the light guide in a substantially rectangular pattern and with substantially total internal reflection. The light guide can be used to create a single controlled beam pattern. In another aspect, one light guide could be adapted to issue two controlled beam patterns. Still further, two light guides could be mounted in a common housing and used to generate two beam patterns. One exemplary application of two beam patterns is a bow light for marine vessels.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2003Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: Innovative Lighting, Inc.Inventors: Patrick J. Condon, Mark B. Pruss
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Patent number: 7044623Abstract: A thru-hull fitting assembly is connected to the forward end of a hollow lamp housing for mounting to a hole in the hull of a vessel in a water-tight fashion. An HID or other lamp is mounted in the lamp housing and is surrounded by a reflector which may have an outer elliptical section and an inner parabolic section. A protective transparent window extends across the forward end of the lamp housing and is sealed thereto. The window may be made of sapphire to provide improved heat dissipation and to resist scratching during hull cleaning and breakage due to thermal shock and wave slap. A circuit may be connected to the lamp to provide over-heat protection, leak detection, as well as fault and power status indicators. Alternate embodiments utilize a solid light pipe or a hollow reflective tube to convey light from the lamp to the protective window.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2003Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: DeepSea Power & LightInventors: Mark S. Olsson, Zachary B. Simmons, Jeffrey A. Prsha, Ronan T. Gray, Ray Merewether
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Patent number: 7033055Abstract: A emergency light system for providing emergency lighting identification of a vehicle. The emergency light system includes a plurality of light emitting members being designed for being coupled to the vehicle whereby each of the light emitting members emits light to visually indicate the location of the vehicle. Each of a plurality of holder members selectively receives one of the light emitting members. Each of the holder members is designed for being coupled to the vehicle whereby each of the holder members is for selectively securing the light emitting members to the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2003Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Inventor: David Rutter, Sr.
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Patent number: 7021802Abstract: A boat light apparatus is comprised of a navigation light and a detachable docking light. The navigation light is comprised of a navigation light housing with a low power navigation light lamp behind a lens. A socket is positioned at the top of the navigation light housing. Electrical connectors are positioned inside the socket. A detachable docking light for mating with the navigation light is comprised of a docking light housing with a high power docking light lamp inside. Docking light housing is hinged to the top of a mounting post for positioning inside the socket in the navigation light. Electrical connectors are positioned at the bottom of the post for mating with the connectors inside the socket. Navigation light lamp and docking light lamp are connected in parallel for connecting to the navigation light switch in a boat. A step relay is connected between the docking light lamp and the navigation light switch.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2004Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Inventor: Jeffrey L. Wyatt
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Patent number: 7021782Abstract: A safety apparatus having a base, a wand coupled to the base, and an illumination source retained by the wand. The base may include a recess to retain the illumination source, or an additional illumination source. The base may also include a port and a hollow interior for selectively filling the interior with ballast for support. The wand may include reflective material along the external circumference for increasing the visibility of the apparatus to on-coming traffic. The apparatus may be used to freely stand on a solid surface, or the base may be evacuated of ballast and used to buoyantly rest on the surface of an aqueous body.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2004Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Inventor: Ralph Yerian
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Patent number: 7021801Abstract: A high-intensity light comprising a side-emitting optoelectronic device adapted to emit light of a desired color. A heat sink is positioned adjacent the optoelectronic device and a reflector at least partially surrounds the optoelectronic device. The reflector is spaced a distance from the optoelectronic device. A window portion is sized to output the light in a desired arc.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2003Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Everbrite, LLCInventor: Ferenc Mohacsi
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Patent number: 7021236Abstract: A pivotal boat light moves between an open use position extending upwardly from the deck of a boat and a closed non-use position retracted below the deck of a boat. The light includes a base plate mounted within a hole in the deck, and a light insert pivotably mounted in the base plate for movement between the open and closed positions. A spring normally biases the light insert to the open position, while a pawl or lock member retains the light insert in the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2005Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: R & D Shed LLCInventor: John Czipri
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Patent number: 7018081Abstract: A pole light has a substantially tubular pole having two ends, a navigation light mounted at one end of the pole, and an ultraviolet light source positioned within the pole. The pole light is operable to emit ultraviolet light in an outward direction from the pole.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2003Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Inventor: Timothy Nevin Hopkins
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Patent number: 7004601Abstract: A signaling device for sighting systems, for example for rescue crafts in the nautical field and the like, comprising at least two lamps arranged so that their respective filaments are mutually perpendicular, so as to achieve a circular luminous emission that is uniform over 360°.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2004Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: S.I.E.M. S.r.l.Inventor: Jorge Miguel Aguglia
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Patent number: 6981777Abstract: An emergency running light for vehicles such as watercraft includes a cup-shaped housing made of a transparent, thin flexible wall which defines a cup-shaped interior chamber. A liquid component of a two-component chemiluminescent compound and a breakable capsule containing a second component thereof are disposed within the interior chamber. The running light is activated to produce a predetermined color of light by squeezing the flexible housing to break the container. This causes the first and second component liquids to form the chemiluminescent compound and resulting light. The housing is attachable to a surface of the watercraft following activation using an adhesive ring which engages a flat rim of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2004Date of Patent: January 3, 2006Inventor: David P. Barnes
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Patent number: 6971933Abstract: A tail light to be installed onto the end of a boat motor propeller, to increase visibility of the propeller when the boat is being hauled on a trailer. The tail light includes a light fixture secured to a mounting plate. The mounting plate is configured to fit onto the propeller hub. A strap releasably secures the tail light in position on the hub. The tail light is wired to wiring of the trailer to illuminate the location of the end of the propeller when the boat is secured on the trailer.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2005Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Inventor: Dan Chester
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Patent number: 6948834Abstract: The present invention provides a lighting system for illuminating the interior of a trolling boat wherein the light is attached to or contained within the trolling motor assembly. The invention comprises in one form thereof, a trolling motor assembly having a motor control compartment, a shaft and a motor/propeller assembly. The motor control compartment further comprises a light assembly attached thereto. In a particular embodiment of the invention the light assembly is fixedly attached to the motor control compartment as to provide a lighting means for the interior of the boat. A further embodiment is contemplated wherein the lighting means is contained within the motor compartment and portion of the motor compartment housing is the appropriate material to permit the passage of light through the motor compartment.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2003Date of Patent: September 27, 2005Inventor: Andrew S Lilly
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Patent number: 6916111Abstract: A detachable sailboat anchor light and hoist structure comprises a body, a lamp mounted in an upper portion of the body so as to be visible at all points around the circumference of the body, a connector for connecting a halyard for the mast to the light such that the light is elevated to a position above the top of the mast when the light is oriented vertically and raised to the top of the mast, and a mechanism for maintaining vertical orientation of the light when the light is raised to the top of the mast. The light can be raised with the halyard to the top of the mast and can be lowered either by pulling an electrical cord interconnecting the light with the electrical system of the sailboat or by attaching a down haul to the light.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2003Date of Patent: July 12, 2005Inventor: Gale B. Laine
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Patent number: 6883944Abstract: A modified port cover which incorporates a light. The port cover can be screwed into a prior art port and provides the same type of air-tight seal as the prior art cover. A bulb is preferably incorporated in the cover's center. A length of cord extends out the back of the bulb. Splicing components are used to splice the cord into the boat's electrical system, preferably so that the modified port cover is only illuminated when the boat's lights are switched on. The cord is long enough to allow a user to unscrew the modified port cover and use it to illuminate areas some distance away from the port. Alternate embodiments incorporate a handle on the rear of the modified port cover. This handle allows the modified port cover to be gripped like a flashlight once it is removed from the port. A hanging hook may be provided to facilitate hanging of the port cover.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2003Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Inventor: Michael J. LeBoeuf
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Patent number: 6874920Abstract: A safety device includes a base section having arms extended from a first end. Securing straps are connected to the arms for holding the device in place. The base has a recess in one section of the base wherein a illuminating is placed. The illuminating includes Light Emitting Diodes that may be powered by a cable conducting electricity from an associated power source.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2003Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Assignee: Tow-Co., Inc.Inventors: Scott Huffman, Darryl Witwer
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Patent number: 6869202Abstract: A lighting apparatus is disclosed for illuminating side surfaces of objects or equipment including, for example, vehicles including boats, retail and/or store shelving and/or equipment, bars, desks, counters, walls, railings, steps, and/or any other object or surface, as desired. In some embodiments, the lighting apparatus includes a bumper. When so provided, the lighting apparatus may help provide a level of protection to objects and/or surfaces that are subject to bumping, sliding or other abuse.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2002Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Inventor: Brian N. Tufte
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Patent number: 6860625Abstract: A reflective fishing-light-and-heater bracket has a base plate (1) that is designedly rectangular and made to rest on a gunwale of a boat for supporting a gas light (4) and a reflector (5). The base plate includes a gunwale attachment on an attachment end, a light attachment on an attachment end and the reflector on top of the attachment end. The gunwale attachment is adaptable for attachment to all foreseeable gunwales, docks and piers. The base plate includes leg-rod apertures (13) that receive leg rods (14) for being positioned on surfaces (15) or that receive lines for being hung from a hanger. The light attachment includes a cannister basket (12) and a light holder. The reflector includes back-light apertures (38) for selective back lighting. The base plate can be positioned for facing the reflector outwardly or inwardly at variable angles from a boat, pier, a marine structure (21) or water-side surface (15).Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2002Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Inventor: Steven M. Bronchak
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Patent number: 6848815Abstract: A marine anchor and navigational light system for providing flexible and resilient lights which cannot be damaged.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2003Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Inventor: Thomas J. Born
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Publication number: 20040257822Abstract: A pole light has a substantially tubular pole having two ends, a navigation light mounted at one end of the pole, and an ultraviolet light source positioned within the pole. The pole light is operable to emit ultraviolet light in an outward direction from the pole.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2003Publication date: December 23, 2004Inventor: Timothy Nevin Hopkins
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Publication number: 20040228134Abstract: a modified port cover which incorporates a light. The port cover can be screwed into a prior art port and provides the same type of air-tight seal as the prior art cover. A bulb is preferably incorporated in the cover's center. A length of cord extends out the back of the bulb. Splicing components are used to splice the cord into the boat's electrical system, preferably so that the modified port cover is only illuminated when the boat's lights are switched on. The cord is long enough to allow a user to unscrew the modified port cover and use it to illuminate areas some distance away from the port. Alternate embodiments incorporate a handle on the rear of the modified port cover. This handle allows the modified port cover to be gripped like a flashlight once it is removed from the port. A hanging hook may be provided to facilitate hanging of the port cover.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2003Publication date: November 18, 2004Inventor: Michael J. LeBoeuf
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Patent number: 6802633Abstract: A flashlight mounting apparatus (12) for securing a flashlight (14) to a support member (16, 22) of a sailboat (10) is provided. The flashlight mounting apparatus (12) includes a boat clamping mechanism (24) for selectively attaching the flashlight mounting apparatus (12) to the support member (16, 22) of the sailboat (10). This boat clamping mechanism (24) can be slidably or rotatably adjusted on the support member (16, 22). Furthermore, the flashlight mounting apparatus (14) includes a flashlight clamping mechanism (26) that is coupled to the boat clamping mechanism (24). This flashlight clamping mechanism (26) is intended to hold the flashlight (14) for illuminating a dimly lit portion of the sailboat (10). Also, this flashlight clamping mechanism (26) can be rotatably adjusted relative the boat clamping mechanism (24).Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2003Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Inventor: Daniel J. VandenBossche
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Publication number: 20040184275Abstract: A port light assembly for watercraft having an exterior frame comprising a finish ring and a spigot defining a port light opening. The spigot is inserted in a hole in a vessel hull from the exterior of the vessel. The spigot is configured to provide drains to keep water from pooling near the port light. The exterior frame is connected to an interior frame that is placed around the spigot from the inside of the vessel. An innermost frame, retaining a glass lens, is hingedly connected to the interior frame. The assembly includes a screen installable from inside the hull. The frames are constructed from plastic and reinforced by strips of non-corrosive metal. The assembly is adjustable for hull thickness. The assembly is installed without the use of caulk or adhesives, it provides a watertight seal between the exterior and interior of the vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2004Publication date: September 23, 2004Inventor: Richard Oscar Walcome
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Publication number: 20040151003Abstract: A portable anchor light comprises a body, a lamp mounted in an upper portion of the body so as to be visible at all points around the circumference of the body, a connector for connecting a halyard for the mast to the light such that the light is elevated to a position above the top of the mast when the light is oriented vertically and raised to the top of the mast, and a mechanism for maintaining vertical orientation of the light when the light is raised to the top of the mast. The light can be raised with the halyard to the top of the mast and can be lowered either by pulling an electrical cord interconnecting the light with the electrical system of the sailboat or by attaching a down haul to the light.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2003Publication date: August 5, 2004Inventor: Gale B. Laine
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Patent number: 6742916Abstract: A light assembly and mounting apparatus for attaching fiber optic cable to the sides of a boat or other water craft for safety and enjoyment purposes. The light assembly includes a housing having a light emitter disposed in the housing for emitting light into a fiber optic cable disposed in a bumper guard that is incorporated into a frame member for attachment to the side of the boat. The preferred fiber optic cable is the side-emitting type that will illuminate the fiber optic cable along the entire length of the cable. The frame has a pair of upwardly and inwardly extending side members that securely enclose the bumper guard. A pair of cable guards extend outwardly from the frame beyond the outer surface of the fiber optic cable to protect the cable from damage. A cooling mechanism can be included in the housing to cool the light emitter.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2000Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Inventor: Charles B. Dunn
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Publication number: 20040095777Abstract: A lighting device having a plurality of high flux LEDs mounted on a heat sink and surrounded by a diffuser. The heat sink serves to transfer heat from the LEDs to the outside environment. In one embodiment the lighting device is positioned within a fresnel lens to produce a distribution of light.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2003Publication date: May 20, 2004Applicant: Automatic Power, Inc.Inventors: Stephen E. Trenchard, Alan Trojanowski
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Patent number: 6733161Abstract: An elongated carrier for receiving a bumper member. In one illustrative embodiment, the elongated carrier includes one or more walls with one or more inner surfaces that define at least part of a cavity, and further includes a slot into the cavity. The slot is preferably defined by at least two terminating ends of the one or more walls, wherein the two terminating ends are defined by terminating end surfaces that are separate from the one or more inner surface of the one or more walls. Preferably, at least one of the inner surfaces of the one or more walls has an inwardly extending nub.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2002Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Inventor: Brian N. Tufte
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Publication number: 20040062050Abstract: A navigation light system for a watercraft including an accessory light located at the bow or the stern that operates as a masthead or stern light, respectively, and that is located relative to the hull perimeter and shear line of the hull to reduce the glare perceived by an occupant of the watercraft. The glare is further reduced by the use of suitable masks to control the horizontal and vertical beam spread sectors of emitted light to minimize glare as perceived by an occupant of the watercraft. A docking light system that includes an accessory lamp that may be operated as a masthead light or as a stern light which is positioned to reduce glare as perceived by an operator of the watercraft and to increase visibility to other watercraft.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventor: James P. von Wolske
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Patent number: 6707395Abstract: A circuit configuration for switching navigation lights of a watercraft, especially a sailing vessel, includes elements that prevent a position light configuration from not being in compliance with regulations as well as elements that prevent navigation lights that have mutually exclusive meanings from being switched on at the same time, and a single multiway switch (1) with which the navigation lights and additional lights, that are independent therefrom can be switched.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: aqua Signal AktiengesellschaftInventor: Karl Wilhelm Greiff