Boating and Water Sports Lighting Safety System

Abstract

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.

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.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a boating and water sports lighting safety system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a mounting bracket and flagpole of one potential embodiment of a boating and water sports lighting safety system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a remote of one potential embodiment of a boating and water sports lighting safety system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a bracelet of one potential embodiment of a boating and water sports lighting safety system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using one potential embodiment of a boating and water sports lighting safety system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a boating and water sports lighting safety system 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The system 100 is designed to attach to a boat to enhance visibility of both watercraft and individuals participating in aquatic activities, particularly during low-light conditions, nighttime operation, or poor weather scenarios. More specifically, the system 100 provides a proactive safety solution intended to reduce the risk of accidents, collisions, or injuries by clearly indicating the presence of individuals in the water and the operating status of a vessel. The system 100 is designed for intuitive operation and maximum visibility, facilitating visual alerts with light sources visible from significant distances. The system 100 may be deployed during recreational water activities such as but not limited to boating, wakeboarding, waterskiing, tubing, or open water swimming.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] A high-visibility safety flag 110 may be further affixed to the flagpole 102, as seen in FIG. 1. The flag 110 may be made from a weather-resistant, UV-stabilized fabric such as but not limited to nylon or polyester. The flag 110 may be colored in high-visibility hues such as but not limited to any combination of international safety orange, neon yellow, or fluorescent red. In one embodiment, the flag 110 may be further comprised of a visibility-enhancing coating 112 such as but not limited to any combination of a retroreflective tape or microprismatic sheeting to improve detection under direct sunlight or illumination from external light sources.

[0035] 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.

[0036] The flagpole 102 removably attaches to a mounting bracket 120 (as seen in FIG. 1) configured for marine installation. The bracket 120 may be adapted to attach to a range of boat surfaces including but not limited to tubular rails, hardtops, wakeboard towers, gunwales, or flat deck sections. The bracket 120 may be any combination of different types including but not limited to any combination of rail-mounted brackets, flush-mount brackets, surface-mount brackets, suction-mounted brackets, magnetic brackets, adjustable articulation brackets, quick-release brackets, etc. In one embodiment, the bracket 120 may incorporate at least one pivoting or rotatable joint 122 that permits manual adjustment of the flagpole 102 angle for optimal visibility or compact stowing. In a further embodiment, the bracket 120 is comprised of a set screw 124 to permit fine-tuned rotational or angular adjustment. The joint 122 may also be comprised of a locking member 123 to lock the position of the joint, wherein the locking member 123 may be any type or style, and wherein the joint 122 may be any type of locking joint.

[0037] The flagpole 102 may be attached to the bracket 120 via at least one fastener 126 of the flagpole 102, as seen in FIG. 2. The fastener 126 may be comprised of but is not limited to any combination of threaded bolt, quick-release pin, or snap-lock fitting that engages a corresponding receptacle or fastener 121 located on the bracket 120. The fastener 126 may be mounted to a flexible element 127 of the flagpole 102, such as but not limited to at least one spring, allowing the flagpole 102 to flex under lateral force, thereby reducing breakage risk and enhancing durability during transport or contact with obstacles.

[0038] 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.

[0039] In an alternative embodiment, the flagpole 102 and/or flag 110 may house an internal rechargeable battery 160, as seen in FIG. 1. The battery 160 may be comprised of lithium-ion or lithium-polymer cells and may be configured to deliver sufficient runtime for multiple hours of operation. The battery 160 may be rechargeable via at least one charging port 162. The charging port 162 may be comprised of but is not limited to waterproof charging interfaces such as but not limited to USB-C ports with rubber gaskets, magnetic charging contacts, or inductive charging coils. This embodiment further allows the flagpole 102 to be used while unattached from the mounting bracket 120 as a stand-alone skier-down safety flag.

[0040] The system 100 is further comprised of at least one waterproof safety bracelet 170 (as seen in FIG. 4) designed to be worn by individuals engaged in aquatic activities. The bracelet 170 may be fabricated from soft, flexible materials such as but not limited to medical-grade silicone or thermoplastic elastomer. The bracelet 170 may house at least one embedded light source 172 such as but not limited to LED light elements capable of emitting high-visibility light patterns including but not limited to any combination of steady-on, slow pulsing, rapid flashing, and full-spectrum color cycling.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] As seen in FIG. 3, the remote 180 is preferably waterproof may include a plurality of user controls 182. The controls 182 may be comprised of tactile or membrane-style buttons that serve functions such as but not limited to an on/off switch, mode, brightness, and color selectors for each light source 104, 114, 172, and a dedicated hazard/emergency button configured to activate synchronized flashing or SOS patterns across all linked systems. The remote 180 may be configured to wirelessly control the light source 104 on the flagpole 102, the light source 114 on the flag 110, and the light source 172 on the bracelet 170, either individually or in coordinated patterns.

[0044] 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.

[0045] The present invention is also comprised of a method of using 200 the system 100, as seen in FIG. 5. First, a system 100 is provided comprised of a flagpole 102 having at least one light source 104, a flag 110, a mounting bracket 120, at least one safety bracelet 170, and a remote control 180 [Step 202]. Then, the mounting bracket 120 is secured to a boat surface such as but not limited to a tubular rail, hardtop, wakeboard tower, gunwale, or flat deck section, wherein the bracket 120 may be configured to permit angular adjustment via a pivoting joint 122 and locking member 123 [Step 204]. Next, the flagpole 102 is attached to the mounting bracket 120 via a fastener 126, wherein the fastener 126 [Step 206]. The flag 110 may then be removably affixed to the flagpole 102 via a fastener 116 [Step 208]. Attachment of the flagpole 102 to the bracket 120 electrically connects the light sources 104,114 to the power cord 130. Then, the bracelet 170 is then secured to a user via fastener 174, wherein the bracelet 170 includes at least one light source 172 [Step 210]. The remote control 180 is then activated and configured to pair wirelessly with the transmitter 177 of the bracelet 170 and the transmitter 127 of the flagpole 102 to enable control of light sources 104, 114, and 172 [Step 212]. Finally, a user may operate the controls 182 of the remote 180 to activate, adjust, or synchronize the light sources 104, 114, and 172 to display specific lighting behaviors such as but not limited to steady-on, flashing, or SOS signaling patterns to enhance visibility and safety during aquatic activities [Step 214].

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.