Rearward illumination device for outboard motor
First Claim
1. An illumination device for use with an outboard motor having a power supply, a plurality of operating modes and a mode selector for selectively engaging said plurality of operating modes, said plurality of operating modes including a reverse mode, a neutral mode and a forward mode, said illumination device comprising:
- an electric light assembly adapted to be fixed to said outboard motor and positioned so as to illuminate an area behind said outboard motor; and
a switching assembly coupled to said electric light assembly and operable in an actuated state and an unactuated state, said actuated state adapted for permitting the transmission of power from said power source to said electric light assembly and said unactuated state adapted for inhibiting the transmission of power from said power source to said electric light assembly;
wherein said operation of said switching assembly in said actuated state aids in navigating said outboard motor in a rearward direction.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A marine illuminating device for aiding in the reverse navigation of a watercraft that is powered by an outboard motor. The marine illuminating device includes an electric light that is mounted in an aperture in a cowl of an outboard motor. The electric light is connected through an electric circuit to the alternator/charging system of the outboard motor and to a switch assembly. The switch assembly may be actuated automatically when the outboard motor mode selector is positioned into the reverse mode. Alternatively, the switch may also be actuated manually. Actuation of the switch assembly permits electric current to flow from the alternator/charging system to the electric light, thereby causing the electric light to illuminate. Operation of the device is “hands-free” due to the fact that it illuminates automatically and does not require the operator to actively position the light relative to the path of the watercraft since the watercraft travels in the direction that the outboard motor is pointed when the motor is operated in the reverse mode. The electric circuit may also employ a switching device to maintain the electric lamp in an illuminated state for a predetermined time to permit the watercraft operator to momentarily operate the outboard motor in the neutral or forward modes while maintaining rearward illumination.
25 Citations
22 Claims
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1. An illumination device for use with an outboard motor having a power supply, a plurality of operating modes and a mode selector for selectively engaging said plurality of operating modes, said plurality of operating modes including a reverse mode, a neutral mode and a forward mode, said illumination device comprising:
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an electric light assembly adapted to be fixed to said outboard motor and positioned so as to illuminate an area behind said outboard motor; and
a switching assembly coupled to said electric light assembly and operable in an actuated state and an unactuated state, said actuated state adapted for permitting the transmission of power from said power source to said electric light assembly and said unactuated state adapted for inhibiting the transmission of power from said power source to said electric light assembly;
wherein said operation of said switching assembly in said actuated state aids in navigating said outboard motor in a rearward direction. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. An outboard motor comprising:
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a housing;
a power supply coupled to said housing and providing a source of electricity;
a mode selector for selectively engaging one of a plurality of operating modes, the plurality of operating modes including a reverse mode, a neutral mode and a forward mode; and
an illumination device having an electric light assembly and a switching assembly, said electric light assembly coupled to said housing and positioned so as to illuminate an area behind said outboard motor, said switching assembly coupled to said electric light assembly and operable in an actuated state and unactuated states, said actuated state operable for permitting the transmission of electricity from said power source to said electric light assembly and said unactuated state adapted for inhibiting the transmission of power from said power source to said electric light assembly;
wherein said operation of said switching assembly in said actuated state aids in navigating said outboard motor in a rearward direction. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification