Docking light system including an accessory lamp

• US 20040062050A1
• Filed: 09/16/2003
• Published: 04/01/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 10/18/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: James P. Von Wolske
• Original Assignee: James P. Von Wolske
• Inventors: Wolske, James P. von
• Granted Patent: US 8,070,333 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 362/477
• CPC Class Codes: B63B 45/00 Arrangements or adaptations of signalling or lighting devices arrangement of signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor, for vehicles in general B60Q; life-buoys, -belts, -jackets, -suits or the like, characterised by signalling means B63C9/20; lighting devices or systems therefor F21L, F21S
• CPC Class Codes: B63B 45/02 the devices being intended to illuminate the way ahead or other areas of environments
• CPC Class Codes: B63B 45/04 the devices being intended to indicate the vessel or parts thereof
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 21/30 Pivoted housings or frames

Abstract

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.

Claims

1. A docking light system for a watercraft, comprising:

a docking light fixture;

a docking lamp positioned within the docking light fixture; and

an accessory lamp mounted to the docking light fixture.

2. The docking light system of claim 42, further comprising a fiber optic, mounted to the docking light fixture, to convey a visual signal to an annunciator panel.

3. The docking light system of claim 42, wherein the accessory light operates as a masthead light when mounted at a bow of the watercraft.

4. The docking light system of claim 42, further comprising:

first and second docking light fixtures;

first and second docking lamps positioned within the first and second docking light fixtures, respectively; and

first and second accessory lamps mounted to the first and second docking light fixtures;

wherein the first and second accessory lamps collectively operate as a masthead light when the first and second docking light fixtures are mounted to a bow of the watercraft.

5. The docking light system of claim 42, further comprising:

first and second docking light fixtures;

first and second docking lamps positioned within the first and second docking light fixtures, respectively; and

first and second accessory lamps mounted to the first and second docking light fixtures;

wherein the first and second accessory lamps collectively are a masthead light.