Docking light system including an accessory lamp

• US 8,070,333 B2
• Filed: 09/16/2003
• Issued: 12/06/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 10/18/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: James P. Von Wolske
• Original Assignee: James P. Von Wolske
• Inventors: von Wolske, James P.
• Primary Examiner(s): SAWHNEY, HARGOBIND S
• Application Number:
  US10/663,899
• Publication Number:
  US 20040062050A1
• Time in Patent Office: 3,003 Days
• Field of Search: 362/477, 362/511, 362/520, 362/521, 362/540, 362/551, 340/984, 340/985
• 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 docking light system for a watercraft including a docking light fixture, a docking lamp positioned within the docking light fixture, and an accessory lamp mounted to the docking light fixture. The accessory lamp emits light outwardly from the watercraft and is masked to control the horizontal and vertical beam spread sectors of emitted light from illuminating the watercraft causing glare to an occupant of the watercraft. In another aspect, a navigation light is provided on the docking light fixture, where the navigation light may be a masthead light, a stern light, a port side marker light, a starboard side marker light, etc.

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;

wherein the accessory lamp emits light outwardly from the watercraft and is masked to control the horizontal and vertical beam sectors of emitted light from illuminating the watercraft which would otherwise cause glare to an occupant of the watercraft.

2. The docking light system of claim 1, 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 1, wherein the accessory lamp operates as a masthead light when mounted at a bow of the watercraft.

4. The docking light system of claim 1, 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 1, 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.

6. The docking light system of claim 1, wherein the accessory lamp comprises a white accessory light shining forward.

7. The docking light system of claim 1, wherein the accessory lamp comprises a white accessory light shining rearward.

8. The docking light system of claim 1, wherein the docking light fixture is located at the port side of the watercraft and wherein the accessory lamp is red.

9. The docking light system of claim 1, wherein the docking light fixture is located at the starboard side of the watercraft and wherein the accessory lamp is green.

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

a docking light fixture;

a docking lamp positioned within the docking light fixture;

an accessory lamp mounted to the docking light fixture; and

a fiber optic, mounted to the docking light fixture, to convey a visual signal to an annunciator panel.

11. A docking light system for a watercraft, 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.

12. The docking light system of claim 11, wherein the first and second docking light fixtures are mounted at a bow of the watercraft.

13. A watercraft, comprising:

a hull and fittings;

a docking light fixture mounted to a selective one of the hull and the fittings;

a docking lamp positioned within the docking light fixture; and

an accessory lamp mounted to the docking light fixture;

wherein the accessory lamp emits light outwardly from the watercraft and is masked to control the horizontal and vertical beam sectors of emitted light from illuminating the watercraft causing glare to an occupant of the watercraft.