IP Library Granted Patent US 12,163,635
Granted Patent B1
US 12,163,635 · App. 17/576,887 · Granted Dec 10, 2024

Illuminated rub rail

Inventor: Wes Thompson (Piedmont, OK)
F21S4/28B63B45/06F21V23/003F21W2107/20F21Y2113/10F21Y2115/10
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,163,635
App. No.
17/576,887
Granted
Dec 10, 2024
Kind
B1
Abstract

An illuminated rub rail is an illuminated boat rub rail in wireless communication with a control means and in electrical communication with an audio source. A user may selectable allow the audio source to synchronize the illumination to the beat of the audio source. A plurality of other illumination patterns may be selected.

Claims (8)

1. A watercraft-specific illumination system, consisting of:

an LED-based internal light source configured to embed within a rub rail of a watercraft for providing continuous linear illumination along both port and starboard sides, wherein said LED is capable of emitting multi-colored light, including RGB spectrum, and is mounted on a mounting strip located on an interior portion of a base molding, which base molding is constructed from materials selected from a group consisting of opaque flexible rubber and stainless steel, tailored for marine environmental resilience;

a combination control box electronically coupled to the LED light source via marine-grade wiring, housing both a radiofrequency controller equipped with a radiofrequency antenna for signal reception and transmission and a light source amplifier, designed to amplify light intensity and signal clarity, said combination control box being powered by a watercraft's electrical system and encased within a watertight enclosure for protection against marine elements;

a wireless control box, remotely operable by a wireless control device through radiofrequency communication, enabling user control over light characteristics including but not limited to color, brightness, fade, strobe patterns, and additional visual effects, wherein said control device is capable of being a dedicated controller or a personal electronic device, including smartphones, utilizing Bluetooth technology for communication;

an integration of audio-visual synchronization, allowing the light source to react and synchronize with audio signals received from any style of audio source connected to the wireless control device; and,

a data connectivity feature facilitating an interconnection of multiple control boxes and the integration with external control devices, including but not limited to DMX controllers, for advanced illumination pattern programming and control, aiming to improve watercraft visibility and safety through pre-programmed distress signaling patterns; and,

wherein, the system further includes a plurality of mounting brackets for secure attachment of the control boxes to the watercraft, and transparent covers attached to the control boxes via attachment holes, ensuring operational integrity and maintenance access in marine environments; and,

wherein the system is specifically configured for adaptation to watercraft of various sizes, including but not limited to ski boats, with provisions for scalability and customization based on watercraft dimensions and user preferences.

Continuity (1)
Provisional Application 63137807 · Jan 15, 2021
Cited By (1)
US 12,372,214