Method and apparatus for marine-based lighting mechanisms
A method and apparatus for incorporating lighting fixtures (e.g., Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting fixtures) within other non-lighting components, or their mounting structures, already mounted to a watercraft. A mounting bracket that may be used to mount the non-lighting component to the watercraft may be modified to include a mounting bracket for the LED lighting device. The light fixture may be incorporated into the non-lighting component mount without utilizing any extra surface area on the watercraft itself.
1. A lighting system, comprising:
a mounting bracket having a first side coupled to a vehicle and a second side operable to receive a trolling motor; and
a light bracket disposed within the mounting bracket, the light bracket including a light fixture mounted within a cavity of the light bracket, the light fixture operable to illuminate portions outside of the vehicle whether or not the trolling motor is operational.
2. The lighting system of claim 1 , wherein the mounting bracket has a longitudinal axis which is fixed with respect to the vehicle.
3. The lighting system of 2 , wherein the longitudinal axis of the mounting bracket is nonparallel to a longitudinal centerline of the vehicle.
4. The lighting system of claim 1 , wherein the light fixture emits light along a light illumination axis which is fixed with respect to the vehicle and irrespective of a position of the trolling motor.
5. The lighting system of claim 4 , wherein the light illumination axis is substantially parallel to a longitudinal centerline of the vehicle.
6. The lighting system of claim 4 , wherein the light illumination axis is substantially aligned with a longitudinal centerline of the vehicle.
7. The lighting system of claim 4 , wherein the light illumination axis is at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the mounting bracket.
8. A lighting system, comprising:
a mounting bracket having a first side coupled to a vehicle and a second side operable to receive a non lighting device; and
a light bracket disposed within the mounting bracket, the light bracket including a light fixture mounted within a cavity of the light bracket, the light fixture operable to illuminate portions outside of the vehicle;
wherein the light fixture emits light in a constant direction with respect to the vehicle whether or not the non lighting device is operational.
9. The lighting system of claim 8 , wherein the second side of the mounting bracket is coupled to the non lighting device and the non lighting device is deployed.
10. The lighting system of claim 9 , wherein operation of the light fixture in the constant direction is unimpeded by operation of the non lighting device.
11. The lighting system of claim 8 , wherein the second side of the mounting bracket is coupled to the non lighting device and the non lighting device is stowed.
12. The lighting system of claim 8 , wherein the light fixture is rotatable to enable the direction of the emitted light to be rotated both upward and downward.
13. The lighting system of claim 8 , wherein the light bracket extends forwardly of a forward portion of the light fixture.
14. The lighting system of claim 8 , wherein the light fixture includes one or more LEDs.
15. A method, comprising:
selecting an existing fixture mounted to a vehicle, the existing fixture being mounted along a first axis;
altering a mounting bracket of the existing fixture to accommodate a compartment;
mounting a light fixture along a second axis within the compartment; and
emitting light from the light fixture in a constant direction with respect to the vehicle whether or not the existing fixture is operational.
16. The method of claim 15 , wherein the first axis and the second axis are different.
17. The method of claim 15 , wherein light emitted by the light fixture is unimpeded by the non lighting device.
18. The method of claim 15 , further comprising:
operating the non lighting device to move the vehicle in a direction of travel;
wherein light is emitted in the direction of travel.
19. The method of claim 15 , further comprising:
rotating the light fixture upward to allow light to be emitted at an angle above the horizon.
20. The method of claim 15 , further comprising:
rotating the light fixture downward to allow light to be emitted at an angle below the horizon.