Marker-buoy deployment system
US9873489B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 29, 2015 |
| Grant date | Jan 23, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 1, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63B22/16
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus and associated methods relate to a marker-buoy deployment system having a launching module that becomes armed by inserting a marker buoy, then laterally launches a loaded marker buoy in response to a user command. In an illustrative embodiment, launching module may be spring operated. In some embodiments, the release device may be foot operated. In an exemplary embodiment, a safety device may prevent an accidental launch, for example, from a trailered boat. In some embodiments, a visual indicator may indicate whether the safety is on, or the buoy has been loaded or launched. In some embodiments, a deployed-buoy location system may record the location coordinates of one or more deployed marker buoys. In an exemplary embodiment, marker buoys may be loaded automatically from a magazine each time a marker buoy is deployed. In some embodiments, marker-buoys may advantageously be deployed by a boater whose hands are otherwise occupied.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.