Illuminated boat hook structure

An illuminated boat hook structure for performance of boat docking and launching operations, particularly at night or other times of low visibility, is disclosed. The structure of this invention comprises a tubular telescoping shaft member supporting therewithin a power source, parabolic reflector and bulb, and associated wiring connected to a manual switch mounted on the shaft member. A significant feature of the invention is the provision at the forward end of the tubular shaft member of a shaped essentially transparent plastic hook member which projects an unidirectional diffused beam of light toward objects which are to be sighted during zero or low visibility boat docking and launching operations. The particular shape of the hook member facilitates performance of these operations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
It is known in the art to which this invention pertains that during 
nocturnal hours the docking and launching of boats of the recreational 
type can often be a difficult task. In the docking procedure, as is known, 
a person positioned generally on the bow of the boat utilizes a pole or 
like means to prevent an unintended collision between the boat and dock, 
prior to tying the boat to dock structure. At night, many docks are dimly 
lit, if at all, and for one person to manipulate a pole and flashlight 
simultaneously clearly requires considerable physical dexterity. Similar 
problems are presented during launching when the objective, after untying 
the boat from dock structure, is to push the boat clear of the dock or 
adjacent craft, prior to accelerating the boat engine(s). As can now be 
appreciated, boat docking and launching at night utilizing the described 
technique is at times productive of structural damage to the boat and 
bodily injuries to crew members. The likelihood of bodily injury is even 
more manifest when it is recognized that upon occasion boat dockings and 
launchings are attempted, absent the availability of a pole member, by a 
person straddling the boat and dock, or lying in a prostrate position on 
the bow of the boat, in order to exert the pushing or pulling force 
required. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
Applicant has surmounted the problems and associated disadvantages of prior 
art boat docking and launching methods by provision of an illuminated boat 
hook structure featuring a tubular telescoping shaft member supporting 
therewithin a power source, a parabolic reflector and bulb, and associated 
wiring connected to manual switch means mounted on the shaft member. 
Departing significantly from the prior art, and functioning in combination 
with the elements just described, is the provision at the forward end of 
the tubular shaft member of an essentially transparent plastic hook member 
formed to include a smoothly curved hook portion and forwardly extending 
head portion. The clear plastic hook member of this invention in 
association with the structure previously noted is effective to project an 
unidirectional diffused beam of light toward an object during nocturnal 
boat launching or docking operations, or other reactively dark hours of 
the day. The boat hook structure of this invention is floatable, and also 
may be employed in human rescue operations. By reason of its light weight 
construction, and telescopic structure, objects at substantial distances 
from the user can be contacted.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
Referring now to the drawing, an illuminated or lighted boat hook structure 
constructed in accordance with the novel concepts of the present invention 
is designated generally therein by the legend S. The structure comprises a 
tubular shaft member indicated in its entirety by the legend and which is 
comprised of a tubular handle portion 10, tubular front or head portion 
12, and a plurality of intermediate tubular portions 14, preferably of the 
telescoping type, although they also may be of the snap-fit variety. 
The handle portion 10 has in threadable association therewith cap means 16 
and encased by the handle portion 10 is a power source provided in the 
exemplary embodiment shown by a plurality of "C" size flashlight batteries 
18. Spring means 20 is interposed between the cap means 16 and rearmost 
battery 18 in firm pressing contact therewith. Handle portion 10 also 
houses wire harness means 22 suitably attached to the inner wall structure 
of the handle portion 10. 
Switch means 24 is conveniently located upon the exterior of the handle 
portion 10, and is attached thereto in any convenient manner. Wire 
conductors 26 and 28 connect the switch means 24 to the first series 
battery 18 and wire harness means 22. 
One of the intermediate tubular portions 14 at the rearward end thereof is 
in threadable connection with the handle portion 10, and tubular front or 
head portion 12 at the forward end thereof threadably supports clear o 
essentially transparent plastic hook member 30, the features of which will 
be shortly described. Suitably mounted by the tubular front portion 12 
interiorly thereof in adjacency to the clear hook member 30 is parabolic 
reflector means 32 receiving therein bulb means 34. Wire conductors 36 and 
38 connect wire harness means 22 to bulb means 34. 
Referring now particularly to FIG. 2, clear plastic hook member 30 is 
preferably of solid construction throughout the body thereof. The member 
30 is desirably fabricated from one of known polycarbonates which are 
known to be synthetic thermoplastic resins derived from bisphenol A and 
phosgene. One such polycarbonate is identified by its manufacturer, 
General Electric Co., by the registered trademark "Lexan". Polycarbonates 
are particularly well-suited for the present purposes since they are 
transparent (90% light transmission), are weather resistant, have high 
impact strength, and are excellent for all molding methods. 
The transparent plastic hook member 30 of this invention is shaped to 
include a main body portion 30a integrated at one end with a threaded 
collar portion 30b and at its opposite end with a stem-like head portion 
30c. Protruding outwardly and rearwardly from the main body portion 30a of 
the transparent member 30 is hook portion 30d of generally right angular 
configuration. If desired, the extremities of the hook portion 30d and 
head portion 30c may mount tip means 40, which are preferably transparent 
and may be removed and replaced in the event of wear thereto. 
It will now be apparent that applicant has provided an illuminated boat 
hook structure constructed as to the tubular shaft member of light weight 
and high strength materials exemplified by aluminum or alloys thereof, and 
featuring at one end thereof a transparent plastic hook member effective 
when interiorly illuminated to project an unidirectional diffused beam of 
light in the manner indicated by the legend shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. By 
employment of the novel construction herein disclosed, boat docking and 
launching at night, or other relatively dark hours of the day when 
visibility is low, can be effectively performed with speed and accuracy. 
Being telescoping, it may be extended from about six feet to approximately 
twelve feet and being floatable, applicant's structure can easily be 
retrieved from the water. 
Various modifications to the invention have been noted herein, and these 
and other changes may of course be effected without departing from the 
spirit of the invention or the scope of the subjoined claims.