Automated flag display system

Systems and methods for displaying a marine signaling device are disclosed. A flag coupled to a top section of a telescoping shaft includes a folding arm pivotally coupled to the top section that folds upward to gather the flag into alignment with the telescoping shaft. A housing couples to a boat and supports the shaft in the display configuration and receives the shaft in the storage configuration. As the shaft is retracted, the folding arm contacts an upper surface of the housing and gathers the flag into alignment with the shaft. A motor automatically extends/retracts the shaft based on detected tension on a tow rope mount of the boat or a tow rope coupled to the boat. A tension switch detects tension and activates the motor based on the detected tension. The tension switch may include arms that rotate in response to tension to activate a limit switch.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to marine signaling devices. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an automated system for displaying a marine signaling and/or warning device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1is a perspective view of a boat10having an automated flag display system100with a flag102in a display configuration, according to one embodiment. The automated flag display system100may include a telescoping shaft101displaying a flag102or other signaling and/or warning device. The automated flag display system100may be utilized and/or configured on a boat10that is equipped with a tow rope14coupled to a tow rope mount12.

The flag102is coupled toward an end (e.g., a top end) of the telescoping shaft101. The flag102may be equipped with a folding arm106to aid in transitioning the flag102between an expanded and/or elongated display configuration or a compacted and/or shortened storage configuration. In the display configuration, the flag102may serve to signal or warn other boat users that a person or the rope14may be in the water. The flag102may be kept in the storage configuration when there may not be a person or rope14in the water and/or when no signal or warning may be needed.

The combination103of the telescoping shaft101and the flag102may be operative to transition between a shortened storage configuration and an elongated display configuration. In the storage configuration the telescoping shaft101may be retracted to a compact storage configuration and the flag102may also be in a compacted storage configuration hidden from view. The telescoping shaft and flag combination103may be connected to a motor housing104.

The motor housing104may include a motor214(seeFIG. 3) that may be operative to automatically extend or retract the telescoping shaft and flag combination103in response to, for example, fluctuations in tension detected by a tension switch110. The motor housing104may be coupled by an electric wire108to the tension switch110. In other embodiments, the motor214may be operative to transition the shaft and flag combination103between the storage configuration and the display configuration.

The tension switch110may detect and/or measure tension on the tow rope14and/or the tow rope mount12. As should be appreciated, a plurality of tension switches110may be used.

In one embodiment, the tension switch110may include or be coupled to a tension detector. The tension detector may be configured to measure tension on the tow rope14, as described in greater detail below with reference toFIGS. 6A-6B,7A-7B, and8. When tension on the tow rope14passes specific tension thresholds, the tension detector may activate the tension switch110, and the tension switch110may activate the automated flag display system100to extend or retract the telescoping shaft and flag combination103, and thereby transition the flag102and/or the telescoping shaft and flag combination103between the display configuration and/or the storage configuration. For example, a person water skiing, wake boarding, or other related activity may result in high tension on the tow rope14that may exceed a given high threshold. Depending on the laws and/or regulations of a given jurisdiction, tension surpassing the high threshold may be configured to signal to the motor housing104that the flag102may be retracted to the storage configuration.

In another embodiment, the tension switch110may include or be coupled to a strain gauge or other tension detector may be configured to measure tension on the tow rope mount12. When tension on the tow rope mount12passes specific tension thresholds, the tension detector may activate the tension switch110, and the tension switch110may activate the automated flag display system100to extend or retract the telescoping shaft and flag combination103, and thereby transition the flag102and/or the telescoping shaft and flag combination103between the display configuration and/or the storage configuration. For example, a person water skiing, wake boarding, or other related activity may result in high tension on the tow rope mount12that may exceed a given high threshold. Depending on the laws and/or regulations of a given jurisdiction, tension surpassing the high threshold may be configured to signal to the motor housing104that the flag102may be retracted to the storage configuration.

When the rope is in the water, but there is not a load on the rope14(e.g., a person pulling on the rope14, such as in the act of water skiing, wake boarding, or some other related activity) and the boat10is moving, the tension on the rope14and/or the tow rope mount12may be moderate (greater than a second low threshold but less than the high threshold). This condition or degree of tension may occur when a person that may have been water skiing, wake boarding, or some other activity has fallen and has let go of the rope14. An end of the rope14in the water (and/or a rope handle) while the boat is moving may drag, which may result in moderate tension on the tow rope14and/or tow rope mount12, less than the high threshold and greater than the low threshold, and the flag102may raise to the display configuration.

Displaying a flag102may be undesirable and/or not required by law when there is no person or rope in the water. This condition may result in little or no tension on the tow rope mount12(i.e., tension lower than the low threshold) and the flag102may retract to the storage configuration. The flag102may be required, however, when the boat is stopped and a person is floating in the water. A circuit in the tension switch110may provide for considering the time since a given level of tension is detected on the tow rope14and/or the tow rope mount12and indicate the telescoping shaft and flag combination103should remain in the raised display configuration until a time out period has expired.

Described differently, when the boat10is moving, one end of the rope14may be attached to the boat10at the tow rope mount12, the other end of the rope14may be loose in the water and there may be moderate tension (or pressure) on the tow rope14and/or the tow rope mount12as the boat10is moving and dragging the rope14through the water. This moderate pressure may be detected by the tension detector and exceed, for example, the low threshold, such that the flag102may extend to the display configuration. (For example, a water skier has fallen and let go of the rope14and the boat10is circling back.) When the boat10is moving, one end of the rope14may be attached to the boat10at the tow rope mount12, the other end of the rope14may be loose in the boat10, and there may be little or no tension on the tow rope14and/or the tow rope mount12. This little or no tension may or may not be detected by the tension detector and may be less than the low threshold, such that the telescoping shaft and flag combination103may retract to the storage configuration. (For example, the rope14has been pulled into the boat10after a water skier has finished an climbed back in the boat10.) A timer may further be used to ensure the telescoping shaft and flag combination103are not prematurely retracted. When the boat10is moving, one end of the rope14may be attached to the boat10at the tow rope mount12, the other end of the rope14may be pulled by a person, such as a water skier or wake boarder, and there may be high tension on the tow rope14and/or the tow rope mount12. This high tension may be detected by the tension detector, and the flag102may retract to the storage configuration.

In another embodiment, a motion sensor (not shown) may be coupled to the engine, the throttle, and/or the speedometer of the boat10and to the tension switch110. When the boat10is stationary for a specific period of time, the motion sensor may signal the tension switch110to signal the automated flag display system100to lower the flag102to its storage configuration.

As can be appreciated, tension thresholds and/or resulting actions (or configurations) of the automated flag display system100may be adjusted to accommodate for preferences and/or the laws or regulations of different jurisdictions regarding marine signaling devices, different boating activities, and/or different sizes and/or weights of participants of the boating activities.

An up/down switch500may be positioned near a driver seat and/or an instrument console of the boat10for manual activation of the motor214(seeFIGS. 3 and 5).

FIG. 2is a side view of a flag device200in an elongated display configuration, according to one embodiment. The flag device200may include a telescoping shaft101displaying a flag102or other signaling or warning device. The combination103of the telescoping shaft101and the flag102may be coupled to and/or supported by a motor housing104. The flag102may also be equipped with a folding arm106. The telescoping shaft101may include multiple sections, including a top section201, one or more middle sections202, and a bottom section204. When the telescoping shaft101retracts to a storage configuration, the top section201may slide over the adjacent middle section202, the middle section202may slide over any adjacent middle section202or sections, and the retracted top section201and middle section202may slide over the bottom section204.

In another embodiment, the telescoping shaft101may retract to the storage configuration by the top section201sliding into the adjacent middle section202, the middle section202sliding into any adjacent middle section202or sections, and the retracted top section201and middle section202sliding into the bottom section204. The flag102may be coupled to an outer shaft of the top section201, which may have a diameter large enough to slide over the retracted telescoping shaft101. The outer shaft may couple to the top end of the top section201via a cap218secured to both the top end of the outer shaft and the top end of the top section201. Accordingly, a portion or all of the top section201may be positioned coaxially inside of the outer shaft.

The flag102may include a leading edge205, a trailing edge208, a top edge210and a bottom edge212. Other types of flags are also possible, such as a triangular flag. The flag102may be connected to and along a length of the top section201of the telescoping shaft101by stitching, adhesive or other means. The bottom section204of the telescoping shaft101may be connected to the motor housing104. The motor housing104may include a motor214(seeFIG. 3) that may be configured to automatically extend or retract the telescoping shaft and flag combination103in response to fluctuations in pressure detected by the tension switch110(seeFIG. 1). In other embodiments, a signaling device other than the flag may be utilized, such as a light, a horn, a siren, or the like.

The folding arm106of the flag102may be coupled, for example, along a length of the bottom edge212of the flag102. The folding arm106may be connected to the top section201of the telescoping shaft101by a pivotal joint216. The pivotal joint216may allow the folding arm106to pivot from an orientation transverse or orthogonal to the top section201(and telescoping shaft101) to an orientation parallel, or nearly parallel, to the top section201(and telescoping shaft101).

In another embodiment, the folding arm106may be connected to an outer shaft of the top section201that may be enclosing the top section201of the telescoping shaft101. The folding arm106may couple to the outer shaft by the pivotal joint216. The pivotal joint216may allow the folding arm106to pivot from an orientation transverse or orthogonal to the outer shaft (and telescoping shaft101) to an orientation parallel, or nearly parallel, to the outer shaft (and telescoping shaft101).

FIG. 3is a side view of the flag device200ofFIG. 2partially shortened and transitioning to the storage configuration, according to one embodiment. The telescoping shaft101is partially retracted. The top section201may be fully or partially retracted over the middle sections202and the bottom section204. The folding arm106is partially rotated upward toward the telescoping shaft101and the flag102is partially gathered toward the telescoping shaft101. When the telescoping shaft and flag combination103retracts to the storage configuration, the folding arm106may contact an upper surface300of the motor housing104. This contact may cause the folding arm106to fold upward at the pivotal joint216to gather the flag102into alignment with the telescoping shaft101. The upward rotation (or folding) of the folding arm106may allow the telescoping shaft and flag combination103to fully retract into the motor housing104. As described above, the upward rotation (or folding) of the folding arm106may gather the flag102into alignment with the telescoping shaft101and thereby allow the telescoping shaft and flag combination103to be received into the motor housing104.

Conversely, when the telescoping shaft101extends upward to the display configuration, the folding arm106may rotate downward at the pivotal joint216and away from the telescoping shaft101. The weight of the folding arm106may cause the folding arm106to fall (e.g., rotate downward). The weight of the folding arm106may also cause the flag102to unfold as the distal end of the folding arm106falls and rotates away from the telescoping shaft101.

InFIG. 3, a motor214of the motor housing104may be operatively coupled to the telescoping shaft101to automatically extend or retract the telescoping shaft and flag combination103in response to, for example, fluctuations in tension detected by a tension switch110. In one embodiment, the motor214includes a drive cable or drive ribbon that may be configured to wind and/or unwind, as the motor214is activated, to extend and/or retract the telescoping shaft101. The motor214may be coupled by an electric wire108to the tension switch110.

FIG. 4is a side view of the flag device200illustrated inFIG. 2in the storage configuration, according to one embodiment. The telescoping shaft and flag combination103is in a fully shortened position. The telescoping shaft101may be fully retracted (or approximately fully retracted) and the flag102may be gathered toward the telescoping shaft101. When the telescoping shaft and flag combination103is in the storage configuration, the cap218may rest flush with the upper surface300of the motor housing104. The cap218may protect internal components of the motor housing104and/or the telescoping shaft and flag combination103while in the storage configuration within the motor housing104. The folding arm106is oriented toward alignment with the telescoping shaft101(or at a relatively small angle), thereby gathering the flag102toward the telescoping shaft101.

FIG. 5is a top view of the flag device200illustrated inFIG. 2in the storage configuration, according to one embodiment. The cap218may be disposed in abutment with the upper surface300of the motor housing300. The top view of the flag device200shows one possible placement of an up/down switch500for manual activation of the motor214(FIGS. 3 and 4) for extension or retraction of the telescoping shaft and flag combination103on the upper surface300of the motor housing104. For example, the up/down switch500may be used to prepare the flag device200for removal from the boat and/or for storage. The up/down switch500may comprise or be coupled to a hand-off-auto switch to allow an operator (e.g., an operator of the boat and/or of the automated flag display system) to override auto operation and control flag position using the up/down switch500. As can be appreciated, in other embodiments, an up/down switch500may be positioned on the dash of the boat or at a location remote from the flag device200, as shown inFIG. 1. A mounting plate502may enable the motor housing104to be coupled to a boat (or boat tower, etc.).

FIGS. 6A and 6Bare perspective views of a tension switch110in an inoperative state and an operative state, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the tension switch110may be designed as a mechanical limit switch that activates upon tension reaching and/or exceeding a predetermined limit. The tension switch110may comprise a tension detector. The tension switch may include a housing602, switch arms604, switch eyelets606, a center eyelet608, a safety cable610, and a wiring harness612. The rope14is shown threaded through the switch eyelets606and center eyelet608, as shown. The tension switch110, when there is no tension on the rope14, may be in an inoperative state, as shown inFIG. 6A. In the inoperative state, the tension switch110may hang loosely on the rope14. The safety cable610may be attached to the tow rope mount12with the rope14(e.g., beneath the rope14).

The switch arms604may be biased to the inoperative state, such that when there is little to no pressure pulling on or dragging the rope14, the switch arms604may be in an angled or “V” shape. In other words, the switch eyelets606are positioned slightly higher than (and misaligned from) the center eyelet608. The tension switch110, when in the inoperative state ofFIG. 6A, may be open and thus provide no signal to the motor214(FIGS. 3 and 4) and/or the telescoping shaft and flag combination103(FIG. 1), thereby providing no indication that the flag102should be raised/lowered.

Tension on the rope14may trigger the tension switch110. When there is a certain predetermined amount of tension on the rope14(e.g., weight pulling on the rope14), the rope straightens, causing the switch eyelets606to align with the center eyelet608in an operative state, as shown inFIG. 6B. Alignment of the switch eyelets606with the center eyelet608may cause the switch arms604to rotate relative to the housing602, which may result in a mechanical shift that causes the tension switch110to close/open and activate the motor214. For example, when the rope14is in use (e.g. pulling a water skier), and the boat accelerates, tension on the rope14causes the rope14to straighten, thus closing/opening the switch110by aligning the switch eyelets606with the center eyelet608and causing the switch arms604to rotate relative to the housing602. When the tension switch110closes, a signal may be provided to the motor214(FIGS. 3 and 4) and/or telescoping shaft and flag combination103, signaling that the flag102should be lowered/raised as configured and/or desired.

FIGS. 7A and 7Bare partial sectional views of a tension switch110in an inoperative state and an operative state, respectively. The partial sectional views show the relative positions of the switch arms604a,604b(collectively604) of the tension switch110in each of the inoperative state and the operative state. The switch arms604couple to the housing602at pivot points702. The pivot points702may each comprise a tension spring, or other biasing element, that can be configured to define a degree of tension (or a threshold) to be achieved to activate the tension switch110. In another embodiment, a biasing element such as a spring may be secured relative to the housing602and the switch arms604to bias the switch arms604upward and to define a threshold. A button704or other mechanical contact may be positioned below a first switch arm604a. As the first switch arm604arotates downward, in response to tension on the rope14, as shown inFIG. 7B, the first switch arm604acontacts and depresses the button704, activating a limit switch and/or other control circuitry706. In short, depression of the button704by the first switch arm604amay indicate a presence of tension on the rope14above a threshold set by the tension spring pivot points702.

In the illustrated tension switch110ofFIGS. 7A and 7B, a single button704and/or limit switch and/or control circuitry706is shown. In other embodiments, second button704may be provided for contact by the second switch arm604b. The control circuitry706may be configured to be dual activated. In another embodiment, the tensions switch may include additional circuitry706that may be activated another button704being contacted by the second switch arm604b. The tension switch110may be dual activated (e.g., both control circuitry closed/activated).

As can be appreciated, other devices and methods for detecting tension on the rope14and/or on a tow rope mount12may be utilized. For example, a strain gauge may be utilized.

FIG. 8is a ladder diagram800of a tension switch circuit, according to one embodiment. The illustrated diagram800illustrates one embodiment of circuitry of a tension switch, such as the tension switch110(ofFIGS. 1,6, and7) that, upon detection of a threshold amount of tension, activates a motor, such as motor214, to raise/lower a flag102, or otherwise activate a signaling device.

The ladder diagram800includes eight rungs which describe different aspects of the tension switch circuit. The ladder diagram800depicts that the circuitry includes a limit switch LS, a first timer T1, a second timer T2, a one-shot relay R1, a second relay R2, a hand-off-auto (HOA) switch, and a motor802.

The HOA switch is depicted in Rung6. The HOA switch allows an operator to determine whether the circuit is in a manual mode (e.g., “hand” mode), an off mode, or an auto mode. When the circuit is in the manual mode, an activation switch, such as the up/down switch500, can be used to activate a signaling device, such as activating the motor214to raise the flag102. The auto mode is effectively overridden. In the off mode, the tension switch does not operate. The auto mode may function to automatically activate a signaling device.

First the auto mode operation is described. When the limit switch LS meets a specified limit (is activated by a predetermined force, e.g., lbs.), such as when a threshold level of tension is met or exceeded, a contact of the limit switch LS (which is normally open) closes and a first timer T1activates and begins to count, as depicted by Rung1of the diagram800. The first timer T1may function to avoid limit switch chatter that may affect (e.g., negatively) the circuitry and/or flag control. The duration of the first timer T1may be configured as desired, such as for example 2 seconds, to ensure that the detected tension is maintained for a desired period before activating the rest of the circuitry. Rung3depicts a limit switch LS contact that is normally closed. The threshold level of tension opens the limit switch LS contact in Rung3, which prevents the second timer T2from operating, and leaves the second timer T2contact of Rung8closed.

Once the first timer T1times out, the first timer T1contact may close, which may drive the one shot relay R1, as depicted by Rung2of the diagram800. The one shot relay R1may provide a single relay signal, regardless of how long the tension remains on the limit switch LS. A first relay R1contact closes and drives the second relay R2, as shown in Rung7(with the HOA switch in auto mode). The second relay R2may comprise and/or drive a coil that may activate the motor802to drive the flag down to the retracted storage configuration. The second relay R2contact of Rung5closes when the relay R2is driven. Also, the second relay R2contact in Rung8closes and, because the second timer T2contact is normally closed, the second relay R2seals itself and remains continually activated (and the second relay R2contact in Rung8and the second relay R2contact in Rung5remain closed).

If tension on the rope is discontinued (e.g., the rope is dropped) and the limit switch LS no longer meets the specified limit the limit switch LS contact of Rung1reverts to open (normal state), which causes the first timer T1contact in Rung2to revert to open, which in turn ensures the one shot relay R1contact of Rung7is open (if it was not already opened following the single signal of the one shot relay R1). Also, the limit switch LS contact of Rung3reverts to closed (normal state), which activates second timer T2. The duration of the second timer T2may be configured as desired, such as for example 2 seconds. If the limit switch LS contact remains closed for the predetermined period of time (e.g., 2 seconds), then the second timer T2contact in Rung8opens and deactivates the second relay R2. The second relay R2no longer holds itself activated via Rung8. Because neither the first relay R1contact in Rung7or the second relay R2contact in Rung8are closed, the second relay R2is deactivated. The second relay R2contact in Rung5is opened and the motor802is deactivated.

As can be appreciated, other circuitry may be utilized to translate a threshold level of tension into an activation signal to, for example, drive a motor or otherwise activate a signaling device.

In another embodiment, the circuitry may detect a first threshold, at which the flag should be raised/lowered as desired, and a second threshold at which the flag should be lowered/raised as desired.

While specific embodiments of automated flag display systems have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the disclosure provided is not limited to the precise configuration and components disclosed. Various modifications, changes, and variations apparent to those of skill in the art may be made in the arrangement, operation, and details of the methods and systems disclosed, with the aid of the present disclosure.

Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can use the preceding description to utilize the present disclosure to its fullest extent. The examples and embodiments disclosed herein are to be construed as merely illustrative and exemplary and not a limitation of the scope of the present disclosure in any way. The scope of the present invention should, therefore, be determined only by the following claims.