Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/986,455, filed Dec. 31, 2015, which is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/716,600, filed May 19, 2015, which is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/660,626, filed Mar. 17, 2015, which claims priority in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/108,136, filed Jan. 27, 2015, and also claims priority in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/107,704, filed Jan. 26, 2015, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to a monopod marine vessel accessory, and more specifically to a monopod which connects with the navigation light socket port(s) of a marine vessel and may provide power to mobile accessories. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Many boating enthusiasts, from professional bass fisherman such as Casey Scanlon, to extreme water sport performers, desire to record their sporting feats using cameras such as GoPro® cameras manufactured by GoPro, Inc. of San Mateo, Calif. and other action cameras, including but not limited to the Garmin Virb®, manufactured by Garmin Ltd. of Olathe, Kans., and the iON™ action camera, manufactured by iON America, LLC of Moorestown, N.J. Other more casual boating enthusiasts, such as Roger Corley, may wish to similarly record family activities, charge mobile computing devices, or otherwise provide power to accessories or method of attachment for accessories while on a marine vessel. 
         [0006]    Presently there are capabilities of providing power to mobile accessories using 12V ports (a.k.a. cigarette lighters). However, many boats, and certainly most older boats, lack such a power port. Similarly, when that power port exists in a boat, it typically is located near the steering column and not near the rear and/or front of the boat where activity generally occurs. 
         [0007]    What is needed is a power solution for mobile devices, including smart phones, cameras, and other electronic devices consumers may want aboard, which is compatible for mounting non-electronic accessories also, and further which is compatible with virtually all marine vessels, which offers flexibility and versatility for multiple water sports and activities. 
         [0008]    Heretofore there has not been available a monopod for marine vessels with the advantages and features of the present invention. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention generally provides a monopod for mounting to the navigation light power port of a marine vessel, such as a bass boat or speed boat, which provides power for mobile accessories, such as cameras and smart phones. The monopod may be fitted with extendable, bendable arms for mounting additional cameras or other electronic devices or for providing additional accessories. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrating various objects and features thereof. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of an embodiment of the present invention located in a typical environment in which it may be deployed, herein depicted as a bass fishing boat. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a detailed isometric view thereof, taken about the circle on  FIG. 1 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 3A  is an isometric view from the base of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3B  is an isometric view from the top thereof. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a front elevational view of an alternative embodiment thereof. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is an isometric view of another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is an isometric view of yet another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is an isometric view of yet another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is an alternative isometric view thereof, showing a cup holder accessory. 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is an isometric view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8  located in a typical environment in which it may be deployed, herein depicted as a bass fishing boat. 
           [0021]      FIG. 10A  is an isometric view from the base of yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10B  is an isometric view from the top thereof. 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a bottom-up isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a top-down isometric view thereof. 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is an isometric view of elements thereof. 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  is an isometric view indicating the connection of elements thereof. 
           [0027]      FIG. 15A  is a diagrammatic elevational view thereof, showing two elements being connected. 
           [0028]      FIG. 15B  is a diagrammatic elevational view thereof, wherein the two elements of  FIG. 15A  are connected. 
           [0029]      FIG. 16  is an isometric view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention located in a typical environment in which it may be deployed, herein depicted as a bass fishing boat. 
           [0030]      FIG. 17  is a detailed isometric view thereof, taken about the circle on  FIG. 16 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 18  is an isometric view from the base of the alternative embodiment thereof. 
           [0032]      FIG. 19  is an isometric view from the top of the alternative embodiment thereof. 
           [0033]      FIG. 20  is an isometric view thereof showing the embodiment interacting with the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 21  is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention including a light accessory. 
           [0035]      FIG. 22  is an isometric view thereof, showing the embodiment located in a typical environment in which it may be deployed, herein depicted as a bass fishing boat. 
           [0036]      FIG. 23  is a three-dimensional isometric view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention including a light-emitting diode light panel. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     I. Introduction and Environment 
       [0037]    As required, detailed aspects of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. 
         [0038]    Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as orientated in the view being referred to. The words, “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction of travel, if appropriate. 
         [0039]    Additional examples including a mobile smart device including a display device for viewing a typical web browser or user interface will be commonly referred to throughout the following description. The type of device, computer, display, or user interface may vary when practicing an embodiment of the present invention. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning. 
         [0040]    Power providing inputs in the embodiment of the invention may encompass any format of Uniform Serial Bus (USB) input, 12V input, or any other type of power adapter. However, the embodiment of the present invention is intended only to be inserted into the navigation light port located on a marine vessel. The marine vessel applies to any type of boat, ship, or any other waterborne vessel which encompasses a navigation light port. A standard navigation light port is considered to be a port on a marine vessel which is required by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. 
       II. Preferred Embodiment Marine Monopod System  2   
       [0041]    Referring to the figures in more detail,  FIG. 1  shows a marine vessel  4  employing a marine monopod system  2 . The monopod system  2  includes a monopod  6  which is inserted into a navigation light power port  10  and draws power from the port for electronic devices  8 , such as smart phones, cameras, global positioning system (GPS) devices, and other mobile electronic devices. Note that a second navigation light power port  10  is located at the front of the vessel  4 , which may accommodate a second monopod  6 . Other ports may be located in other locations around the vessel. 
         [0042]      FIG. 2  shows a closer view of the monopod  6  being inserted into the power port  10 .  FIGS. 3A and 3B  show more detail of the monopod  6 . This embodiment includes a monopod base  12  with contacts  14  for drawing power from the power port  10 . A pair of Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports  16  are shown on the top portion of the monopod. Cables  18  for charging mobile devices may be inserted into these ports, and power is drawn from the power port  10 . Other types of power adapters, such as 12V adapters, may be used instead of USB ports. 
         [0043]      FIG. 4  shows an alternative embodiment monopod  26  which includes a head portion  28  with the USB ports  16  mounted on one or more sides of the head portion. 
       III. Alternative Embodiment Marine Monopod System  52   
       [0044]      FIG. 5  shows an alternative marine monopod system  52  which uses a base monopod  56  with a telescoping arm  60  capable of extending a few inches or several feet above or away from the marine vessel. The monopod  56  includes the same base  12  for connecting with the navigation light port  10  and at least one USB port  16  for powering an accessory  8 . Here, it is likely that the accessory is a camera for capturing video images, but the accessory could be any electronic device. 
         [0045]    The telescoping arm  60  may be connected to the base monopod  56  with an adjustable handle  64  which tightens or loosens to allow telescoping of the arm  60 . Other means may be employed which allow the arm to telescope. A second telescoping motion may be employed by releasing a locking device  66  at a second point along the arm  60 . This locking device as shown can be quickly unlocked or locked using one finger. 
         [0046]    The base monopod  56  may include a rechargeable battery  62 , allowing the monopod to power or charge a device  8  even when it is not inserted into the navigational light port  10 . An accessory mount  68 , such as the screw-based camera mount shown here, may be connected to the top of the telescoping arm  60 . 
       IV. Alternative Embodiment Monopod System  102   
       [0047]      FIG. 6  employs many of the same features as the system  52  described above, but instead of the telescoping arm  60  of system  52 , this system employs a forked arm  104  which is connected to the base monopod  56 , and which allows for two devices to be connected to the same monopod system  102 . In this way, one camera could face forward while the other faces away. Alternatively, two devices could charge simultaneously while being used. 
       V. Alternative Embodiment Monopod System  152   
       [0048]      FIG. 7  shows an alternative embodiment monopod system  152  which uses the same base monopod  56  setup as systems  52  and  102 , but which includes a telescoping arm  160  which allows an extension arm  156  to connect to the telescoping arm  160 , either using a clip, a connecting ring, or some other connecting device. The extension arm  156  may culminate at an elbow  158 , which may connect to a second extension arm  156  as shown. This type of connection could occur several times. It is important that the elbow  158  contain significant resistance against being bent such that the arms  156  retain any angle they are set at. This allows for dynamic camera angles using cameras as the electrical accessories. For example, in a boat, the extension arm  156  could place a camera close to the water as the boat moves through the water, while the other camera is placed far above the boat. The two cameras would capture video simultaneously. 
         [0049]    Additional extension arms may be placed for two, three, four, or more camera angles. 
         [0050]    Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 8 , the accessory may instead be a cup holder  162 . It is common for bass fishing boats or older boats to lack sufficient space to store drinks, especially when a fisherman is in the fishing seat.  FIG. 9  shows how the arm can be positioned to provide a cup holder to the fisherman while a camera is still filming from atop the telescoping arm  160 . 
       VI. Alternative Embodiment Monopod System  202   
       [0051]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  employ a monopod  206  which includes a basic navigational lamp  228  atop the monopod  206 . As shown, two USB ports  16  are located atop the lamp. However, the USB ports could be placed along the sides of the monopod  206 , and an accessory mount, such as those shown in  FIGS. 5-8  above, may be placed atop the lamp. This would allow for a camera to be mounted to the navigational lamp and filming to take place even while the navigational light is in use or at night. 
         [0052]    It should be noted that any and all commercial electronic devices could benefit from the present invention. GPS devices, fish finders, and tablet computers would be at the fisherman&#39;s fingertips using one or more of the embodiments of the present invention without the fisherman leaving the fishing chair. 
       VII. Wireless Power Source Monopod System  302   
       [0053]      FIGS. 11-15B  show another alternative embodiment system which includes wireless power for powering an electrical accessory, such as a camera as discussed above. As shown in  FIGS. 11-12 , a monopod  356  having a telescoping arm  360  includes a battery power source  362 , a charging port  312  which may or may not interface with a navigation light port of a watercraft, and locking elements  366  for locking the telescoping arm  360  at various lengths. The monopod may or may not include a USB port  316  or other port for charging of electrical accessories. A preferred embodiment may include an adjustable handle  364  for extending and retracting the telescoping arm  360 . 
         [0054]    This embodiment also includes a wireless power delivery system  368  connected to the end of the telescoping arm  360 . The primary features of this delivery system  368  are shown in  FIG. 12  and include a base  370  and a mounting screw  372 , such as typically used to mount cameras or camera cases to monopods or tripods. 
         [0055]      FIG. 13  shows a typical camera housing accessory  308  which would be used to house cameras, such as those disclosed above. The camera housing accessory  308  is designed to mount to the mounting screw  372  of the wireless power delivery system  368 . A receiver strip  374  connects to the camera or other electrical accessory via a cord  376  and interface  378 .  FIG. 14  shows how the camera housing accessory  308  mounts to the base  370  of the wireless power delivery system. In a preferred embodiment the camera housing accessory  308  would be waterproof. 
         [0056]    The wireless power delivery system  368  draws power from the battery source  362  of the monopod  356  as shown in  FIG. 15A . The delivery system  368  delivers wireless power  380  in a limited range about the base  370 , typically less than six inches from the base. As shown in  FIG. 15B , when the accessory  308  is attached to the delivery system  368 , the wireless power  380  is received by the receiver strip  374  and is delivered to the camera or other electrical accessory via the power cord  376  and interface  378 . This wireless power then powers the electrical accessory when in use, and passively charges a battery associated with the electrical accessory, if any, when the accessory is not in use. It should be noted that any and all types of electrical accessories mentioned herein or otherwise requiring electrical power could utilize this arrangement of elements. 
         [0057]    In an embodiment of this invention, an ergonomic handle may be located just beneath the wireless power delivery system  368 , converting the monopod device into a walking or hiking stick. 
       VIII. Telescoping Monopod Seat-Mount System  402   
       [0058]      FIGS. 16-19  show yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention. Here, as in previous embodiments, a telescoping monopod  406  is deployed in a boat  4  and is used to house a portable electronic accessory  8  such as a camera. The base  412  of the monopod  406  screws into or is otherwise inserted into a seat mount  410  within the deck of the boat  4 . The base as shown is threaded, but may not necessarily be threaded. 
         [0059]    The monopod  406  includes a bottom arm  414  and a top arm  418 . The top arm  418  telescopes from within the bottom arm  414  and is released and/or locked via a release switch  416  or other similar feature. A mounting accessory  420  for mounting the portable electronic accessory  8 . 
         [0060]    The telescoping monopod  406  extends from approximately four feet (4′) long to approximately eight feet (8′) long or longer. This provide superior angles for filming action on the boat  4  using a camera mounted to the mounting accessory  420  at the top of the telescoping monopod  406 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 20  shows this embodiment telescoping monopod seat-mount system  402  interacting with the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , thereby providing electrical power for recharging and/or operating the portable electronic accessory  8  via a cord  422 . 
       IX. Monopod Light Source System  502   
       [0062]      FIGS. 21 and 22  show yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention, featuring a telescoping monopod light source  502  which can be used with the embodiments discussed previously or in a stand-alone unit. As shown in  FIGS. 21 and 22 , the light source system  502  includes a light source accessory assembly  508  used in conjunction with the telescoping monopod of  FIG. 5  discussed above. 
         [0063]    The light source accessory assembly  508  includes a light source  520  and an adjustable mount  518  which may optionally be locked into a position or unlocked, allowing the light source  520  to be freely turned or pivoted to provide light  524  within a boat  4  or outside of the boat. This is advantageous for providing a spotlight into the boat while operating the boat at night, or for lighting up the waters around the boat. The light source  520  may be plugged into the power source socket  16  via a power cord  522 , or may be powered by an internal battery. As shown in  FIG. 22 , the monopod may provide power to the light source accessory via the navigation light port  10  of the boat  4 . 
       X. Alternative Monopod Light Source System  552   
       [0064]    As shown in  FIG. 23 , a slightly alternative monopod light source system  552  employs a flat paneled light source  560  which includes a housing  562  and two faces. One or both faces could include one or more LEDs  564 , which can be used to simply provide directional light or could be used to create an LED sign or signal for other boats in the vicinity by lighting up only some of the LEDs. 
         [0065]    The housing  562  may be mounted on an accessory mount  558  which includes a pivotable bracket  566  which connected to a rotatable base element  568 , allowing the light  560  to pivot up and down and to rotate for a directional light source. The entire mount  558  and light  560  is mounted to a monopod  556 , such as those described above. The monopod  556  may be connected to the navigation light port  10  of a boat  4  or into a seat mount  410  within the deck of the boat  4 . The light may be controlled by controls located directly on the light  560 , such as on the housing  562 , or it may be controlled remotely using a portable computing device such as a smartphone. 
         [0066]    It is to be understood that while certain embodiments and/or aspects of the invention have been shown and described, the invention is not limited thereto and encompasses various other embodiments and aspects.

Technology Category: 5