GB2604588A - Fishing float light - Google Patents

Abstract

A float apparatus for a light for use in fishing, the float apparatus comprising a flotation member 12 capable of floating on a body of water and a support 16 for a light source 28 connected to the flotation member. The flotation member provides flotation for a person, preferably for a period of greater than about 2 hours. The float apparatus may be provided in the form of a kit.

Description

FISHING FLOAT LIGHT

FIELD

The present invention relates to a fishing apparatus and more particularly to a float light for night fishing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fishing at night is a common practice in fishing communities in Africa but the incidence of drowning among these communities is high. In and around the African Great Lakes, for example, fishing is from comparatively small boats powered with oars and most deaths occur because the boat sinks or capsizes in bad weather and rough water conditions. Fishermen from these communities routinely fish in bad weather because they do not have an income if they do not fish. Factors associated with drowning include an inability to swim and not using life jackets. The inability to swim is common in these types of communities, where there is no infrastructure or expertise for swimming lessons, and available life jackets are considered unaffordable or their increased bulk and weight would or would be perceived to restrict or intervene with the ease of fishing or carrying out other duties in the boat including: rowing, paddling; preparing or eating food; casting or hauling nets, moving fish from the nets to holding containers. Deaths from drowning amongst fishermen are higher than deaths from Malaria; TB and Aids-HIV.

The use of artificial light in fishing operations is a technique to attract and aggregate fish so that they can be captured. Light fishing involves the use of lights attached to structures above water or suspended underwater to attract fish to specific areas and facilitate harvesting. The use of kerosene pressure lamps as the source of light is gradually being replaced by incandescent, fluorescent, LED lamps and metal halide lamps. The lamps are often placed on wooden float constructions either directly or suspended above the construction by a metal pole or mast, which is in turn held up by typically four string shrouds or stays. Batteries for the electrically powered lamps may be integral in the lamp or placed on the boat and connected to the lamp by a cable. During the final steps of the netting process, fishermen must remove the float from the centre of the net quickly to pull in the catch. Fishermen can struggle with the handling of heavy and/or bulky light floating systems at this point, resulting in fish escaping.

An object of the present invention is to provide an alternative and/or improved light for night fishing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention accordingly provides a float apparatus for a light for use in night fishing, comprising: a flotation member capable of floating on a body of water; and a support for a light source connected to the flotation member; wherein the flotation member provides flotation for a person for, preferably, > about 2 hours.

In one embodiment, the flotation member is a life buoy. One widely accepted and approved type of life buoy in use is designed to meet the Safety Of Life At Sea (SOLAS) specifications for a life buoy. The flotation member of the apparatus according to the present invention preferably meets at least one of the following SOLAS requirements for a life buoy, that is: a ring-shape having an outer diameter of not more than 800 mm and/or an inner diameter of at least 400 mm; made from inherently buoyant material; not inflatable or made of cane, cork chips or any crushed material; able to maintain at least 14.5 kg of iron in fresh water for 24 hours; a mass of between 2.5 kg and 6 kg; does not sustain burning or melting after full enveloping with fire for 2 seconds. In addition, the flotation member preferably has a rope handle attached at, at least, 4 equidistant points where the rope has a length of at least 4 times the diameter of the flotation member and a diameter of at least 9.5 mm; is provided in one or more bright colours, such as international orange, white or yellow, so as be highly visible; and/or is provided with retro-reflective tape which reflects light back to its source.

In one embodiment, the flotation member has a buoyancy of at least about: 50 N, 75 N, 100 N, 125 N, 145 N, 170 N, or 200 N. Preferably, the flotation member has a buoyancy in fresh or salt water of 90 N to 150 N. In another embodiment, the flotation member can support from about 5 kg to about kg of iron, such as about 10 kg or about 15 kg of iron, for at least 24 hours in fresh or salt water.

In a preferred embodiment, the flotation member is made of a material other than wood. The flotation member is preferably made of a material comprising plastic and/or natural or synthetic rubber. Preferably, the flotation member is made of a material that does not absorb water. More preferably, the flotation member comprises a synthetic material such as foamed polystyrene. Alternatively or additionally, the flotation member comprises foam rubber. More preferably, the weaker flotation material is encapsulated in a strong plastic cover and especially a cover which is abrasion resistant; inert to chemicals, especially gasoline and diesel; and can survive in a fire for at least 2 minutes.

In one embodiment, the flotation member is in the form of a continuous frame having a central aperture. The frame may be circular, oval, square, rectangular, triangular or the like.

In another embodiment, the flotation member is shaped as to resemble a horseshoe, or the like, such as a U-or V-shape, providing a stable flotation platform over which the person can drape their arms and an open section to give easy access to the inner side of the flotation member. A variety of geometries can be utilised to give a stable platform with an inner space available to accommodate the torso of a body with arms draped over the flotation member.

In a preferred embodiment, the flotation member is a life ring. The life ring may have an outside diameter of about 750 to about 800 mm and/or an inside diameter of about 400 to about 450 mm.

In the upright orientation of the apparatus in the water, the support for the light source may be above the water, at the water level, or in the water. In a preferred embodiment, the support is arranged to support a light source above the water level, preferably over the upper surface of the flotation member. Preferably, the support is arranged to support a light source approximately on a centre axis of the flotation member that lies approximately perpendicular to the plane of the flotation member. In this way, a generally stable structure is obtained.

The support for the light source preferably comprises at least one arm having a first end connected to the flotation member and a second end connected to the light source or a housing for the light source. More preferably, the light source support comprises a plurality of arms, such as two, three or four arms. Even more preferably, the arms are spaced generally equidistant from each other. Preferably also, the first ends of the respective arms are connected to the outer perimeter of the flotation member. By having the first end of the arm or arms connected at or near the outer periphery of the flotation member, the flotation member has maximum available surface area to support a victim thereon or therein.

In the preferred embodiment where the support is above the water level, the plurality of arms taper in an upwardly converging form. Thus, the arm or arms preferably extend inwardly and upwardly from the flotation member to the light source. This structure of the support is effective to minimize a wind pressure acting on the apparatus, especially when the flotation member is declined under a strong wind or wave. Indeed, the combined centre of gravity and buoyancy of the apparatus according to the present invention is such that the apparatus is ready to return to the upright position quickly even when the flotation member is declined relative to the vertical to about a 40 degree tilt, about a 50 degree tilt, about a 60 degree tilt, about a 70 degree tilt or about an 80 degree tilt.

The light source support is preferably formed of a rigid plastic material and may be injection moulded. The arm or arms of the support may comprise a straight section terminating in arched or straight sections. The arm or arms may be circular, square, rectangular or the like in cross-section and may be solid or hollow. Alternatively, the arm or arms may be I-, T-or L-shaped in cross-section or a more complex shape to provide sufficient strength, whilst being easy to manufacture by injection moulding.

In this way, the cost and weight of the apparatus may be kept at a minimum without loss of strength.

In addition to supporting the light source, the support is preferably arranged to allow a rescuer to lift a person on the apparatus out of the water. In this way, the support acts as a grab rail for the rescuer so that the apparatus and the victim may be lifted out of the water by the rescuer manually or with the use of a lifting mechanism. The support arm or arms preferably have a strength of at least 1 kN, preferably 1.5 kN, to lift a person weighing up to 150 kg (including wet clothing and other carried items). More preferably, the support arm, or arms in combination, support 2 kN or more preferably 3 kN, or more preferably 5 kN to give a significant margin of safety when rescuing someone from the water. As the support is elevated above the float and preferably above the victim's head, it is easy to grab hold of by a rescuer and to attach a lifting rope or strap so as to safely lift the victim (and the apparatus) out of the water.

The apparatus according to the present invention has a high strength to the extent that it can withstand a drop on concrete at any orientation from a height of at least about 0.5 meters, or at least about 1 meter, or at least about 1.5 meters or at least about 2 meters.

The float apparatus according to the present invention preferably further comprises a light source. The light source is not limited to a particular form of lighting technology and may be a light emitting diode (LED), a halogen bulb, or fluorescent, for example. The LED may be a conventional light emitting diode. The light source may be configured to emit light that is blue and/or green in colour. Alternatively, the light source may be configured to emit light of any other colour or combination of colours, including white, and may be adjustable according to the particular water conditions.

The brightness of the LED is preferably generally > 250 lumen (Im), more preferably about 300 Im, about 350 Im, or about 400 Im. There may be only one, or a plurality of light sources. The brightness can be set to any one or more of a selection of brightness settings.

When the light source is supported over the flotation member, the clearance between the flotation member and the light source is preferably at least about 40 cm, such as about 45cm, about 50 cm, about 55 cm, or up to about 60 or 70 cm. The desired minimum clearance is such that a victim supported by the flotation member can have his upper body, such as at least his head and shoulders, above the water level without his head touching the light source. In the case of a continuous frame shaped flotation member, the diameter of the aperture in the flotation member is preferably such that the shoulders of a person can pass there through and the person can be supported by having at least his arms over the upper surface of the flotation member.

In one embodiment, the light source is supported above the water level and the illuminating surface of the light source is directed downwardly. Preferably, more than about 50% of the light produced is directed downwardly towards the water when the apparatus according to the present invention is in the upright orientation. More preferably, about 60%, or about 70%, or about 80%, or about 90% of the light produced is directed downwardly towards the water.

In a preferred embodiment, the flotation member comprises a central aperture and the light source is positioned by the support above the water level over the central aperture. In one embodiment, the light source is at a height above the water level such that emitted light can penetrate the water through the central aperture, as well as around the outside, of the flotation member. The height of the light source above the water level is preferably adjustable.

In one embodiment, the apparatus according to the present invention includes a power source for the light source, which may be supported by the flotation member. Preferably, the power source is a source of electricity and is electrically connected to the light source. The power source may comprise at least one battery to which the light source is electrically coupled.

In order to secure functional stability and reliability, the internal mechanism of the apparatus is protected against damage due to water and wind by means of a water-tight construction durable over a long period of use. To this end, the light source and the power source for the light source are provided within a water-tight housing. The housing preferably provides Ingress Protection (IP) against full immersion for up to 30 minutes at depths between 15 cm and 1 metre and be completely dust tight. The unit should remain functional and have no safety issues. This corresponds to an IP67. The housing is more preferably IP rated to a depth of from 1 to 3 meters or greater for 30 or more minutes, more preferably for about 1 hour, about 2 hours, about 4 hours, about 8 hours, about 12 hours or about 24 hours. The housing is preferably rated IP 67, more preferably IP 68. It is preferable that the maximum water ingress under the defined conditions of depth and time is less than 1 cc, or less than 0.5 cc, or less than 0.2 cc, or less than 0.1 cc, or less than 0.05 cc.

In one embodiment, the housing for the power source and/or the light source is provided with a water absorbing material in its internal structure, such as desiccated silica gel, water absorbent papers, or a material than can change colour, to indicate partial or complete saturation with water.

For housing which includes a water absorbing surface or chemical, the allowed water ingress should be less than the maximum amount of water the water absorbing material can absorb at the (worst) expected operating conditions.

The housing may have a translucent portion for allowing light from the light source to pass therethrough. The translucent portion may comprise a transparent portion; alternatively, the translucent portion may comprise a portion that is substantially non-transparent. The translucent portion may be tinted; that is, the translucent portion may permit light of only certain wavelengths from the light source to pass therethrough. The translucent portion may comprise polycarbonate material.

Alternatively, or additionally, the translucent portion may comprise plastics or similar material and/or may be injection moulded.

Other portions of the housing may be opaque or may also be translucent. The opaque portion may comprise polycarbonate material, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), nylon or similar material and/or may be injection moulded.

The light source and battery may be located in separate sections of the housing. The apparatus may further comprise a printed circuit board to which an LED light source is electrically coupled, for example, the LED may be soldered onto the printed circuit board. The battery may be connected directly to the printed circuit board.

The housing may be assembled and disassembled such that the contents of the apparatus may be inspected, replaced and/or repaired. The housing may further comprise an 0-ring or soft plastic or silicone-based sealing ring located in use between connected portions. In this way, the 0-ring or sealing ring may help form a seal between connected parts. The 0-ring and/or sealing ring may comprise rubber, silicone, soft deformable plastic and/or synthetic rubber. The housing may further comprise a groove for receiving the 0-ring therein or a projecting rim over which a U-shaped sealing ring can be located.

The flotation member may include one or more handles or rescue rails, as well as or instead of the SOLAS approved rope handle. In the case of a life ring, the handles may be radially disposed evenly about the circle which comprises the ring buoy. The handles preferably have a diameter of at least 8 mm, and/or a tensile strength of at least 5 kN. The handles may be provided around the outer periphery of the annulus of the flotation member. The handles may also provide a victim with means for grasping the ring towards him, after which he can loop his arm or arms or pull his body through the central aperture.

The apparatus according to the present invention preferably further comprises attachment means for a photo-voltaic (PV) module (solar panel). The solar panel can be used to recharge the battery during the day. The attachment means preferably supports the solar panel above the light and the power source. In this way, as the solar panel is exposed to direct sunlight during the day it simultaneously provides shade to the light source and the battery compartment. The solar panel therefore additionally serves as a protective cover from direct sunlight for the light source and the battery during the day. The solar panel is preferably releasably attached to the light support. In this way, the solar panel can be detached from the apparatus when it is used on the water.

The attachment means may comprise leg components for a frame holding the solar panel. The solar panel may include a frame, a cover for the solar panel and leg components to form a solar panel construction. The frame can hold the solar panel and/or the cover for the solar panel, which can provide an upper surface, or a working surface, upon which various items may be placed and supported. The frame and solar panel, with or without a cover, can form a table top, for example. The solar panel construction can additionally or alternatively serve as a seat for a person. The leg components may be connected to the frame such that they can be folded under the solar panel/cover when a compact or space saving construction is required.

The solar panel may be supported in the substantially horizontal plane or tilted to be at an angle to the horizontal so that the solar panel is at the optimum orientation for capturing light rays from the sun.

In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus according to the present invention further comprises a secondary light source to facilitate locating the apparatus and rescue of a victim. Preferably, the secondary light source is a flashing light to signal to rescuers that a person is in distress in a body of water.

The secondary light source may be activated upon contact with water or by means of the victim tugging on a cord. For example, the secondary light source may include one or more LED lights that self-ignite upon submersion in water. In this case, the light may initially be fixed at an upper end of the support by a cord folded in a zig-zag manner and secured loosely with a cable clip or cable tie or similar. Pulling on the light or cord attached to the light pulls out the zig-zag so that the light dangles in the water, where it self-ignites. In a preferred embodiment, the light detects a lowered resistance between two tabs made of metal or other conducting materials. The light detects the lowered resistance path and activates the light. In a preferred embodiment, the light remains attached to the device but an electrical cord with two or more wire conductors is folded in a zig-zag manner and loosely secured with a cable clip or tie and is then pulled down so as to dangle in the water. The cord may extend from the printed circuit board in the housing for the flashing light to the free end of the cord exterior of the apparatus. Presence of water between the ends of the wire conductor completes a circuit that triggers activation of the LED. The wire conductors are in electrical communication with the printed circuit boards. The conductors need not project from the insulation and thus, a cut end of the cord may suffice for water to touch the ends of the wires to make a lower resistance pathway.

In an alternative embodiment, the secondary light is activated by a battery that is only activated when immersed in water (fresh or salt). In this embodiment, the cord or cable has a water battery attached to the water immersion end instead of an encapsulated primary battery in the light.

The self-igniting lights are preferably white and capable of either burning continuously with a luminous intensity of at least 2 candela (cd) around a vertical axis, or flashing with a speed of at least about 50 flashes per minute and up to about 70 flashes per minute with the corresponding effective luminous intensity. Preferably, the apparatus according to the present invention further comprises an energy source capable of meeting the requirements of the secondary self-igniting light for a period of not less than about 2 hours.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit for a fishing float light comprising: a flotation member capable of floating on a body of water; and a support for a light source; wherein the flotation member provides flotation for a person, preferably for > 2 hours.

The kit preferably further comprises one or more of the following: a light source; a battery for the light source; a housing for the light source; a housing for the battery; a solar panel for charging the battery; a solar panel stand; a rope; fastening means for connecting the various parts of the kit together, such as screws and bolts; instructions for construction and/or use of the kit.

The apparatus of the present invention has a uniquely shaped above or underwater portion where the centre of gravity is set at a distance from the centre of buoyancy. Both are taken into consideration in view of tilting movements under wave actions and wind pressure. As a result, the apparatus follows waves smoothly and is afloat with minimum tilt in strong winds.

It is clear from the foregoing that the apparatus of the present invention serves not only as a float light for fishing at night but also as a life support, such as when a person is in danger of drowning. The person can stay afloat by holding onto the apparatus whilst awaiting rescue.

Definitions The following definitions shall apply throughout the specification and the appended claims.

Within the context of the present application, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" are interpreted to mean "includes, among other things". These terms are not intended to be construed as "consists of only".

Unless otherwise stated or indicated, directions such as above, below, top, bottom, side, over, lower, horizontal, vertical, etc., are relative and provided solely by way of example and for ease of illustration and discussion and not be way of limitation.

Within the context of the present application, the term "connected" should not be interpreted as being restricted to direct connections only. The connection path may include other devices or means. The term may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physical or electrical contact, or that two or more elements are not in direct physical or electrical contact but yet still cooperate or integrate with each other.

For example, wireless connectivity is contemplated.

The terms "about", "generally", "near" and "approximately" mean plus or minus 20%, more preferably plus or minus 10%, even more preferably plus or minus 5%, most preferably plus or minus 2% of the value that they describe.

A "person" is a human being that is a child or an adult and having a weight on dry land of from about 10 kg to about 150 kg.

A "life buoy" is a buoyant support for keeping a person afloat in water (salt or fresh).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a fishing night light according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a solar panel with stand for use with the present invention; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a fishing night light according to the present invention in combination with the solar panel of Figure 2; and Figure 4 shows a secondary light source for use with a fishing night light according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As illustrated in Figure 1, the improved light float apparatus (10) of the present invention comprises a flotation member (12) that is annular having a circular central aperture (14). The member (12) has an outside diameter of 770 mm and inside diameter of 440 mm. The cross-sectional shape of the member (12) is generally oval.

A support (16) for a light source (28) comprises four arms (18), (20), (22), (24) that are each connected by a first end (18A), (20A), (22A), (24A) to the outer periphery of the flotation ring (12) by nuts and bolts passing through apertures formed in the first ends of the arms and in cut-outs (26) formed in the outer circular edge of the flotation ring (12). The four arms (18), (20), (22), (24) converge upwardly and the upper second ends (18B), (20B), (22B), (24B) of the respective arms arch before terminating in respective "U" sections that engage an integral lip of the housing (28) for a light source and a battery. The height of the base of the housing (28) above the upper surface of the flotation member (12) is 55 cm.

The arms (18), (20), (22), (24) may be of fixed length or adjustable to a set length, for example by each arm having two arm sections slidable relative to one another and fastened together by a screw, clip or the like. In this way, a fisherman is able to illuminate a desired area when fishing at night.

The flotation ring (12) is formed of a flotation material such as a low density, lightweight, buoyant plastic foam material, such as foamed polyurethane, or foamed polystyrene, with the outer surface of unfoamed material made of the same or a different plastic that is dense and impermeable such as a polypropylene or polyethylene. The nature of foamed plastic is such that it has considerable buoyancy, i.e., the ratio of flotation to weight is very high. At the same time, it is very strong and not likely to be broken by rough treatment during lifting out of the water or a rescue. The weight of the flotation ring (12) is 4 kg. The dense nature of the outer surface prevents the life ring from becoming water-logged and provides considerable structural integrity to the ring, plus abrasion and fire resistance, UV protection and protection against chemical attack, especially hydrocarbons used for fuel, such as gasoline, paraffin, and diesel fuel.

Four rope handles (not illustrated) are located equidistantly around the outer periphery of the flotation ring (12) and are attached at four points looped around each arm (18), (20), (22), (24).

Highly visible strips (30) are provided at spaced locations on the flotation ring (12) so that the outer surface is very evident even under adverse conditions of visibility. The life buoy is coloured International orange or some other highly visible colour to aid rescue.

A housing (28) is connected to the support (16) and has an internal section for a light source and an internal section for a battery. The housing is dust-proof and watertight and is rated to a minimum depth of 15 cm and up to 1 metre for at least 30 minutes (IP 67) and to up to 12 hours at 1 to 2 metres without impacting performance (IP 68). The housing section (32) for the light source comprises a substantially translucent or transparent downwardly facing portion to allow light from one or more LEDs to pass therethrough. The sections are made of plastic by injection.

Polycarbonates can be preferably used. The battery section (34) is a rigid hollow construction of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). The battery is placed in the housing by removing the section (34). The light section (32) and the battery section (34) of the housing (28) are water-tightly screwed to each other with the use of a soft plastic sealing ring.

The LEDs are powered by batteries via a printed circuit board to which the LEDs are connected and against which the batteries are in electrical contact. The LEDs emit green light and have a brightness of 400 Im.

The battery section (34) of the housing (28) includes foamed plastic or a setting gel such as a silicone based filing and/or desiccated silica or a water absorbing sheet. The silica or sheet may change colour when it is contaminated with water and hence signal an impaired drying function. The light desirably operates on battery power for several hours at a time and preferably lasts all night (roughly 11-12 hours in the tropics).

A solar powered panel construction (36) for use with the apparatus (10) is illustrated in Figure 2. The construction (36) comprises a solar module (38), upper frame (40) and surface structure (42). The upper frame is supported by four legs (44), which are connected together at their lower ends by a base frame (46). The upper frame (40) can hold the surface structure (42), which can provide an upper surface, or a working surface, upon which various items may be placed and supported. The upper frame (40) and surface structure (42) can form a table top. The solar module (38) can be attached to the surface structure (42) and/or the frame (40). The surface structure (42) can be transparent or semi-transparent or otherwise configured to allow sunlight to strike the solar module (38), which can comprise one or more solar panels (38A, 38B, etc.) that convert the sunlight into electrical energy. The solar module may include any material or device capable of generating usable energy via the photovoltaic effect. For example, in some embodiments, the solar module (38) comprises one or more solar cells. The solar cells can comprise silicon and/or can be thin film solar cells.

The surface structure (42) can be lacquer or hardened polymer material, such as polyurethane top coating. In another embodiment, the surface structure (42) can be glass, such as tempered glass or Plexiglas. The solar module (38) can be coupled to the frame (40), surface structure (42) or other elements of the construction in any suitable manner. The legs (44) may be made of material such as plastic, metal, wood, composite and combinations thereof.

Figure 3 illustrates the apparatus (10) in combination with the solar powered panel construction (36). The base frame (46) allows the solar powered panel construction (36) to be releasably supported on the apparatus (10) with the panel construction over the housing (28) by abutment of the respective corners of the base frame (46) on the downwardly outwardly extending arms (18), (20), (22), (24).

The solar panel construction (36) can include one or more electrical outlets. As seen in Figure 3, an outlet (50) is provided on the underside of the upper frame (40) facing the ground but the outlet may be provided at any location, for example on the side, outward-facing portion of the upper frame, on a side, inward-facing portion of the upper frame, or on portions of the panel other than the frame. The outlet (50) may comprise a female electrical connector having slots or holes. A cable (52) for directing electrical energy from the solar panel module (38) to the battery has a plug with pins or blades at both ends for insertion of one end into the female connector outlet and the other end into a female connector inlet provided on the battery housing (34). Push on/screw on caps of rubber neoprene or silicone may seal the charging inlets.

The solar panel construction (36) further can comprise a power box (54). The power box (54) generally comprises circuitry and storage components for collecting and storing electrical energy produced by the solar module (38). The power box can include an inverter for converting direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). The electricity produced by the solar module can be output through a connector, as described above, to charge a battery in the apparatus.

A secondary light source (58) is shown in Figure 4. This is activated upon contact with water by means of the victim tugging on a cord (60). The light (58) is tied with the cord (60) at the upper end of the apparatus (10) and the cord is folded in a zig-zag manner and secured loosely with a cable clip or tie (62). If a victim pulls on the light (58) the cord (60) unravels dropping the light in the water. When the light hits the water, two contacts on the light detect a lower resistance than air and this turns the light on. The light emits 60 flashes per minute.

In the operation of the apparatus, once the battery has been charged by the solar panel construction, the cables linking the solar panel construction to the terminals of the battery are disconnected and a switch on the housing is turned to the on position, whereby the light within the housing is activated. If the switch is pushed slowly multiple times, the brightness of the lamp can permutate between OFF; ON 100% brightness; 83% brightness; 67% brightness; 50% brightness; OFF, etc. Double-clicking the switch in quick succession causes it to flash (at full brightness at about 60 flashes per minute). The fisherman then places the apparatus on the surface of the water whereby the emitted light from light is directed to the water surface. Fish are drawn to the area by the light and fishermen with their nets in the water can then catch these fish.

The apparatus (10) according to the present invention provides a stable, floating structure that will not be upset by any waves on the surface of the water. A potential drowning victim can enter the aperture (14) in the ring (12) and position their arms over the upper surface of the ring (12) and await rescue. The victim may pull on the emergency cord (60) to ignite the flashing light (58). The apparatus with the victim in position can be lifted out of the water by the support arms (18), (20), (22), (24) by a rescuer on a boat. The apparatus is sufficiently strong to allow a person of 90 kg and above to be lifted out of the water. Further, the apparatus can withstand a drop onto concrete in any orientation from a height of up to about 0.5 to about 2 metres.

The apparatus of the present invention provides superior flotation. Not only does the flotation member provide effective flotation for a victim but also allows the power source to be provided on the apparatus. Thus, the apparatus is a self-contained unit, eliminating the need for a cable to attach a remote power source to the light.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications are covered by the appended claims.

Claims (17)

1. CLAIMS1. A float apparatus for a light, comprising: a flotation member capable of floating on a body of water; and a support for a light source connected to the flotation member; wherein the flotation member provides flotation for a person.
2. 2. A float apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flotation member provides flotation for a person for greater than about 2 hours. 10
3. 3. A float apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the flotation member has a buoyancy of at least about: 50 N, 75 N, 100 N, 125 N, 150 N, 170 N or 200 N.
4. 4. A float apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flotation member is a life buoy, optionally wherein the life buoy is in the form of a ring or a horse-shoe.
5. 5. A float apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the ring or horse-shoe buoy has an outer diameter of not more than about 800 mm.
6. 6. A float apparatus according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the ring or horseshoe buoy has an inside diameter of at least about 400 mm.
7. 7. A float apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flotation member is made of a material other than wood.
8. 8. A float apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flotation member is made of a material comprising plastic and/or natural or synthetic rubber.
9. 9. A float apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light source support comprises one arm or a plurality of arms extending upwardly and, optionally, inwardly from the flotation member.
10. 10. A float apparatus according to claim 9, wherein one end of the arm or arms is fastened directly to the flotation member.
11. 11. A float apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a light source connected to the light source support.
12. 12. A float apparatus according to claim 11, wherein a clearance between the flotation member and the light source is at least about 40 cm.
13. 13. A float apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a power source for the light source, wherein the power source is supported on the apparatus.
14. 14. A float apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a secondary light source that is activated upon contact with water. 20
15. 15. A float apparatus for a light, comprising a flotation member capable of floating on a body of water; and a support for a light source connected to the flotation member; wherein the flotation member complies with at least one of the following SOLAS requirements for a lifebuoy: a ring-shape having an outer diameter of not more than 800 mm and/or an inner diameter of at least 400 mm; made from inherently buoyant material; not inflatable or made of cane, cork chips or any crushed material; able to maintain at least 14.5 kg of iron in fresh water for 24 hours; a mass of between 2.5 kg and 6 kg; does not sustain burning or melting after full enveloping with fire for 2 seconds.
16. 16. A kit for a float light for fishing comprising: a flotation member capable of floating on a body of water; a support arm for a light source, wherein one end of the arm is adapted for connection to a light source and the other end of the arm is adapted for connection to the flotation member; wherein the flotation member provides flotation for a person, preferably for a period of greater than about 2 hours.
17. 17. A kit according to claim 16, further comprising one or more of: a light source; a battery for the light source; a housing for the light source; a housing for the battery; a solar panel for charging the battery; a solar panel stand; a rope; fastening means for connecting the various parts of the kit together, such as nuts and bolts; instructions for construction and/or use of the kit.