Remote Controlled Motorized Rescue Buoy Ferngesteuerte Motorisierte Rettungsboje Bouée De Sauvetage Motorisée Télécommandée

(19) TZZ ¥Z_T

(11) EP 2 694 360 B1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45) Date of publication and mention (51) Int Cl.: of the grant of the patent: B63C 9/02 (2006.01) B63B 35/00 (2006.01) 10.01.2018 Bulletin 2018/02 B63H 11/00 (2006.01) B63H 21/17 (2006.01) B63C 9/00 (2006.01) B63H 25/02 (2006.01) (21) Application number: 12767701.1 (86) International application number: (22) Date of filing: 06.04.2012 PCT/US2012/032598

(87) International publication number: WO 2012/139044 (11.10.2012 Gazette 2012/41)

(54) REMOTE CONTROLLED MOTORIZED RESCUE BUOY FERNGESTEUERTE MOTORISIERTE RETTUNGSBOJE BOUÉE DE SAUVETAGE MOTORISÉE TÉLÉCOMMANDÉE

(84) Designated Contracting States: (72) Inventors: AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB • Mulligan, Anthony C. GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO Green Valley, AZ 85614 (US) PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR • Lautrup, Robert Oakton, VA 22124 (US) (30) Priority: 07.04.2011 US 201161473077 P 05.04.2012 US 201213440782 (74) Representative: ManitzFinsterwald Patentanwälte PartmbB (43) Date of publication of application: Martin-Greif-Strasse 1 12.02.2014 Bulletin 2014/07 80336 München (DE)

(73) Proprietors: (56) References cited: • Mulligan, Anthony C. EP-A1- 1 538 074 WO-A2-2007/146433 Green Valley, AZ 85614 (US) US-A- 849 887 US-A- 5 492 076 • Lautrup, Robert US-A- 5 597 335 US-A1- 2006 014 445 Oakton, VA 22124 (US) US-B1- 6 558 218

Note: Within nine months of the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent in the European Patent Bulletin, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to that patent, in accordance with the Implementing Regulations. Notice of opposition shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention). EP 2 694 360 B1

Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARIS (FR) 1 EP 2 694 360 B1 2

Description DETAILED DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0006] The present technology relates to a motorized rescue buoy device for assisting in the rescue of dis- [0001] Rescuing swimmers in open water can be a 5 tressed swimmers in beach surf zones and in swift water risky operation for rescuers. Swimmers in need of rescue currents such as floods and rivers. Embodiments of the are often desperate and a danger to potential rescuers invention provide fast floatation assistance to a swimmer that come close to the swimmer. Additionally, a swimmer quicker than typical water rescue personnel can swim in trouble is often a significatng distance away from a out to assist the swimmer in distress, particularly in wa- potential rescuer, often requiring someone to swim to the 10 ters with high currents which can greatly slow the water troubled swimmer. Because of the time it takes to reach rescue person or preclude them from reaching the dis- a swimmer and the danger posed to a potential rescuer, tressed swimmer at all. The remote controlled motorized there is a need for an improved method for rescuing a rescue buoy can travel at high surface planing speeds, swimmer that is in trouble in the water. for example in excess of 20 miles per hour, is lightweight [0002] US 6 558 218 B1 discloses a remote controlled 15 and easily deployed by a single person. The rescue buoy water surface vehicle carrying an inflatable raft. is lightweight which reduces the chance of un-intended [0003] EP 1 538 074 A1 discloses a remote controlled injury to victim in case of collision along with its soft float- marine craft system having a marine craft comprising a ation cover, and it has sufficient floatation to provide sup- jet pump. port to multiple swimmers so they can keep their heads 20 above water. The buoy does not have any exposed pro- SUMMARY OF THE CLAIMED INVENTION pellers to harm swimmers extremities, and has an easy to hold perimeter grab rope covering the circumference [0004] The present technology includes a remote con- of the floatation cover. The buoy may self-right itself in trolled motorized buoy for rescuing people in the water. heavy surf conditions, utilizes a jet drive pump so it can The buoy may be controlled by a person with a remote 25 slide over sand and rocks with no propeller or rudder to control to navigate to the person in need. The buoy may fowl on the bottom, and is electrically powered for instan- have flotation mechanisms to keep the buoy right side taneous start and it has enough battery power to provide up in rough water conditions and includes visual indica- for multiple rescues on single battery. tors to help the user keep track of the buoys location, [0007] The advantages of such a fast, robust, easily such as a flag and beacon. When the buoy is near the 30 deployable vehicle are evident. The speed of delivery of swimmer, the swimmer may graph the buoy and the buoy lifesaving flotation in a variety of conditions including may be remotely navigated to bring the swimmer to a those that prohibit water entry by rescue personnel is a safe location. noted advantage. The small size, light weight, and strong construction allow deployment from significant heights, BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 35 such as for example from ships, cruise liners, and other vessels, powered or sail, as well as oil and drilling rigs [0005] that presently do not have a rapidly deployable equivalent capability. These features gives such a system a signif- Figure 1A illustrates a remote controlled motorized icant advantage in response time compared to larger pro- rescue buoy approaching a person in water. 40 pelled vehicles such as lifeboats and other manned craft, Figure 1B illustrates a remote controlled motorized and non-propelled, unmanned devices such as life rings rescue buoy bringing a person to safety. and buoy devices. Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of an exem- [0008] It is also noted that few municipalities have plary remote controlled motorized rescue buoy. ready teams of lifesavers. Rather, it is often a single first Figure 3 illustrates another perspective view of an 45 responder such as a lifeguard, fireman, sheriff, highway exemplary remote controlled motorized rescue bu- patrolman or EMT who responds initially to a potential oy. drowning victim. Whereas large rescue devices require Figure 4 illustrates a bottom view of an exemplary significant space and may require specialized vehicles remote controlled motorized rescue buoy. to carry them, the motorized buoy of the present tech- Figure 5 a side view of an exemplary remote con- 50 nology can easily be carried in common vehicles such trolled motorized rescue buoy. as SUVs, small tucks, and sedans. Therefore, it may be Figure 6 is a block diagram of an exemplary remote readily available for rapid deployment by a first respond- control. er, even under conditions that prohibit entry by rescuers Figure 7 is an exemplary method of operating a re- into the water. mote controlled motorized rescue buoy. 55 [0009] The present technology is advantageous due to its affordability, reliability and safety through its simple, rugged, electric-powered, jet-pump design. The system is an easily operated system that requires minimal oper-

2 3 EP 2 694 360 B1 4 ator training to become proficient and that can be main- hull platform 100. The cleats may be used to secure the tained using a minimum of readily available tools and floatation cover 110 along with mail counter part snaps components. 210 (Figure 3) mounted on hull platform 100 along its [0010] Embodiments may include a digital control sys- midsection. The cleats and snaps may hold the floatation tem, including an antenna, that is useable in a variety of 5 cover 110 firmly secured to hull 100. An externally mount- weather and geographic conditions and at such ranges ed main power on/off switch 170 is mounted on the tran- as may reasonably be required without loss of control. som of the vessel for easy access by the operator. Figure The motorized buoy may have positive buoyancy such 4 illustrates a bottom view of an exemplary remote con- that several potential drowning victims will simultaneous- trolled motorized rescue buoy. Quick connect snaps 410, ly be able to remain afloat until rescued. The overall ves- 10 commonly used in the pleasure craft boating industry, as sel hull is waterproof and that individual systems therein illustrated in FIG. 4 may also be used to attach the flota- are waterproofed such that, despite a leak in the outer tion cover 110 to hull 100. c for attaching to the hull plat- hull, the vessel will continue to operate. In some embod- form 1. iments, the vessel is to be self-righting and capable of [0014] In some embodiments, floatation cover 110 is being dropped launch from heights as high as 30 feet, 15 to be constructed of a lightweight foam material that can from moving vessels at speeds of 30 knots, and capable be either open cell or closed cell with a durable marine of breaching surf with wave heights in excess of 30 feet. grade canvas cover or polyurethane material. The float- [0011] Small, fast, lightweight man-portable vehicles ation cover 110 is designed to fit on to the vessel similar to rapidly deliver flotation to drowning victims have here- to the way a standard boat cover fits on a full size manned tofore have not been available. In addition, small model 20 boat. It utilizes a draw string 150 that circumvents the boat size vessels have not been developed to be able to perimeter of the floatation cover 110 with one end at- handle harsh physical conditions of breaking ocean surf, tached to a transom mounted tie down cleat 160, then or rapid swift water river conditions. the draw string 150 is pulled tight to secure the cover on [0012] Figure 1A illustrates a remote controlled motor- the deck of the hull platform 100. Standard marine canvas ized rescue buoy approaching a person in water. A user 25 snap clips 210 secure the sides of the floatation cover 104 may provide input through remote control 106 to di- 110 to the hull platform 100. These snap clips 210 assist rect remote control motorized rescue buoy 100 towards in aligning the floatation cover 110 during installation and swimmer 102. User 104 may direct the buoy 100 through they provide added holding retention of the floatation cov- waves and around obstacles towards swimmer 102. er 110 too hull platform 100 during breaching of large Once the buoy 100 reaches the swimmer, the swimmer 30 surf waves. The flag 120 should be designed to be 4-5 may grab hold of the buoy 100. Figure 1B illustrates a feet in height and is used for visual location of the rescue remote controlled motorized rescue buoy bringing a per- buoy when operating in wave with heights greater than son to safety. User 104 may use remote control 106 to 2-3 feet. The strobe beacon 130 also aids in locating the direct the buoy while the swimmer holds onto the buoy, rescue buoy when operating in rain, heavy mist, or fog. thereby bringing the swimmer to safety such as a nearby 35 [0015] Figure 5 a side view of an exemplary remote boat, shore, or other location. controlled motorized rescue buoy with an internal control [0013] Figures 2 and 3 illustrates a perspective view and power system subsystem. The buoy of Figure 5 in- of an exemplary remote controlled motorized rescue bu- cludes battery 510, motor 520, jet pump 530, speed con- oy. The buoy of Figure 2 includes a hull platform 100, a troller 540, radio control 550, safety switch 560, and radio canvas flotation cover 110, a pole 120, strobe light 130, 40 570. In some embodiments, each component and sub- grab rope 140, draw string 150, cleats 160, and a power system may be mounted in a water proof casing. The switch 170. Hull platform 100 may encase the motor and vessel hull 100 is designed such that it is water tight using other parts of the motorized buoy. In some embodiments, techniques standard to the art of boat making. In addition, hull may be a composite hull with dimensions of about each of the subsystem components are housed in a wa- 50 inches in length and 14 inches across the beam. Can- 45 tertight container casing with water proof electrical con- vas floatation cover 110 may be affixed to the top of the nectors as commonly used by those trained in the art. hull 100. Pole 120 may extend from the top of hull 100 This allows the vessels subsystems to operate even if and include a strobe light 130. The strobe light may be the hull platform chamber is breached and flooded so an a light or any other device that provides a visual indicator emergency rescue mission can be completed. to a user remotely controlling the motorized buoy. Grab 50 [0016] Motor 520 may utilize electrical power for pro- rope 140 may be used by a swimmer to hold onto the pulsion, due to its long storage, safety, and quick starting buoy device as the device is being controllably navigated characteristics. In some embodiments, an internal com- to safety. The grab robe 140 may be affixed to either the bustion engine or other engine may also be used for pow- canvas flotation cover 110, the hull platform 100, or some er. The electric motor 12 should have a rated power range other portion of the buoy. The grab rope may extend55 from 375 watts to 2500 watts. around the perimeter of the buoy or a portion of the pe- [0017] Battery 510 may include a lithium polymer re- rimeter. The floatation cover 110 may include a draw chargeable battery pack with an energy capacity in the string 150 and cleats 160 mounted on a portion of the range of 70 watt hours to 2,000 watt hours. The battery

3 5 EP 2 694 360 B1 6 may be contained within a waterproof battery casing. The put may include visual, audio, or other output. Battery lithium polymer battery system may be replaced with oth- 630 may provide power to the components of remote er systems such as alkaline, nickel cadium, metal hy- control 106 that require power to operate. dride, or lead acid batteries. The battery within the casing [0022] Figure 7 is an exemplary method of operating is wired to an electronic safety switch 560. The switch 5 a remote controlled motorized rescue buoy. The remote 560 is contained in a separate water proof case and re- controlled motorized rescue buoy 100 is powered on at motely controlled with the mounted on/off switch 170. step 710. The buoy may be powered on remotely (hence, The electronic safety switch 560 is wired to the electronic it may bein a standby mode initially) or manually by press- speed controller 540, electric motor 520 and radio control ing power switch 170. 550. The remote controller device 15 should be mounted 10 [0023] The buoy 100 may by remotely controlled to in a water proof casing. navigate towards a person in water at step 720. A user [0018] The electronic speed controller 540 should 104 may provide input into remote controller 106 to nav- have a matching power rating to the electric motor 520 igate the buoy towards the person. A person secures to but it should also have a continuous current capacity of the buoy at step 730. The person may secure to the buoy at least 200 amps. The electric motor 520 and electronic 15 by grabbing a portion of the buoy system, such as grab speed controller 540 should be designed with a metal rope 140. In some embodiments, a tension sensor may heat sink casing with additional water cooling as under- indicate that the person has secured the grab rope and stood by those trained in the art. The metal heat sink send a signal back to remote controller 104. cooling should be of large enough heat capacity thermal [0024] The motorized buoy 100 may be remotely con- mass to allow the system to operate for one multi-minute 20 trolled to navigate to safety at step 740. To remotely nav- rescue mission incase of water cooling failure. igate the buoy, a user may provide input at the remote [0019] The electric motor 520 directly drives a jet drive control to navigate the buoy to a beach, boat or other pump 530 with impeller size in the range of 30-60 m illim- location where the swimmer may be safe. eters in diameter. The preferred embodiment is for the [0025] The foregoing detailed description of the tech- jet drive 530 to use an airfoil shaped stator blade assem- 25 nology herein has been presented for purposes of illus- bly to straighten out flow with a steerable exit nozzle tration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive mounted on the out end of the jet drive pump 530. The or to limit the technology to the precise form disclosed. inlet section of the pump 530 should have a grating that Many modifications and variations are possible in light prevents a swimmers fingers or toes from being sucked of the above teaching. The described embodiments were into the pump and harmed by the impeller. The grating 30 chosen in order to best explain the principles of the tech- should be constructedof strong, corrosionresistant metal nology and its practical application to thereby enable oth- and should be readily replaceable incase of damage by ers skilled in the art to best utilize the technology in var- rocks, seaweed or other debris in the water. Due to the ious embodiments and with various modifications as are expected propensity of low maintenance of this system suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended by operators, the pump should utilize long lasting ceramic 35 that the scope of the technology be defined by the claims bearing journals and non salt water corrosive materials appended hereto. such as composite polymers or stainless steel. [0020] Figure 6 is a block diagram of an exemplary remote control device. The remote control 106 of Figure Claims 6 includes an antenna 610, input 620, battery 630 and 40 controller 640. A user may provide input via input 620. 1. A remote controlled motorized buoy, comprising: The input may power the remote control motorized rescue buoy on or off, adjust a level of thrust from stop to a hull, full acceleration, adjust the direction of thrust to forward a floatation mechanism attached to the hull and or reverse, and adjust a rudder, jet propulsion direction, 45 configured to maintain the buoy in an upright or other mechanism to steer the buoy through water. position in water; [0021] Controller 640 may receive input signals from a floatation cover (110) designed to fit on the input 620, convert the signals to commands in radio fre- buoy and attached to the hull; quency format, and transmit the commands via antenna a motor(520) encased within the hull and a jet 610. Antenna 610 may send and receive signals via a 50 pump (530) driven by the motor (520); radio frequency with remote control motorized rescue bu- a radio control (550) encased within the hull and oy 100. Information received from the buoy 100 may be configured for receiving control signals from a provided to a user of the remote control 106 via output remote controller (106); 650. For example, the buoy 100 may indicate a power a mechanism attached to the hull and configured level in a batter, a temperature within the motor or hull, 55 to secure a person in water, wherein the mech- a signal indicating a user has grabbed a grab rope 140 anism includes a perimeter grab rope (14) ex- (ie, via a tension detection mechanism on the buoy, not tending around the perimeter of the buoy, and illustrated), or some other signal from the buoy. The out- an externally mounted main power on/off switch

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(170) mounted on a transom of the buoy. Lichtsignal, um ein visuelles Signal bereitzustellen.

2. The motorized buoy of claim 1, wherein the motor 4. Motorisierte Boje nach Anspruch 1, ferner mit einer may propel the buoy and the person through the wa- Stange, die sich von der Boje mit einem Sichtanzei- ter. 5 ger (120) erstreckt.

3. The motorized buoy of claim 1, further including a 5. Motorisierte Boje nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Sicht- beacon for providing a visual signal. anzeiger (120) eine Flagge ist.

4. The motorized buoy of claim 1, further including a 10 6. Motorisierte Boje nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Funk- pole extending from the buoy with a visual indicator steuerung (550) Steuersignale zum Navigieren der (120). Boje empfängt.

5. The motorized buoy of claim 1, wherein the visual 7. Motorisierte Boje nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Boje indicator (120) is a flag. 15 derart konfiguriert ist, dass sie durch Abwerfen der Boje aus einer Höhe von zumindest 20 Fuß zu Was- 6. The motorized buoy of claim 1, wherein the radio ser gelassen werden kann. control (550) receives control signals for navigating the buoy. 20 Revendications 7. The motorized buoy of claim 1, wherein the buoy is configured to be launched by dropping the buoy from 1. Bouée motorisée commandée à distance, a height of at least 20 feet. comprenant :

25 une coque, Patentansprüche mécanisme de flottaison attaché à la coque et configuré pour maintenir la bouée dans une po- 1. Ferngesteuerte motorisierte Boje, umfassend: sition dressée dans l’eau ; une couverture de flottaison (110) conçue pour einen Rumpf, 30 être montée sur la bouée et être attachée à la einen Auftriebsmechanismus, der an dem coque ; Rumpf befestigt und derart konfiguriert ist, die un moteur (520) enchâssé à l’intérieur de la co- Boje im Wasser in einer aufrechten Position zu que et une pompe à jet (530) entraînée par le halten; moteur (520) ; eine Auftriebsabdeckung (110), die so ausge- 35 une commande radio (550) enchâssée à l’inté- legt ist, dass sie auf die Boje passt und an dem rieur de la coque et configurée pour recevoir des Rumpf befestigt ist; und signaux de commande depuis une commande einen Motor (520), der in dem Rumpf einge- à distance (106) ; schlossen ist,sowie eine Strahlpumpe (530), die un mécanisme attaché à la coque et configuré von dem Motor (520) angetrieben ist; 40 pour sécuriser une personne dans l’eau, eine Funksteuerung (550), die in der Boje ein- dans laquelle le mécanisme inclut un cordage geschlossen und zum Empfang von Steuersig- d’agrippement périmétrique (14) s’étendant nalen von einer Fernsteuerung (106) konfigu- autour du périmètre de la bouée, et riert ist; un commutateur marche/arrêt de puissance einen Mechanismus, der an dem Rumpf befes- 45 monté à l’extérieur (170), monté sur une traver- tigt und zum Sichern einer Person im Wasser se de la bouée. konfiguriert ist, wobei der Mechanismus ein Um- fangsgreifseil (14) aufweist, das sich um den 2. Bouée motorisée selon la revendication 1, dans la- Umfang der Boje erstreckt, und quelle le moteur peut propulser la bouée et la per- einen extern montierten Ein/Aus-Hauptschalter 50 sonne à travers l’eau. (170), der an einem Querträger der Boje mon- tiert ist. 3. Bouée motorisée selon la revendication 1, incluant en outre une balise pour fournir un signal visuel. 2. Motorisierte Boje nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Motor die Boje und die Person durch das Wasser antreiben 55 4. Bouée motorisée selon la revendication 1, incluant kann. en outre un mât s’étendant depuis la bouée avec un indicateur visuel (120). 3. Motorisierte Boje nach Anspruch 1, ferner mit einem

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5. Bouée motorisée selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle l’indicateur visuel (120) est un drapeau.

6. Bouée motorisée selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle la commande radio (550) reçoit des signaux 5 de commande pour faire naviguer la bouée.

7. Bouée motorisée selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle la bouée est configurée pour être lancée en laissant tomber la bouée depuis une hauteur d’au 10 moins 20 pieds.

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REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader’s convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description

• US 6558218 B1 [0002] • EP 1538074 A1 [0003]