Marine lighting assembly

Abstract

A marine lighting assembly configured to be mounted with a marine armrest including an opening on an outer surface of the armrest to an interior of the armrest. The lighting assembly includes a mount configured to connect to an armrest outer surface at a location covering an armrest opening. The mount includes an outer side configured to face away from the armrest and an underside configured to face the armrest. The lighting assembly further includes at least one sealing member positionable between an underside of the mount and an outer surface of the armrest for preventing water from entering between the mount and the outer surface of the armrest. The lighting assembly further comprises a lighting device which is connected with the installation piece and can be inserted through the handrail opening, and the lighting device is arranged inside the handrail and provides light through a lighting opening in the outer side of the installation piece.

Description

Priority Cross Reference

[0001] This application claims priority to Australian provisional patent application AU 2022900792 filed on March 29, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a lighting assembly for improving the lighting and / or aesthetics in a marine environment such as a boat, dock, pier, pier or other waterside facility. It will be appreciated that the present invention is also suitable for non-marine applications, for example, as an outdoor lighting assembly exposed to rain, dust and dirt, etc. Background Art

[0003] The following discussion of the background of the invention is intended to facilitate understanding of the invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion does not constitute an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0004] Marine lighting fixtures such as marine courtesy lights are used in a variety of applications onboard vessels to illuminate areas of cabins, passageways, or outer decks. Marine lighting fixtures may also be used in shore applications such as lighting of piers, seawalls, piers, docks, seaside promenades, or other waterfront structures. In addition to lighting walkways for people onboard vessels or walking along the edge of a body of water, marine courtesy lights may also be used to visually signal the location of a vessel or dock to other vessels to facilitate docking or avoid collisions.

[0005] In boat applications, marine courtesy lights are often configured for low surface mounting along the side of a cabin or deck. Likewise, in shore applications, marine lights are often surface mounted low on a seawall or on the ground at a pier or dock.

[0006] In either case, the relatively low position of the lighting reduces its lighting effectiveness due to the reduced angular distribution of the lighting. This increases the likelihood of damage from being struck by other vessels and / or reduces the level of illumination for those walking nearby and / or may reduce the aesthetic effect provided. Summary of the invention

[0007] In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings of existing marine lighting, it is desirable to provide a marine lighting assembly that improves existing systems or provides consumers with an alternative choice.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a marine lighting assembly is provided, which is configured to be installed together with a marine handrail, the marine handrail includes an opening on the outer surface of the handrail leading to the interior of the handrail, and the lighting assembly includes: a mounting member, which is configured to be connected to the outer surface of the handrail at a position covering the handrail opening, the mounting member including an outer side configured to face away from the handrail and a lower side configured to face the handrail; at least one sealing component, which can be located between the lower side of the mounting member and the outer surface of the handrail, for preventing water from entering between the mounting member and the outer surface of the handrail; a lighting device, which is connected to the mounting member and can be inserted through the handrail opening, the lighting device is configured to be located inside the handrail and provide light through the lighting opening on the outer side of the mounting member.

[0009] The present invention advantageously provides a marine lighting assembly that can be mounted in conjunction with a marine handrail or similar tubular structure in a marine environment. Thus, the present invention allows for the installation of lighting at an elevated location, as compared to prior systems that are configured for low-level mounting on the deck or side of a cabin. The elevated location of a marine handrail, such as a handrail around a boat deck or alongside a seawall, can increase illumination for those walking close to the handrail and improve visibility at a distance, thereby reducing the likelihood of a boat collision. Additionally, the use of a marine handrail as a lighting location can improve the aesthetics of a boat or land structure, such as a pier, seawall, etc.

[0010] The assembly of the present invention is configured to provide a strong seal against water and salt ingress. In particular, the assembly is configured to prevent water and salt from ingress into a handrail opening into which the lighting device is inserted. The mounting piece is configured to cover the handrail opening, and the sealing member is positioned to again seal against water and salt ingress between the mounting piece and the handrail.

[0011] The mounting member may be of relatively flat or plate-like construction so as to be inconspicuous when mounted to the handrail. The mounting member may be configured to protrude only slightly from the outer surface of the handrail. For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, the outer side of the mounting member may be raised about 2-4 mm from the outer surface of the handrail. In a particular embodiment, the outer side of the mounting member may be raised about 3.2 mm from the outer surface of the handrail.

[0012] The lighting assembly can be configured for use with handrails of various sizes and diameters. In a particular embodiment, the lighting assembly is configured for use with a marine handrail or tube having a diameter ranging from about 19 mm to 32 mm. In a particular embodiment, the lighting assembly is configured for use with a circular opening in a handrail or tube having a diameter of about 15 mm or less. In a particular embodiment, the lighting assembly is configured for use with a circular opening in a handrail or tube having a diameter of about 14.4 mm.

[0013] The lighting assembly of the present invention is suitable for mounting on a marine handrail, but can also be mounted on other structures, such as a marine bimini frame. Therefore, the marine lighting assembly of the present invention can also be configured to be mounted at the opening of a bimini frame or a hollow guardrail or railing. The assembly can be configured to be mounted on a tubular structure, such as a tubular handrail or bimini frame, but can also be configured to be mounted on a non-tubular structure, such as a square-section handrail or guardrail.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present invention, the mounting member includes a protrusion extending from the underside of the mounting member and insertable into the handrail opening. According to this embodiment, the mounting member may include a portion covering the outside of the handrail and a portion (protrusion) inserted into the handrail opening. The shape and / or size of the protrusion may correspond to the handrail opening. For example, the handrail opening and the protrusion may be circular. The protrusion may be a boss. The diameter of the protrusion may be slightly smaller than the diameter of the handrail opening to facilitate insertion of the protrusion into the opening.

[0015] In one form of the invention, the projection only partially extends through the opening so that the distal end of the projection does not extend into the interior of the handrail. In an alternative form of the invention, the projection is long enough to extend through the handrail opening and into the interior of the handrail.

[0016] In a form of the invention, the lighting opening extends from the outside of the mounting member and passes centrally through the projection. The projection may thus be a hollow structure, whereby the hollow centre of the projection forms part of the lighting opening.

[0017] The lighting opening may include an outer end located outside the mounting member and an inner end located inside the handrail. In a form of the invention, the lighting device is connected to the protrusion at the inner end of the lighting opening. The inner end of the lighting opening is adjacent to or in the same position as the distal end of the protrusion.

[0018] The protrusion and the lighting device may be connected at a position inside the mounting member. The connection between the lighting device and the protrusion may be a non-detachable or permanent connection, such as by adhesive or welding, or the lighting device and the mounting member may be integrally formed.

[0019] Alternatively, the lighting device may be removably connected to the protrusion. This may provide the advantage of facilitating the servicing, repair or replacement of either the lighting device or the mounting without affecting the other. This may also facilitate the adjustment or replacement of the lighting device to emit a different color of light. For example, the lighting device may be replaced with a lighting device configured to emit a different color of light, or retrofitted with a tinted lens to change the color of the light emitted. Likewise, the removable connection between the lighting device and the protrusion may allow the lighting device to be replaced with a lighting device of a different brightness, if desired.

[0020] The detachable connection between the protrusion and the lighting device can adopt a variety of structures, such as a threaded connection, a bayonet connection, a snap connection, a latch connection, a clamp connection or an interference connection. In a specific form of the invention, the lighting device is connected to the protrusion by a threaded engagement. More specifically, the protrusion may include an internal thread that engages with an external thread at the end of the lighting device. The external thread may be provided on a boss portion of the lighting device.

[0021] As mentioned above, the protrusion may include a variety of shapes or configurations and may be configured to correspond to the shape of the handrail opening. In a form of the invention, the protrusion has a circular configuration and includes a central boss extending from the underside of the mounting member.

[0022] The mount may be configured to connect to handrails of various shapes or sizes. Alternatively, the mount may be configured to connect to a handrail of a specific shape or size. For example, the mount may be configured to fit a tubular handrail of a specific diameter. The underside of the mount may be shaped to correspond to the shape of the outer surface of the handrail. For example, the assembly may be configured for use with a tubular or curved outer surface of a handrail, in which case the underside of the mount may have a corresponding curvature. This configuration may advantageously allow the mount to partially "wrap" circumferentially around the exterior of the mount, thereby maintaining an interface between the mount and the handrail, facilitating a seal between the handrail and the underside of the mount.

[0023] In a form of the invention, the mounting member has an elongated profile having a length direction and a width direction and is thereby configured to be mounted with a tubular handrail such that the length direction is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handrail. In this configuration, the underside of the mounting member may be curved along its width direction so as to correspond to the curvature of the outer surface of the handrail.

[0024] The mounting member may include any suitable structure or shape suitable for connection (i.e., mounting) to the handrail or slender structure. In a form of the invention, a portion of the lighting device can be received within a portion of the mounting member, so that the mounting member can be used as a housing and is convenient for installation or connection to the outer surface of the handrail. For example, a portion of the assembly can be located or "housed" within a portion of the mounting member. In a form of the invention, the lighting assembly includes a lens, which is housed within the mounting member, and in particular, is housed in a lighting opening extending through the mounting member.

[0025] It should be understood that while the mounting is suitable for installation with a marine handrail, it can also be used in non-marine applications and installed with structures other than handrails. For example, the assembly can be installed within other hollow structures, such as roadside guardrails or fence rails, or as part of a wall structure.

[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, the sealing component is located in one or more grooves provided on the underside of the mounting member. The sealing component can be installed in the groove so as to correctly position the sealing component in the desired position and promote its sealing operation. The sealing component can include a gasket or an O-ring. The sealing component can be made of a resiliently deformable material such as rubber.

[0027] In a particular form of the invention, the sealing member comprises a rubber gasket including an outer ring portion which may be adjacent to the periphery of the mounting member and an inner ring portion which may be adjacent to the periphery of the handrail opening. The inner ring portion may be configured to be positioned in a groove around the root (i.e., proximal end) of the protrusion. The inner ring portion may be configured to surround the edge of the handrail opening.

[0028] The inner and outer ring portions of the sealing component can advantageously provide two levels of resistance to water ingress into the handrail opening. In particular, the outer ring portion can be configured to provide a first level of resistance to water penetration, and the inner ring portion can be configured to provide a second level of resistance to water penetration. The outer ring portion can be located near the peripheral edge of the mounting member, thereby preventing water from entering between the peripheral edge of the mounting member and the handrail. In the event that water ingress exceeds the outer ring portion, the inner ring portion can serve as a second line of defense against water ingress into the handrail opening. This configuration advantageously provides a high level of water and salt resistance that is not available (nor necessary) in indoor lighting fixtures.

[0029] In a form of the invention, both the mount and the outer ring portion of the washer have an oblong profile (also known as a stadium profile).

[0030] In a form of the invention, the mounting member is removably connected to the outer surface of the handrail to facilitate maintenance and / or changing the color of the lighting device. In a form of the invention, the mounting member includes two or more fastener openings extending between the outer side of the mounting member and the underside of the mounting member, and the fastener openings are configured to receive fasteners for connecting the mounting member to the outer surface of the handrail. The fastener openings may include countersunk bolt openings, and the assembly further includes two or more bolts configured to be countersunk mounted on the outer side of the mounting member. This configuration can provide a desirable "flush" effect, whereby there are no protrusions on the outer side of the mounting member, which may create hook points if the handrail is used to tie down marine ropes, etc.

[0031] In another form of the invention, the mounting member may be connected to the handrail by rivets, adhesive or other non-detachable attachment means.

[0032] In a form of the invention, the assembly has at least one line of symmetry. The lighting opening may be located approximately in the center of the mount. For example, the mount may have a symmetrical structure with a line of symmetry extending through the center of the lighting opening. The lighting opening may include a conical portion that narrows from the outside of the mount toward the underside of the mount. In a particular form of the invention, the conical portion has a cone angle of 50°, corresponding to a beam angle of 50°.

[0033] In a particular form of the invention, the lighting assembly includes a lens located at the light emitting end of the lighting device. The lens can be configured to diffuse light and prevent water from entering the lighting assembly. The assembly may include a sealing member located between the lens and a seat portion of the mount. The sealing member may include an O-ring located between the lens and the seat portion. The seat portion may include a rounded shoulder located at the lighting opening and located inside the protrusion.

[0034] The lighting device can have a variety of configurations, which can depend on the intended use of the lighting assembly. For example, a particular lighting device can be selected based on an application that requires a particular color or lighting intensity. In a form of the invention, the lighting device includes a body having a light emitting element. The light emitting element may include a light emitting diode (LED). The body may include a heat sink that is located inside the handrail during use. The body may have a generally cylindrical profile. The body may have a cylindrical profile having a diameter similar to or slightly smaller than the diameter of the protrusion so that the body can be inserted into the interior of the handrail through the handrail opening.

[0035] The lighting device may be configured to allow for consumer selected color variations. For example, the lighting device may include an adjustable LED device that allows different colors of light to be emitted from the same device. Alternatively, the assembly may be configured to allow a user to disconnect a single color lighting device and replace it with a single color lighting device of a different color.

[0036] In one form of the invention, the lighting device is battery powered and includes an internal battery for generating power to the light emitting elements. In an alternative form of the invention, the lighting device includes a power cable configured to be connected through the interior of the handrail to a power source and / or one or more lighting devices of other lighting assemblies mounted in series along the handrail.

[0037] The power source may include a mains power source. For example, each lighting assembly in the handrail may be hardwired to the mains power source via a power cable connected along the interior of the handrail. The power cable may be cut and reconnected at each lighting assembly. In an alternative embodiment, each lighting assembly may be connected to one or more other lighting assemblies in the handrail via a detachable waterproof plug.

[0038] The power cable may be configured to allow it to be fed through a handrail using a magnetic arrangement. For example, the front side of the power cable may be fitted with a magnet and passed through an opening in the handrail into the interior of the handrail. Another magnet may be located on the exterior of the handrail and dragged along the exterior of the handrail while magnetically engaging the interior magnet, thereby pulling the power cable along the desired path through the handrail. Installing the power cable via magnetic tracing may be particularly advantageous when the power cable needs to be passed through a junction of a handrail and where the use of a flexible cable feed component such as a "yellow tongue" may not be suitable.

[0039] In a form of the invention, the mounting piece is made of a stainless steel material containing molybdenum. For example, the mounting piece can be made of SAE 316 marine grade stainless steel. In order to match existing marine handrail materials and due to its relatively high strength, the use of marine stainless steel may be ideal. However, it should be understood that various alternative materials can also be used. In a form of the invention, the mounting piece is made of another corrosion-resistant metal material such as aluminum, bronze, brass, copper, or a combination thereof, or an alloy of one or more of these materials. In an alternative form of the invention, the mounting piece can be made of a non-metallic corrosion-resistant material (such as a polymer material).

[0040] Another aspect of the present invention may be directed to a method for installing the above-mentioned marine lighting assembly. For example, a method for installing a marine lighting assembly according to any one of the preceding claims on a marine handrail comprises the following steps: forming a circular opening in the marine handrail; forming a pair of fastener holes on opposite sides of the circular opening; positioning a mounting piece of the marine lighting assembly to cover the handrail opening and thereby inserting the lighting device into the interior of the handrail with the sealing component of the lighting assembly located between the handrail and the underside of the mounting piece; and connecting the mounting piece to the handrail by fasteners engaged with the fastener holes.

[0041] In a specific embodiment of the method, the step of forming a circular opening on a marine handrail includes the following steps: attaching a clamp to the handrail, the clamp being configured to guide a rotary cutting or drilling tool; and forming a circular opening on the handrail using the rotary cutting or drilling tool guided by the clamp.

[0042] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lighting arrangement comprising two or more lighting devices as described above. A lighting assembly is mounted on a marine handrail and connected by a power cable extending through the interior of the handrail, the power cable also extending through the interior to a power source to provide power for the lighting devices of the two or more lighting assemblies. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] In order to more fully understand the present invention, embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0044] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a lighting assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A side view of a lighting assembly;

[0046] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the lighting assembly;

[0047] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A bottom view of a lighting assembly;

[0048] Figure 5 It is taken along the section marked AA Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a lighting assembly;

[0049] Figure 6 It is installed on the armrest Figure 1 A top view of a lighting assembly;

[0050] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A side view of the lighting assembly installation;

[0051] Figure 8 It is taken along the section marked DD Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the lighting assembly installation; and

[0052] Fig. 9 It is taken along the section marked CC Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the lighting assembly installation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective view and a side view of a marine lighting assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention are provided, respectively. Figure 6-9 As shown, the assembly 10 is configured to be installed with a marine handrail 12 .

[0054] The assembly 10 includes a mounting member 14 including an outer side 16 and an underside 18. The mounting member is generally oblong in profile and includes a pair of opposed curved ends 20 and a pair of straight sides 22 extending between the curved ends 20. The mounting member 14 is elongated and has a length direction L and a width direction W. The mounting member 14 includes a pair of bolt openings 24 spaced apart along the length direction L and located on opposite sides of a central lighting opening 26. A pair of countersunk bolts 28 are received in the bolt openings 24 and are used to connect the mounting member to the handrail 12, which will be discussed in further detail later.

[0055] The mounting member 14 in the illustrated embodiment is configured for use with a tubular handrail. Figure 2As shown, the mounting member 14 is curved along the width direction W to correspond and conform to the curvature of the tubular handrail. It should be understood that the mounting member 14 can have other configurations, including a non-curved configuration, if it is to be used with a different handrail (e.g., a non-tubular handrail). Figure 2 As shown (also as Fig. 9 As shown), the outer side 16 and the lower side 18 are bent along the width direction W. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the underside 18 is shown as having a curvature of 31.8 mm in diameter and is thus configured to fit onto a 31.8 mm diameter (1 1 1 / 4 inch) handrails. The mounting member 14 can be configured for use with popular or standard size handrails, such as 3 / 4 inch, 1 inch, and 1 / 4 inch diameter handrails. 1 / 4 inch handrail, however, it should be understood that the present invention may be used with various other handrail diameters or configurations, in which case the curvature of the mounting member 12 may be configured as desired.

[0056] The mounting member 14 may have a curvature equal to the curvature of the intended handrail. For example, the assembly 10 may be sold for use with a tubular handrail of a particular diameter, and the assembly 10 may be provided with a mounting member 14 having a curvature corresponding to the particular handrail diameter. For example, referring briefly to Fig. 9 The curvature of the underside 18 of the mounting member 14 generally corresponds to the curvature of the armrest 12 .

[0057] Back to Figure 2 The assembly 10 also includes a lighting device including an LED device 30 having a cylindrical body 32 including a heat sink 35 and a power cable 34 extending from a lower end of the body 32. The LED device 30 is connected to the mounting member 14, and in particular is detachably connected to a circular protrusion 36 (i.e., a boss) that forms part of the mounting member 14 and is located at a central position on the lower side 18 of the mounting member.

[0058] The assembly 10 also includes a sealing member which is Figure 2 Partially shown in Figure 3 is best shown in the. Figure 3 , provides an exploded view of the assembly 10. The sealing component includes a rubber gasket 38 having an oblong outer ring portion 40 and a circular inner ring portion 42.

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown, which provides an underside view of the assembly 10, the gasket 38 is received in a corresponding gasket groove 48 of the mount underside 18. The gasket outer ring portion 40 extends adjacent the peripheral edge of the mount 14 and the inner ring portion 40 extends around the circular protrusion 36.

[0060] Figure 3The exploded view in FIG. 1 also shows a lens 44 and an O-ring 46, which are respectively located between the LED device 30 and the mounting member 14, and will be referred to as Figure 5 This is discussed in further detail.

[0061] Steering Figure 5 , provides along Figure 2 A side cross-sectional view of the assembly 10 taken at section AA is shown. This view shows the gasket 38 received within a gasket groove including an outer race groove 49 that receives the gasket outer race portion 40 and an inner race groove 51 that receives the gasket inner race portion 42.

[0062] from Figure 5 It will also be appreciated that the countersunk configuration of the bolt 28 provides a relatively smooth or "flush" surface to the outside 16 of the mounting member, which advantageously reduces the possibility of undesirable snagging or damage to marine ropes or ties. In some applications, a mounting member that is elevated above the outer surface of the handrail can provide a mounting point to prevent ropes tied to the handrail from undesirably sliding along the handrail.

[0063] Figure 5 A central axis C is marked in FIG. 1 and extends centrally through the lighting opening 26, centrally through the circular protrusion 36, and centrally through the LED device 30. The central axis C also extends centrally through the O-ring 46 and the lens 44, which are positioned in the assembly 10 as shown in FIG. Figure 5 In particular, it can be seen that the protrusion 36 has a hollow structure so that the central lighting opening 26 extends through the protrusion 36 to the light emitting end 50 of the LED device 30. The LED device 30 includes a light emitting element, which includes an LED 52 located at the light emitting end 50, and the light emitting element is also located on the central axis C.

[0064] The lens 44 and the O-ring 46 are located within the central cavity of the protrusion 36. More specifically, the O-ring 46 abuts against a seat portion that includes a shoulder 54 located within the interior of the protrusion 36. The lens 44 is located between the O-ring 46 and an end face 56 of the LED device 30. The O-ring 46 is located between the shoulder 54 and the lens 44.

[0065] When the LED device 30 is screwed into the protrusion 36 to removably connect the LED device 30 and the mount 12, the lens 44 and the O-ring 46 are both pressed against the shoulder 54 by the end face 56 of the LED device 30. As shown, the LED device 30 includes a boss portion 64 at its light emitting end 50. The boss portion 64 provides an external thread 58 that engages with the internal thread 60 of the protrusion 36. Thus, the LED device 30 is removably connected to the protrusion 36 at the inner end 62 of the lighting opening 26.

[0066] like Figure 54, the LED device 30 is shown in a tightened position, wherein the LED device 30 has been screwed into the protrusion 36 (driving the lens 44 toward the O-ring 46) until the O-ring 46 is pressed against the shoulder 54, and the resiliency of the O-ring 46 prevents further tightening of the LED device 30. The compression (and some elastic deformation) of the O-ring 46 provides a seal to prevent water from entering from the outside 16 of the mount 14 through the lighting opening 26. This seal prevents water from entering the outer edge of the lens 44 and prevents or stops water from contacting the LED 52.

[0067] When the LED device 30 is in Figure 5 In the tightened position shown, a small gap 66 is left between the distal end 63 of the protrusion and the shoulder 68 on the LED device body 32. In some applications, a sealant may be applied to the gap 66 to provide greater resistance to water or salt ingress.

[0068] The lighting opening 26 includes a conical portion 64 that narrows from the outside 16 of the mounting member to the underside 18 of the mounting member. Figure 5 As shown, the conical portion 64 has a cone angle of 50°, corresponding to a beam angle of 50°. It should be understood that the conical portion 64 can have different cone angles to provide different beam angles, which can be selected based on the specific application required for the lighting assembly 10.

[0069] Still reference Figure 5 , showing the outer ring portion 40 of the washer extending around the periphery of the mounting member 14. The outer ring portion 40 surrounds the bolt 28, the inner ring portion 42 and the protrusion 36. The inner ring portion 42 surrounds the protrusion 36. In particular, the inner ring portion 42 is located at the root 82 of the protrusion 36 opposite the distal end 62 of the protrusion. Regarding the operation of the inner ring 42 and the outer ring portion 40 of the washer, reference will be made later. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 Provide explanation.

[0070] Go to Figure 6-9 , the assembly 10 is shown installed with a tubular marine handrail 12 to further illustrate the assembly 10 in this operating / installation environment.

[0071] Figure 6 and Figure 7 1 and 2 show exterior views (plan and side views, respectively) of the assembly 10 installed in the handrail 12, with only the mounting member 14, the central lighting opening 26 and the bolt 28 visible. Figure 6 It can be seen that the width of the mounting member 14 is smaller than the diameter of the handrail 12. Figure 7 As shown, the thickness of the mounting member 14 is relatively small to minimize its protrusion from the outer surface 13 of the handrail 12. In a particular embodiment, the outer side 16 of the mounting member 14 is raised from the handrail surface 13 by 3.2 millimeters.

[0072] Figure 8 is along Figure 6 Side sectional view taken from the middle DD section, Fig. 9 is along Figure 7 End section view taken along section CC.

[0073] Reference Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The handrail 12 includes a tubular wall 70 providing an outer surface 13 and an inner surface 72 surrounding an inner portion 74 of the handrail. The handrail 12 includes a circular opening 76 through which the LED device 30 is inserted when installed; Figure 8 and Fig. 9 In the installed configuration shown, the opening is occupied by the projection 36. The handrail 12 also includes a pair of fastener apertures including bolt holes 78 located on opposite sides of the circular opening 76 and receiving the bolts 28.

[0074] The opening 76 may be formed by a rotary tool such as a hole saw, drill, or the like. As part of the process, a jig (not shown) may be used to achieve the desired placement of the bolt hole 78 and the circular opening 76. For example, a jig may be removably secured to the handrail, the jig including a template corresponding to the relative positions of the bolt hole 78 and the circular opening 76. The template may be used to mark the desired locations of the circular opening 76 and the bolt hole 78, or alternatively, a rotary tool may be used to drill or cut holes in the template while the template is still attached to the handrail 12. In either case, the jig may facilitate the proper positioning of the bolt hole 78 and the circular opening 76 so that when the mount is attached to the handrail 12, the protrusion 36 and the bolt opening 24 of the mount will be aligned with the circular handrail opening 76 and the bolt hole 78, respectively.

[0075] like Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, the bolt 28 extends through the bolt opening 24 on the mounting member 14 and engages with the bolt hole 78 on the handrail 12 to connect the mounting member 14 to the handrail 12. For example, the bolt 28 may include an external thread that engages with the internal thread in the bolt hole 78. The mounting member 14 covers the bolt hole 78 and the circular opening 76, and the protrusion 36 is inserted into the circular opening 76. The diameter of the protrusion 36 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the circular opening 76, so a small annular gap 80 is left between the circumferential edge of the protrusion 36 and the edge of the circular opening 76.

[0076] The inner ring portion 42 of the gasket is located outside of the gap 80 and forms a seal to prevent water from entering the handrail interior 74 through the gap 80. The outer ring portion 40 of the gasket prevents water and salt from entering under the mounting member 14 and provides a primary seal to prevent water from entering through the gap 80. If water and salt do enter beyond the outer ring portion 40, the inner ring portion will provide a secondary seal to prevent entry through the gap 80.

[0077] This particular configuration may advantageously provide the lighting assembly 10 with an Ingress Protection (IP) rating of 68, according to international standard IEC 60529. It should be appreciated that IP68 represents maximum protection against dust ingress and represents complete protection against water ingress when immersed in water.

[0078] As shown, the threaded connection between the protrusion 36 and the LED device 30 is located in the handrail interior 74. Therefore, the connection (and the LED device 30) is protected from water and salt in the interior 74 by the gasket 38 and the O-ring 46 that prevents water from entering through the central lighting opening 26.

[0079] It should be understood that the assembly 10 can be removed from the handrail 12 by the bolts 28, and the LED device 30 can also be removed from the mounting member 14 by the threaded connection. Disassembly of the assembly 10 allows for repair or replacement of certain components. Removal of the LED device 30 from the mounting member 14 allows for replacement or adjustment of the LED device 30, such as replacing the LED device 30 with another LED device having a different light color or different light intensity. Disassembly of the LED device 30 also allows access to the lens 44, which can be used to adjust the beam characteristics or color.

[0080] Still reference Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , the length of the LED device body 32 is small enough to be installed in the interior 74 of the handrail. For illustrative purposes, the power cable 34 is shown as terminating in the interior 74, but in use, the power cable 34 extends from the LED device body 32 and can be fed along the interior 74 of the handrail 12 to additional lighting assemblies 10 installed in the same handrail 12. Multiple lighting assemblies 10 can be installed in series along the handrail 12, receiving power from the same cable 34. The cable 34 can be further extended to a power source away from at least some (and possibly all) of the lighting assemblies 10. For example, the power cable can be extended through the interior of the handrail, as close to the power outlet as possible, whereby the cable exits the handrail 12 and is electrically connected to a lighting controller connected to the power outlet and / or directly connected to the power outlet.

[0081] It should be understood that, in particular, Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As can be seen from the figure, the component 10 includes two symmetry lines, and is particularly symmetrical in the length direction and the width direction. Figure 2 The AA section shown is symmetrical in its width direction (i.e. Figure 5 The central axis C) shown is also symmetrical.

[0082] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It should be understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0083] The terms "comprise", "comprises", "comprised" or "comprising" used in this specification (including the claims) should be interpreted as specifying the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but not excluding the presence of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

Claims

1. A marine lighting assembly configured to be mounted with a marine handrail, the marine handrail comprising an opening on an outer surface of the handrail leading to an interior of the handrail, the lighting assembly comprising: a mounting member configured to be connected to an outer surface of the armrest at a position covering an opening of the armrest, the mounting member including an outer side configured to face away from the armrest and a lower side configured to face toward the armrest; at least one sealing member, which may be located between the underside of the mounting member and the outer surface of the handrail, for preventing water from entering between the mounting member and the outer surface of the handrail; and A lighting device connected to the mounting member and insertable through the handrail opening, the lighting device being configured to be located inside the handrail and provide light through the lighting opening outside the mounting member.

2. The lighting assembly of claim 1, wherein the mounting member comprises a protrusion extending from the underside and insertable into the handrail opening.

3. The lighting assembly of claim 2, wherein the protrusion is configured to extend through the handrail opening and into the interior of the handrail.

4. A lighting assembly according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the lighting opening extends from the outside of the mounting member and centrally passes through the protrusion.

5. A lighting assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 4, the lighting device being connected to the protrusion at an inner end of the lighting opening.

6. The lighting assembly of claim 5, the protrusion and the lighting device being connected at a location inside the mounting member.

7. A lighting assembly according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the lighting device is detachably connected to the protrusion.

8. The lighting assembly of claim 7, the lighting device being connected to the protrusion by a threaded engagement.

9. The lighting assembly of claim 8, the protrusion comprising internal threads that engage with external threads at an end of the lighting device. 10 . The lighting assembly according to claim 7 , wherein the lighting device is connected to the protrusion by a bayonet connection, a snap connection, a latch connection, a clamp connection or an interference connection.

11. A lighting assembly as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 9, the protrusion comprising a central boss extending from an underside of the mount.

12. A lighting assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, the underside of the mounting being shaped to correspond to the shape of the outer surface of the handrail.

13. The lighting assembly of claim 10, configured for use with a tubular or curved handrail exterior surface, and wherein the underside of the mount is curved to correspond to the handrail exterior surface.

14. A lighting assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, the sealing member being located in one or more grooves provided on an underside of the mount.

15. A lighting assembly according to any preceding claim, the sealing member comprising a rubber gasket or an O-ring.

16. The lighting assembly of claim 15, the sealing component comprising a rubber gasket, the rubber gasket comprising an outer ring portion and an inner ring portion, the outer ring portion being adjacent to a periphery of the mounting member, and the inner ring portion being adjacent to a periphery of the handrail opening.

17. A lighting assembly as claimed in claim 16 when dependent on any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein the inner ring portion is arranged to be located in a groove around the base of the projection.

18. A lighting assembly according to claim 16 or 17, the protrusion and the outer ring portion each having an oblong profile.

19. A lighting assembly according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein: The outer ring portion is configured to provide a first level of water penetration resistance, and the inner ring portion is configured to provide a second level of water penetration resistance.

20. The lighting assembly of any of the preceding claims, the mount comprising two or more fastener openings extending between an outer side of the mount and an underside of the mount, the fastener openings being configured to receive fasteners for connecting the mount to the outer surface of the handrail.

21. The lighting assembly of claim 20, the fastener opening comprising a countersunk bolt opening, and the assembly further comprising two or more bolts configured to be countersunk mounted on an outer side of the mount.

22. A lighting assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, the lighting opening being located substantially in the centre of the mounting member.

23. A lighting assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, the lighting opening comprising a conical portion narrowing from an outer side of the mount towards an underside of the mount.

24. A lighting assembly according to any preceding claim, the mounting being removably attachable to the outer surface of the handrail to facilitate servicing and / or changing the colour of the lighting device.

25. A lighting assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a lens at the light emitting end of the lighting device.

26. The lighting assembly of claim 25, comprising a sealing member located between the lens and the seat portion of the mount.

27. A lighting assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, the assembly having at least one line of symmetry.

28. A lighting assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, the lighting device comprising a body having a light emitting element.

29. The lighting assembly of claim 28, the light emitting element comprising an LED.

30. A lighting assembly as claimed in claim 28 or claim 29, the body comprising a heat sink located internally of the handrail in use.

31. The lighting assembly of claim 30, the body having a cylindrical profile.

32. A lighting assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, the lighting device being configured to allow consumer selected colour variation.

33. A lighting assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, the lighting device comprising a power cable configured to be connected to a power source through the interior of the handrail.

34. A lighting assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, the mounting being made of a stainless steel material containing molybdenum.

35. A lighting assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, the mount being made from SAE 316 marine grade stainless steel.

36. A method of installing a marine lighting assembly according to any one of the preceding claims on a marine handrail, comprising the steps of: · forming a circular opening on the marine handrail; forming a pair of fastener holes on opposite sides of the circular opening; Positioning the mounting member of the marine lighting assembly to cover the handrail opening and thereby inserting the lighting device into the interior of the handrail with the sealing member of the lighting assembly located between the handrail and the underside of the mounting member; and - Attaching the mounting member to the handrail via fasteners engaging the fastener holes.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein the step of forming a circular opening in the marine handrail comprises the following steps: Attaching a clamp to the handrail, the clamp being configured for guiding a rotary cutting or drilling tool; • Forming the circular opening in the handrail using the rotary cutting or drilling tool guided by the clamp.

38. A lighting arrangement comprising two or more lighting assemblies according to any one of claims 1 to 35, wherein the two or more lighting assemblies are mounted on a marine handrail and connected by a power cable extending through the interior of the handrail, the power cable also extending through the interior to a power source to provide power to the lighting devices of the two or more lighting assemblies.

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