Sound signalling apparatus

Abstract

A sound signalling apparatus 1 comprises a housing 2, rechargeable batteries (20,fig.5) located within the housing 2, and a circuit (fig.6) mounted on the housing 2 and coupled to the batteries. The c

Description

The present invention relates to sound signalling apparatus and especially, but not solely, apparatus for use in a marine environment. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION All vessels are required by international law to be able to produce sound signals to communicate with other vessels when manoeuvring or in restricted visibility situations, such as fog. These requirements are set out in Rules 34 and 35 and Annex III of the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collision at Sea, colloquially known as the Collision Regulations (or ColRegs). The regulations dictate the pattern, pitch and volume of the signal applicable to specific types of vessels in specific situations (e.g. power vs sail, crossing vs overtaking). Vessels over 20m are required to have fixed installations of sound signalling equipment. On smaller vessels, and especially sailing vessels, fixed installations are impractical and can present a trip and snagging hazard on deck. Therefore, the regulations state that for vessels less than 20m, the sound signalling equipment can be any device that produces the necessary sound signal. There is no requirement for it to be fixed, although some motor boats do have fixed installations, particularly where they have a wheelhouse. Common sound signalling devices that are used on smaller vessels are hand-held air horns that typically have a horn attached to a gas cannister. Pressing the trigger causes gas to escape from the cannister and to pass out through the attached horn, emitting the sound. However, these gas cannister air horns have a number of disadvantages. If the cannister empties during use it requires the gas cannister to be replaced. This is only possible if a spare gas cannister is available on the vessel. Over time the gas cannisters are prone to depressurise during storage. As the cannisters are normally made of steel to be able to withstand the gas pressure within the cannister, there is also the risk of the cannister corroding when stored in a marine environment which can also lead to depressurisation of the cannister. Therefore, an unused cannister that was thought to be full, may in fact be empty or close to empty if it has depressurised during storage. There are also horns with compressed air cannisters that can be recharged with a compressor. Typically, a hand pump, such as a bicycle pump, is used. However, the time for which sound can be emitted from these types of horns is extremely limited and will last only a few minutes when repeated sound signals are required to be made every minute or every two minutes, such as in restricted visibility. In practice, these rechargeable horns sometimes will only emit sound for a few seconds. There is also the disadvantage that, with both types of gas or compressed air cannister, they are required to be held and manually activated by the user each time a sound signal is required. This can be impractical on a sailing vessel when sailing with a reduced crew and especially when sailing single-handed, as one person cannot sail the vessel keeping it under control and operate the air horn at the same time. This can be especially dangerous during periods of restricted visibility when it is important that the crew maintain a good lookout and are alert and in control of the vessel at all times. With the rechargeable air horn, there is the additional disadvantage of the crew being distracted by having to repeatedly recharge the cannister with a hand pump when the crew should be maintaining a watch and keeping the vessel under control. They are also very labour intensive and tiring to keep recharging the cannister using a hand pump. STATEMENT OF INVENTION According to the present invention, there is provided sound signalling apparatus comprising a housing; a power source located within the housing; and a circuit mounted on the housing and coupled to the power source, the circuit comprising: a processor; an audio output device coupled to an output from the processor; a first user input device coupled to an input to the processor; and a memory device coupled to the processor, the memory device storing data corresponding to a number of predetermined sound signals, wherein when the processor receives an input signal from the first user input device, the processor retrieves data from the memory device corresponding to one of the sound signals and in response to the retrieved data outputs an output signal to the audio output device to cause the audio output device to generate the sound signal corresponding to the retrieved data. An advantage of the invention is that it provides electrically powered sound signalling apparatus which is self-contained. It also has the advantage of enabling a number of predetermined sound signals to be stored and one of the sound signals to be output in response to a received user input The memory device and processor may be integrated in the same device, i.e. as part of a microcontroller or “system on a chip”. The output signal from the processor to the audio output device may cause the audio output device to repeatedly generate the sound signal. Preferably, the input signal received by the processor from the first user input device corresponds to the data to be retrieved by the processor from the memory device. In one example of the invention, the first user input device may comprise a first variable resistor, and a voltage detected by the processor across the first variable resistor corresponding to the data to be retrieved from the memory device. Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a second user input device coupled to the processor, wherein the processor outputs the output signal to the audio output device when it receives an input signal from the second user input device. Typically, the second user input device is movable between an OFF position and an ON position, the processor receiving the input signal from the second user input device when the second user input device is moved to the ON position. This feature has the advantage that one of the sound signals can be preselected using the first user input device and the selected sound signal output to the audio output device when the second user input device is moved to the ON position. Typically, the selected sound signal is repeatedly output by the processor to the audio output device until the second user input device is moved from the ON to the OFF position. Alternatively, the second user input device may be a momentary switch which when operated briefly moves from the OFF to the ON position and then back to OFF again. This momentary signal may trigger the start of repeated output of the selected sound. When the switch is momentarily operated again this may act to stop the repeated output of the selected sound. In one example of the invention, the second user input device may comprise a switch movable between the OFF and ON positions. The apparatus may comprise two second user input devices, each second user input device being located on a different section of the housing. The two second user input devices may be momentary switches wired in parallel, or otherwise configured so that operating either switch has the same effect. Preferably, the apparatus further comprises another user input device coupled to the processor, wherein the processor outputs the output signal to the audio output device repeatedly with a time interval between each output signal, the length of the time interval corresponding to an input signal received by the processor from the other user input device. In one example of the invention, the other user input device may comprise a second variable resistor, and a voltage detected by the processor across the second variable resistor corresponding to whether to repeat the sound signal and the length of the time interval between repeated sound signals. Preferably, the input from the other user input device may indicate one or more of: (i) repeat the sound signal at 1 minute intervals; (ii) repeat the sound signal at 2 minute time intervals; and (iii) do not repeat the sound signal. In the case of (iii) this has the practical effect that the processor outputs the output signal to the audio output device only once. In some embodiments a further option may be (iv) sound the horn in a pattern determined by the second input device and not according to a pattern retrieved from the memory. Option (iv) allows the apparatus to be used similar to a known air horn, where a sound will be produced for as long as a momentary switch is held down. Option (iv) may be used for example by race committees, more generally for signalling for purposes other than complying with the Collision Regulations, and may be a useful “default” option to allow a single signal to be made readily and quickly without having to adjust the settings of the first input device. Typically, the power source comprises a battery device, preferably a rechargeable battery. Preferably, the housing is adapted to be handheld by a user, and preferably held in one hand of the user. Typically, the housing comprises a handle, such as a pistol grip. Typically, one of the user input devices, preferably the or at least one of the second input devices, may be in the form of a button that may be pushed by a finger of a user’s hand that is holding the housing. For example, the button may be in the form of a trigger, which may be on the pistol grip if the housing has a pistol grip. Preferably, the housing is adapted to be coupled to an object. The object may be a fixed or movable object. For example, the housing may be adapted to be coupled to a vehicle such as a boat or vessel. The housing may be adapted to be coupled to a rail, such as a handrail, or other fixture attached to the vehicle or object. Typically, the apparatus further comprises a coupling device, the coupling device being adapted to couple the housing to the object. For example, to couple the housing to a rail or other fixture mounted on the object. Preferably, the coupling device is configured to allow rotation of the apparatus with respect to the object to which it is fixed. Preferably, rotation is possible on at least two axes, which are preferably perpendicular to each other. This means that the apparatus can be mounted for example to a guard rail running horizontally along a side of a vessel, or to a stanchion extending vertically from the deck of the vessel, and can be rotated on the coupling device so that it points approximately forwards, to project the sound forwards of the vessel. In some embodiments, the coupling device may facilitate rotation up to 360 degrees about at least one of the axes. The coupling device may include a ratchet device. This enables the housing to be positioned at an appropriate angle or orientation to the object. Typically, the predetermined sound signals comprise at least one maritime sound signal. The at least one maritime sound signal may comprise one or more of: (i) a maritime navigation sound signal; (ii) a maritime warning sound signal; (iii) a maritime manoeuvring sound signal; and (iv) a maritime restricted visibility sound signal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS An example of sound signalling apparatus in accordance with the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a sound signalling apparatus; Figure 2 is a front view of the sound signalling apparatus; Figure 3 is rear view of the sound signalling apparatus; Figure 4 is a plan view of the sound signalling apparatus; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the sound signalling apparatus; Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the circuit for the sound signalling apparatus; and Figure 7 is a perspective view of the sound signalling apparatus mounted on a rail. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Figures 1 to 4 show sound signalling apparatus 1 that includes a housing 2 with a number of user input devices mounted on the housing 2. The user input devices include a trigger button 3, a sound signal selection knob 4, a function selection knob 5 and a top button 6. The housing 2 comprises a handle section 7, in the form of a pistol grip, and a main body section 8. The trigger button 3 is mounted on the handle section 7 where the handle section meets the main body section 8. The main section 8 houses an audio output device in the form of a snail horn 9, which is mounted at the front 10 of the main body section 8. The front 10 has an opening 15 so that sound from the snail horn 9 may be emitted from the housing 2 through the opening 15. The opening 15 may be covered with a sound transparent material ora material that is substantially transparent to sound. That is, only a small percentage of the sound emitted from the snail horn 9 is attenuated by any material used to cover the opening 15. It may be desirable to cover the opening 15 with a suitable material to minimise the risk of debris or foreign objects entering the snail horn 9 through the opening 10. The sound signal selection knob 4 allows selection of a sound signal. The sound signal selection knob 4 is mounted on rear 11 of the main body section 8. The function selection knob 5 controls the sound signal, e.g. to output the sound signal at certain intervals, or to output the signal only once. The function selection knob 5 and the top button 6 are mounted on top 12 of the main body section 8. Also mounted on the top 12 are light indicators for indicating the state of a battery(ies) or power source(s) of the apparatus. In this embodiment, four light emitting diodes (LED) 14 are provided. A charging port 13 is located at the top of the handle section 7 adjacent to where the handle section 7 depends from the main body section 8. As shown in Figure 5, which is a cross-sectional view through the apparatus, located within the housing are rechargeable batteries 20 in the handle section 7 and the snail horn 9 in the main body section 8 adjacent the front 10. Also located in the main body section 8 adjacent the rear 11 is a circuit board 21 which electrically couples the controls 3, 4, 5, 6 mounted on the housing 2 and the snail horn 9 to a processor 22 (see Figure 6) on the circuit board 21 and to the batteries 20. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the circuit used in the apparatus to connect the various components. This circuit comprises the processor 22 which includes a memory device 23 incorporated into the processor 22. The sound selector knob 4 is coupled to a first variable resistor 24, the function selection knob 5 is coupled to a second variable resistor 25, the trigger button is coupled to a first momentary ON / OFF switch 26 and the top button is coupled to a second momentary ON / OFF switch 27 which is wired in parallel to the first momentary ON / OFF switch, so that momentarily operating either one of the first and second switches 26, 27 has the same effect in terms of the signal sent to the processor. The first and second variable resistors 24, 25 are coupled to first and second inputs 29, 30, respectively, of the processor 22. The first and second switches 26, 27 are coupled to a third input 31 of the processor 22. The snail horn 9 is coupled to an output 32 of the processor 22 via a transistor 28. Outputs 33, 34, 35, 36 of the processor 22 are each coupled to one of the LEDs 14. The rechargeable batteries 20 are coupled to the circuit to power the circuit. The charging port 13 is also coupled to the circuit to charge the batteries 20 via an appropriate charging lead. For example, this could be a USB lead with an appropriate plug to match a USB interface used in the charging port 13. This could, for example, be USB-A, USB-C, micro-USB or mini-USB. Any other appropriate charging interface could be used if necessary but there may be benefits to using a commonly used interface. The sound signal selector knob 4 and the function selection knob 5 can each be turned to one of a number of positions. Turning either of the knobs 4, 5 adjusts the respective variable resistor 24, 25 to which it is coupled, thereby changing the voltage input at the respective input 29, 30 to the processor 22. The sound selector knob has thirteen different positions, as shown in Figure 3. Each position corresponds to either a vessel manoeuvring or warning sound signal or a sound signal that a vessel is required to make in restricted visibility conditions. Restricted visibility conditions may be, for example, when visibility is restricted due to weather conditions, such as fog, mist, falling snow, heavy rainstorms, sandstorms or any other similar causes. The thirteen different positions indicated in Figure 3 correspond to specific internationally recognised sound signals, as set out in Rules 34 and 35 of the 1972 Convention on the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea, colloquially known as the Collision Regulations (or ColRegs). These are shown below in Table 1. In the “Corresponding Sound Signal” column , a short blast has a duration of about 1 second and a prolonged blast has duration of from 4 to 6 seconds. Manoeuvre or Warning Corresponding Sound Signal Turn to Starboard 1 short blast Turn to Port 2 short blasts Overtake to Starboard 2 prolonged blasts followed by 1 short blast Overtake to Port 2 prolonged blasts followed by 2 short blasts Engine Operating Astern 3 short blasts Approaching Bend or other vessels obscured 1 prolonged blast Intention Unclear 5 short and rapid blasts Agree to Overtaking Manoeuvre 1 prolonged, 1 short, 1 prolonged, 1 short (in that order) Restricted visibility Last in Tow 1 prolonged, 3 short (repeated at intervals of not more than 2 minutes) At anchor 1 short, 1 prolonged, 1 short (repeated at intervals of not more than 1 minute) Motor Not Making Way 2 prolonged blasts (repeated at intervals of not more than 2 minutes) Motor Making Way 1 prolonged blast (repeated at intervals of not more than 2 minutes) Sailing, Restricted Ability To Manoeuvre (RAM), Not Under 1 prolonged blast, 2 short blasts (repeated at intervals of not more than 2 minutes) Command (NUC), Constrained By Draft (CBD), Towing, Fishing Table 1 Each of the thirteen positions shown in Table 1 is indicated in Figure 3 as reference numerals 51 to 63. The function selection knob 5 has five different positions, as shown in Figure 4. There is an off position 40 and two other positions that correspond to a specific time interval for repeating a sound (1 minute repeats at position 41 or 2 minutes repeats at position 42). In position 43 the sound is only produced once, when the trigger 3 or the top button 6 is pressed. Position 44 provides a “freestyle” function whereby the horn is sounded for as long as one of the switches 26, 27 is held down. This may be used to make signals not specified in the Collision Regulations, for example for racing. The “freestyle” function may also be a useful default position in which to leave the apparatus, so that a single sound signal can readily be made just by operating the trigger, without having to adjust the settings. In use, the sound selector knob 4 is turned to the appropriate position 51 - 63 corresponding to the desired sound signal, as set out above in Table 1. The time interval selector knob is then turned from the OFF position 40 to select whether the sound signal is to be sounded only once (position 43) or if it is to be repeated at a 1 minute interval 41 or a 2 minute interval 42. Then to activate the selected sound signal, either the trigger 3 or the top button 6 is pressed. Pressing the trigger 3 briefly causes the first switch 26 to close and then open again (that is, moves the switch 26 to the ON position and then back off), creating a momentary input voltage on input 31 of the processor 22. Pressing the top button 6 causes the second switch 27 to close and then open again, and has exactly the same effect. An input voltage on input 31 causes the processor to process the input voltage from the first variable resistor 24 that is applied to input 29 of the processor. Based on the input voltage at input 29, the processor selects data from the memory 23 corresponding to the input voltage. The processor then outputs this data to the horn 9 by applying a signal to the base of the transistor 28 to switch the horn 9 on and off to generate the selected sound signal. An input voltage on input 31 also causes the processor to process the input voltage from the second variable resistor 25 that is applied to input 30. The voltage at input 30 corresponds to the position of knob 5. Hence, depending on the voltage at input 30, the processor outputs the signal to the horn 9: (a) once if no repeat is selected on knob 5 (position 43); (b) repeatedly at 1 minute intervals if position 41 is selected; or (c) repeatedly at 2 minute intervals if position 42 is selected. If position 44 is selected, then the processor simply causes the horn to sound when, and for as long as, an input voltage is present on input 31. If one of positions 41 or 42 is selected, the repeated sound can then be stopped by pressing either the trigger 3 or top button 6 again. If position 43 is selected, when the trigger 3 or button 6 is pressed, the sound signal selected by knob 4 is retrieved, and the processor will send the signal to the horn 9 only once, so that the selected sound signal will be generated only once through the horn 9. The LEDs 14 indicate the charge level of the batteries 20. If all four LEDs 14 are illuminated, the batteries are fully charged or nearly fully charged. If only one LED is illuminated, the batteries are nearly discharged and require charging. If none of the LEDs 14 are illuminated, the batteries are discharged. While charging, the LEDs may display a “scrolling” effect to indicate that the battery is being charged. The apparatus 1 can also be mounted on an object so that it can be used in a “hands free” operating mode. This is shown in Figure 7 where a bracket 70 is used to attach the apparatus 1 to a rail 71. The rail 71 may be fixed to a movable or stationary object. For example, if it is fixed to a movable object, the movable object may be a vehicle, such as a boat or vessel. As shown in Figure 7, the bracket 70 is secured to the rail by bolts 72 and nuts 73. The bracket 70 also has a tubular section 74 which is adapted to receive the handle section 7 of the apparatus 1. The handle section 7 can be secured to the tubular section 74 by a sprung plunger 75 on the tubular section 74, which includes a pin which is received into an aperture in the handle section 7, thereby locking and securing the apparatus to the bracket 70. To unmount the apparatus from the object, the sprung plunger 75 is pulled to take a securing pin out, making the apparatus free to slide out of the tubular section 74. When the apparatus 1 is secured in the bracket 70, a selected sound signal 51 - 63 can then be generated by the apparatus by pressing button 6 to activate the apparatus. If the knob 5 is turned to select one of the positions 41 or 42, the apparatus 1 will make the sound signal repeatedly at the desired time interval without a user having to further interact with the apparatus. The user only has to interact with the apparatus again either to press button 6 to stop the sound signal or to turn one of the knobs 4, 5 to change the selected sound signal and / or to change the time interval at which it is repeated. Button 6, on the top of the housing, is located to be conveniently accessible when the apparatus is fixed on its mounting to a part of the vessel, as shown in Figure 7. Trigger button 3 has exactly the same function, but is located on the front of handle 7, to be more conveniently accessible when the device is held in the hand, rather than fixed to the vessel. The invention has the advantage that marine sound signals are stored in the apparatus 1 and can be generated automatically by a user selecting the desired sound on a selector knob. In addition, the selected sound signal can be generated repeatedly at a desired time interval by selecting the appropriate time interval with another user input device. Furthermore, by use of an appropriate bracket, the apparatus 1 can be attached to a fixed object and generate sound signals repeatedly without repeated user interaction. This is particularly useful in a sailing environment where crew are able to concentrate on sailing the boat without having to constantly operate the sound signalling equipment, as may be required in restricted visibility conditions, such as fog, mist, falling snow, heavy rainstorms or sandstorms. In addition, the apparatus has an in-built power source avoiding the need for it to be connected to an external power source during operation. It only needs to be connected to an external power source in order to charge the batteries 20. It is expected that the internal batteries would be able to power the apparatus 1 for at least around 6 hours before requiring to be recharged. The embodiments described above are provided by way of example only, and various changes and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. Handheld sound signalling apparatus comprising a housing; a power source located within the housing; and a circuit mounted on the housing and coupled to the power source, the circuit comprising: a processor; an audio output device5 coupled to an output from the processor; a first user input device coupled to aninput to the processor, a second user input device in the form of a momentary switch, a further user input device coupled to the processor; and a memory device coupled to the processor, the memory device storing data corresponding to a number of predetermined sound signals,10 wherein the processor is adapted to operate in a first mode or a second modeaccording to the input from the further user input device; andwherein when the processor in the first mode receives an input signal from the first user input device, the processor retrieves data from the memory device corresponding to one of the sound signals and in15 response to the retrieved data and in response to operation of themomentary switch outputs an output signal to the audio output device to cause the audio output device to generate the sound signal corresponding to the retrieved data;and wherein the processor in the second mode causes a sound to be20 produced for as long as the momentary switch is held down,wherein the housing includes a pistol grip, and the momentary switch is operated by a trigger on the pistol grip.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output signal from the processor in the first mode to the audio output device causes the audio output device to25 repeatedly generate the sound signal.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the input signal received by the processor from the first user input device corresponds to the data to be retrieved by the processor from the memory device.

4. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the processor in30 the first mode outputs the output signal to the audio output device repeatedlywith a time interval between each output signal, the time interval corresponding to an input signal received by the processor from the further user input device.

5. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the power source comprises a battery device.24 07 256. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the housing is adapted to be coupled to an object.5 7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the other object is a fixed or movableobject.

8. Apparatus according to claim 6 or claim 7, further comprising a coupling device, the coupling device being adapted to couple the housing to the object.

9. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the predetermined 10 sound signals comprise at least one maritime sound signal.

10. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the at least one maritime sound signal comprises one or more of: (i) a maritime navigation sound signal; (ii) a maritime warning sound signal; (iii) a maritime manoeuvring sound signal; (iv) a maritime restricted visibility sound signal; and (v) a maritime distress sound signal.15Application No: GB2410137.0Examiner:Richard KerslakeClaims searched: 1-13Date of search: 27 November 2024Patents Act 1977: Search Report under Section 17Documents considered to be relevant:Category Relevant to claims Identity of document and passage or figure of particular relevance X 1-3 &7-13 US2008 / 0258883 Al (SOLOW) See figures 1-3 and paragraphs 16,17,20-22,35,38,40,42 & 43 X 1-3 &7- 11 US2012 / 0272923 Al (STEPHENS et al.) See figures 1-5 and paragraphs 31,32,53-60 &65 X 1-3 &7- 11 US2012 / 0182126 Al (SIMPSON) See figures 1-3 and paragraphs 20,21,23,24,26 &35 X 1-3 &6-8 US5986540 A (NAKAGAKI et al.) See figures 1 &3 and column 1, lines 4-24; column 1, line 62 - column 2, line 42; column 3, lines 21-67 &column 5, lines 8-45 X 1-5 &7- 13 GB2265235 A (PRICE et al.) See figure 1 and page 1, line 26 - page 2, line 23; page 3, line 7 - page 6, line 6 and page 8, lines 8-10 v A 1-5 &7- 13 US5072362 A (LILIENTHAL) See figures 1 &2 and column 1, line 61 - column 2, line 36 and column 2, line 63 - column 4, line 59Categories:X Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive step A Document indicating technological background and / or state of the art. Y Document indicating lack of inventive step if P Document published on or after the declared priority date but combined with one or more other documents of same category. before the filing date of this invention. & Member of the same patent family E Patent document published on or after, but with priority date earlier than, the filing date of this application.Field of Search:International Classification:Subclass Subgroup Valid From G08B 0003 / 10 01 / 01 / 2006 B63B 0045 / 08 01 / 01 / 2006

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