Target Marker Buoy

Abstract

A marker buoy and system for using the same is disclosed. The marker buoy includes an anchor line and a plurality of panels spaced along the anchor line. The panels are configured to provide a guiding illustration to a user of a sonar imaging device.

1 . A kit for use with sonar imaging equipment, the kit comprising:
 a float;   a cord;   a plurality of sonar-visible panels configured to be connected to the cord; and   an anchor configured to be connected to the end of the cord.   
   
   
       2 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the float is formed in an “H” shape. 
   
   
       3 . The kit of  claim 2 , wherein the panels are configured to fit within the “H” shape of the float such that the panels and float are stackable. 
   
   
       4 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the float is formed in a three-sided shape. 
   
   
       5 . The kit of  claim 4 , wherein the panels are formed in a V-shape and configured to fit over the three-sided float such that the panels and float are stackable. 
   
   
       6 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the panels comprise an opaque plastic material. 
   
   
       7 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the panels comprise a material having a sonar-visible coating. 
   
   
       8 . The kit of  claim 1 , further comprising a second float, a second cord, and a second plurality of sonar-visible panels configured to be connected to the second cord. 
   
   
       9 . A target marking system comprising:
 a plurality of sonar-visible panels; and   a plurality of connectors, each of the connectors permitting one of the panels to be connected to a cord;   wherein the sonar-visible panels are formed such that they can be stacked upon each other.   
   
   
       10 . The target marking system of  claim 9 , further comprising a float configured to be connected to the cord. 
   
   
       11 . The target marking system of  claim 10 , wherein the panels and float are stackable. 
   
   
       12 . The target marking system of  claim 9 , wherein the panels are formed in a flat shape. 
   
   
       13 . The target marking system of  claim 9 , wherein the panels are formed in a V-shape. 
   
   
       14 . The target marking system of  claim 9 , wherein the panels comprise an opaque plastic material. 
   
   
       15 . The target marking system of  claim 9 , wherein the panels comprise a material having a sonar-visible coating. 
   
   
       16 . The target marking system of  claim 9 , wherein the connectors comprise an aperture formed in each panel. 
   
   
       17 . The target marking system of  claim 9 , wherein the connectors comprise a clip configured to attach to the cord and secure the panel to the cord. 
   
   
       18 . A target marking system comprising:
 a cord   a plurality of stackable sonar-visible panels configured to be securely connected to the cord; and   an anchor configured to be secured to an end of the cord.   
   
   
       19 . The target marking system of  claim 18 , further comprising a float configured to be connected to the cord. 
   
   
       20 . The target marking system of  claim 19 , wherein the panels and float are stackable and the float has a weight mounted thereon.