U.S. patent application number 11/963964 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-05 for ornamental lamp assembly.
Invention is credited to Kim Calaway, Kevin Chen, Clay DeGraft, Carlos Grimaldi, Lance Larson, M. Brent Norton, Stephen P. Watts.
Application Number | 20080130273 11/963964 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35510216 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080130273 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Norton; M. Brent ; et
al. |
June 5, 2008 |
ORNAMENTAL LAMP ASSEMBLY
Abstract
An ornamental lamp assembly incorporating a dual housing
structure having an internal protective element that includes a
solar cell and a luminous body, and an external decorative element
to protect functional circuitry from damage sustained as a result
of normal outdoor use.
Inventors: |
Norton; M. Brent; (Provo,
UT) ; Watts; Stephen P.; (Orem, UT) ; Larson;
Lance; (Orem, UT) ; Grimaldi; Carlos; (Orem,
UT) ; Calaway; Kim; (Provo, UT) ; DeGraft;
Clay; (Provo, UT) ; Chen; Kevin; (Pleasant
Grove, UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KIRTON & McCONKIE;1800 Eagle Gate Tower
60 East South Temple Street, P.O. Box 45120
Salt Lake City
UT
84145-0120
US
|
Family ID: |
35510216 |
Appl. No.: |
11/963964 |
Filed: |
December 24, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10866450 |
Jun 11, 2004 |
7311414 |
|
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11963964 |
|
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60478001 |
Jun 12, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
362/122 ;
362/183; 362/191; 445/23 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10S 362/806 20130101;
F21W 2121/00 20130101; G09F 13/04 20130101; F21V 23/0442 20130101;
F21W 2131/10 20130101; A41G 1/005 20130101; F21Y 2115/10 20160801;
B44C 5/005 20130101; B44C 5/06 20130101; F21S 9/037 20130101; F21V
15/04 20130101; F21W 2131/109 20130101; Y02B 20/72 20130101; F21V
21/32 20130101; F21V 15/01 20130101; F21V 21/0824 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
362/122 ;
362/183; 362/191; 445/23 |
International
Class: |
F21S 6/00 20060101
F21S006/00; F21L 4/00 20060101 F21L004/00; B60Q 1/00 20060101
B60Q001/00; H01J 9/02 20060101 H01J009/02 |
Claims
1. An ornamental lamp assembly, comprising: an external decorative
housing; and an internal protective housing that includes a solar
cell and a luminous body, wherein the external decorative housing
surrounds a portion of the internal protective housing.
2. The ornamental lamp assembly of claim 1, further comprising a
reflective element.
3. The ornamental lamp assembly of claim 2, wherein the reflective
element is box-shaped.
4. The ornamental lamp assembly of claim 1, wherein the external
decorative housing comprises at least one aperture over a surface
area of the external decorative housing to disperse light emitted
from the luminous body.
5. The ornamental lamp assembly of claim 1, wherein the internal
protective housing is removably attached to the external decorative
housing.
6. The ornamental lamp assembly of claim 1, wherein the luminous
body is suspended below a top surface of the internal protective
housing.
7. The ornamental lamp assembly of claim 1, wherein the luminous
body is suspended below a top surface of the external decorative
housing.
8. An ornamental lamp assembly, comprising: an internal protective
housing that includes a solar cell and a luminous body; and an
external decorative housing comprising an aperture on an external
surface of the external decorative housing, wherein the aperture
disperses light emitted from the luminous body, and wherein the
external decorative housing surrounds at least a portion of the
internal protective housing so that the external decorative element
is illuminated by the luminous body.
9. The ornamental lamp assembly of claim 8, wherein the aperture is
disposed on a lower surface of the external decorative housing.
10. The ornamental lamp assembly of claim 8, wherein the internal
protective housing is removably attached to the external decorative
housing.
11. The ornamental lamp assembly of claim 8, wherein the internal
protective element is compatible with a variety of shapes
corresponding to the external decorative housing.
12. The ornamental lamp assembly of claim 8, wherein the luminous
body is suspended below a top surface of the internal protective
housing.
13. The ornamental lamp assembly of claim 8, wherein the internal
protective housing further comprises a battery that is operatively
connected to the solar cell and the luminous body to complete a
circuit.
14. A method for making an ornamental lamp assembly, comprising:
providing an internal protective housing that includes a solar cell
and a luminous body; and coupling the internal protective housing
to an external decorative housing so that the external decorative
housing surrounds at least a portion of the internal protective
housing.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising using a reflective
element to reflect light illuminated from the luminous body.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein the external decorative housing
comprises an aperture on a surface area of the external decorative
housing to disperse light emitted from the luminous body.
17. The method of claim 14, wherein the internal protective element
is compatible with a variety of shapes corresponding to the
external decorative housing.
18. The method of claim 14, wherein the luminous body is suspended
below a top surface of the internal protective housing.
19. The method of claim 14, wherein the luminous body comprises an
illuminating diode.
20. The method of claim 14, further comprising operatively
connecting a battery disposed in the internal protective housing to
the solar cell and the luminous body to complete a circuit.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/866,450 filed Jun. 11, 2004, entitled
ORNAMENTAL LAMP ASSEMBLY, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/478,001 filed Jun. 12, 2003,
entitled ORNAMENTAL SOLAR-POWERED LAMP AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING THE
SAME. Both incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to ornamental lights, and more
particularly to solar-powered ornamental lights for indoor and/or
outdoor use.
[0004] 2. Background and Related Art
[0005] Photovoltaic cells, commonly termed "solar cells," are well
known in the art. Solar lamps utilize solar cells to collect solar
energy and convert such energy to electricity to illuminate the
lamp. Solar lamps typically comprise at least one solar cell, a
battery, and a luminous body contained within a housing. The solar
cell, battery and luminous body comprise a circuit wherein the
solar cell collects sun light and converts solar energy to
electricity, the battery stores the electricity, and the luminous
body uses the stored electricity to illuminate the solar lamp and
surrounding area. A light sensor may be attached to the lamp to
enable or disable the electrical connection between the battery and
the luminous body, depending on the availability and magnitude of
external light.
[0006] As a solar lamp's luminescence depends on the lamp's ability
to harvest sunlight, the location and position of the solar cell is
paramount to the lamp's effectiveness. Traditionally, solar lamps
fix a solar cell on top of a housing in a horizontal position
relative ground level. The solar cell is thus exposed and
unobstructed to maximize the level of sunlight received throughout
the day. Despite its utilitarian benefits, this structure
substantially increases the likelihood that the solar panel or
other sensitive components may sustain substantial and/or
irreparable damage as a result of normal use, especially if used
outdoors. Although the housing implemented in connection with such
a structure may alleviate the risk of damage to internal
components, damage to the solar cell will likely render the entire
solar lamp inoperable. Replacement of a solar lamp thus damaged is
likely to be both costly and inconvenient.
[0007] In addition, the manufacture and assembly processes required
to implement a solar lamp having such a large number of
independent, complex elements is likely to be complicated, time
consuming and expensive. As each independent element of the solar
lamp assembly is likely to be packaged together but unassembled,
there is also a substantial likelihood that one or more elements
may incur damage from mishandling or improper storage before
purchase.
[0008] Traditional lamp assemblies, both solar and electrically or
otherwise powered, are also limited in their aesthetic appeal after
purchase. Although traditional lamp assemblies include ornamental
features that may be desirable for use in a certain location or in
connection with a certain event, it is often desirable to be able
to modify the appearance of such ornamental features so that the
lamp may be used in more than one location or in connection with
more than one event. Such adaptability is particularly desirable as
it relates to changing seasons and specific holidays. Indeed, a
unitary lamp having ornamentation that may be selectively modified
or interchanged to correspond to a new season or holiday requires
much less space and expense than the variety of bulky holiday
decorations typically found in residential garages and basements.
Moreover, the functional benefits of a lamp are often desired
regardless of any particular occasion. Selectively interchangeable
ornamentation may enable a lamp to adapt to any occasion without
impairing its general use.
[0009] Accordingly, what is needed is an ornamental lamp assembly
that effectively protects a solar circuit, thereby reducing both
the need to replace and/or repair the lamp and the costs associated
therewith. Further what is needed is an ornamental lamp assembly
that facilitates replacement of the battery without disturbing more
sensitive components of the circuit. What is also needed is an
ornamental lamp assembly that facilitates manufacture and assembly
of the lamp while reducing the likelihood of damage before
purchase. Finally, what is needed is an ornamental lamp assembly
that enables the decorative effect of the lamp to be easily and
inexpensively varied as desired to enhance and/or alter the look
and feel of the area in which the lamp is located.
[0010] The present invention overcomes the foregoing and other
disadvantages of the prior art by providing a novel and improved
ornamental lamp assembly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention is an ornamental lamp assembly that
utilizes a dual housing to protect the internal components and
circuitry of the lamp while facilitating a selectively varied
decor. Specifically, the ornamental lamp assembly of the present
invention comprises a mount portion and a dual housing removably
attached to the mount portion. The dual housing may incorporate an
external decorative element and an internal protective element. An
internal protective element functions to retain at least a portion
of a functional circuit used to illuminate the lamp. In one
embodiment, an internal protective element retains at least a
portion of a solar circuit comprising at least one solar cell, a
battery, and a luminous body. Preferably, the internal protective
element houses the solar cell and luminous body and is operatively
connected to the battery such that the battery may be removed and
replaced without disturbing the more sensitive components of the
solar circuit contained within the internal protective element.
[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, the
external decorative element is independent of both the internal
protective element and the mount portion such that the external
decorative element may be easily interchanged with another external
decorative element having unique features. In this manner, the
decorative effect of the lamp may be selectively and inexpensively
changed to enhance or alter the look and feel of the area in which
it is located.
[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, the
mount portion incorporates ornamental features and effects to
complement the dual housing. In certain embodiments, the mount
portion may include a stake for mounting the ornamental lamp
outdoors in the ground. The mount portion may incorporate an
annular recess to receive the battery component of the solar
circuit such that when the internal protective element is connected
to the mount portion, the battery is operatively connected to the
functional circuitry contained within the internal protective
element, thus completing the circuit.
[0014] An object of the present invention is to provide an
ornamental lamp assembly that minimizes the likelihood of damage to
components of the circuitry to reduce costs associated with
repairing and/or replacing the ornamental lamp.
[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
ornamental lamp assembly that facilitates replacement of the
battery without disturbing more sensitive components of the
circuitry.
[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
ornamental lamp assembly that facilitates manufacture and assembly
of the lamp while reducing a likelihood of damage before
purchase.
[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
ornamental lamp assembly that enables the decorative effect of the
lamp to be easily and inexpensively varied as desired to enhance
and/or alter the look and feel of the area in which the lamp is
located.
[0018] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will be set forth or will become more fully apparent in
the description that follows. The features and advantages may be
realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations
particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Furthermore, the
features and advantages of the invention may be learned by the
practice of the invention or will be obvious from the description,
as set forth hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The foregoing and other objects and features of the present
invention will become more fully apparent from the following
description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict
only typical embodiments of the invention and are, therefore, not
to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be
described and explained with additional specificity and detail
through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ornamental lamp assembly
in accordance with certain embodiments of the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the ornamental lamp
assembly of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 3 is an isolated cross-sectional view of the dual
housing component of the ornamental lamp assembly of FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 4 is an isolated cross-sectional view of the mount
portion of the ornamental lamp assembly of FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 5 is an isolated cross-sectional view of the mount
portion connected to a ground stake in accordance with certain
embodiments of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment
of the internal protective element and mount portion in accordance
with certain embodiments of the present invention; and
[0026] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the dual
housing and mount portion in accordance with certain embodiments of
the present invention in combination with the internal protective
element of FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
[0028] As used in this specification, the term "ornamental lamp"
refers to a lamp appropriate for indoor and outdoor use that may
utilize a solar circuit, low voltage electricity, or other power
source as a primary source of energy. The term "solar circuit"
refers to a circuit comprising at least one solar cell, a battery
and a luminous body or other output mechanism. The term "luminous
body" refers to an electric bulb, illuminating diode, or any other
device known to those in the art by which to convert electrical
energy into optical energy.
[0029] The present invention comprises an ornamental lamp assembly
that provides a dual housing to protect the sensitive components of
the lamp's functional circuitry and to facilitate a selectively
varied decor. Referring to FIG. 1, certain embodiments of an
ornamental lamp assembly in accordance with the present invention
comprise a dual housing 16 having an external decorative housing
element or ornamental housing 2 and an internal protective housing
element 4. An external decorative housing element 2 may surround a
portion or the entire internal decorative housing element 4 such
that the external decorative housing element 2 provides an
additional layer of protection for the functional components
contained within the internal protective element 4. The external
decorative housing element 2 may be comprised of a substantially
rigid translucent material such that, in certain embodiments, solar
energy may traverse the external decorative housing element 2 to
penetrate the solar cell 6 of the internal protective element 4. In
addition, such a translucent material enables the external
decorative housing element 2 to be illuminated by a luminous body
22 contained therein. According to certain embodiments of the
present invention, the external decorative element 2 comprises
frosted translucent plastic such that the decorative features of
the external decorative element 2 may be distinguished and
recognized even under minimal or no ambient light. In addition, the
external decorative housing element 2 may comprise one or several
apertures for decorative and/or utilitarian purposes. For example,
several pinhole openings may be provided over the surface area of
the external decorative element 2 to disperse light emitted by the
luminous body in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Additionally,
several openings may be provided on a lower surface of the external
decorative housing element 2 to drain condensation or other water
from therein.
[0030] The external decorative housing element 2 may be removably
attached to the internal protective element 4 by way of, for
example, a press fit, a selectively releasable lock, complementary
threads, or any other releasably attachable device or mechanism
lnown to those in the art. Alternatively, both the external
decorative element 2 and internal protective element 4 may be
releasably coupled to a mount portion 8 of the ornamental lamp
assembly such that the mount portion 8 indirectly fixes the
relationship between the external decorative housing element 2 and
an internal protective housing element 4.
[0031] An external decorative element 2 may comprise any shape or
configuration capable of surrounding a portion or whole of the
internal protective element 4. Specifically, the external
protective element 2 may comprise the shape of a flower bloom or
bud corresponding to a tulip, a rose, a daisy, or any other variety
of flower known to those in the art. Alternatively, the external
decorative element 2 may comprise a holiday, seasonal, or other
special occasion theme, for example, a pumpkin, a jack-o-lantern, a
Santa Claus, snowman, birthday cake, heart, sun, flag, bird house
or any other shape corresponding to a particular holiday, season or
other special occasion known to those in the art. An external
decorative element 2 may also comprise commercial advertising, a
residential name or address, or any other message or information.
An external decorative element 2 may be selectively modified or
interchanged to correspond to an alternative theme, occasion or
message, or to provide an alternative aesthetically pleasing
housing for general use.
[0032] An external decorative element 2 may be removably attached
to a mount portion 8 by way of, for example, a magnetic, hydraulic
or mechanical device or by a press fit, or any other means known to
those in the art. A mount portion 8 may have any shape capable of
receiving and retaining a dual housing 16 as discussed above.
Specifically, a mount portion 8 may comprise an elongate supporting
rod, a broad supporting base, or any other supporting means known
in the art. A mount portion 8 may further comprise a reinforced
proximal end 10. The reinforced proximal end 10 may comprise a
diameter larger than the diameter corresponding to the portion of
the mount portion 8 immediately adjacent the proximal end 10 such
that the reinforced proximal end 10 may better support the weight
and bulk of the dual housing 16.
[0033] A reinforced proximal end 10 may also comprise an annular
recess 36 to receive and retain the external decorative element 2
and/or the internal protective element 4. The annular recess 36 may
have a depth and circumference sufficient to accommodate a battery
24. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the
battery 24 and internal protective element 4 may be operatively
connected by way of the annular recess 36 to complete a solar
circuit. The features of this relationship are discussed in detail
with reference to FIG. 2 below.
[0034] The mount portion 8 may further comprise ornamentation to
complement the ornamental characteristics of the external
decorative element 2. For example, where the external decorative
element 2 is configured to resemble a flower, the mount portion 8
may comprise a green latex outer shell or other like material to
resemble a flower stem. The mount portion 8 may also incorporate
synthetic "leaves" attached thereto. Similarly, where the
ornamental lamp assembly comprises a winter holiday theme, the
external decorative element 2 may be configured to resemble a
snowman, and the mount portion 8 may evidence red and white
striping resembling a candy cane. The mount portion 8 may also be
selectively modified or interchanged as desired.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 2, an internal protective element 4 in
accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention may
house at least one, and preferably two, components of a solar
circuit. In this manner, an internal protective element 4
simplifies the manufacture and assembly of the ornamental lamp and
reduces a likelihood of damage to solar circuit components prior to
purchase. Indeed, as at least one component of a solar circuit is
manufactured to reside within the internal protective element 4,
fewer steps are required for assembly. The internal protective
element 4 also provides protection for the solar circuit component
housed therein prior to assembly and use.
[0036] Specifically, a solar cell 6 may be fixedly mounted beneath
the topmost surface of an internal protective element 4. According
to this embodiment, the internal protective element 4 may comprise
a substantially rigid, translucent material such that it may
protect the solar cell 6 from damage while enabling solar energy to
traverse its surface and be absorbed and converted into electricity
by the solar cell 6. The density and depth of the internal
protective element 4 may vary such that the dimensions and
attributes of the topmost surface of the internal protective
element 4 are more amenable to the passage of solar energy
therethrough than adjacent surfaces of the internal protective
element 4. An internal protective element 4 may comprise any shape
or configuration capable of being retained by a mount portion 8 and
substantially enveloped by an external decorative element 2. In
certain embodiments an internal protective element 4 resembles a
floodlight housing having a solar cell 6 coupled to the face of the
glass envelope and a luminous body 22 mounted near the screw
cap.
[0037] According to certain embodiments of the present invention,
the solar cell 6 is configured to occupy the least amount of
internal protective element 4 surface area while enabling the solar
cell 6 to attract and receive a maximum of solar energy. In this
manner, the light produced by an affiliated luminous body 22 may be
perceived to illuminate portions of the external decorative element
2 that may extend upwards beyond the surface of the internal
protective element 4. Such calculated engineering facilitates one's
ability to distinguish the identifying outline and features of the
external decorative element 2 even under sub-optimal ambient
lighting conditions.
[0038] The solar cell 6 may be wired directly to a battery 24
through a diode, which prevents the battery's current from flowing
back through the solar cell 6 when there is no incoming solar
energy. Alternatively, in certain embodiments of the present
invention implementing a photoresistor 38, the solar cell may be
wired first to a controller board 20, such as a printed circuit
board ("PCB"), that implements a transistor and/or relay to control
the output produced by the luminous body 22. The controller board
20 accepts power from the solar cell 6 and battery 24, as well as
input from the photoresistor 38. The controller board 20 enables
the luminous body 22 to illuminate the solar lamp when the
photoresistor 38 indicates darkness. In alternative embodiments of
the present invention, the controller board 20 enables the luminous
body 22 to illuminate the solar lamp upon activation of an on/off
switch located on the surface of the solar lamp. A controller board
20 may also enable the luminous body 22 to create a pulsating,
flashing or intermittent light upon activation. In any case, the
controller board 20 may be mounted within the internal protective
element 4, on an external surface of the internal protective
element 4, or on a surface of any other portion of the ornamental
lamp assembly capable of communicating with the controller board
20.
[0039] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a
wire 26 connects the solar cell 6 to the battery 24, either
directly or indirectly through a controller board 20. The wire 26
may terminate short of the battery 24 at the distal end 40 of the
internal protective element 4. The distal end 40 of the internal
protective element 4 may then be placed substantially adjacent to
the battery 24, such that the connective wire 26 and the battery 24
are operatively connected and in electrical communication with one
another.
[0040] According to certain embodiments of the present invention,
the battery 24 component may be housed within an annular recess 36
disposed at a proximal end 10 of the mount portion 8 such that the
battery 24 may be easily removed and replaced as necessary without
disturbing more sensitive components of the circuitry contained
within the internal protective housing element 4. The battery 24
may be supported within the mount portion 8 by a supporting spring
28 similar to those found in battery-operated devices
generally.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 3, a luminous body 22 may be
implemented at a distal end of an internal protective element 4 to
direct a maximum level of illumination upwards relative to a dual
housing 16 supported on a mount portion 8. Alternatively, a
luminous body 22 may be suspended intermediate the top surface of
the internal protective element 4 and the distal end of the
internal protective element 4 to generally illuminate the dual
housing 16, or near or at the top surface of the dual housing 16 to
direct illumination largely downwards, depending on the orientation
and ornamental features of the particular ornamental lamp
assembly.
[0042] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a
distal end 40 of an internal protective element 4 comprises a screw
cap 42 having external threads 32 disposed thereon. Such external
threads 32 may complement internal threads 34 disposed within an
annular recess 36 of the mount portion 8 such that the internal
protective element 4 may be retained in a substantially fixed
relationship with the mount portion 8 upon integrating the external
and internal threads 32 and 34, as seen in FIG. 2. Also, certain
embodiments of the present invention provide that, when the
external and internal threads 32 and 34 are integrated as discussed
above, a battery 24 disposed within the annular recess 36 may
communicate with the circuitry components retained within the
internal protective element 4.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 4, an ornamental lamp assembly in
accordance with the present invention may comprise a mount portion
8 having an annular recess 36 therein for receiving and retaining
one or more batteries 24. An annular recess 36 may comprise
internal threads 34 proximate its proximal end 10 such that a
complementary housing may be received and retained thereby. As
discussed above with reference to FIG. 2, coupling an internal
protective element 4 to a mount portion 8 by way of an annular
recess 36 may enable an internal protective element 4 to
operatively connect to a battery 24 residing within the annular
recess 36. Where the internal protective element 4 houses a solar
cell 6 and a luminous body 22 or other output mechanism, the
battery 24 completes the solar circuit, thus rendering the
ornamental lamp assembly functional.
[0044] According to certain embodiments of the present invention,
the mount portion 8 may incorporate a resilient base support 30
therein. A resilient base support 30 may comprise metal wire,
jointed plastic or metal, or any other means known to those in the
art by which to render the mount portion 8 capable of flexing to
assume and retain a desired position. In this manner, a resilient
based support 30 may, for example, be releasably secured around a
railing, pole, or other structure. Alternatively, the mount portion
8 may incorporate a substantially rigid supporting element having a
surface area sufficient to enable the solar-powered lamp to reside
on a flat surface such as a table or stair. According to certain
embodiments of the present invention, the mount portion 8 may
include optional fastening means 14 to further secure the lamp with
respect to an adjacent surface. Fastening means 14 may include, for
example, a stake, screw, bolt, bracket, nail, adhesive, suction
cup, or any other means known to those in the art by which to
secure a lamp to an adjacent surface.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 5, fastening means 14 may include a
ground stake portion removably or integrally coupled to a mount
portion 8 to facilitate mounting the ornamental lamp assembly
outdoors in the ground. In certain embodiments of the present
invention, the ground stake portion or other fastening means 14 may
be removably attached to the mount portion 8 by an internal screw,
complementary threads, a press fit or by any other means known to
those in the art.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 6, certain alternate embodiments of the
internal protective element 4 of the present invention may retain
an entire solar or other power circuit. For example, an internal
protective element 4 may comprise a translucent or transparent
cylinder capable of connecting, at one end, to a mount portion 8.
Such a mount portion 8 may incorporate a reflective element 50 to
facilitate illumination of the ornamental lamp assembly. A
reflective element 50 may be dome-shaped, box-shaped, or may assume
any shape or configuration known to those in the art to increase
illumination. A second end of the internal protective element 4 may
be configured to receive a sealing cap 54. A sealing cap 54 may
comprise a circumference slightly larger than the circumference of
the internal protective element 4 such that the sealing cap may be
retained thereon by a press fit. Alternatively, the sealing cap may
be retained by a selectively releasable locking device actuated by
any mechanical, hydraulic or magnetic means, or by any other means
known in the art. A sealing cap 54 may incorporate a solar circuit
thereon, comprising a solar cell 6, battery 24, and luminous body
22. The luminous body 22 may be suspended from the sealing cap 54
by lead wires of any length, thereby enabling retention of the
luminous body 22 at any position along the length of the internal
protective element 4. The sealing cap may also incorporate a
controller board 20 and photoresistor 38 similar to those discussed
above. In this manner, the internal protective element 4 may
quickly and effectively receive and retain the solar circuit when
the sealing cap 54 is attached. The solar circuit may also be
easily removed for repair or replacement as necessary.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 7, the internal protective element 4
configuration of FIG. 6 may receive an external decorative element
2 having a bore 52 therethrough. The external decorative element 2
may be selectively retained by active locking means as discussed
above, or may balance on the distal end 10 of the mount portion 8.
Indeed, where the distal end 10 of the mount portion 8 provides a
base substantially broader than the mount portion 8 generally,
balancing the external decorative element 2 on such base minimizes
the time and expense associated with assembling the ornamental lamp
assembly. The circumference of the bore 52 preferably corresponds
to the circumference of the internal protective element 4 while the
length of the external decorative element preferably substantially
corresponds to the length of the internal protective element 4 such
that the sealing cap 54 only slightly protrudes through the bore
52, thus concealing the bore 52 and minimizing any gap between the
internal protective element 4 and the external decorative element
2.
[0048] At least some embodiments of the present invention embrace
an ornamental lamp assembly incorporating a dual housing structure
having an internal protective element and an external decorative
element to protect functional circuitry from damage sustained as a
result of normal outdoor use, and to facilitate achieving a
selectively varied decor by interchanging the external decorative
housing element with other external decorative housing elements
having unique features.
[0049] Thus, as discussed herein, the embodiments of the present
invention embrace ornamental lights, and more particularly to
solar-powered ornamental lights for indoor and/or outdoor use.
[0050] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
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