U.S. patent application number 13/118113 was filed with the patent office on 2012-09-27 for solar pathway light.
Invention is credited to Simon Nicholas Richmond.
Application Number | 20120243214 13/118113 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46760582 |
Filed Date | 2012-09-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120243214 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Richmond; Simon Nicholas |
September 27, 2012 |
SOLAR PATHWAY LIGHT
Abstract
The present invention relates to a device for providing solar
outdoor lighting including a generally U-shaped support pole. The
support pole free-ends are spaced apart and attached to a base or
substrate connected together by an upper joining section which
connects orients and spaces apart the pole supports. Connected to
the upper joining section is an electrical light source that is
directed downward through a lens suspended below the joining
section. Below the lens and above the base or substrate is a
housing that includes the solar panel, a rechargeable battery,
charging and illumination control circuitry, and activation
circuitry to turn on the light at low ambient light levels. The
support pole forms a safety barrier for the light source and solar
panel from knocks while providing at least two poles for attached
to a base or substrate. The present invention further relates to a
water-resistant customer activation structure.
Inventors: |
Richmond; Simon Nicholas;
(Princeton, NJ) |
Family ID: |
46760582 |
Appl. No.: |
13/118113 |
Filed: |
May 27, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61396580 |
May 28, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
362/183 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21V 21/0824 20130101;
F21V 3/04 20130101; F21S 9/035 20130101; Y02B 20/72 20130101; F21V
23/0464 20130101; F21Y 2115/10 20160801; F21S 2/00 20130101; F21V
21/10 20130101; F21S 10/023 20130101; F21V 21/30 20130101; F21W
2131/109 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
362/183 |
International
Class: |
F21L 4/08 20060101
F21L004/08 |
Claims
1. A lighting device comprising: at least one generally
inverted-U-shaped support comprising free-ends spaced apart and
attached to a base, said support having generally vertical riser
sections connected together by an upper joining section which
orients and spaces apart said free-ends; a light assembly suspended
below said upper joining section of said generally
inverted-U-shaped support and suspended between said riser
sections; a power supply assembly comprising: a housing positioned
between said light assembly and said base, at least one
photovoltaic panel mounted proximate to an upper surface of said
housing so as to receive sunlight, at least one rechargeable
battery; wherein said light assembly and said power supply assembly
are electrically connected; and wherein emitted light from said
light assembly illuminates a portion of said upper surface of said
housing during night-time use.
2. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein said light assembly
includes: an at least partly light-transmissive lens suspended
below an upper portion of said generally inverted-U-shaped support
and suspended between said riser sections; at least one light
source electrically connected to said power supply assembly; and
wherein emitted light from said light source is directed
substantially downwards through a portion of said lens; and wherein
said emitted light is at least partially reflected by said upper
surface of said housing to redirect some reflected light upwards
towards a downward-facing surface of said lens.
3. The lighting device of claim 2, wherein said lens comprises an
at least partially convex upper surface and a lower opposing
surface forming an at least partially enclosed cavity.
4. The lighting device of claim 2, wherein said housing has
electrical elements connected to said at least one light source via
at least one of said substantially vertical riser sections.
5. The lighting device of claim 4, wherein said housing laterally
connects to both of said substantially vertical riser sections to
provide lateral structural support to said lighting device.
6. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein said housing is at least
partly rotatable between said two substantially vertical riser
sections to adjust the angle of said at least one photovoltaic
panel relative to said base.
7. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein said generally
inverted-U-shaped support is substantially comprised of a single
tube of metal bent into an arch and electrical leads that pass
through a hollow interior of said tube between said light assembly
and said power supply assembly.
8. The lighting device of claim 7, further comprising tip portions
attached to said tube.
9. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein said generally
inverted-U-shaped support is substantially comprised of: a
substantially vertically-oriented first support pole; a
substantially vertically-oriented second support pole substantially
parallel to said substantially vertically-oriented first support
pole; a substantially horizontal cross support pole connecting said
substantially vertically-oriented first support pole and said
substantially vertically-oriented second support pole; and wherein
said light assembly is suspended below said substantially
horizontal cross support pole.
10. The lighting device of claim 2, further comprising a control
circuit including: a light-sensing sub-circuit connected such that
said at least one rechargeable battery accumulates electrical
charge when said at least one photovoltaic panel is exposed to
ambient light level of sufficient intensity; and a light-activation
sub-circuit wherein when said light sensing sub-circuit detects
ambient light lower than a predetermined level, said control
circuit connects said rechargeable battery and said at least one
light source via an electrical connection such that said at least
one light source emits light downward towards and around said at
least one photovoltaic panel and wherein said light-activation
sub-circuit includes a light sensitive resistor that is shielded
from said emitted light.
11. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein said light assembly is
flexibly suspended below said upper joining section and is at least
partially movable relative to said support.
12. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein said housing further
comprises: an access region comprising a slotted aperture for a
pull tab; and a cap to cover said access region to provide a
substantially water-resistant seal between said cap and said access
region when said cap is mated to said access region.
13. The lighting device of claim 12 wherein said access region
further comprises a switch.
14. The lighting device of claim 12, wherein said cap includes a
tether connected to said housing.
15. The lighting device of claim 8, wherein said base is
displaceable substrate and said tips are adapted to penetrate and
anchor to said substrate.
16. The lighting device of claim 1, including a plurality of
supports connected at upper joining sections.
17. The lighting device of claim 11, including: a lateral member
connected between said riser sections and below said light
assembly; and wherein (1) said support, (2) at least two of said
free-ends connected to said base, (3) said lateral member and (4)
movement of said light assembly relative to said support, each and
in any combination thereof, provides said lighting device with a
capability to sustain an impact with reduced damage and
displacement.
18. A lighting device comprising: at least two vertically-oriented
supports; each support adapted at one end for supporting an upper
section above a substrate; a light source electrically connected to
said upper section; a lens wherein light emitted from said light
source is directed partly through said lens; a housing mounted
between a first upper region and a first lower region of said at
least two vertically-oriented supports, said housing comprising: at
least one solar panel mounted proximate to an upper surface of said
housing so as to receive light, at least one rechargeable battery,
a control circuit comprising: a light-sensing sub-circuit connected
such that said at least one rechargeable battery accumulates
electrical charge when said solar panel is exposed to ambient light
level of sufficient intensity; and a light-activation sub-circuit
wherein when said light sensing sub-circuit detects ambient light
lower than a predetermined level said control circuit connects said
rechargeable battery and said light source via an electrical
connection such that said light source emits light; and an access
region on a lower surface of said housing comprising a slotted
aperture for a pull tab; and a translucent cap to cover said access
region to provide a substantially water-resistant seal between said
cap and said access region when said cap is mated to said access
region.
19. The lighting device of claim 18 wherein said light-activation
sub-circuit includes a light sensitive resistor that is shielded
from light emitted by said light source; and wherein said access
region further comprises an aperture to allow light reach said
light sensitive resistor.
20. The lighting device of claim 18 wherein said access region
further comprises a switch.
21. The lighting device of claim 18 wherein a free end of said pull
tab further comprises a switch that is electrically connected
between said light source and said battery.
22. A light device comprising: a safety barrier comprising two
substantially vertical riser posts and an upper portion there
between for supporting said safety barrier above a ground
substrate; an at least partly light-transmissive lens flexibly
suspended below an upper portion of said safety barrier and
suspended between said riser posts; and wherein said lens is
movable about a vertical central axis such that the outer surface
of said lens can be moved to a position where said riser posts
protect said lens from impact damage. at least one light source
electrically connected to said upper portion; wherein emitted light
from said at least one light source is directed substantially
downwards through a portion of said lens; a housing mounted to said
safety barrier and positioned between said lens and said around
substrate, said housing comprising: at least one photovoltaic panel
mounted proximate to an upper surface of said housing so as to
receive sunlight, at least one rechargeable battery; an electrical
connection between said rechargeable battery and said at least one
light source to power said at least one light source; and wherein
said emitted light from said lens illuminates a portion of said
upper surface of said housing during night-time use.
23. The light device of claim 22 wherein said substantially
vertical riser posts and said upper portion comprise a
substantially inverted-U-shaped support.
24. The light device of claim 22, wherein said emitted light is at
least partially reflected by said upper surface of said housing to
redirect some reflected light upwards towards a downward-facing
surface of said lens.
25. The light device of claim 22, wherein said housing laterally
connects to both of said substantially vertical riser posts to
provide increased structural rigidity to said safety barrier.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application is related to, and claims priority from,
U.S. Provisional Patent application No. 61/396,580 filed on May 28,
2011 entitled "Solar Pathway Light", the contents of which are
hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates generally to outdoor lighting
devices, and, more specifically, to solar-powered outdoor lighting
devices.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Briefly described, it would be desirable to provide a
solar-powered pathway light that provides functional pathway
lighting, while being aesthetically pleasing, and that has an
improved stability when supported by a ground substrate.
DISCUSSION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0004] Outdoor lighting can provide an important accent to any yard
or garden. A gardener or landscaper may strategically place many
lights in a landscape to illuminate walkways to enhance safety and
create aesthetic appeal. Some lighting devices are designed to
simply provide light while in others the lights themselves serve
ornamental purposes even when they are not illuminated.
[0005] Due to the relative high cost per watt of photovoltaic
panels, most designers of solar powered domestic pathway solar
light designers employ high efficiency light sources such at least
one light emitting diode (LED). Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are
directional light sources and accordingly are usually positioned
inside a solar powered path light such that the LED source directed
downward with a beam angle and light diffuser designed to spread
the light downwards to functionally illuminate a pathway ground
region. In addition, to maintain a relatively lower power
consumption and thus maintain the battery charge for several hours,
the height of the LEDs above the ground in a solar power pathway
light is usually no more than two feet.
[0006] However, prior devices interfere with the secondary
aesthetic purpose of the lighting device. The solar cells are
prominently mounted to the top or sides of the lighting element and
are therefore visible during daylight hours. As time passes,
mineral deposits and fading often discolor the surface covering of
the photovoltaic cell. Ultimately, the photovoltaic cell 130
distracts from any ornamental qualities the lighting device was
designed for.
[0007] Due to the relative high cost per watt of photovoltaic
panels, solar powered garden pathway lights are usually designed to
operate at the highest efficiency with their photovoltaic panels
prominently mounted to the top or sides of the light assembly so as
to avoid shading of a part of the photovoltaic panel caused by
another part of the light assembly. This results usually results in
a flat upper surface of the solar light assembly with that upper
surface being closest to a daylight observer walking past and
viewing the solar light downward from an acute angle to the
vertical. This results in an aesthetically unattractive design.
[0008] Ornamental solar lights also exist where the primary use is
decoration or accent lighting. With these lights the diffuser is
often made of glass and is positioned at the top of the solar light
assembly with a solar panel positioned a distance below the
diffuser and offset to reduce a shadowing of the solar panel by the
diffuser at different times during the day. However, the light
source in such embodiments is directed upwards towards the diffuser
and away from the ground and thus provides little functional light
for illuminating the ground surface of a pathway. Further, since
the diffuser is made of a heavy glass on the end of an extended
pole portion and thus resulting in a high center of gravity, there
is a high propensity for the fixture to be knocked over and the
glass diffuser to be damaged by impact with a ground surface.
[0009] In view of the foregoing, it would thus be desirable to have
a solar powered pathway light that provides functional pathway
lighting, while being aesthetically pleasing without an
unattractive upper solar panel, and that has an improved stability
when affixed into a ground substrate. The present invention over
comes the above problems and provides these improved features and
benefits.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention relates to a device for providing
solar outdoor lighting including a generally U-shaped support pole.
The support pole free-ends are spaced apart and attached to a base
or substrate connected together by an upper joining section which
connects orients and spaces apart the pole supports. Connected to
the upper joining section is an electrical light source that is
directed downward through a lens suspended below the joining
section. Below the lens and above the base or substrate is a
housing that includes the solar panel, a rechargeable battery,
charging and illumination control circuitry, and activation
circuitry to turn on the light at low ambient light levels. The
device includes safety barrier features to protect the light source
and solar panel from knocks while providing at least two poles for
attached to a base or substrate. The present invention further
relates to a water-resistant customer activation structure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] A preferred embodiment and alternative embodiments of the
present invention will now be described by reference to the
accompanying drawings in which, as far as possible, like numbers
represent like elements.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a first perspective view of a first embodiment
lighting device, in accordance with the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1. in accordance with the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a below perspective view of the embodiment shown
in FIG. 1 with an exploded view of the rechargeable battery
compartment, in accordance with the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of multiple devices in situ in
accordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with
the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.
showing the lens in a first alternate position, in accordance with
the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.
showing the lens in a second alternate position, in accordance with
the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the
lighting device, in accordance with the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a first perspective view of a third embodiment of
the lighting device, in accordance with the present invention;
and
[0020] FIG. 9 is a second perspective view of the third embodiment
FIG. 8, showing a partially unassembled state, in accordance with
the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 10 is an electrical schematic of the embodiment shown
in FIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 11 is a first inverted view of a first alternative
embodiment of the housing of the lighting device of FIG. 1, in
accordance with the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 12 is a second inverted view of a first alternative
embodiment of the housing of the lighting device, in accordance
with the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 13 is a third inverted view of a first alternative
embodiment of the housing of the lighting device, in accordance
with the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 14 is a fourth inverted view of a first alternative
embodiment of the housing of the lighting device, in accordance
with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The present invention comprises a device for providing
outdoor lighting including a first and second vertically-oriented
pole supports having upper region and lower regions. The pole
supports are connected via an at least partially horizontal upper
joining section which is adapted to connect, orient and space apart
the pole supports. Preferably the first and second pole supports
and joining section are formed from a single piece of metal bent
into an arc at the joining section region. Connected to the upper
joining section is an electrical light source, preferably at least
one light emitting diode (LED) that is directed downward. A lens or
diffuser is suspended below the joining section. The lens may be in
the shape of an at least partially hollow sphere, orb or other
suitable shape and may be constructed of glass, plastic, resin or
other suitable light transmissive material. The LED is positioned
such that light emitted by the LED is directed downward through a
cavity in the lens and outward through the lens.
[0027] It should be noted that the reference to lens as used
throughout references generally to a light translucent device that
may or may not have light directing features and may be broadly
considered to include devices commonly referred to shades as well
without departing the invention.
[0028] Below the lens and mounted between a lower portion of the
first and second pole supports is a housing that contains at least
one solar panel, at least one rechargeable battery, charging and
illumination control circuitry, and activation circuitry to turn on
the Led at low ambient light levels. The solar panel is preferably
mounted proximate to an upper surface of the housing so as to
receive light.
[0029] The control circuitry and activation circuitry are connected
such that the rechargeable battery accumulates charge when the
solar panel is exposed to ambient light level of sufficient
intensity and that when the activation circuit detects ambient
light lower than a predetermined level, the control circuitry
connects the LED and the rechargeable battery such that the LED
emits light downward towards and around the solar panel. When
illuminated at night, the light emitted via the lens is at least
partially reflected by the upper surface of the housing to
partially illuminate a lower surface of the lens.
[0030] In general, a lighting device may comprise at least one
generally inverted-U-shaped support comprising free-ends spaced
apart and attached to a base having generally vertical riser
sections connected together by an upper joining section which
connects orients and spaces apart the support free ends. A light
assembly is suspended below the upper joining section of the
generally inverted U-shaped support and suspended between the riser
sections. A power supply assembly includes a housing positioned
between the light assembly and the base, at least one photovoltaic
panel mounted proximate to an upper surface of the housing so as to
receive sunlight, and at least one rechargeable battery. The light
assembly and the power supply assembly are electrically connected
and arranged such that the emitted light from the light assembly
illuminates a portion of the upper surface of the housing during
night-time use.
[0031] The light assembly includes an at least partly
light-transmissive lens suspended below an upper portion of the
generally inverted U-shaped support and suspended between the riser
sections; at least one light source electrically connected to the
power supply assembly; wherein emitted light from the light source
is directed substantially downwards through a portion of the lens;
and wherein the emitted light is at least partially reflected by
the upper surface of the housing to redirect some reflected light
upwards towards a downward-facing surface of the lens. The lens
includes an at least partially convex upper surface and a lower
opposing surface forming an at least partially enclosed cavity. The
housing has electrical elements connected to the at least one light
source via at least one of the substantially vertical riser
portions.
[0032] In one embodiment, the housing laterally connects to both of
the substantially vertical riser portions to provide lateral
structural support to the lighting device either directly or via a
lateral member.
[0033] The housing is at least partly rotatable relative to either
a vertical or horizontal axis to adjust the angle of the at least
one photovoltaic panel relative to the direction of sun light.
[0034] The generally inverted U-shaped support may be substantially
comprised of a single tube of metal bent into an arch and
electrical leads pass through a hollow interior of the tube between
the light assembly and the power supply assembly.
[0035] The lighting device free-ends may include tip portions
attached to the tube.
[0036] The generally inverted U-shaped support may be substantially
comprised of a substantially vertically-oriented first support
pole; a substantially vertically-oriented second support pole
substantially parallel to the substantially vertically-oriented
first support pole; a substantially horizontal cross support pole
connecting the substantially vertically-oriented first support pole
and the substantially vertically-oriented second support pole; such
that the lens is suspended below the substantially horizontal cross
support pole.
[0037] The control circuit includes a light-sensing sub-circuit
connected such that the at least one rechargeable battery
accumulates electrical charge when the photovoltaic panel is
exposed to ambient light level of sufficient intensity; and a
light-activation sub-circuit wherein when the light sensing
sub-circuit detects ambient light lower than a predetermined level,
the control circuit connects the rechargeable battery and the light
source via an electrical connection such that the at least one
light source emits light downward towards and around the at least
one photovoltaic panel and wherein the light-activation sub-circuit
includes a light sensitive resistor that is shielded from the
emitted light.
[0038] The light assembly may be flexibly suspended below the upper
portion and is at least partially movable relative to the
support.
[0039] The housing may further include an access region comprising
a slotted aperture for a pull tab, and a cap to cover the access
region to provide a substantially water-resistant seal between the
cap and the access region when the cap is mated to the access
region. The access region may comprise a switch. The cap includes a
tether connected to the housing.
[0040] In should be noted that the base may be displaceable
substrate and the tips are adapted to penetrate and anchor to the
substrate.
[0041] A bird cage effect surrounding the light assembly may be
achieved from a plurality of supports connected at a central
connection point of their upper joining sections.
[0042] The lighting device may include a lateral member connected
between the riser sections and below the light assembly.
[0043] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that (1)
the support, (2) at least two of the free-ends connected to the
base, (3) the lateral member and (4) movement of the light assembly
relative to the support, each and in any combination thereof,
provides the lighting device with a capability to sustain an impact
with reduced damage and displacement and in effect provides a
safety barrier from being kicked or hit with children's toys, such
as balls, or lawn mowers and the like. For example, the movement of
the lighting assembly when between the two vertical supports
displaced the assembly when hit by for example a ball while the
vertical supports when spaced apart at a distance less than the
diameter of the ball would effectively stop it from advancing
further. By having at least to posts in the ground, displacement of
the light device from or relative to the ground is minimized.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 1, a lighting device 100 may include a
first support post having a first upper support 102 and a first
lower support post 112, a second support post having a second upper
support post 106 and a second lower support post 114 with a
connection frame 108 therebetween thus providing rigidity, support
and spacing for the lighting device 100. The support posts 102 and
106 may be straight, curved, or sloped, or have a non-deterministic
ornamental shape. Suspended below the connection frame 108 is a
lens frame 120 supporting a lens 104.
[0045] The lens frame 120 is preferably made from plastic but may
be manufactured from other suitable material such as stamped, cast,
or milled metal. The lens frame 120 supports the lens 104 via
fastening means that may include glue, adhesive, spring clips,
tabs, press-fit, rotational flanges or other suitable means. As
detailed in FIG. 9, the preferred means of fastening the lens 104
to the lens frame 120 is using spring clips 804 and 806 that are
bent downwards to insert the clips 804 and 806 into a lens aperture
802 of the lens 104 which has a diameter narrower then the diameter
of the fully opening spring clips. As the lens 104 is pushed
upwards toward the lens frame 120, the spring clips 804 expand to
their relaxed position inside the lens 104 holding the lens 104 in
place against the lens frame 120. The lower perimeter of the lens
frame preferable is wider than the lens aperture 802 in the lens
104 to reduce rain and moisture ingress into the lens 104 during
use. A drain hole in a lower extremity of the lens 104 may be
drilled or molded to allow the egress of water from with the lens
104 that may built up from seepage or condensation.
[0046] Preferably the lens 104 is made of glass having a design
such as a stencil pattern to direct light on the ground in a
decorative pattern. An example of such a design or color scheme is
shown in FIG. 9. Alternatively the lens 104 may be made of crackle,
blown, injected, mosaic or borosilicate glass. Alternatively the
lens 104 may be made of resin, plastic or other suitable material.
Preferably the lens is light transmissive or it may be made on
non-light transmissive material but have apertures to facilitate
the exit of light. The lens 104 is preferably symmetrical about the
vertical axis and may be formed on the shape of a sphere, orb or
other suitable shape.
[0047] Disposed proximate to the lens frame 120 to direct light
outwards through the lens 104 is an electrical light source 123
(shown in FIG. 9.) The electrical light source is preferably at
least one light emitting diode (LED) having a wide beam angle.
Several light sources may be used for increased brightness or
colored light effects.
[0048] The insulated wiring forming part of the lens suspender 122
supplies power to the light source 123 up through or along one of
the upper support posts 112 or 106 from a housing 110 mounted below
the lens between the first lower support post 112 and the second
lower support post 114.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 4, the lower end of the first and second
lower support posts 112 and 114 typically insert into the ground
substrate 402 or other substrate and have sharpened tips 112 and
114 to facilitate insertion. The sharpened tips 116 and 118 are
either integrally formed with the lower end of the first and second
lower support posts 112 and 114 or secured by threads, press-fit,
weld, or like attachment means. In other embodiments, the lower end
of the first and second lower support posts 112 and 114 may be
supported by a broad-based stand 702 (as shown in FIG. 7) or other
structure that simply rests on the substrate. Such a support
mechanism may be used when, for example, the lighting device 100 is
placed on a wooden deck or cement patio where insertion into a
substrate such as the ground is not practicable.
[0050] Preferably the lighting device includes a first and second
vertically-oriented pole supports having upper and lower regions.
The pole supports are connected via an at least partially
horizontal upper joining section which is adapted to connect,
orient and space apart the pole supports. Preferably the first and
second pole supports and joining section are formed from a single
piece of metal bent into an arc at the joining section region 108.
Connected to the upper joining section 108 is an electrical light
source 123, preferably at least one light emitting diode (LED) that
is directed downward. An at least partially transparent or
translucent lens 104 or diffuser is suspended below the joining
section 108. The lens 104 may be in the shape of an at least
partially hollow sphere, orb or other suitable shape and may be
constructed of glass, plastic, resin or other suitable light
transmissive material. It will be appreciated by those skilled in
the art that the lens, while preferably hollow, may not be hollow,
but formed around said light source as a solid formation of resin
and additionally other materials including combinations of plastic,
glass, wood, fiber glass or metal can be used. The lens 104 may be
formed from a wire and/or plastic frame to simulate a woven natural
material such as rattan or wicker. The lens 104 may have one or
more apertures to facilitate emission of light generated by the
light source 123. The LED is positioned such that light emitted by
the LED 123 is directed downward through a cavity in the lens 104
and outward through the lens 104.
[0051] Below the lens 104 and mounted between a lower portion of
the first 112 and second 114 pole supports via a horizontal first
housing support 124 and a second housing support 126 is a housing
110 that contains at least one photovoltaic or solar cell 130, at
least one rechargeable battery 304, charging and illumination
control circuitry, and activation circuitry to turn on the LED 123
at low ambient light levels. The photovoltaic cell 130 is
preferably mounted proximate to an upper surface of the housing 100
so as to receive ambient light from both around and through
light-transmissive portions of the lens 104. Electrical wiring
passes from circuitry within the housing 110 through at least one
of the first housing support 124 or second housing support 126 and
up through at least the hollow first upper support post 102, the
connection frame 108 and down through a frame aperture 136 via the
lens suspender 122 to the light source 123 disposed on the lens
frame 120. The upper support posts 124 or 126 may be solid with no
hollow region with electrical wiring passing along one or both of
the support posts 124 and 126.
[0052] Alternatively, the wiring may extend directly from the body
of the housing 110, and not pass through either the housing first
support 124 or the housing second support 126 and may wrap around
the exterior of the first upper support post 102.
[0053] The control circuitry and activation circuitry are connected
such that the rechargeable battery 304 accumulates charge when the
photovoltaic cell or cells 130 are exposed to ambient light level
of sufficient intensity and that when the activation circuit
detects ambient light lower than a predetermined level, the control
circuitry connects the LED 123 and the rechargeable battery 304
such that the LED 123 emits light downward towards and around the
photovoltaic cell 130 proximate to the upper surface of the housing
110. When illuminated at night, the light emitted via the lens 104
from the LED 123 is at least partially reflected by the upper
surface of the housing 134 to partially illuminate a lower surface
of the lens 104. The photovoltaic cell 130 is preferably made from
amorphous silicon with a smooth protective light-transmissive upper
layer such as glass. At night, some light emitted by the lens 104
will be reflected back from the smooth glass surface of the glass
covering the photovoltaic cell 130. Alternatively the solar panel
130 may be constructed from crystalline solar panels. The
photovoltaic cell 130 may be covered in a light transmissive
material such as plastic or glass. Because crystalline solar cells
operate at higher peak efficiency in direct sunlight and poor
efficiency in indirect sunlight, the crystalline cells would likely
be separated to reduce shadowing by the lens 104. Use of an
amorphous silicon cell would be more suitable compared to
crystalline cells because the amorphous cell can better utilize
indirect ambient light received through the light transmissive
portions of the lens 104 during daylight hours. Further, as shown
in FIG. 1 compared to the housing position in FIG. 2, the housing
110 is partially rotatable about the housing first support 124 and
housing second support 126 to further facilitate orientation of the
photovoltaic cell 130 when the opportunity for direct sunlight
angle arises such as in the winter months when the sun is at a
lower angle in the temperate latitudes.
[0054] Disposed within the housing 110 is a rechargeable power
source 304 which is recharged by the photovoltaic cell 130. In the
preferred embodiment 100 a rechargeable power source of the type
suitable for this purpose comprises a AA size 700 mA/hour nickel
cadmium battery 304 as shown in FIG. 3. Alternatively, other
rechargeable power sources may be used including one or more nickel
metal hydride batteries, rechargeable alkaline batteries, lead acid
batteries, lithium ion batteries or similar rechargeable devices.
Access to the battery 304 for replacement is through a user
accessible battery compartment 302 located on the underside of the
housing 110. This battery compartment 302 is accessed by removing a
security screw 310 from the battery compartment cover 306, removing
the battery compartment cover 306 and the waterproofing compartment
silicon gasket 308 that is disposed between the battery compartment
cover 306 and the battery compartment 302. A power supply circuit
connects the photovoltaic cell 130 in series to a forward based
diode, which is in turn connected to a positive terminal of the
battery 304. A negative terminal of the battery 304 is then
connected to the photovoltaic cell 130 to complete a power supply
circuit. In the example shown herein, the diode may be a model
number IN5817 Schottky diode 39 (as shown in FIG. 10). It will be
apparent to a person skilled in the art that other diode and
battery configurations may be utilized without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention. When the photovoltaic cell 130
is exposed to sufficient light, the photovoltaic cell 130 converts
some of the solar energy to electrical energy and creates a current
that passes through the diode 39 to charge the battery 304. Thus,
during the day the photovoltaic cell 130 converts energy from the
sun to charge the battery 304. The diode prevents the battery 304
from expending any power on the photovoltaic cell 130.
[0055] Located within the housing 110 is the control unit which may
be arranged to sense the ambient light level, for example, in the
present example, an ambient light sensor 128 in the form of a
light-dependent cadmium sulfide resistor is located in location on
the housing 110 that is exposed to ambient light but shielded from
light produced from the light source 123, and if a determination is
made by the circuit that insufficient ambient light is available, a
connection is made between the battery 304 and the electrical light
source 123. An example of a circuit used in the control unit is
shown in FIG. 10. If a determination is made that sufficient
ambient light is available, a connection is not made between the
battery 304 and the electrical light source 123 and current does
not flow from the battery 304. Specifically, the positive terminal
of the battery 304 is connected to a user accessible switch 40
shown in FIGS. 3 and 10 which is in turn connected to a 100
k.OMEGA. first resistor 41 as also shown in FIG. 10. The first
resistor 41 is connected in series with a second, light dependent
resistor 128 as seen in FIG. 1. The second resistor 128 connects to
the negative terminal of the battery 304 to complete the lighting
circuit. The value of resistance of the second resistor 128 depends
upon the amount of light to which the second resistor 128 is
exposed. When there is not much light, such as occurs at night, the
value of the second resistor 128 increases. During the daytime,
when there is sufficient ambient light, the value of the second
resistor 128 decreases. Accordingly, the resistor 128 allows the
lighting circuit to operate only when there is insufficient light,
i.e. at night. Other suitable equivalent circuits to activate the
circuit at low levels may be utilized including measuring the
current generated by the photovoltaic cell 130 and activating the
circuit when the current drops below a predetermined level.
[0056] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the battery 33 powers
the light circuit 60 during the night to produce light of varying
colors and/or patterns and the user can optionally select a desired
color or pattern by pushing a second button 65. A selected color or
pattern is retained by memory in the IC 61. The memory may be a
switch. Whilst the battery is powering the light circuit 60, the
fourth capacitor 57 stores charge. As stated above, it is desirable
for a selected color to be retained and displayed on successive
nights. As the battery 33 discharges, the output voltage of the
battery 33 decreases. When the output voltage of the battery 33 is
less than the stored voltage of the capacitor 57, the capacitor 57
discharges. Due to the presence and arrangement of the diodes 56
and 59, the capacitor 57 discharges through the light circuit
60.
[0057] The IC 61 preferably includes a cut-off circuit that is
voltage dependent. As the capacitor 57 discharges, the voltage
across the cut-off circuit decreases. Once the voltage across the
cut-off circuit reaches a predetermined threshold value, the
cut-off circuit prevents further power being consumed by the LEDs
34A and 34B. As no power is being consumed by the light circuit 60,
the capacitor 57 retains a residual charge. The residual charge
maintains a voltage across the IC 61, which enables the selected
color to be retained by the memory in the IC 61.
[0058] During the next day, the solar cell 30 recharges the battery
33. As night falls, the resistance of resistor 42 again increases
and the battery 33 provides sufficient power to the light circuit
60 to increase the voltage across the cut-off circuit above the
predetermined threshold value. The LEDs are activated and the
selected color, as retained in the memory of the IC 61, is
displayed. The voltage provided by the battery 33 is more than the
stored charge of the fourth capacitor 57, so the capacitor 57 again
begins to store charge.
[0059] It will be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art
that there are many circuit variations possible for enabling and
controlling the lighting display, without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention.
[0060] The switch 40 and/or switch 65 is/are mounted on the housing
110 so as to be on a downwardly facing accessible surface of the
housing 132. This enables a user to control the device via readily
accessible switches, without needing to open the housing 110. The
switches 40 and 65 are each operable to control delivery of
electric power from the batteries to the LEDs 34A and 34B. The
circuit 29 is only rendered operative when there is insufficient
light, that is, by operation of a light sensitive switch, ie the
resister 42.
[0061] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 9, a user operable
switch 40 (and more specifically shown in FIG. 3) is accessible to
a user via the lower external surface 132 of the lower housing base
132 of the housing 110. The switch 40 is interposed between the
batteries and the light source 123, enabling a user to optionally
turn off the lighting element assembly regardless of the output of
the light sensor 128. The user operable switch 40 may also have
multiple functions such as to enable a user to change the light
source that is illuminated from one color or group of colors to a
second color or group of colors. Preferably the switch 40 is a push
switch covered by a waterproof gasket. An alternate switching
structure is disclosed in FIGS. 12 and 13.
[0062] Referring to FIG. 4, the dotted circular representations 404
illustrates regions of a ground substrate 402 such as a pathway 406
that are well illuminated by several units of the lighting device
100 when installed in the ground substrate 402 adjacent to a path
way 406. In addition, the lens 104 may also be illuminated by the
utilization of partially light transmissive material in the lens
104 such as frosted glass where some of the light from the light
source 123 passes through the lens 104 and illuminates the ground
substrate 402 and pathway 406 and some of the light from the light
source 123 illuminates the lens 104 so that it is visible 408 by a
user walking past the lighting device 100 when installed.
[0063] FIGS. 8 and 9 show an alternative structural embodiment 800
of the present invention.
[0064] Unlike in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, which show
a curved connection frame 108 that is preferably integral with the
first upper support post 102 and second upper support post 106, the
embodiments of FIGS. 8 and 9 employ straight tubular sections for
support. Specifically, it shows a substantially vertically-oriented
first support pole 812 substantially parallel to a
vertically-oriented second support pole 814 with a horizontal cross
support pole 108 there between providing rigidity, support and
spacing for the lighting device 800. In an alternate embodiment the
cross support pole 108 is constructed of two parts and has a
central joining region connected by a mating adaptor. Connecting
and securing the first support pole 812 to the cross-support pole
816 is a first upper joining member 808. Connecting and securing
the second support pole 814 to the cross-support pole 816 is a
second upper joining member 810. The first and second upper joining
members 808 and 810 are preferably constructed from injected
thermoplastic such as glass filled nylon or polypropylene and
preferably connect to the support poles 812, 814 and 816 via
press-fit created by slight expansion of the thermoplastic and
slight inward deformity of the tubular support poles. The first and
second upper joining members 808 and 810 each have two apertures
which have a shape and width corresponding to the external diameter
and shape of the respective support poles 812 and 814 and 816 which
are inserted into the apertures and press-fit. Preferably the
support poles 812, 814 and 816 are made from stainless steel hollow
tubing and cut to length. The cross support pole 816 may be
straight, curved, or have a non-deterministic ornamental shape.
Suspended below the cross support pole 816 via a lens suspender 122
is a lens frame 120 supporting a lens 104.
[0065] The lower ends of the first support pole 812 and the second
support pole are insertable into the respective lower support posts
116 and 114 which in this embodiment are integral with the
respective ground stakes 116 and 118. The first and second lower
support posts 112 and 114 are preferably constructed from injected
thermoplastic such as glass filled nylon or polypropylene and
preferably connect to the support poles 812 and 814 via press-fit
created by slight expansion of the thermoplastic of the lower
support posts 112 and 114 and by slight inward deformity of the
tubular support poles. The first and second lower support posts 112
and 114 each have an upper aperture which have a shape and width
corresponding to the external diameter and shape of the respective
support poles 812 and 814 which are inserted into the apertures and
press-fit. The housing first support 124 and 126 housing second
support are preferably integrally molded to the respective lower
support posts 112 and 114. Alternatively, The housing first support
124 and 126 housing second support are integrally molded to the
housing 100. The connection of the housing 110, the housing first
support 124, and housing second support 126 to the first support
pole 812 and second support pole 814 creates a second lateral
structural support for the light device 800 and prevents the first
support pole 812 and second support pole 814 from moving apart in
an unintended manner during insertion or use. It also provides
rigidity and stability to the overall frame of the lighting device
800.
[0066] In many gardens, the housing 132 is located in a commonly
wet and moist environment, exposed to precipitation, garden hoses
and irrigation sprinklers. If the circuitry within the housing 132
is exposed to moisture over time it will corrode and or rust
causing failure of the lighting device 100. It is thus important
for product longevity that the surfaces of the housing 132 does not
have openings or aperture where water and ambient moisture will
enter the housing 132.
[0067] In an alternate version of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9,
the lens 104 is made of injected plastic with an etched design that
simulates a sand-blasted stencil process applied to glass. In a
further alternate embodiment the lens has a smooth surface and a
water transfer film and coating applied to an outer surface of the
lens 104 simulate various glass structures and finishes such as
crackle glass, hand blown single or multi-colored glass, mosaic
glass or stenciled glass. Instead of water transfer printing,
sometimes known as cubic printing, a decal sticker or heat shrink
film applied to the lens 104 may be secured via a thermal bonding
process such as in an oven of via use of a hot air blower. These
embodiments allowing the use of a plastic lens have a lower
breakage risk from transportation and impact than an embodiment
made of glass, a lower weight and a lower center of gravity than
glass lens structures. Although they will likely be perceived as
less attractive than glass they will have a lower cost packing and
presentation such as a PDQ display or "Presentation Display
Quantity" display that requires a minimal amount of unpacking to
and in the merchandising execution at a retail store level whereby
the lens is not enclosed within any packaging and is fully exposed
to the shopper.
[0068] FIGS. 11, 12, 13 and 14 shows inverted view of an
alternative embodiment of the housing 132. Disposed on the lower
surface of the housing 132 is a recessed partially oval shaped
access region 908 which is preferably recessed in the lower surface
of the housing 132 is a resilient cap 902 preferably affixed by a
tether to the housing 132 at one end to avoid the cap 902 becoming
lost or dropped during use. The access region 908 preferably has
side walls and a rim to snugly and securely mate with the resilient
cap 902 when the resilient cap 902 is pressed by a user into the
access region 908. The resilient cap 902 is preferable made of an
at least partially light transmissive material such as
polyvinylchloride (PVC) or silicon rubber.
[0069] As shown in FIG. 11, when the user remove the new lighting
device 100 from its packaging after purchase, a flexible pull tab
904 extends from beneath the closed cap 902. There may be indicia
or words printed on the pull tab 904 to instruct the user such as
"Open cap, Pull tab to activate, close cap before use". Because the
pull tab 904 extends beneath the visible portion of the cap 902, it
is apparent to a user to access the access region 908 by removing
the cap 902 from its position mated to the access region 908. The
pull tab 904 acts as an insulator between a rechargeable battery
304 and internal battery connections that connect the battery 304
via circuitry to the electrical light source or sources 123. When
the pull tab 904 is removed, with any optional switch in an "ON"
position, and the ambient light levels are low, an electrical
connection is made between the battery 304 and the battery
connections (not shown) and then the lighting device 100 will
function normally for normal use. In the embodiment shown in FIGS.
12 and 13 a switch 40 is co-located in the access region 908. This
switch 40 may have the function of switching between various
lighting modes or light sources. For example, the switch 40 may be
a two position single pole slide switch with one position putting
the lighting device 100 into a mode whereby only a single color of
light is emitted by the lighting device 100 such as white light. In
the second position, the lighting device 100 would be put into a
mode whereby a continuous cycle of changing colors is emitted by
the lighting device 100. Alternatively the switch 40 may be a push
switch or a rotational switch.
[0070] Alternatively, instead of being located on a vertical side
of the housing 110, the ambient light sensor 128 may be located on
the lower surface of the housing 132 within the access region 908.
Since the cap 902 is light transmissive, the ambient light sensor
128 is able to operate from beneath the cap 902 when the cap 902 is
mated with the access region 908.
[0071] As shown in FIG. 13, the user, as instructed, removes the
new lighting device 100 from its packaging after purchase, pulls on
the pull tab 904 and removes it from the slotted aperture 906
located in the access region 908.
[0072] As shown in FIG. 14, the user then places the cap 902 over
the access region 908 and pushes the cap 902 securely into place
over the activity region. With the cap 902 in place, the seal
between the cap 902 and the access region 908 is substantially
resistant to moisture ingress. This means that the aperture for the
optional switch 40, the aperture for the pull tab 906, and the
aperture for the ambient light sensor 128 are substantially
waterproofed from moisture when the cap 902 is mated to the access
region 908 in the in the lower surface of the housing 132. This
configuration allows the use of the pull tab 904 in the packaging
of the lighting device 100. Further, the pull tab may be
electrically conductive on two sides and connected to a package
switch as disclosed in copending U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/236,340 title "A Light Device" filed on Sep. 9, 2008, the
contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their
entirety.
[0073] Although the invention has been described in language
specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is
to be understood that the invention defined herein is not
necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described.
Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as exemplary
forms of implementing the claimed invention.
* * * * *