CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 15/461 ,438 filed on March 16, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to lighting devices, and more particularly to an improved landscape lighting apparatus.

BACKGROUND

[0003] United States Patent Nos. 7,641 ,345 and 8,057,045 to Johnson describes a projection apparatus for generating a moving star field and a cloud-like effect comprising a means for generating a cloud-like effect using at least one non-coherent light source, a means for generating a moving star field using at least one coherent light source and a means for regulating and supplying electric power. The means for generating cloud-like effect using at least one non-coherent light source comprises at least one pair of condenser lenses and an interferential filter wheel rotated by a motor, disposed between at least one pair of condenser lenses. The means for generating the moving star field using a coherent light source comprises a grating wheel rotated by a motor and a diffractive optical element disposed between the at least one coherent light source and the grating wheel. [0004] United States Patent 8,100,537 to Johnson describes a laser landscape lighting apparatus for use in accent lighting applications for landscapes and outdoor venues. In one embodiment, the laser landscape lighting apparatus includes a coherent light source in combination with a diffractive optical element and optionally a diffraction grating wheel. The diffractive optical element may be, for example, a holographic optical element. In some embodiments, the laser landscape lighting apparatus includes a temperature-controlled integral derivative system. In one application, the laser landscape lighting apparatus may project a static or movable star field.

SUMMARY

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention can provide a landscape light. The landscape light can include a laser light source which produces a laser light and a lens configured to disperse the laser light, a background light assembly which can include a second light source which produces a background light and a background light movement assembly configured to produce a movement of the background light generated by the second light source such that the background light moves across a surface onto which the background light is projected, and the at least one laser light source and the background light assembly can be configured such that the dispersed laser light is projected substantially within the moving background light produced by the background light assembly.

[0006] According to certain embodiments, the background light movement assembly can include a reflector. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the background light movement assembly can include a motor configured to rotate the second light source at least partially within the reflector. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the reflector can be substantially semi-spherical. According to certain embodiments, the reflector can create shapes in the background light.

[0007] According to certain exemplary embodiments, the landscape light can further include a second laser light source which produces a second laser light, and each of the laser light and the second laser light can include a different color.

[0008] According to certain exemplary embodiments, the landscape light can further include a third laser light source which produces a third laser light, each of the laser light, the second laser light, and the third laser light can include a different color.

[0009] According to certain exemplary embodiments, the color of the background light can include white. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the speed of the movement of the background light can be adjustable. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the landscape light can further include a wireless controller.

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention can provide an electric candle. The electric candle can include a body having a wax-like exterior configured to mimic an appearance of a wax candle, a first non-laser light source disposed at least partially within the body and configured to produce a light which mimics a flame of a wax candle, and a second light source producing a laser light disposed at least partially within the body and including a lens configured to disperse the laser light.

[0011] According to certain exemplary embodiments of the electric candle, the lens can disperse the laser light into a plurality of discrete points of light.

[0012] According to certain exemplary embodiments, the electric candle can further include a visual effects assembly configured to create at least one visual effect in the laser light. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the at least one visual effect can include at least one of a movement, a flashing, a pattern, and a shape.

[0013] According to certain exemplary embodiments, the laser light produced by the second light source is configured to be projected onto a ceiling. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the electric candle can further include a wireless controller.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The features and advantages of the present invention can be more readily understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0015] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a landscape light apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 2A is a front perspective cutaway view of a landscape light apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 2B is a front cutaway view of a landscape light apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 2C is a partially exploded view of a landscape light apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a landscape light apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of a landscape light apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0021] FIG. 4B is a front perspective detailed view of a landscape light apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of a landscape light apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 4D is a front perspective partially opened view of a landscape light apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 5 is a partially exploded view of a landscape light apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electric candle according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0026] FIG. 6B is an exploded view of an exemplary electric candle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a landscape light. Specifically, certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide various new and novel features for a landscape light, such as a landscape light having laser light sources. Landscape lights according to embodiments of the present invention can, for example, be used as interior or exterior festive and/or decorative lighting in connection with holidays such as Christmas, Halloween, etc. Additionally, the landscape lights according to embodiments of the present invention may be used in place of other traditional decorative lighting, such as string lights, etc. Although the embodiments of the present invention are primarily described with respect to a landscape light, it is not limited thereto, and it should be noted that the exemplary apparatus and systems described herein may be used in connection with any lighting apparatus.

[0028] FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary landscape light 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1 , landscape light 10 can include light sources 14 and 16 and lenses 14a and 16a housed within light projector housing 12. Although landscape light 10 is shown in FIG. 1 having only two light source 14 and 16, landscape light 10 can include any number and type of light sources. For example, landscape light 10 can include one, two, three, or more light sources. Further, each of the light sources can be any type of light source that can produce the type of light desired, such as, for example, light sources 14 and 16 may include lasers, incandescent bulbs, and/or light emitting diodes (LEDs). Optionally, light sources 14 and 16 can produce lights having the same color. Alternatively, light sources 14 and 16 can produce lights having different colors (e.g., red, green, white, blue, etc.). Further, as shown in FIG. 1 , landscape light 10 can include lenses 14a and 16a, which can correspond to light sources 14 and 16, respectively. Lenses 14a and 16a can include any type of optical element that can manipulate and/or condition the light produced by light sources 14 and 16 in a desired manner. For example, lenses 14a and 16a can include diffractive features (e.g., diffractive holographic optics) configured to disperse the light generated by light sources 14 and 16 into a plurality of discrete points of light when projected onto a surface. Lenses 14a and 16a can also scatter the light generated by light sources 14 and 16 so as to lower the power of the light, thereby reducing the potential risk associated with exposure to the light in embodiments where light sources 14 and 16 may include lasers. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, landscape light 10 can include a single lens for both light sources 14 and 16.

[0029] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, in operation, landscape light 10 can project light produced by light sources 14 and 16 onto a target surface. For example, light produced by light sources 14 and 16 may be manipulated or conditioned by lenses 14a and 16a and be projected onto a target surface, such as a wall or other structure. In an embodiment where lenses 14a and 16a include diffractive elements configured to disperse the light generated by light sources 14 and 16, landscape light may project a plurality of discrete points of light onto the target surface. Landscape light 10 may also include various modes of operation. For example, landscape light 10 may include mode where the lights produced by light sources 14 and 16 can be flashed, strobed, or pulsed at predetermined, or randomized intervals. This may be performed by modulating the power delivered to light sources 14 and 16 in accordance with the desired flashing, pulsing, or strobing pattern. Additionally, landscape light 10 may also a visual effect assembly, which can produce various visual effects using the lights produced by light sources 14 and 16. For example, visual effect assembly may be configured to produce a shimmering effect of the light, a movement of the light across the target surface, a "raining" effect of the light, etc. Visual effect assembly may also be configured to produce the flashing, pulsing, or strobing pattern of the light in addition to or in place of any power modulation techniques utilized to achieve these effects.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1 , landscape light 10 can also include mounting bracket 20, ground stake 22, and power cord 18. Power cord 18 can be connected to a power supply or transformer (not illustrated). Optionally, landscape light 10 can include a wireless remote control 30, which can enable wireless control of landscape light 10. As shown in FIG. 1 , ground stake 22 and light projector housing 12 may be rotatably coupled to mounting bracket 20. This can allow user to aim and adjust the direction of the light produced by landscape light 10. For example, the angle of light projector housing 12 can be adjusted relative to mounting bracket 20, and mounting bracket 20 can be rotatably adjusted relative to ground stake 22. Thus, landscape light 10 can be adjusted in two degrees of freedom to provide nearly a full range of motion of adjustments. This can enable a user, for example, to adjust and aim the light produced by landscape light 10 to be projected on various targets even after it has been staked into the ground.

[0031] Additionally, landscape light 10 can include a wireless remote control 30 that can enable wireless operation of landscape light 10. For example, landscape light 10 can include a wireless transmitter/receiver, which can wirelessly communicate with a remote control 30 to enable wireless operation of landscape light 10. For example, the wireless transmitter/receiver can employ radio frequency ("RF"), Bluetooth, and/or WiFi technology to facilitate wireless communication between landscape light 10 and remote control 30. According to certain embodiments, landscape light 10 can be wirelessly operated via remote control 30. For example, remote control 30 can control powering landscape light 10 ON and/or OFF, changing the operation of light sources 14 and 16 (e.g., choosing between having one of light source 14 or 16 in an ON condition or having both light sources 14 and 16 in an ON condition), controlling a visual effect setting (e.g., flashing, movement, shimmering, strobing, etc.), controlling an audio effect setting (e.g., music, sounds, etc.), controlling a timer setting, etc. Further remote control 30 can indicate and display the current operating status of landscape light 10 (e.g., whether or not landscape light 10 is ON or OFF and/or the mode of operation). Optionally, remote control 30 can control other features of landscape light 10 described herein, including, for example, created/produced visual effects (e.g., movement, patterns/shapes, flashing etc.), color of the light, operation of the spotlight (e.g., ON/OFF, color, etc.), etc. According to certain embodiments, remote control 30 can be implemented via an app on a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet, or via a web-based application on a computer.

[0032] FIGs. 2A and 2B show cut-away views of an exemplary landscape light 210 having a visual effect assembly 220 and light source 230 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Landscape light 210 shown in FIGs. 2A and 2B operate similarly to landscape light 10 shown in FIG. 1. Further, visual effect assembly 220 can create and/or produce visual effects using the light generated by light source 230. For example, visual effect assembly 220 can create a flashing, pulsing, or strobing pattern, a shimmering effect, a movement of the light across the target surface, a "raining" effect, etc. According to certain exemplary embodiments, visual effect assembly 220 may include an optical element 222, which may include any optical features (e.g., holographic elements, diffractive elements, patterns, etc.) that can be used to create the desired visual effect. Further, optical element 222 may be coupled to a motor, or other articulating element, that can cause optical element 222 to be articulated in a defined manner, which when combined with the optical feature of optical element 222, can create the desired visual effect. As noted herein, visual effect assembly 220 can create a flashing, pulsing, or strobing pattern, a shimmering effect, a movement of the light across the target surface, a "raining" effect, etc. As shown in FIGs. 2A and 2B, optical element 222 may include a disk having optical features disposed thereon, which can be rotated in front of light source in the direction of arrow A to create various optical effects as the light generated by light source 230 interacts with rotating optical element 222. Although visual effect assembly 220 is shown to include a rotating optical wheel, visual effect assembly 220 can include any structure or programming that can enable creating the desired visual effects of the light.

[0033] FIG. 2C shows a partially exploded view of an exemplary landscape light 250 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2C, landscape light 250 can include light sources 252 (e.g., laser light sources) and visual effect assembly 220. Visual effect assembly 220 can include motor 221 , connector 223, linkage 224, gear 225 and rotating optical element 222. Visual effect assembly may optionally include wheels 229 and coupling element 228. Landscape light 250 may operate similarly to the landscape lights described with respect to FIGs. 2A and 2B. For example, light sources 252 may generate one or more lights that are manipulated by visual effect assembly 220 to create and/or product certain visual effects. In one instance, rotating optical element 222 can include various optical features that produce a desired optical effect, such as, for example, a flashing, pulsing, or strobing pattern, a shimmering effect, a movement of the light across the target surface, a "raining" effect, etc., when optical element 222 is rotated by motor 221. Motor 221 may be coupled to optical element 222 via linkage 224 and gear 225. Optionally, rotating optical element 222 may include one or more different shapes and/or patterns which allow the light produced by light sources 252 to be projected in the shape and/or pattern (e.g., Christmas ornament, snowflake, candy cane, Santa Claus, reindeer, butterfly, heart, pumpkin, jack-o-lantern, etc.). Accordingly, when rotating optical element 222 is rotated, the shaped light patterns created by the shapes and/or patterns disposed on rotating optical element 222 can cause the light projected in the shape and/or pattern to move across the surface onto which the light is projected.

[0034] According to exemplary embodiments, rotating optical element 222 can be configured to be interchangeable so that a user can interchange rotating optical element 222. For instance, rotating optical element 222 may be designed to include shapes and/or patterns for a specific holiday, and a user may desire to change rotating optical element 222 for the appropriate holiday. According to an exemplary embodiment, a first rotating optical element 222 may include only Christmas shapes and/or patterns (e.g., Santa Claus, snowflake, ornaments, reindeer, candy canes, etc.), a second rotating optical element 222 may include Halloween shapes and/or patterns (e.g., pumpkin, witch, jack- o-lantern, ghost, etc.), a third rotating optical element 222 may include Thanksgiving shapes and/or patterns (e.g., turkey, Pilgrim hat, cornucopia, etc.), etc. Then, a user may be able to select the appropriate or desired rotating optical element 222 for the desired shapes and/or patterns to be projected by landscape light 250.

[0035] The user may be able to change rotating optical element 222 by opening the housing of landscape light 250. This may be enabled by configuring the face of landscape light 250 to be removable from the body to allow the user to access rotating optical element 222. For example, the face of landscape light 250 may be coupled to the body of landscape light 250 via any coupling mechanism, such as threads, clips, screws, fasteners, etc. Further, landscape light 250 may include a safety mechanism to automatically turn light sources 252 OFF if the face of landscape light 250 is removed. This can ensure that a user is not accidentally exposed to the unattenuated light generated by light sources 252 while the face of landscape light 250 is detached. This can be accomplished, for example, by a simple pressure switch, or an electrical connection made with the face of landscape light 250.

[0036] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary landscape light 310 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Similarly to landscape light 10 shown in FIG. 1, landscape light 310 includes housing 312, light sources 314 and 316, and ground stake 322. Additionally, landscape light 310 includes spotlights 332 and an adjustment mechanism 340. Spotlights 332 may include any type of light source having sufficient power to illuminate a desired area. For example, spotlights 332 may include light-emitting diodes (LED), halogen bulbs, high-intensity discharge gas lamps, etc., which may illuminate an area in which the light generated by light sources 314 and 316 are projected. For example, spotlights 332 may illuminate a surface such as a wall, and a plurality of discrete points of light generated by light sources 314 and 316 may be projected on the wall within the area of illumination. In operation, spotlights 332 may be configured to be operable in a continuously ON state, a flashing mode of operation, varying levels of brightness/intensity, etc. Operation of the spotlights 332 can be in addition to and can augment any visual effects that can be produced/created as described herein. Further, certain visual effects (e.g., flashing, movement, etc.) can be implemented on the light generated by light sources 314 and 316 as well as the light generated by spotlights 332.

[0037] Further, as shown in FIG. 3, landscape light 310 can include adjustment mechanism 340. Adjustment mechanism 340 may include any element that facilitates adjustment of housing 312 relative to ground stake 322. As shown in FIG. 3, adjustment mechanism 340 may include a securing element 342 and ratcheted teeth 344. Securing element 342 may enable housing 312 to be releasably secured in a plurality of positions relative to ground stake 322. Ratcheted teeth 344 may provide engagement mechanisms that define a plurality of positions in which housing 312 can be secured relative to ground stake 344.

[0038] FIGS. 4A-4D show landscape lights 410 and 410a including pattern generation assemblies 450 and 450a, respectively, according to certain embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIGs. 4A-4D, landscape lights 410 and 410a are similar to landscape light 10, but include pattern generation assemblies 450 and 450a. Pattern generation assemblies 450 and 450a can create patterns in the light produced by the light sources of landscape lights 410 and 410a, thereby enabling landscape lights 410 and 410a to be project light in specific patterns and shapes. For example, as shown in FIGs. 4A-4C, pattern generation assembly 450 may include pattern generators 452 mounted on a slide cartridge 454. Slide cartridge 454 may be configured to be received in cartridge receiving mount 456. Further, each of pattern generators may include a silhouette or outline of a specific pattern. Alternatively, pattern generators 452 can include any shape, pattern, or optical feature that can be used to obtain any desired visual effect. For example, pattern generators 452 can include shapes such as trees, hearts, angels, snowflakes, butterflies, bells, animals, balloons, jack-o-lanterns, etc. When slide cartridge is installed in housing 412 in receiving mount 456, slide cartridge 454 positions and secures at least one of pattern generators 452 in the path of the light generated by light sources of landscape light 410. According to certain exemplary embodiments, slide cartridge 454 may facilitate the mounting of a plurality of pattern generators 452 and slide cartridge 454 may allow a user to select between any of the pattern generators 452 mounted thereon. For example, each of pattern generators 452 may include a different pattern, and slide cartridge 454 and/or pattern generation assembly 450 may include a selector to rotate any of pattern generators 452 in position to be the active pattern generator.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 4C, when slide cartridge 454 is installed in housing 412 in receiving mount 456, light produced by light source 414 can pass through at least one of the pattern generators 452 mounted on slide cartridge 454. As light from light source 414 passes through pattern generators 452, the light may be shaped by the pattern defined by pattern generators 452. Further, slide cartridge 454 and/or pattern generation assembly 450 may include a selection mechanism so that any of pattern generators 452 can be positioned and secured in the path of the light produced by light source 414.

[0040] FIG. 4D shows another exemplary landscape light 410a having pattern generation assembly 450a. As shown in FIG. 4D, pattern generation assembly 450a can include pattern generators 452a. Pattern generators 452a can be positioned in mounting locations 456a to secure pattern generators 452a in the path of the light generated by landscape light 410. For example, the mounting of pattern generators 452a may include a threaded engagement, a tension mount, a clip mount, or any other mounting mechanisms that can secure pattern generators 452a in the path of the light generated by landscape light 410a. Similar to landscape light 410, as the light generated by landscape light 410a passes through pattern generators 452a, pattern generators 452a can create patterns and shapes as defined by the patterns and/or shapes disposed thereon. Pattern generators 452a may include any shape, pattern, or optical feature that can be used to obtain any desired visual effect. For example, pattern generators 452 can include shapes such as trees, hearts, angels, snowflakes, butterflies, bells, animals, balloons, jack-o-lanterns, etc.

[0041] FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of exemplary landscape light 500 in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, landscape light 500 can include laser light sources 502 and LED light sources 510 operatively coupled to/within rotating assembly 520. Further, rotating assembly 520 can include motor 524, connector 526, optical elements 522 and 528. Rotating assembly 520 can also include various mounts and connectors which can define the rotating movement of rotating assembly 520. Optical elements 522 and 528 can include various optical features to disperse, reflect, focus, and/or create shapes/patterns in the light produced by LED light source 510. In operation, laser light sources 502 can project a plurality of discrete points of laser light onto a surface, as described herein, and LED light sources 510, in cooperation with rotating assembly 520, can create a backdrop of moving light. For example, laser light sources 502 can include green, red, and/or blue lasers, and LED light sources 510 can include white LEDs to create a backdrop of falling snow over the colored lights generated by laser light sources 502. Optionally, landscape light 500 can include visual effects assemblies as described herein that can create and/or produce visual effects in the light generated by the laser light sources 502 and/or LED light sources 510. Further, the rate or rotation of rotating assembly 520 can be adjustable.

[0042] FIGs. 6A and 6B illustrate cross-sectional and exploded views of exemplary electric candle 600. As shown in FIGs. 6A and 6B, candle 600 can include body 602, first light source 604, and second light source 606. Body 602 can be shaped and formed so that electric candle 604 has the appearance of a traditional candle. For example, body 602 can be made from a waxy material and body 602 and be substantially cylindrical, or rectangular, or formed in other desired shapes (e.g., designs, sculptures, characters, logos, etc.). First light source 604 can be configured to replicate and/or imitate a flame of a candle and second light source 606 can include an optical element so that the second light source 606 produces a plurality of discrete points of lights, similar to the light sources of the landscape lights described herein. For example, first light source 604 can include a light source such as an LED to produce a soft light to imitate a flame of the candle, and second light source 606 can include a laser light source. Second light source 606 can also include optical element 608, which can include a lens, attenuator, diffractive element, or other optical element, that can scatter the light generated by second light source 606. Accordingly, first light source 604 can be configured to replicate and imitate a flame of the candle and light source 606 can be configured to generate and project a plurality of discrete points of light on the ceiling of the room in which electric candle 600 is positioned. Optionally, first light source 604 can be configured to include a flicker to more closely resemble a candle flame. Alternatively, first light source 604 can be configured to create patterns and/or shapes, as described herein. Further, second light source 606 can also include a visual effects assembly, as described herein, such that the various visual effects can be created in the light produced by second light source 606 (e.g., moving lights, flashing, shapes and/or patterns, etc.) as described herein.

[0043] According to embodiments of the present invention, landscape light 10 can include various other features. For example, landscape light 10 can include a motion sensor to control operation of the light when motion is detected. Additionally, landscape light 10 can include a memory, which can facilitate programming various operating modes of landscape light 10. This programming can be performed via remote control 30. Landscape light 10 can further include a speaker, and music and audio can be stored on the memory, which can be played via the speaker. For example, landscape light can include holiday music, scary Halloween sounds, Christmas carols, etc. Further, the lights of landscape light 10 can be choreographed to the audio being played. Additionally, landscape light 10 can include a solar power module, enabling landscape light 10 to be powered by solar energy. Further, landscape light 10 can also include a temperature sensor/thermostat with a heating element. The temperature sensor/thermostat can measure the ambient temperature and activate the heating element when the ambient temperature falls below a predetermined threshold. This can allow the landscape light to operate in cold weather conditions that could otherwise damage the landscape light. Further yet, landscape light 10 can also include a fan that can prevent moisture from collecting within the body of the landscape light. This can prevent, for example, moisture from building up on the face, lens, etc. of the landscape light.

[0044] The embodiments and examples shown above are illustrative, and many variations can be introduced to them without departing from the spirit of the disclosure or from the scope of the appended claims. For example, elements and/or features of different illustrative and exemplary embodiments herein may be combined with each other and/or substituted with each other within the scope of the disclosure. For a better understanding of the disclosure, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention.