BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Technical Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to accent lighting systems and more particularly to accent lights for use in connection with posts, post caps, stairs and vertical, sloped and horizontal surfaces associated, for example, with decks, docks (and other marine applications), patios, arbors and indoor/outdoor spaces.
Description of Related Art
For both safety and aesthetic reasons, there is a desire to provide accent lighting in decks, docks (and other marine applications), patios, arbors and indoor/outdoor spaces. For example, stair installations, such as with the treads or risers, are often lit not only for the obvious safety concerns, but also because such lighting is viewed as attractive and opulent. Similarly, the perimeter of an indoor/outdoor space is often accent lit to provide a clear indication of the barrier location but also to provide pleasing illumination of surfaces without having to use overhead lighting which oftentimes is harsh and overly extensive. Still further, accent lighting is often preferred to overhead lighting because the illumination can be better focused and thus the distracting and perhaps visually interfering overspill associated with overhead lighting sources is avoided. Indeed, accent lighting is preferred in many installations, both indoor and outdoor, because such lighting can effectively address safety concerns while simultaneously providing an attractive lighting feature without concern for light pollution.
A number of accent lighting solutions are known in the art. These solutions suffer from a number of well known drawbacks including excess cost, difficulty or inability for customization, failure of the light source to be hidden from casual view, and premature failure of the lighting sources due to overheating or environmental intrusion (from water, for example).
There is a need in the art address the foregoing and other issues when providing an access lighting system.
SUMMARY
In accordance with an embodiment, an accent lighting source utilizes a light source having a metal heat dissipating housing with an aperture within which at least one point light source, such as from an LED, is mounted. The aperture is closed by a lens/diffuser structure. The light source is mounted within a housing for the accent light source. The housing has a design configuration that supports one or more of a preferred accent lighting installation on a horizontal or vertical surface. Exemplary horizontal surfaces include the top of a post member, a deck surface, a stair surface, an arbor or an overhanging or ceiling surface. Exemplary vertical surfaces include a stair riser and the side of post or wall surface.
In an embodiment, a lighting apparatus comprises: a cylindrical light refracting member having a first end presenting a light emitting surface and a second end; wherein the first end of the cylindrical light refracting member comprises a solid region; wherein the second end of the cylindrical light refracting member comprises a hollow region surrounded by a peripheral side wall; a conical extension projects rearwardly from the solid region into the hollow region; wherein the conical extension includes a central bore; and a lighting source installed within the hollow region and configured to emit light towards the central bore of the conical extension.
In an embodiment, a lighting apparatus comprises: a housing including a front surface member with a rectangular opening; a light refracting member installed with said rectangular opening, said light refracting member including a flat front face mounted substantially flush with the front surface member of the housing; a lighting source installed within the housing and configured to emit light towards the light refracting member, the lighting source including a support body having an aperture within which one or more light emitters are installed and through which emitted light is configured to pass; said light refracting member further including a rear face defined by a convex lens structure which rearwardly extends into said aperture.
In an embodiment, a lighting apparatus comprises: a base plate member including a floor and peripheral side walls, wherein the floor includes a central opening and at least one rectangular peripheral opening adjacent a peripheral side wall, said floor further configured to be mounted to a top surface of a post member; a light refracting member installed with said rectangular opening; a lighting source configured to emit light towards the light refracting member; and a cap member mounted to the base plate member.
In an embodiment, a lighting apparatus comprises: a base plate member including a floor and peripheral side walls, wherein the floor includes a central opening, said floor further configured to be mounted to a top surface of a post member; a glow ring assembly comprising: a light refracting member having a perimeter size and shape generally conforming to a perimeter size and shape of the base plate member; and a lighting source configured to emit light towards the light refracting member; and a cap member mounted to the base plate member with the light refracting member positioned between the cap member and the base plate member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A more complete understanding of the method and apparatus of the present invention may be acquired by reference to the following Detailed Description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:
FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a first accent lighting source;
FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the first accent lighting source;
FIG. 2 is a perspective cross-sectional view illustration an application of the first accent lighting source;
FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of a lens used with the first accent lighting source;
FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of the lens shown in FIG. 3A;
FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views of a second accent lighting source;
FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate various views of a lens used with the second accent lighting source (as well as with the third light accent lighting source discussed below);
FIG. 7 is a perspective cross-sectional view illustration an application of the second accent lighting source;
FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 are perspective views of a third accent lighting source FIG. 8;
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the third accent lighting source; and
FIGS. 12 and 13 show perspective view of two embodiments for a base plate, for exemplary use with two different types of posts: wood and hollow (metal);
FIGS. 14 and 15 show perspective view of a light source for the third accent lighting source;
FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate attachment of light sources to the base plate for the third accent lighting source;
FIGS. 18 and 19 are perspective views of a fourth accent lighting source;
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing attachment of the fourth accent lighting source to a vertical surface;
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a fifth accent lighting source;
FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the fifth accent lighting source;
FIGS. 23A and 23B are perspective views of a glow ring assembly used within the fifth accent lighting source
FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the glow ring assembly; and
FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of the glow ring assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Reference is now made to FIG. 1A which shows a perspective view of a first accent lighting source 100. FIG. 1B shows a cross-sectional view of the source 100. The source 100 is an inset-type source. The source comprises a cylindrical housing 102 terminated at a first end by a cap member 104 in the form of a disc having an opening 106 therein. The diameter of the cap member 104 is greater than the diameter of the cylindrical housing 102. The thickness of the cap member 104 is preferably limited to what is necessary for ensuring proper fabrication and maintaining structural integrity during use. Additionally, a beveled surface 107 is provided at the peripheral edge of the cap member 104. A light source 105 is installed in the cylindrical housing 102. The light source is preferably a light emitting diode type of source sized and shaped to fit within the cylindrical housing 102. The light source will generally comprise a metal housing which functions as a heat dissipater and to which light sources such as light emitting diodes are attached. The metal housing may include a circular aperture in which light sources such as light emitting diodes are installed (see, generally, FIGS. 14 and 15 which illustrate a source of similar type but with a different shape). In a preferred implementation, the accent lighting source 100 further includes a lens or light diffuser 108 that is sized and shaped to conform to the opening 106 (as well as the aperture formed in the metal housing). Preferably, the lens or light diffuser 108 is constructed so that it will present a flush surface mount with respect to a front surface of the cap member 104. The lens or light diffuser 108 may further be sealed with respect to the opening 106 (and the circular aperture) so as to inhibit the ingress of moisture from the front surface of the cap member 104 into the cylindrical housing 102 and light source itself. Electrical leads (wiring) 109 for the light source will extend from a second end of the cylindrical housing 102 opposite the first end.
Reference is now made to FIG. 2 which shows a perspective cross-sectional view illustrating an application of the first accent lighting source 100. The application concerns accent lighting for a patio deck and stairs. An opening 110 is formed in the deck or stair member (i.e., a desired horizontal (tread) or vertical (riser) surface) at a desired location for accent lighting. The opening 110 is sized to be substantially the same size as the cylindrical housing 102. The first accent lighting source 100 is then press-fit or interference-fit within the opening 110 in a manner whereby the back surface of the cap member 104 is in contact with a surface of the deck or stair member. Additionally, an adhesive material may be used to secure the first accent lighting source 100 within the opening 110. Alternatively, a mechanical retention system (such as a screw or lock ring) may be used from the backside of the deck or stair member to secure the first accent lighting source 100 within the opening 110. Because the thickness of the cap member 104 is minimized, the installed first accent lighting source 100 will effectively provide for a substantially flush mounting to the surface with minimal risk of tripping.
Although not shown in FIG. 2, it will be understood that the first accent lighting source 100 could alternatively be installed in the riser, or other vertical surface, to provide spill light over an adjacent horizontal surface.
Although not shown in FIG. 2, it will be understood that the first accent lighting source 100 could alternatively be installed in the underside of an overhanging vertical surface to provide spill light over an underlying horizontal surface.
The lens or light diffuser 108, as well as the light source itself, may be specifically configured for the application at issue. For example, in the installation shown in FIG. 2, the light source may present a lower light intensity and/or the lens or light diffuser 108 may provide for a wider illumination area. When installed instead on a vertical surface or overhanging horizontal surface, the light source may present a higher light intensity and/or the lens or light diffuser 108 may provide for a directed, narrower or more focused illumination area.
Reference is now made to FIG. 3A which illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment for the lens or light diffuser 108 used with the first accent lighting source. An upper surface 120 of the lens 108 is dimpled. The lens 108 has a cylindrical body portion 122. The cylindrical body portion 122 includes a shoulder surface 124 at the periphery of the upper surface 120. The shoulder surface 124 is provided to mate with the opening 106 (FIG. 1). The cylindrical body portion 122 includes a solid upper portion 126 and hollow lower portion 128. Extending from the solid upper portion 126 into the open region defined by the hollow lower portion 128 is a conical portion 130. A central bore 132 is formed within the conical portion 130, and a hollow cylindrical portion 134 extends further from the conical portion 130 concentric with the central bore 132. The hollow lower portion 128 of the cylindrical body portion 122 includes an offset portion 136 defining an outside shoulder 138 and an inside shoulder 140. The offset portion 136 and inside shoulder 140 define an open region 142 below the conical portion 130. It is within this open region 142 that the point light source (shown in phantom) is installed, with the inside shoulder 140 and the inside cylindrical surface of the offset portion 136 providing mounting surface for attaching and positioning the point light source.
The configuration for the lens 108 in FIGS. 3A and 3B is slightly different from that shown in FIG. 1B. Both lens designs share in common the solid upper portion 126, hollow lower portion 128 and conical portion 130. The difference resides with the central bore 132. The central bore 132 in FIG. 3B is cylindrical, while the central bore 132 in FIG. 1B is conical.
FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views of a second accent lighting source 200. Specifically, FIG. 4 shows a view directed towards a front side of the second accent lighting source 200 while FIG. 5 shows a view directed towards a back side of the second accent lighting source 200. The source 200 is a surface mount type source (for installation, for example, to any desired vertical or horizontal surface). The source comprises a box-like housing formed from four side walls 202 and a front rectangular member 204. A rectangular opening 206 is formed in the front rectangular member 204. A light source 208 is installed in the housing and is aligned with opening 206 using alignment walls 210 (extending between the two longer side walls on either end of the opening 206) and alignment buffers 212 positioned on the two longer side walls on either side of the opening 206). The light source is preferably a light emitting diode type of source sized and shaped to fit within the box-like housing. The light source will generally comprise a metal housing which functions as a heat dissipater and includes an aperture in which light sources such as light emitting diodes are installed (see, generally, FIGS. 14 and 15 which illustrate a source of similar type). Electrical leads (wiring) 209 for the light source will extend from a back side of the housing.
In a preferred implementation the light source further includes a lens or light diffuser 220 (see FIGS. 6A-6B) that is sized and shaped to conform to the opening 206. FIG. 6B shows a lateral perspective cross-section of the lens or light diffuser 220 shown in FIG. 6A. Preferably, the lens or light diffuser 220 is constructed so that a front side 222 will present a flush surface mount with respect to a front surface of the front rectangular member 204. A back side 224 of the lens or light diffuser 220 is provided with a straight longitudinally extending convex surface 226 (which is received within the aperture of the light source housing). The convex surface 226 is shaped to assist in directing the light from the light source 208 as needed and with a desired pattern or spread. In an embodiment, the straight longitudinally extending convex surface 226 is laterally offset from a longitudinal center axis of the lens 220 in order to provide directed light projection. In some embodiments, the longitudinally extending convex surface 226 transitions into a concave surface 227. Additionally, in an embodiment, the lateral cross-sectional shape of the convex surface is not symmetric. The back side 224 of the lens or light diffuser 220 further includes a pair of installation pins 228 which fit within a corresponding pair of installation openings 230 (see, FIG. 4) formed in the light source 208.
The lens or light diffuser may further be sealed with respect to the opening 206 and the aperture in the housing so as to inhibit the ingress of moisture to within the housing and light source.
The front rectangular member 204 of the housing further includes two countersunk installation openings 214 configured to receive mounting screws.
Reference is now made to FIG. 7 which shows a perspective cross-sectional view illustrating an application of the second accent lighting source 200. The application concerns accent lighting for a patio stair (or other horizontal surface). The stair tread member overhangs the riser member by a distance. The second accent lighting source 200 is installed on an underside surface of the stair tread member which is exposed beyond the riser member. Installation screws are inserted through the openings 214 so as to mount the housing of the second accent lighting source 200 to the underside of the stair tread. A slot may be provide in the underside surface of the stair tread to permit routing of the wire leads for the light source to a location behind the riser member. Care is taken in orienting the second accent lighting source 200 at installation such that the generated light is properly directed. For example, to spill on both the riser member and the underlying stair tread, or alternatively to spill primarily on the underlying stair tread.
FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 are perspective views of a third accent lighting source 300. Specifically, FIG. 8 shows a view directed towards a top side of the third accent lighting source 300, FIG. 9 shows a view directed towards a side of the third accent lighting source 300, and FIG. 10 shows a view directed towards a back side of the third accent lighting source 300. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the third accent lighting source.
The source 300 is a post cap mount type source designed for installation at the top of a post member. The source comprises a cover 302. The cover includes side walls 306 and a roof 308, with the roof 308 having a truncated pyramidal shape. The truncated pyramidal shape for cover 302 is an aesthetic choice, it being understood that the cover 302 may have any desired external configuration (including pyramidal, domed, flat, and the like). The source further comprises a base plate 304. Perspective views of two embodiments for the base plate 304 are shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. The base pate 304 includes first side walls 310 and a floor 312 wherein the side walls 310 extend perpendicularly from an outer peripheral edge of the floor 312. The walls 310 of the floor 312 are configured to fit within the walls 306 of the cover 302. The floor 312 includes a central opening 314. The floor 312 further includes a plurality of rectangular light openings 316 positioned adjacent the side edges of the floor 312. The floor 312 further includes a mounting opening 318 at each corner of the outer peripheral edge of the floor 312. When the cover 302 is installed on the base plate 304, mounting hardware, such as screws, can extend through the mounting openings 318 so as to permit the cover 302 to be secured to the base plate 304. Advantageously, this mounting hardware is hidden from normal viewing of the third accent lighting source 300. The base pate 304 further includes second side walls 320, wherein the side walls 320 extend perpendicularly from the floor 312 in a direction opposite that of the first side walls 310. The walls 320 of the floor 312 are configured to fit over a wood or hollow metal post member to which the third accent lighting source 300 is installed. Tab 322 with an opening is provided in association with the floor 312 to assist in attaching the base plate 304 to the post member. When the base plate 304 is installed on post member, mounting hardware, such as screws, can extend through the opening in each tab 322 so as to permit the base plate 304 to be secured in place at the top of the post member. FIG. 12 illustrates the configuration of base plate 304 for use with a hollow metal post, the tab 322 comprising a boss member with an angled surface and angled opening through which the mounting hardware extends for attachment to an inside surface of the hollow post (see, also, FIG. 10). Conversely, FIG. 13 illustrates the configuration of base plate 304 for use with a wood post, the tab 322 comprising a flat surface and opening through which the mounting hardware extends for attachment to a top surface of the wood post. Advantageously, this mounting hardware is hidden from normal viewing of the third accent lighting source 300.
Associated with each rectangular light opening 316 is a recessed surface feature 324. The recessed surface feature 324 provides an alignment guide assisting with the installation of a light source 330 (FIGS. 14 and 15) at any of all of the rectangular light openings 316. The light source 330 comprises a metal housing 332 having a slot 334 within which point light sources 330′ such as light emitting diodes are installed. The metal housing not only supports the point light sources, but also functions as a heat dissipater. A mounting opening 336 is provided in the metal housing 332. The opening 336 aligns with a corresponding opening 338 formed in the recessed surface feature 324. Mounting hardware, such as a screw, can be used to secure metal housing 332 to the base plate 304 using openings 336 and 338. Advantageously, this mounting hardware is hidden from normal viewing of the third accent lighting source 300.
Attachment of light sources 330 to the base plate 304 is shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. Specifically, FIG. 16 shows a top perspective view of the light sources 330 attached to the base plate 304, while FIG. 17 shows a bottom perspective view of the light sources 330 attached to the base plate 304. Although FIGS. 16 and 17 show attachment of a light source 330 at each rectangular light opening 316, it will be recognized that the number of included light sources 330 is selectable. Certain installations may require accent lighting on fewer than all sides of the post member. In such situations, the installer may select and install the desired number of light sources 330.
A preferred implementation the light source 330 further includes a lens or light diffuser 220 (see FIGS. 6A-6B described above) that is sized and shaped to conform to the rectangular light opening 316 and slot 334. Preferably, the lens or light diffuser 220 is constructed so that a front side 222 will present a flush surface mount with respect to a bottom surface of the base plate 304. A back side 224 of the lens or light diffuser 220 is provided with a convex surface 226. The convex surface is shaped to assist in directing the light from the light source 208 as needed and with a desired pattern or spread. The back side 224 of the lens or light diffuser 220 further includes a pair of installation pins 228 which fit within a corresponding pair of installation openings 230 formed in the light source 330.
The lens or light diffuser may further be sealed with respect to the rectangular light opening 316 and slot 334 so as to inhibit the ingress of moisture to within the housing 332.
FIGS. 18 and 19 are perspective views of a fourth accent lighting source 400. Specifically, FIG. 18 shows a view directed towards a front side of the fourth accent lighting source 400 while FIG. 19 shows a view directed towards a back side of the fourth accent lighting source 400. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the fourth accent lighting source installed on a vertical surface 402 (such as provided by a post member).
The source 400 is a surface mount type source. The source comprises a housing formed from three side walls 404 and a roof 406. It will be noted that the roof 406 presents a sloping surface. The shortest end of the housing is a top of the source 400, while the tallest end of the housing is a bottom of the source 400 (see, FIG. 20). The source 400 further comprises a mounting plate 414. The mounting plate 414 is sized and shaped to be received within the side walls 404 of the housing. The mounting plate 414 includes a central opening 416 and two mounting openings 418. The opening 416 provides path through which wiring for the source 400 may pass. Mounting hardware, such as a screw, can be used to secure mounting plate 414 to the vertical surface 402 using openings 418. Advantageously, this mounting hardware is hidden from normal viewing of the fourth accent lighting source 400. At the tallest end of the housing, the mounting plate 414 includes a perpendicular portion 420 that defines a fourth side wall of the source. A rectangular opening 408 is formed in the perpendicular portion 420. A light source 410 is installed in the housing and is aligned with opening 408. The light source is preferably a light emitting diode type of source (of the type and configuration described herein, for example, as is shown in FIGS. 14 and 15). The perpendicular portion 420 further includes two mounting openings 422. Mounting hardware, such as a screw, can be used to secure mounting plate 414 to the housing side walls using openings 422. Advantageously, this mounting hardware is hidden from normal viewing of the fourth accent lighting source 400. The side wall at the shortest end of the housing includes a tab member 426 which engages the top end of the mounting plate 414 and assists in retaining the mounting plate within the housing.
In a preferred implementation the light source further includes a lens or light diffuser 220 (see FIGS. 6A-6B, described above) that is sized and shaped to conform to the opening 408. Preferably, the lens or light diffuser 220 is constructed so that a front side 222 will present a flush surface mount with respect to perpendicular portion 420. A back side 224 of the lens or light diffuser 220 is provided with a convex surface 226. The convex surface 226 is shaped to assist in directing the light from the light source 208 as needed and with a desired pattern or spread. The back side 224 of the lens or light diffuser 220 further includes a pair of installation pins 228 which fit within a corresponding pair of installation openings (not shown here, see for example FIGS. 4 and 15) formed in the light source 208.
The lens or light diffuser may further be sealed with respect to the rectangular opening 408 (and slot 334) so as to inhibit the ingress of moisture to within the housing. Electrical leads for the light source will extend out the back side of the source through the opening 416 in the mounting plate 414.
Reference is now made to FIG. 21 which shows a perspective view of a fifth accent lighting source 500. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the fifth accent lighting source 500. The source 500 is a post cap mount type source designed for installation at the top of a post member 501. The source comprises a cover 502 (see, also, previous comments concerning the configuration of cover 308 in FIG. 8). The cover includes side walls 506 and a roof 508, with the roof 508 having a truncated pyramidal shape. The source further comprises a base plate 504. The base plate 504 has a similar configuration to that shown in FIGS. 12-13 (see discussion above for details) and includes first side walls 310, floor 312, central opening 314, and second side walls 320.
Sandwiched between the cover 502 and the base plate 504 is a glow ring assembly 510. FIGS. 23A and 23B show perspective views of the glow ring assembly 510. Specifically, FIG. 23A shows a top perspective view of the glow ring assembly 510, while FIG. 23B shows a bottom perspective view of the glow ring assembly 510. FIG. 24 shows a cross-sectional view of the glow ring assembly 510. FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of the glow ring assembly.
The glow ring assembly 510 includes a transparent or translucent member 512 having a size and shape conforming to the perimeter sizes and shapes of the cover 502 and the base plate 504. The peripheral side surface of the member 512 optionally includes a plurality of vertically extending ridges. A top surface 514 of the member 512 includes, at a central location, a depressed region 516. The depressed region 516 has a curved funnel shape.
Mounted to a bottom surface of the member 512 is a light source 518. The light source 518 is positioned generally at the center of the member 512 in alignment with the location on the top surface of the depressed region 516. A recessed region may be provided in the bottom surface of the member 512 to support mounting and alignment of the light source 518. The light source 518 is oriented to emit light into the member 512 in the direction of the depressed region 516, with the emitted light reflected (through total internal reflection properties) by the depressed region 516 to project radially outwardly therefrom towards the peripheral side surface of the member 512 (if present, the light will be further refracted by the plurality of vertically extending ridges).
The glow ring assembly 510 further includes a heat sink member 520. The heat sink member is metal and is designed to include a plurality of heat sink fins for dissipating heat generated by the light source 518. The heat sink member 520 is thermally mounted to the back of the light source 518 via layer 522 of heat transfer material. A gasket 524 is also provided between the heat sink member 520 and the back of the light source 518. Appropriate mounting hardware, such as screws, can be used to assemble the glow ring assembly 510. Openings 530 for passing the mounting hardware are provided in the heat sink member 520, gasket 524 and light source 518. A threaded aperture 532 is formed in the bottom of the member 512 to receive the mounting hardware.
When sandwiched between the cover 502 and the base plate 504, the plurality of heat sink fins of the heat sink member 520 for the glow ring assembly 510 pass through the central opening 314 of the base plate 504. The wiring for the light source 518 also passes through the central opening 314.
Although preferred embodiments of the method and apparatus of the present invention have been illustrated in the accompanying Drawings and described in the foregoing Detailed Description, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the spirit of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.
Patent Grant
10197248
