Patent Application
20190339606
The following disclosure relates to decorative projection light assemblies, systems, and methods, including decorative lights and multi-theme animation laser projection light assemblies.
Decorative lights are increasingly popular and are often used to decorate indoor and outdoor spaces of homes and stores. They are used most around holiday times but can be used all year round to create special effects and designs. Today, there are various kinds of decorative lights available, including laser lights, string lights, and character lights.
Currently available decorative lighting devices can create a wide variety of patterns and some can achieve the effect of a moving pattern. However, existing lamps can only achieve the effect of the pattern; they cannot provide an animation effect. Accordingly, there is a need for a decorative projection light that achieve an animation effect. There is also a need for a decorative projection light that can reliably show animation. Finally, there is a need for a decorative projection light that can provide a compact structure and keep manufacturing costs low while achieving multi-theme animation effects.
The present disclosure, in its many embodiments, alleviates to a great extent the disadvantages of known decorative projection lights by providing a new projection light assembly that can achieve an animation effect. Disclosed embodiments project the light of the laser transmission through one or more grating groups. A motor controls the rotation of the grating groups so it passes gradually, in turn, through the light path generated by the laser light source. In this way, the theme design gradually changes, creating animation effects. By adjusting the positions of different grating groups using a button or other mechanism the animation themes can be changed. Disclosed projection lights have application in the indoor and outdoor family landscape decoration and holiday lighting market. Disclosed embodiments represent further innovations and transformations of existing laser lamps. Through the design of the program and structure, the output effect of the multi theme animation is achieved through the motor, the laser and the grating groups.
Exemplary embodiments of a projection light assembly comprise a main mount board, at least one laser light source coupled to the main mount board, a grating group platform rotatably coupled to the main mount board, at least one grating group mounted to the grating group platform, a motor coupled to the main mount board and/or the grating group platform, and a motherboard in communication with the laser light source, the grating group, and the motor. Light is generated by the laser light source and transmitted in a light path which projects through the grating group, and the motor drives the grating group to rotate through the light path.
In exemplary embodiments, the at least one grating group contains multiple frames, and each frame may contain a different animation pattern representing a different action or change in theme. In exemplary embodiments, the motor drives the grating group to rotate back and forth such that the frames sequentially enter and exit the light path. The projection light assembly may further comprise a switch to reset the grating group platform and return the grating group platform to its initial position. In exemplary embodiments, the main mount board has at least one stop pile and the grating group platform has at least one stop piece, and when rotation of the grating group platform causes the stop piece to contact the stop pile, the grating group platform resets and returns to its initial position.
In exemplary embodiments, the at least one grating group is in the form of an arc. In other embodiments, the at least one grating group is in the form of a helix. The at least one grating group may comprise at least two different grating groups, and each grating group corresponds to a different theme. The motor may drive the grating groups to rotate such that the different grating groups enter and exit the light path so the different themes are displayed. In exemplary embodiments, two or more grating groups are configured in a hexagonal arrangement or a circular arrangement, and the motor has an axis located in the middle of the arrangement of grating groups.
The grating groups may be manually replaceable. In exemplary embodiments, the at least one grating group is not moved, and the laser source scans the grating group to create an animation effect. In exemplary embodiments, there are at least two different themes, each theme having one or more frames, and the frames are arranged in a helix. The grating group platform may have a vertical screw structure, and the motor may drive the screw structure to move up and down to rotate the different frames such that the different frames enter and exit the light path so the different themes are displayed.
Exemplary methods of projecting multi-theme animation comprise providing at least one grating group containing multiple frames where each frame contains a different pattern, generating light from a laser light source such that the light is transmitted in a light path projecting through the at least one grating group, and driving the grating group to rotate such that the frames sequentially enter and exit the light path. In exemplary embodiments, the at least one grating group comprises at least two different grating groups, each grating group corresponding to a different theme. When the different grating groups enter and exit the light path the different themes are displayed. Exemplary methods may further comprise resetting the at least one grating group and returning the at least one grating group to its initial position.
Exemplary methods comprise providing at least two different grating groups, each grating group corresponding to a different theme, and arranging the grating groups in a hexagonal arrangement or a circular arrangement. Exemplary methods comprise providing at least two different themes, each theme having one or more frames, and arranging the frames in a helix. A vertical screw structure may be provided. Exemplary methods include driving the screw structure so it moves up and down to rotate the different frames such that the different frames enter and exit the light path so the different themes are displayed.
Exemplary methods of manufacturing a projection light assembly comprise coupling at least one laser light source to a main mount board, rotatably coupling a grating group platform to the main mount board, mounting at least one grating group to the grating group platform such that light generated by the laser light source and transmitted in a light path projects through the grating group, coupling a motor to the main mount board and/or the grating group platform, the motor driving the grating group to rotate through the light path, and communicatively connecting a motherboard with the laser light source, the grating group, and the motor. Exemplary methods may further comprise connecting at least one stop pile to the main mount board and at least one stop piece to the grating group platform. When rotation of the grating group platform causes the stop piece to contact the stop pile, the grating group platform resets and returns to its initial position. Exemplary methods may further comprise providing a switch to reset the grating group platform and return the grating group platform to its initial position.
Accordingly, it is seen that decorative projection light assemblies, systems, and methods are provided which create animation effects. Disclosed embodiments advantageously provide a compact structure and keep manufacturing costs relatively low while achieving multi-theme animation effects. These and other features and advantages will be appreciated from review of the following detailed description, along with the accompanying figures in which like reference numbers refer to like parts throughout.
The above-mentioned features and objects of the present disclosure will become more apparent with reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and in which:
In the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which disclosed systems and devices may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, functional, and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims. As used in the present disclosure, the term “or” shall be understood to be defined as a logical disjunction and shall not indicate an exclusive disjunction.
One or more motors 18 may be provided and attached to the main mount board 12. In exemplary embodiments, motor 18 is located below the main mount board 12 and may be connected to a bottom surface of the main mount board and/or partially penetrating through an aperture in the bottom surface of the main mount board. It should be noted, however, that the motor 18 could be in various locations depending on the application and desired movement of the other components of the projection light assembly 10. A motherboard (or PCB or PCBA board) 24 is provided and is in communication with the laser light source 14, the motor 18, and one or more grating groups 22.
In exemplary embodiments, a grating group platform or disk 20 is coupled to the main mount board 12, and at least one grating group 22 mounted to the grating group platform 20. The grating group 22 and grating group platform 20 are configured and located so the grating group 22 is generally in the path of light projected by the laser light source 14. More particularly, when light is generated by the laser light source 14, it is transmitted in a light path 15 that projects through the grating group 22. A grating group mount 21 may be attached to or integrally formed with the grating group platform 20 and the grating group or groups attached to the grating group disk in various configurations described in more detail herein.
In exemplary embodiments, the grating group platform 20 is rotatably coupled to the main mount board 12 so the grating group 22 can be rotated back and forth in the light path 15. A stop pile 24 may be formed on or attached to a surface of the main mount board 12, a corresponding stop piece 26 formed on or attached to the grating group platform 20. As described in more detail herein, contact between the stop pile 24 and stop piece 26 stops rotation of the grating group platform 20 and grating group 22 and may reset the movement path. As described in more detail herein, a switch may be provided to reset the grating group platform 20 and return it to its initial position.
In exemplary embodiments, the grating group 22 is in the form of a long straight or curved strip and contains a number of different patterns. As best seen in
Turning to
As best seen in
In exemplary embodiments, two or more different grating groups are provided and configured in a hexagonal or circular arrangement. As shown in
An exemplary circular arrangement can be seen in
Turning to
In operation, exemplary projection light systems and methods create multi-theme animation effects by the following general steps, illustrated in
As discussed above, the number of grating groups could range from one to almost any number. Likewise, the number of frames could vary considerably. The number of grating groups or frames needed might depend on the length or complexity of the themes or stories being conveyed. As the number of topics increases, the structure design needs to make corresponding improvements. As best seen in
In exemplary embodiments, methods of resetting a projection light assembly and switching themes or stories are provided. These could include resetting and starting the same theme again or switching to a new theme and starting the new theme. When the animation lights are activated and switched to the theme of animation, a reset action may be required. An exemplary reset method comprises resetting at least one grating group 22 and returning it to its initial position. The method may utilize a stop mechanism, as described above, in which there is a stop pile 24 on a surface of the main mount board 12 and a corresponding stop piece 26 on the grating group platform 20. When the stop piece 26 is contacted by the stop pile 24, they stop rotation of grating group platform 20 and the rotary mechanism returns to the initial position to complete the reset. Exemplary mechanical stop reset methods can also use a Holzer switch or a position switch to transmit the reset position to a single chip computer on the motherboard 24 to achieve the same purpose. When reset, the main circuit control motor may rotate against the clock. These methods can also be used to achieve a switch from one theme or story to another theme or story.
Turning to
Exemplary methods of manufacturing projection lighting assemblies having multi-theme animation capability are also provided. A method of manufacturing a projection light assembly 10, 110, 510, 610, 710 comprises coupling a laser light source 14 to a main mount board 12. A grating group platform 20 is also coupled to the main mount board 12. In exemplary embodiments, the grating group platform 20 is connected so it can rotate relative to the main mount board 12. One or more grating groups 22 are mounted to the grating group platform 20, either directly or via one or more grating group mounts 21. The grating groups 22 are positioned so a light path 15 transmitted by the laser light source 14 projects through them. A motor 18 is coupled to the main mount board 12 and/or to the grating group platform 20 so it can drive the grating group or groups 22 to rotate through the light path 15.
A motherboard 24 is connected so it can electronically communicate with one or more of the other components of the projection light assembly including, but not limited to, the laser light source 14, the grating group platform 20, and the motor 18. At least one stop pile 24 is connected to or integrally formed with the main mount board 12. At least one corresponding one stop piece 26 is connected to or integrally formed with the grating group platform 20. The stop pile 24 and stop piece are position so that rotation of the grating group platform 20 causes the stop piece 26 to contact the stop pile 24. When this occurs, the grating group platform 20 resets and returns to its initial position.
While the disclosed systems and devices have been described in terms of what are presently considered to be the most practical exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure need not be limited to the disclosed embodiments. It is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the claims, the scope of which should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar structures. The present disclosure includes any and all embodiments of the following claims.
Thus, it is seen that improved projection light assembly, systems, and methods are provided. It should be understood that any of the foregoing configurations and specialized components or chemical compounds may be interchangeably used with any of the systems of the preceding embodiments. Although illustrative embodiments are described hereinabove, it will be evident to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the disclosure. It is intended in the appended claims to cover all such changes and modifications that fall within the true spirit and scope of the disclosure.
