Patent Application
20140254163
The present invention relates to the fields of lighting devices and, more specifically, to canister light fixtures and lighting devices that are rotatable and emit light in different beam angles and amounts, and associated methods.
The majority of lighting devices are fixed, meaning they cannot be adjusted to direct light emitted therefrom, thus changing the area illuminated. Of those lighting devices that can be adjusted, many require a user to manually move components of the lighting device to direct the lighting device, thus changing the area illuminated. There are some lighting fixtures that permit mechanized adjustment of the direction of the lighting device, but many of those mechanized devices are limited in their range of motion and often occupy large volumes. Accordingly, there is a long felt need for a lighting fixture that will matingly engage with existing fixtures and permits a wide range of motion to direct light while not occupying an inordinate volume of space.
Lighting technologies such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) offer significant advantages over incandescent and fluorescent lamps. These advantages include, but are not limited to, better lighting quality, longer operating life, and lower energy consumption. The majority of LED lighting devices include LEDs that are configured together on a single plane or on a single board and emit light in one beam angle. There are some lighting devices that permit light to be emitted in more than one beam angle, but many of those devices are limited in the amount of light they emit. Accordingly, there is a long felt need for a lighting device that emits light in multiple beam angles and where the amount of light emitted is not as limited.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,172,436 to Coleman et al. discloses an LED lighting assembly that rotates by means of a pivot post and base system. The lighting assembly does not include more than one means of rotation, however, and it does not include LEDs on multiple planes which may allow light to be emitted in multiple beam angles and in various amounts. Furthermore, the lighting assembly does not have a base that allows it to matingly engage with a light fixture or socket.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,618,150 to Tseng-Lu Chien discloses an LED lighting device that includes an adjustable angle function and includes multiple LED units. This device allows light to be emitted at varied beam angles, but may not allow for an increase or a decrease in the amount of light emitted and may not be rotational about any axis or multiple axes.
This background information is provided to reveal information believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance to the present invention. No admission is necessarily intended, nor should be construed, that any of the preceding information constitutes prior art against the present invention.
In view of the foregoing, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved LED-based lamp for use in a space-limited lamp enclosure, such as a can light fixture, for example. The embodiments of the lighting device according to the present invention advantageously allow for emission of light in a number of directions or angles and with varied amounts of light. The lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention also advantageously provides ease of installation.
With the above in mind, the present invention is directed to a lighting device that includes an outer body having a base, a medial portion, and an upper portion. The lighting device may also include an electronic device carrying assembly. The electronic device carrying assembly may include an assembly base that is carried by the medial portion of the outer body. The electronic device carrying assembly may also include an assembly top comprising a bottom portion, sidewalls, and a top portion. The bottom portion of the assembly top may include an assembly base connector member that pivotally engages a portion of the assembly base. The electronic device carrying assembly may further include a heat sink that matingly engages a portion of the assembly top, and a driver circuit.
The electronic device carrying assembly may be configured to rotate about a first rotational axis defined by a vertical axis of the lighting device that passes through a medial portion of the base of the outer body. The electronic device carrying assembly may further be configured to pivot about a second rotational axis defined by a horizontal axis passing through a medial portion of the assembly base connector member of the assembly top. Additionally, the first and second rotational axes may be about perpendicular to one another.
The lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention also includes an electronic device carried by the electronic device carrying assembly and/or the outer body. The electronic device may, for example, be a light source. The light source may include a plurality of light emitting diodes configured to emit light that combines to form a white light. The light source may also be configured to emit light within a wavelength range corresponding to at least one of the ultraviolet spectrum, the infrared spectrum, and the visible spectrum.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the electronic device may include a first electronic device and a second electronic device. In such embodiments, the second electronic device may include a light source and may be carried by the outer body in a position generally towards the base relative to the first electronic device and/or the electronic device carrying assembly adjacent the first electronic device. A light channeling device may be configured to direct light emitted by the light source so as not to be incident upon the first electronic device. Furthermore, light generated from the light source may be directed to a lens by the light channeling device.
In other embodiments of the present invention, the first electronic device and the second electronic device may both include a light source. The light emitted by the first electronic device and the second electronic device may combine to form a combined light. The combined light may have a center beam and a gradient, and the center beam may have a greater brightness than the gradient.
Either or both of the amount of light and the type of light emitted by the second electronic device may be variable dependent upon either or both of the amount of light and the type of light emitted by the first electronic device. The amount of light and the type of light emitted by the first electronic device may be variable dependent upon either or both of the amount of light and the type of light emitted by the second electronic device.
The electronic device may include a communication device that is electrically coupled to the driver circuit. A rotation mechanism may be configured to rotate the electronic device carrying assembly about either or both of the first and second rotational axes. The communication device may be any one (or combination) of a wireless communication device, a radio device, a bluetooth device, a computer network device, a visible light communication device, a video device, a visual display device, and an acoustic device.
The lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a rotation mechanism. The rotation mechanism may include a first rotation mechanism configured to rotate the electronic device carrying assembly about the first rotational axis, and a second rotation mechanism configured to rotate the electronic device carrying assembly about the second rotational axis. The first and second rotation mechanisms may be selected from the group consisting of an AC motor, a DC motor, an electrostatic motor, a servo motor, a stepper motor, an actuator, a hydraulic motor, a pneumatic motor, an electromagnet, and a permanent magnet.
The present invention will now be described fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Those of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the following embodiments of the present invention are only illustrative and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Other embodiments of the present invention will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure. Additionally, like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Prime notations are used to reference similar elements in alternate embodiments.
Throughout this disclosure, the present invention may be referred to as relating to luminaires, digital lighting, and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this terminology is only illustrative and does not affect the scope of the invention. For instance, the present invention may just as easily relate to lasers or other digital lighting technologies. Additionally, a person of skill in the art will appreciate that the use of LEDs within this disclosure is not intended to be limited to any specific form of LED, and should be read to apply to light emitting semiconductors in general. Accordingly, skilled artisans should not view the following disclosure as limited to any particular light emitting semiconductor device, and should read the following disclosure broadly with respect to the same.
Although the following detailed description contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many variations and alterations to the following details are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following embodiments of the invention are set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the claimed invention.
In this detailed description of the present invention, a person skilled in the art should note that directional terms, such as “above,” “below,” “upper,” “lower,” and other like terms are used for the convenience of the reader in reference to the drawings. Also, a person skilled in the art should notice this description may contain other terminology to convey position, orientation, and direction without departing from the principles of the present invention. The terms pivot and rotation are often used interchangeably and should not be considered limiting in any way. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations and alterations to the descriptions contained herein are within the scope of the invention.
In this detailed description, a person skilled in the art should note that quantitative qualifying terms such as “generally,” “substantially,” “mostly,” and other terms are used, in general, to mean that the referred to object, characteristic, or quality constitutes a majority of the subject of the reference. More specifically, the terms “substantially horizontal” and “substantially perpendicular” are used, in general, to mean that the referred to plane is nearly, close to, or mostly horizontal or nearly, close to, or mostly perpendicular depending on the context. The meaning of any of these terms is dependent upon the context within which it is used, and the meaning may be expressly modified.
Furthermore, in this detailed description, a person skilled in the art should note that quantitative qualifying terms such as “about” or “nearly” and other terms are used, in general, to mean that the referred to object, characteristic, or quality is close to the subject of the reference. More specifically, the term “about 180 degrees” is used, in general, to mean that the referred to amount of rotation or angle of rotation is nearly, close to, or mostly 180 degrees depending on the context, but could vary by less than one, one, or multiple degrees. The meaning of any of these terms is dependent upon the context within which it is used, and the meaning may be expressly modified.
Referring to
According to an embodiment of the present invention, as depicted, for example, in
The light source 121 (as well as the second light source 122, which is only present in an alternate embodiment of the invention, as illustrated, for example, in
The light source carrying assembly 120 may comprise an assembly base 123, an assembly top 124, and a heat sink 125. The assembly base 123 may be carried by the medial portion 114 of the outer body 110. The assembly top 124 may comprise a bottom portion 126, sidewalls 127, and a top portion 128. The bottom portion 126 may include an assembly base connector member 129 that pivotally or rotationally engages a portion of the assembly base 123. The lighting device 100 may include one or more heat sinks 125, and portions of the heat sink 125 may include fins. The light source 121 and the second light source 122 may emit light which may produce heat. The heat sink 125 may provide surface area to allow heat to travel away from the light source 121 and the second light source 122, thereby cooling the light source 121 and the second light source 122. Removing heat from the light source 121 and the second light source 122 may enhance the life of the light source 121, the second light source 122, and the lighting device 100 in general.
The heat sink 125 may be configured to extend substantially the length of the outer body and the fins may be configured to extend substantially the length of the heat sink 125. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention contemplates the use of fins that extend any distance and may project radially outward from the heat sink 125, and that the disclosed heat sink 125 that includes fins that extend substantially the length thereof is not meant to be limiting in any way. The fins may increase the surface area of the heat sink 125 and may permit thermal fluid flow between each fin, thereby enhancing the cooling capability of the heat sink 125. The plurality of ribs 118 may also allow additional thermal fluid flow between each rib 118, thereby enhancing the cooling capability of the heat sink 125. Additional details and information regarding the cooling function of heat sinks with respect to lighting devices are provided in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/715,075 titled Lighting Device with Integrally Molded Cooling System and Associated Methods filed on Oct. 17, 2012
The lens 130 may attach to the outer body 110, the upper portion 116, the assembly top 124, and/or the top portion 128. Specifically, the lens 130 may form an interference fit with the outer body 110, the upper portion 116, the assembly top 124, and/or the top portion 128. The interference fit preferably provides sufficient strength to carry the lens 130. Optionally, the lens 130 may be attached to the outer body 110, the upper portion 116, the assembly top 124, and/or the top portion 128 through the use of an adhesive, glue, or any other attachment method known in the art. As another further option, the lens 130 may include structural supports or other features to enhance stability of the lens and to enhance clarity and brightness of the light source 121.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4-6, the lens 130 may be configured to interact with light emitted by the light source 121 and/or the second light source 122 to refract, reflect, or otherwise redirect incident light. Accordingly, the light source 121 and/or the second light source 122 may be disposed such that light emitted therefrom is incident upon the lens 130. The lens 130 may be formed in any shape to impart a desired refraction. In the present embodiment, the lens 130 has a generally flat geometry. Furthermore, the lens 130 may be formed of any material with transparent or translucent properties that comport with the desired refraction to be performed by the lens 130. The lighting device 100 may include multiple lenses 130. In some embodiments of the lighting device 100, a secondary lens 131 can be included and may attach to the outer body 110, the upper portion 116, the assembly top 124, and/or the top portion 128. The secondary lens 131 may be configured to interact with light emitted by the second light source 122 to refract, reflect, or otherwise redirect incident light.
The light source 121 and the second light source 122 may include any device capable of emitting light. The light source 121 and the light source 122 may, for example and without limitation, include incandescent lights, halogens, fluorescents (including compact-fluorescents), high-intensity discharges, light emitting semiconductors, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), lasers, and any other light-emitting device known in the art. In some embodiments of the present invention, the light source 121 and the second light source 122 are an LED package. In some further embodiments, the LED package may include a plurality of LEDs and a circuit board.
Referring now to
Referring now to
The light source carrying assembly 120 may be further configured to pivot about a second rotational axis 162 defined by a horizontal axis passing through a centrally positioned portion of the assembly base connector member 129 of the assembly top 124. The second rotational axis 162 is perhaps best illustrated in
The first and second rotational axes 161, 162 may be perpendicular to one another. In noting, however, that the first and second rotational axes 161, 162 may be perpendicular to one another, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the first and second rotational axes 161, 162 may be substantially perpendicular to one another while still accomplishing the goals, features and objectives according to the present invention. The configuration of the first and second rotational axes 161, 162 allows for the lighting device 100 of the present invention to readily rotate and pivot so that light emitted from the light source 121 and the second light source 122 propagates substantially below a plane defined by a surface portion of the upper portion 116 of the outer body 110. More particularly, and by way of example, light emitted from the light source 121 and the second light source 122 may be emitted in a lower hemisphere, i.e., substantially below a plane formed by an end portion of the outer body 110. In the figures, the end portion of the outer body 110 is considered the annularly shaped portion adjacent the light source 121. Those skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that the light emitted by the light source 121 and the second light source 122 may be emitted below any plane as defined during construction of the lighting device 100 and in any direction due to the configuration of the first and second rotational axes 161, 162.
Although it is preferable for the light from the light source 121 and the second light source 122 to be emitted in a generally downward direction, i.e., in a direction opposite the base, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the light may shine outwardly from the light source carrying assembly 120 in an opposite direction through various openings, and also continue to emit through the openings formed in the outer body 110. This may advantageously allow for the lighting device 100 according to embodiments of the present invention to provide various lighting effects that may be desirable to a user.
In one embodiment of the invention, the assembly base 123 may be configured to rotate about the first rotational axis 161 resulting in the rotation of the light source carrying assembly 120. The assembly base connector member 129 may be configured to pivotally engage the assembly base 123 resulting in the pivoting of the light source carrying assembly 120.
As perhaps best illustrated in
As illustrated in
As indicated above, and with reference to
Referring to
Additionally, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there may be any number of light sources which may be positioned on any number of planes, above or below each other relative to the base 112. These light sources may also emit light in any number of beam angles and combine light in any number of combinations that may increase or decrease the brightness of the center beam or gradient.
Referring now to
Referring to
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
Referring again to
Also for example, and without limitation, the outer body 110, the light source carrying assembly 120, components of the outer body 110, and components of the light source carrying assembly 120 may be at least one of molded and overmolded, which may be individually and separately, and which may be accomplished by any molding process known in the art, including, but not limited to blow molding, sintering, compression molding, extrusion molding, injection molding, matrix molding, transfer molding, and thermoforming. The outer body 110, the light source carrying assembly 120, components of the outer body 110, and components of the light source carrying assembly 120 may be attached by glue, adhesives, fasteners, screws, bolts, welding, or any other means known in the art. The power supply and other electronic circuitry may be installed into the circuitry chamber 140 of the body 110. The power supply may include at least one of an electrical contact, the driver circuit 141, and the second driver circuit 142.
Additionally, and without limitation, at least one of the outer body 110, the light source carrying assembly 120, components of the outer body 110, and components of the light source carrying assembly 120 may be provided by a material having a thermal conductivity=150 Watts per meter-Kelvin, a material having a thermal conductivity=200 Watts per meter-Kelvin, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, a magnesium alloy, a metal loaded plastics material, a carbon loaded plastics material, a thermally conducting ceramic material, an aluminum silicon carbide material, and a plastic.
Referring now to
The lighting device 100′ according to the present embodiment of the invention may also include a rotation mechanism and an electronic device carrying assembly 120′, which may be similar to the light source carrying assembly 120 as described in the previous embodiment, and may be adapted to carry an assembly base 123′, an assembly top 124′, a heat sink, and a driver circuit 141′. The rotation mechanism, although not illustrated in
The assembly base 123′ may be carried by the medial portion 114′ of the outer body. The assembly top 124′ may include a bottom portion 126′, sidewalls 127′, and a top portion 128′. The bottom portion 126′ of the assembly top 124′ may include an assembly base connector member 129′ that pivotally engages a portion of the assembly base 123′. The heat sink, although not illustrated in
The electronic device carrying assembly 120′ may be configured to rotate about a first rotational axis 161′ defined by a vertical axis of the lighting device 100′ that passes through a medial portion 114′ of the base 112′ of the outer body 110′. The electronic device carrying assembly 120′ may be configured to pivot about a second rotational axis 162′ defined by a substantially horizontal axis passing through a medial portion of the assembly base connector member 129′ of the assembly top 124′. Additionally, in some embodiments, the first and second rotational axes 161′, 162′ may be substantially perpendicular to one another. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there may be any number of locations where the first and second rotational axes 161′, 162′ may exist within the lighting device 100′ that will allow the lighting device 100′ to function as intended and the locations presented herein are only examples of possible locations.
The electronic device 181′ that may be carried by the electronic device carrying assembly 120′ or the outer body 110′ and the electronic device 181′ may comprise a light source. More specifically, the electronic device 181′ may be carried by a medial portion of the assembly top 124′. The light source may also be carried by the outer body 110′ or the electronic device carrying assembly 120′. The light source may include a first and second light source 121′, 122′. The light source may comprise a light emitting diode (LED) or a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) that may be configured to emit light that may combine to form a white light. The light source may also be configured to emit light within a wavelength range corresponding to the ultraviolet spectrum, the infrared spectrum, or the visible spectrum.
In the present embodiment, each of the assembly base 123′ and the assembly base connector member 129′ may be provided by a ball-and-socket joint as described hereinabove. This may provide 360 degrees of rotation of the electronic device carrying assembly 120′ about the first rotational axis 161′ and about 180 degrees of pivot of the electronic device carrying assembly 120′ about the second rotational axis 162′. This configuration advantageously allows for light emitted from the second light source 122′ to be readily directed as described above. Furthermore, where the electronic device 181′ is a light source, this configuration advantageously allows for light emitted from the light source 121′ to be readily directed as described above. Furthermore, where the electronic device 181′ is something other than a light source, this configuration advantageously allows for the repositioning and reorienting of the electronic device 181′ as may be desirable in its operation.
As an example, and without limitation,
The first light source 121′ may be carried by the electronic device carrying assembly 120′. The second light source 122′ may be carried by the outer body 110′. The amount of light or the type or characteristics of light emitted by the second light source 122′ may be variable dependent upon the amount of light and/or the type of light emitted by the first light source 121′ and the amount of light or the type of light emitted by the first light source 121′ may be variable dependent upon the amount of light and/or the type of light emitted by the second light source 122′. As an example, the variations of light intensity may include the first light source 121′ at minimum or maximum intensity combined with the second light source 122′ at minimum possible intensity or even off (no intensity) or maximum intensity and the combination may include any level of intensity between no intensity and a maximum combined intensity both across the visible spectrum and at narrow wavelength ranges therewithin, as well as the IR and UV spectrums, for the first and second light source 121′, 122′. The intensities of the first and second light source 121′, 122′ may also be reversed. As an additional example, the first light source 121′ may emit light within a wavelength range corresponding to the visible spectrum, whereas the second light source 122′ may emit light within a wavelength range corresponding to the ultraviolet spectrum or the infrared spectrum, or vice versa.
The electronic device 181′ may include a first electronic device 182′ and a second electronic device 183′. The first and second electronic devices 182′, 183′ may include the light source, the first light source 121′, and/or the second light source 122′. In other words, in this embodiment of the lighting device 100′ according to the present invention, the first and second electronic devices 182′, 183′ may be provided by any combination of light sources. Light emitted by the first light source 121′ and/or the second light source 122′ may combine to form a combined light which may have specified characteristics. The combined light may have a center beam and a gradient, and the center beam may have a greater brightness than the gradient. Additional details relating to combining light sources, center beams, and gradients incorporated into a lighting device are provided in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/739,893 titled Tunable Lighting Apparatus filed on Jan. 11, 2013 (Attorney Docket No. 221.00125), which, in turn, claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/643,299 titled Tunable Lighting Apparatus filed on May 6, 2012 (Attorney Docket No. 221.00065), the entire contents of each of which are incorporated by reference. Additionally, the light emitted by the first light source 121′ may be within a first wavelength range, and the light emitted by the second light source 122′ may be in a second wavelength range, and the combined light may be a metamer configured to be perceived as a certain color by an observer. Furthermore, the light emitted by each of the first and second light sources 121′, 122′ may themselves be a metamer configured to be perceived as a first color, and may combine to form another metamer configured to be perceived as a second color. More information regarding the combination of wavelengths of light to form metamers, and the processes of selecting and selectively emitting said wavelengths, may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/737,606 titled Tunable Light System and Associated Methods filed Jan. 9, 2013 (Attorney Docket No. 221.00122), U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/775,936 titled Adaptive Light System and Associated Methods filed Feb. 25, 2013 (Attorney Docket No. 221.00104), and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,825 titled System for Generating Non-Homogenous Biologically-Adjusted Light and Associated Methods filed Mar. 14, 2013 (Attorney Docket No. 588.00042), the contents of each of which are incorporated in their entirety herein by reference.
The second electronic device 183′ may be carried by the outer body 110′ in a position generally towards the base 112′ relative to the first electronic device 182′ or it may be carried by the electronic device carrying assembly 120′ adjacent the first electronic device 182′. A light channeling device 150′ may be configured to direct light emitted by the second electronic device 183′ so as not to be incident upon the first electronic device 182′ and the light generated from the second electronic device 183′ may be directed to the lens 130′ by the light channeling device 150′.
Referring to
The electronic device 181′ may include a communication device 143′ that may be electrically coupled to the driver circuit 141′. The driver circuit 141′ may be electrically coupled to the electronic device 181′, the first electronic device 182′, the second electronic device 183′, the light source, the first light source 121′, the second light source 122′, the rotation mechanism, and/or the base 112′. The lighting device 100′ may further include a second driver circuit 142′ electrically coupled to the driver circuit 141′, the electronic device 181′, the first electronic device 182′, the second electronic device 183′, the light source, the first light source 121′, the second light source 122′, the rotation mechanism, and/or the base 112′. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there may be any number of driver circuits which may be electrically coupled to any number of other devices and/or components.
The communication device 143′ may be a wireless communication device, a radio device, a Bluetooth device, a computer network device, a cellular data communication device, a visible light communication device, a video device, a visual display device, or an acoustic device. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there may be any number of other devices that may be carried by the lighting device 100′, the electronic device 181′, the first electronic device 182′, or the second electronic device 183′. As illustrated in
For example, and without limitation, the communication device 143′ may receive a signal from the remote control 144′ or another device such as a cellular phone, a tablet, a computer, or a computer network. The signal may be a wireless, wired, radio, or other type of signal suitable for conducting communications. The communication device 143′ may electronically communicate with the light source, the first light source 121′, or the second light source 122′. Through the electronic communication provided by the communication device 143′, the light source, the first light source 121′, or the second light source 122′ may provide a light intensity as specified further herein.
As another example, and without limitation, the communication device 143′ may receive a signal from the remote control 144′ or another device such as a cellular phone, a tablet, a computer, or a computer network. The signal may be a wireless, wired, radio, or other type of signal suitable for carrying out communication. The signal may turn on the electronic device 181′, the first electronic device 182′, or the second electronic device 183′, which may, for example, be a speaker. The electronic device 181′, the first electronic device 182′, or the second electronic device 183′ may further continue to receive a signal that carries data relating to an audio file, for example, thereby providing audio from a user, such as in an intercom system, or a device, such as the Internet through a computer or a radio station through a radio signal.
As yet another example, and without limitation, the communication device 143′ may receive a signal wirelessly through radio waves. The electronic device 181′, the first electronic device 182′, and/or the second electronic device 183′ may, for example, be a speaker and may continuously receive the signal thereby providing audio (such as streaming audio) from a radio station through the radio signal.
As yet another example, and without limitation, the communication device 143′ may receive a signal from the remote control 144′, a cable transmission, or another device such as a cellular phone, a tablet, a computer, or a computer network. The signal may be a wireless, wired, radio, or other type of signal suitable for carrying out communication. The communication device 143′ may electronically communicate video through a visual display device or may alternatively receive video through a video device, such as a camera or video camera. In the instance of a video device, the video may be recorded in the lighting device 100′ or may be transmitted to another device, such as a cellular phone, a tablet, a computer, or a computer network. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the communication device 143′ may be a camera that is communicatively coupled to the network, and that allows for video being captured thereby to be transmitted. The rotation mechanism may be configured to rotate the electronic device carrying assembly 120′ about the first and/or second rotational axes 161′, 162′. Although not illustrated in
As an example, and without limitation, the communication device 143′ may receive a signal from the remote control 144′ or another device such as a cellular phone, a tablet, a computer, or a computer network. The signal may be a wireless, wired, radio, or other type of signal suitable for carrying out communication. The communication device 143′ may electronically communicate with the rotation mechanism. The rotation mechanism may cause the electronic device carrying assembly 120′ to rotate about the first and/or second rotational axes 161′, 162′ so that light emitted from the first light source 121′ or the first electronic device 182′ may illuminate in a new direction.
The other elements of this embodiment of the lighting device 100′ are similar to those of the first embodiment of the lighting device 100, are labeled with prime notations, and require no further discussion herein.
Some of the illustrative aspects of the present invention may be advantageous in solving the problems herein described and other problems not discussed which are discoverable by a skilled artisan.
While the above description contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any embodiment, but as exemplifications of the presented embodiments thereof. Many other ramifications and variations are possible within the teachings of the various embodiments. While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best or only mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Also, in the drawings and the description, there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments of the invention and, although specific terms may have been employed, they are unless otherwise stated used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention therefore not being so limited. Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. Furthermore, the use of the terms a, an, etc. do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.
Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, and not by the examples given.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/792,986 titled Rotatable Lighting Device filed Mar. 11, 2013 (Attorney Docket No. 221.00143). Additionally, this application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/765,256 titled Rotatable Lighting Fixture filed Feb. 12, 2013 (Attorney Docket No. 221.00080) which, in turn, claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/643,312 titled Rotatable Lighting Fixture filed May 6, 2012 (Attorney Docket No. 221.00074), the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. This application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/739,893 titled Tunable Lighting Apparatus filed Jan. 11, 2013 (Attorney Docket No. 221.00125), and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/832,900 titled Luminaire with Modular Cooling System and Associated Methods filed Mar. 15, 2013 (Attorney Docket No. 221.00090), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 13792986 | Mar 2013 | US |
| Child | 14087338 | US |
