Abstract:
An LED light device includes a liquid container with floating miniatures. The miniatures are caused to move by a propeller driven through a magnetic coupling by a motor. Light from at least one LED passes through the liquid container and is projected onto another surface such as a wall or ceiling. The liquid moved by the propeller can be caused to move relatively slowly through a large opening or be accelerated by passage through a relatively small opening for liquid dance effects.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This application has subject matter in common with the inventor&#39;s prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/938,564, filed Nov. 3, 2010, and published on May 3, 2012, as Pub. No. 2012/0106132; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,455,444, 7,632,004, 7,832,917, 7,892,918, 7,909,477, 8,029,182, 8,083,377, 8,128,274, 8,231,260, 8,277,087, 8,303,150, 8,303,158, 8,408,736, and 8,434,927, and the inventor&#39;s U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/950,017, filed Nov. 19, 2010, Ser. No. 13/117,227, filed May 27, 2011, Ser. No. 13/161,643, filed Jun. 16, 2011, and Ser. No. 11/806,285, filed May 31, 2007. 
     Additional LED related application of the inventor describing a projection light (2) more than one function (3) adjustable focus (4) adjustable angle (5) elastic contact points (6) an LED heat solution (7) heat sensitive parts installation (8) extendable means and other features that might be utilized in the current invention include U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 13/923,721, 12/910,295, 13/870,447, 13/870,253, 13/863,073, 13/858,064, 13/549,728, 13/402,247, 13/267,816, 13/367,758, 13/367,687, 13/296,508, 13/296,469, 13/295,301, 13/162,824, 13/161,643, 13/117,227, 13/021,107, 12/950,017, 12/948,953, 12/951,501, 12/938,564, 12/938,798, 12/938,628, 12/886,832, 12/876,507, 12/887,700, 13/021,124, 12/771,003, 12/711,456, 12/710,918, 12/710,561, 12/540,689, 13/534,611, 12/624,621, 13/295,562, 12/622,000, 13/019,331, 12/318,470, 12/914,584, 12/940,255, 12/318,473, 12/834,435, 12/292,153, 12/907,443, 12/232,505, 12/232,035, 12/149,963, 12/149,964, 12/073,095, 12/073,889, 12/073,809, 11/806,711, 11/806,285, 12/566,322, 11/498,874, and 12/502,661. 
     Each of the above-listed prior U.S. patent applications or patents of the inventor apply physics optical theory to LED lights for outdoor or indoor applications powered by alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) connected by an electric cord to a plug for an outlet, or to a battery, transformer, solar power source, or other power source to create a plurality of LED light beams and illuminate close areas, or remote areas by a projection means and/or other features that may be included in the present invention, such as more than one light source, more than one function, more than one optics means, more than one projection means, super power saving circuitry, and cost saving concepts. 
     None of the prior art shows an LED night light having the multiple functions, projection features, and moving miniatures of the current invention. Furthermore, none shows an LED Night light with moving proper-density/weight floating miniatures and a propeller that causes movement in different directions and speeds via appropriate input and output openings inside a liquid container, and in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     Prior U.S. patents other than those of the inventor listed above include U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,072,855, 5,416,994, 5,678,918, 6,517,231, 6,877,883, 7,905,728, 7,909,477, 7,784,959, Patent Pub. Nos. 2006-0215397, and 2009-0135586, all of which show motor/propeller applications but not for a multiple function LED light with the features described below. 
     The current invention provides an LED lava light which has no toxic liquid material within the compartment. It also does not have a heater means which may cause big fire hazard when overheating occurs. It is optional designed to allow consumers to add a pure or good liquid into the container to permit the light to be carried onto an airline without worry that the liquid/fluid will present a danger. 
     The LED lava light of the current invention uses a motor incorporated with magnetic means to cause the propeller to rotate and make the liquid flow in desired directions, thereby causing inner miniatures to move in a splendid motion for illumination and projection light performance. In addition, it is possible to add more than one LED (as described in the inventor&#39;s U.S. Pat. No. 7,455,444) and more than one optics means, as described in the inventor&#39;s U.S. Pat. No. 7,632,004. Further description of these features can be found in the inventor&#39;s U.S. Pat. No. 7,832,917 (projection night light), U.S. Pat. No. 7,892,918 (projection night light), U.S. Pat. No. 7,909,477 (aquarium night light), U.S. Pat. No. 8,029,182 (aquarium night light), U.S. Pat. No. 8,083,377 (projection night light), U.S. Pat. No. 8,128,274 (projection night light), U.S. Pat. No. 8,231,260 (projection night light), U.S. Pat. No. 8,277,087 (LED light having more than one reflector means), U.S. Pat. No. 8,303,150 (projection LED light for seasonal light), U.S. Pat. No. 8,303,158 (LED light having special light effects), U.S. Pat. No. 8,408,736 (LED light device having projection light beams), U.S. Pat. No. 8,434,927 (LED light having interchangeable power source). 
     The current invention has the advantages of (1) non-toxic liquid, and (2) no heat hazard, to provide a big improvement prior LED lava lights, and in addition may offer the following advantages: 
     (3) projection light performance to all desired areas; 
     (4) more than one LED to offer color changing light effects under built-in IC control for color, duration, sequential, flashing, and other functions available from marketplace; 
     (5) a motor designed for liquid flow direction with input and output end openings that are small or big to create different fluid movements for different liquid shows, as required, including water dance, water wave, and Aurora light effects for projection onto a desired location and provide a multiple function LED light unit; 
     (6) motor revolutions per minute (RPM) can be programmed by the built-in IC or activated by a sound activated circuit or any motion or vibration sensor, sound, remote control, infrared controller, or switch means available on the market; 
     (7) optics means such as a convex lens, reflective lens, kaleidoscope means, laser means, hologram means, mirrors, lenses or any optics related parts and accessories can be added to create more eye-catching effects, functions, and performance. 
     (8) The water level can be varied for different functions: When the liquid/fluid level is almost full or higher than the input and output openings, the liquid/fluid flow will cause the inner floating miniature stuff, When the liquid/fluid level is just over the input and output openings, the liquid/fluid can be arranged to pass through narrow cross-sectional areas, for example with a narrow diameter, so that the liquid/fluid speed will increase to a high speed and cause peaks that function like a water dance. 
     (it is to be appreciated that the liquid/fluid is not limited to water, oil, chemicals, compounds, or smoke, but can also use solid particles, polyform particles, or polygonal balls, artificial plastic snowflakes, or other solid particles, pieces, or balls); 
     (9) the motor means which has built-in optics means is on the top of the container to facilitate projection of the colorful changeable LED light beams, images, display units, or geometrically-shaped images to desired locations including ceiling and walls; 
     (10) circuit means can be used to create different LED light shows, show times, duration, function, and motor RPM through traditional or conventional market available IC technical and control means, switch means, sensor means, trigger means to cause the LED light device to have eye-catching light effects, moving stuff, projection light beams, or projection images; 
     (11) the power supply for the current LED light, which has motor means and projection functions and moving stuff/particle/liquid functions, may be selected from any combination of plug-in prong means, USB-power with USB kits, adaptor with UL-listed transformer, battery pack with preferred kits, the inventor&#39;s interchangeable power source means, or any other energy source or storage means; 
     (12) the multiple function not only can include the above-mentioned projection function, moving-stuff function, and LED light function, but also any of the other functions described in the inventor&#39;s other patent applications and issued patents. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1, 2-5, 3-5, and 4-3 to 4-5  are perspective views of a night light with a liquid container as disclosed in the inventor&#39;s copending application. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a night light with a liquid container according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 2-1 to 2-2  are side views of the night light of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIGS. 2-3 to 2-4  are additional perspective views of the night light of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a night light with a liquid container according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 3-1 to 3-2  are side views of the night light of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIGS. 3-3 to 3-4  are additional perspective views of the night light of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIGS. 4 and 4-1  are perspective views of a liquid moving mechanism for use in the preferred night lights. 
         FIG. 4-2  is a top view of the mechanism of  FIGS. 4 and 4-1 . 
         FIGS. 5 and 5-1 to 5-4  are perspective views showing variations of the mechanism of  FIGS. 4 and 4-1 . 
         FIGS. 6 and 6-1  are perspective views showing variations of the mechanism of  FIGS. 4 and 4-1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  shows a first embodiment of a liquid container  1   f  having a propeller  1   g  and magnetic means to cause a small amount of liquid/fluid  1   i  with miniatures  1   h  to flow with high speed injection to create water peaks. A motor  1   d  is installed on a base  1   a  and controlled by a preferred IC means or circuit means in base  1   a , and has magnetic means  1   e . The propeller&#39;s magnetic means causes rotation of the propeller  1   g  in response to rotation of the motor&#39;s magnet means  1   e , resulting in fluid flow in desired direction(s) and for a certain period of time. Power is supplied through prongs  1   b . The built-in LED (or LEDs)  1   m  and circuit means cause the LED to emit light according to a pre-determined function, color, and brightness and may be incorporated with optics means  1   j  on top of the container to project the desired image or light beams with color changing performance.  FIG. 3-5  shows details of the motor/propeller arrangement of  FIG. 1 , including motor  3   c  connected to the circuitry by wires  3   g , shaft  3   d , rotor  3   c  with magnet  3   f , container base  3   b , propeller magnet means  3   h , shaft  3   i , propeller base  3   j , and blades  3   k  and  3   k ′. The arrows shown in  FIG. 3-5  indicate the resulting movement of miniatures  3   l ,  3   m , and  3   n  in liquid  3   a.    
       FIGS. 2, 2-1, 2-2, 2-3, 2-4, 3-1, 3-2, 3-3, and 3-4  show a second embodiment with a liquid container having a propeller and magnetic means to cause a large amount of liquid/fluid to flow out of a large output opening(s) with a slow speed into a high level liquid/fluid. As explained in the text boxes included in the original drawings, the liquid/fluid level is variable to provide different functions, with the floating miniatures moving up and down when the water level is full, and a dance function being obtained when the water openings are narrowed to cause the liquid/fluid to accelerate through the openings. The motor is controlled by a preferred IC means or circuit means and a sensor means, switch means, trigger means, or activation means. The motor has magnetic means that reacts with a propeller&#39;s magnetic means so as to cause rotation and fluid flow in desired directions for a certain period of time. The built-in LED (or LEDs) and circuit means cause the LED to emit light according to a pre-determined function, color, and brightness, and may be incorporated with optics means on top of the container to project a desired image or light beams with color changing performance. In particular, the top of the light device may include a built-in optics lens to project an image of the container&#39;s moving miniatures or waves onto a desired location, such as on a ceiling or wall. The circuit means can create different LED light shows for a selected timing and duration, and to control motor speed to cause different waves and peaks. The power supply can be a plug-in type, as shown in  FIG. 2-1 , or can utilize USB power, an adaptor with a UL listed transformer, battery pack, or any other energy source or storage means. The miniatures has a weight and density relative to the liquid to move up and down when the water level is much higher than the input and output openings when the propeller rotates at an appropriate RPM.  FIGS. 2-3 and 2-4  show the situation in which the water level is much higher hand the input/output opening of the propeller/magnetic means. 
       FIGS. 4, 4-1 , and  FIG. 4-2  show the detailed construction of the second preferred embodiment, which includes a liquid container  4   a , motor means  4   b , propeller means  4   c , first magnetic means  4   d , second magnetic means  4   e , PCB  1 , PCB  2 , PCB hold pole  4   f , a container base  4   g , a motor axis  4   h , a propeller axis  4   i , input and output openings  4   j ,  4   k , a light passing piece  4   l , an LED  4   m , a base  4   n , sensor means, electric means and inner circuit means. The container has a variety of designs of miniature stuff and/or a liquid/fluid/particles/air/glitter. The miniature stuff may be in round pieces, rectangular pieces, star shapes, heart shapes, cartoon characters or any geometric shapes. The light passing piece  4   l  can be a transparent or translucent material based on market requirements. The LED number can be any number from one to N for desired light performance. Also shown are details of the preferred construction to achieve a slow flow and cause the inner stuff to move in certain directions with projection to desired locations. The propeller and magnetic piece has base which is glued on the bottom of the liquid container. The propeller and magnetic piece are rotate in response to rotation of the motor and its magnetic piece, which are installed on the outside of the liquid container. The motor is incorporated with control means to obtain a certain speed, rotating time, and duration of rotation to cause the inner miniatures or liquid/fluid/particles/air/chemicals/compounds to move at a correct speed to desired directions, resulting in eye-catching motion effects of the miniature stuff. 
       FIGS. 5, 5-1, 5-2, 6, and 6-1  show the detailed construction of the first preferred embodiment, including a liquid container  5   a , motor means  5   b , propeller means  5   c , first magnetic means  5   d , second magnetic means  5   e , PCB  1 , PCB  2 , PCB hold pole  5   f , container base  5   g , motor axis  5   h , propeller axis  5   i , input and output openings  5   j ,  5   k , a light passing piece  5   l , an LED  5   m , a base  5   n , sensor means, electric means and inner circuit means. The container has a variety of designs of miniature stuff and/or liquid/fluid/particles/air/glitters. The miniature stuff may be round pieces, rectangular pieces, star shapes, heart shapes, cartoon characters or any geometric shapes. The light passing piece can be a transparent or translucent material based on market requirements. The LED number can be any number from one to N for desired light performance. Also shown are the tiny output openings  5   o  which increase the speed of liquid injection from the tiny output openings to cause water peaks make the water dance under a predetermined motor speed control by conventional IC means or sensor means, variable electric means, trigger means, or other electric parts and accessories. The propeller and magnetic piece have a base which is glued on the bottom of the liquid container. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, although tiny fluid inlet openings  5   j  and outlet openings  5   o  are illustrated in, for example,  FIGS. 6, and 6-1 , larger openings such as openings  4   j  illustrated in  FIG. 4-2  will result in slower movement of the fluid rather than the above-mentioned water dance effect. 
     The propeller and magnetic piece are rotated by the motor and its magnetic piece, which are installed on the outside of the liquid container. The motor is incorporated with control means to obtain a certain speed, rotating time, and duration of rotation to cause the inner miniatures and/or liquid/fluid/particles/air/chemicals/compounds to move at a correct speed in desired directions to cause eye-catching motion effects of the miniature stuff. 
       FIG. 3-4  shows a battery powered LED light which at least has miniature stuff arranged to move along a desired path and directions, built-in night light or projection light, and motor means incorporated with magnetic means. The inner miniatures here are chemicals or particles that can move like a volcano. 
       FIG. 3-3  shows an AC powered LED light which at least has moving miniature stuff, a built-in night light and/or projection light, and motor means incorporated with magnetic means. The inner miniatures here are glitter or reflective particles which have a certain density relative to the inner liquid/fluid so as to float within the liquid/fluid medium. 
       FIGS. 4-1, 5, 5-1, and 5-2  show an AC powered LED light which has more than one LED, more than one optics means, and more one reflective means to cause the LED light to emit light beams in different directions, thereby illuminating the container and enabling projection of the light beams through optics means on top of the container. 
       FIGS. 6 and 6-1  show details of the liquid/fluid openings. The input openings  6   a  at the base of the container in this embodiment have tiny holes for accelerated liquid injection upon rotation of the propeller  5   b  in response to rotation of the motor  5   c  at an appropriate RPM, surrounded by transparent areas for emission of LED light. As shown in  FIG. 6-1  and explained in the text box included in the original drawings, the peaks are most visible if the liquid/fluid level is shallow. If the liquid/fluid level is high, the peaks or jets will be deformed within the liquid/fluid medium.