Abstract:
Provided is a lamp configured for both indoor use and outdoor use. The lamp may include several features to protect against conditions encountered during outdoor use, such as wind, precipitation, lack of external power, etc. The lamp also defines an aesthetically pleasing design to provide lighting during upscale outdoor events/celebrations, such as weddings, reunions, holiday events, or a private gathering in a backyard. The functional and aesthetic features of the lamp, such as the lamp&#39;s capability of operating independent of a power cord while at the same time defining a stylish appearance, may additionally make the lamp desirable for use in indoor environments.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/246,296, filed Sep. 28, 2009, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/246,297, filed Sep. 28, 2009, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/246,304, filed Sep. 28, 2009. 
     
    
     STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0004]    The present invention relates generally to lamps and light bulbs for lamps. More particularly, the present invention is directed to an indoor/outdoor lamp, which may be battery powered. Additional aspects of the present invention relate to an LED-based light bulb. 
         [0005]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0006]    Lamps are widely used to provide light to dark areas. Lamps typically include a base for placing the lamp on a support surface, such as the floor or table. Most lamps further include a lamp body extending from the base, wherein the lamp body comprises a socket configured to receive a light bulb. In general, lamps include a power cord to receive power from an external power source, such as an electrical outlet on a wall, to light up a light bulb connected to the socket. 
         [0007]    In addition to serving the basic utilitarian need of providing light, lamps may also be designed to be aesthetically appealing. For instance, the lamp base and lamp body may define aesthetically pleasing sizes, shapes and colors. Furthermore, the lamp shades may also contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of the lamp. 
         [0008]    Lamp usage is typically limited to indoor usage for a variety of reasons. One reason is that lamps generally are not configured to withstand the elements which may be encountered during outdoor use. For instance, precipitation may damage the body/base of the lamp, as well as the lamp shade. Precipitation may also create wetness, which may cause an electrical shortage in the wiring of the lamp. Wind may also present a problem for outdoor lamp usage, as a gust of wind may cause the lamp to fall over, resulting in possible damage to the lamp. 
         [0009]    Another reason that lamps are typically limited to indoor use is that operation of the lamp is generally dependent upon power from an external power source. In this regard, indoor lamp usage allows a lamp to receive power from a power outlet disposed in a wall via a power chord. For instance, most indoor lamps operate on 120 VAC, which poses a life threatening shock hazard, especially in wet outdoor locations. Furthermore, the power chord may be a tripping hazard. Accordingly, usage of a lamp in a remote outdoor location is typically unattainable because of the dependency of power from external power sources. 
         [0010]    In addition to the above-described deficiencies associated with the lamps, conventional light bulbs used with the lamps also suffer from their own deficiencies. Incandescent light bulbs are traditionally used in light fixtures and lamps, and operate by passing an electric current through a thin filament, heating it to a temperature which produces light. Incandescent light bulbs provide a sufficient amount of light, yet they tend to be inefficient from an energy standpoint and may undesirably emit large amounts of heat. Indeed, in the United States, laws have been drafted to encourage phasing out of incandescent light bulbs 
         [0011]    The present disclosure addresses and overcomes the above-noted deficiencies by providing a battery powered lamp sized and configured for indoor and outdoor usage. The present disclosure further relates to an improved light emitting diode (LED) based light bulb which is more efficient than conventional incandescent light bulbs. These and other advantages attendant to the present invention will be described in more detail below. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a decorative table/floor lamp configured for both indoor use and outdoor use. The lamp may include several features to protect against conditions encountered during outdoor use, such as wind, precipitation, lack of external power, etc. The lamp also defines an aesthetically pleasing design to provide lighting during upscale outdoor events/celebrations, such as weddings, reunions, holiday events, a private gathering in a backyard, or in wet areas, such as by a pool, ocean or lake. In this regard, the decorative table/floor lamp is a decorative alternative to conventional propane powered lanterns, or candles, which were commonly used to provide lighting outside. 
         [0013]    According to one embodiment, the lamp includes a lamp body and a lamp base coupled to the lamp body. The lamp base includes a base housing defining an inner cavity. A battery is disposed within the inner cavity to power the lamp so the lamp is not dependent upon power from external resources. The lamp base is sized and configured to mitigate pivotal movement of the lamp relative to the supper surface (i.e., tipping) in wind up to 30 MPH. 
         [0014]    According to another implementation of the present invention, there is also provided a light emitting diode (LED) based light bulb including a unitary light structure having a base and a stem extending from the base. The stem is mounted with a plurality of light emitting diodes operative to produce a color temperature of between 2,700 to 3,000 K. The LED-based light bulb is a desirable alternative to conventional incandescent light bulbs because it provides greater illumination and utilizes less power than prior art light bulbs. Furthermore, the LED-based light bulb is rated for outdoor use making it desirable for use with the above-described lamp. 
         [0015]    The present invention is best understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    These, as well as other features of the present invention, will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings wherein: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a upper perspective view of a lamp constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is an upper perspective sectional view of the lamp depicted in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the lamp depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a side sectional view of the lamp depicted in  FIGS. 1-3 ; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is an upper perspective exploded view of an LED-based light bulb constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0022]    Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and detailed description to indicate like elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0023]    Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention only, and not for purposes of limiting the same,  FIGS. 1-4  depict a lamp  10  constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The lamp  10  is specifically configured for both indoor and outdoor use. In this regard, the lamp  10  is constructed to withstand and endure exposure to the outer elements, while at the same time having an aesthetically appealing design. Furthermore, there is also provided an LED (light emitting diode) based light bulb  110 , which provides greater illumination and utilizes less power than conventional incandescent light bulbs. 
         [0024]    As will be described in more detail below, the lamp  10  includes several features which enable use both inside and outside. One feature relates to a weighted base  12  or lower portion of the lamp  10  which allows the lamp  10  to withstand gusts of wind. Another feature relates to the battery(s)  15 ,  17  (see  FIG. 4 ) which powers the lamp  10  and allows the lamp  10  to be used in remote outdoor locations which may not have access to other power sources. The lamp  10  also includes a water resistant cavity  16  (see  FIGS. 2 and 4 ) within which the batteries  15 ,  17  is stored. A 12 volt E26 socket LED based light bulb  110  may be used with the lamp  10  to operate at higher efficiency (i.e., requires less power to enable longer use before the batteries  15 ,  17  requires recharging). The lamp  10  may further include a weather resistant coating to protect the lamp  10  from precipitation and to endure temperature extremes (extremely hot temperatures as well as extremely cold temperatures). The lamp shade  18  may also be formed from a weather resistant material to allow the lamp shade  18  to withstand the elements outside. 
         [0025]    The lamp  10  includes a lamp body  20  and a lamp base  12  connected to the lamp body  20 . The lamp base  12  defines an upper end portion  22  and an opposing lower end portion  24 . The upper end portion  22  is disposed adjacent the lamp body  20  and the lower end portion  24  is disposed on a support surface, such as a table, floor or the like. The lamp base  12  includes a base wall  26  defining a base cavity  16  sized to receive the batteries  15 ,  17  and related components, as described in more detail below. The lamp base  28  is connected to the base wall  26  to contain the components housed therein. On the underside of the lamp base is a cover that when removed provides access to the base cavity  16  (i.e., to access the batteries  15 ,  17 ). The lamp base  28  may be weighted and formed from a dense material to mitigate tipping or falling of the lamp  10 . It is understood that when the lamp  10  is placed outside during use, it is subject to the weather conditions, including wind. Therefore, the weighted lamp base  28  may allow the lamp to withstand gusts of wind up to 30 MPH without tipping or falling from a generally horizontal surface. Although the lamp base  28  is weighted to mitigate tipping of the lamp, the overall weight of the lamp  10  is light enough to enable carrying of the lamp by a single individual. 
         [0026]    In addition to a weighted lamp base  28 , the configuration of the base wall  26  may also mitigate tipping of the lamp  10 . In the specific configuration depicted in the figures, the base wall  26  defines a generally frustoconical shape, wherein the lamp base  12  defines a diameter that increases from the upper end portion  22  toward the lower end portion  24 . The increased diameter of the lower end portion  24  reduces the tendency that the lamp  10  will tip in a gust of wind. 
         [0027]    It is contemplated that other embodiments of the lamp  10  may include a lamp base  12  that does not define a frustoconical shape without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Along these lines, the lamp base  12  preferably defines a shape that is wider adjacent the lower end portion  24  than the upper end portion  22 . Lamp base configurations which deviate from such a shape may include weights disposed within the base cavity  16  adjacent the lower end portion  24  to compensate for a shape which may not mitigate tipping. 
         [0028]    The lamp body  20  includes an aesthetically pleasing design that may compliment the design of the lamp base  12 . In the embodiment depicted in the drawings, the lamp body  20  includes a body wall  30  (see  FIGS. 2 and 4 ) defining a frustoconical lower portion  32  (see  FIGS. 2 and 4 ) and an inverted frustoconincal upper portion  34  (see  FIGS. 2 and 4 ). The lower end of the frustoconical lower portion  32  is complimentary to the lamp base  12  to give the appearance of a seamless transition between the lamp base  12  and the lamp body  20 . 
         [0029]    The lamp body  20  includes a body cavity  36  (see  FIGS. 2 and 4 ) including an inner lamp conduit  38  extending therethrough. Wiring may extend through the conduit  38  between the batteries  15 ,  17  and the lamp socket  40  (see  FIGS. 2 and 4 ) to transfer power to the light bulb  110 . In this regard, the conduit  38  includes a hollow passage  42  (see  FIGS. 2 and 4 ) which contains the wiring. 
         [0030]    The conduit  38  may also interconnect the lamp base  12  to the lamp body  20 . The lamp base  12  includes a base conduit opening disposed adjacent the upper end portion  22  thereof, while the lamp body  20  includes a lower body conduit opening disposed adjacent the lower end portion thereof. The base conduit opening and the lower body conduit opening are coaxially aligned with each other to allow the conduit  38  to extend therethrough and into the base cavity  16 . The end of the conduit extending into the base cavity  16  may include a threaded portion to allow the conduit  38  to engage with a mechanical fastener, such as a nut, to secure the lamp base  12  to the lamp body  20 . 
         [0031]    The lamp  10  may further include a band  46  or strip disposed between the lamp base  12  and lamp body  20  to add to the overall aesthetic appeal to the lamp  10 . The band  46  may conceal the joint between the lamp base  12  and the lamp body  02  to create the appearance of a uniform structure. In certain embodiments, the band  46  may also provide a water resistant barrier between the lamp base  12  and lamp body  20  to protect against moisture seeping into the base cavity  16  or body cavity  36  through the base conduit opening or lower body conduit opening. To this end, the band  46  may be formed from aluminum or other materials known in the lamp industries connected with silicone or rubber gaskets to create a water resistant barrier. The band  46  may be compressed between the lamp body  20  and lamp base  12  when the nut  44  is tightened onto the conduit  38 . 
         [0032]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2-4 , a lamp stem  48  may extend between the lamp body  20  and the lamp shade  18 . As shown in the drawings, an upper end cap  50  is disposed at the upper end portion of the lamp body  20 . The upper end cap  50  may be configured to be threadably engageable or frictionally engageable with the lamp stem  48  to secure the lamp stem  48  to the lamp body  20 . The upper end cap  50  includes an opening which the conduit  38  extends through. The lamp stem  48  is hollow to allow the wiring to continue from the conduit  38  through the lamp stem  48 . 
         [0033]    A socket  40  is connected to the lamp stem  48  opposite the lamp body  20 . The socket  40  may include a standard connector for mating with a light bulb  110 . The wiring from the batteries  15 ,  17  extends to the socket  40  to provide power to the socket  40 , and ultimately, to the light bulb  110  engaged with the socket  40 . A socket protector or rubber boot may be connected to the socket  40  for keeping the socket fluid tight. 
         [0034]    As previously mentioned, one embodiment of the lamp  10  include a batteries  15 ,  17  to allow the lamp  10  to be operational in a location remote from an external power source. The batteries  15 ,  17  may be wired in parallel to give the lamp a longer lamp life. The batteries  15 ,  17  are disposed within the lamp base cavity  16  to provide easy access to the batteries  15 ,  17 , and to add to the weight of the base  12  of the lamp  10  to further mitigate tipping of the lamp  10 . A battery bracket  14  may be used to secure the batteries  15 ,  17  within the base  12 . The batteries  15 ,  17  are preferably rechargeable 12V batteries, although other batteries known in the art may also be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The batteries  15 ,  17  may be in electrical communication with a charging plug  52  disposed within the base wall  26  to allow a user to connect a recharging cable to the batteries  15 ,  17 . The recharging cable may be connected to a wall outlet, or other power source, to recharge the batteries  15 ,  17 . A waterproof rubber cap may be disposed about the charging plug  52  to create a fluid tight seal between the charging plug  52  and the base wall  26 . 
         [0035]    The lamp base  12  may include a battery support for supporting the batteries  15 ,  17  within the lamp base  12 . In addition to providing a structural support to the batteries  15 ,  17 , the battery support may be configured to provide ventilation to the batteries  15 ,  17 , as well as insulate the batteries  15 ,  17  from extreme heat or cold. One embodiment of the battery support includes a layer of insulating foam disposed between an upper grill and a lower grill to provide ventilation. The above-described battery support is exemplary in nature only; it is understood that other battery supports may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0036]    By disposing the batteries  15 ,  17  within the water resistant cavity  16 , the batteries  15 ,  17  is protected from wetness from precipitation. In this regard, the lamp  10  may be disposed outside without worry that a surprise storm may damage the batteries  15 ,  17 . Furthermore, the batteries  15 ,  17  allows the lamp  10  to be used in remote areas where other external power sources are not readily available, such as at a beach, on a mountain, on a boat, or even a remote area of the user&#39;s property. 
         [0037]    The lamp  10  may include circuitry (i.e., a circuit board) for controlling the brightness of the light emitted by the lamp  10 . For instance, the lamp  10  may have several dimming settings, such as high, medium, and low, to provide light at different brightness levels. The circuitry may additionally be configured to automatically turn off the lamp  10  when the power in the batteries  15 ,  17  is low. 
         [0038]    As an alternative to a battery powered lamp, the lamp  10  may include a power cord which plugs into an external power source, such as an outlet on a wall. It is contemplated that such a lamp  10  may be used inside, or on a deck, porch, or patio, where a wall outlet is readily accessible. The cord is preferably 8-10 feet in length; however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the cord may define other lengths. The cord is additionally outdoor rated to endure long exposure outside. 
         [0039]    Various components of the lamp  10  may be coated with one or more coatings to mitigate damage caused by extensive use outside. Along these lines, the external surfaces of the lamp  10  may be coated with a primer for corrosive resistance. Urethane paint is then applied to the surfaces, in addition to a sealer to provide further protection for outdoor use. The paint is preferably a polyurethane low voc paint. 
         [0040]    A lamp shade  18  may be connected to the lamp body  20  to soften the light emitted thereby. The lamp shade  18  includes shade body  54  and a harp  56  connected the shade body  54  and the lamp body  20 . The shade body  54  is preferably formed from an outdoor rated fabric to enable the lamp shade  18  to withstand the outside environment. The harp  56  is preferably powder coated to configure the harp  56  for outside use. In a preferred embodiment, the lamp shade  18  includes a UV clear plastic lining with a laminated outdoor rated weather resistant UV rated fabric that diffuses the light from the sides of the lamp shade  18 . The adhesive/glue that seals the plastic to the lamp shade  18  is weather resistant. The harp  56  is plated with a top coat of polyurethane or powder coated to protect against the weather. 
         [0041]    The shade body  54  may define a variety of shapes and sizes. In the embodiment depicted in the figures, the shade body  54  is generally cylindrical in nature; although it is understood that the depicted shade body  54  is exemplary in nature only, and the present invention is not limited thereto. A perforated, stainless steel diffuser  58  may be disposed adjacent an upper end portion of the shade body  54 . The diffuser  58  is preferably formed from aluminum and is plated with a top coat of polyurethane, or powder coated to protect the diffuser  58  from the outer elements, while still allowing diffused light. 
         [0042]    A light bulb  110  is connected to the socket  40  to receive power from the lamp  10  to illuminate the adjacent areas. According to one embodiment, and referring now specifically to  FIG. 5 , the light bulb  110  is an improved LED-based light bulb that can be utilized in indoor and outdoor applications and is operative to fit via conventional light sockets  40 . The improved LED-based light bulb  110  provides greater illumination and utilizes less power than conventional incandescent light bulbs. It is recommended that the LED-based light bulb  110  be used with the lamp  10  described above; however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other light bulbs may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0043]    Generally, the properties of the improved LED-based light bulb  110  are generally as follows: approximately 8 watt, 12 volt, outdoor rated LED light bulb with lamp base med (E26) socket—color: warm light (2700-3000 Kelvin temp). According to one implementation, the color rendering for the lamp is above 80 CRI. The specifications further include a vertical mounting configuration, inside a diffused shroud to imitate an incandescent light bulb equivalent to approximately 55-60 watts of light. The foregoing specifications are exemplary in nature only and are not intended to limit the scope of the LED-based light bulb  110 . 
         [0044]    The LED-based light bulb  110  includes a base  112  and a stem  114  coupled to the base  112 . A plurality of LEDs  116  are mounted to the stem  114  in spaced relation to each other. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 5 , the stem  114  includes a plurality of longitudinal faces  118  and an end face  120 , with LEDs  116  mounted to each longitudinal face  118  and the end face  120  to provide illumination in several directions. 
         [0045]    The depicted stem  114  defines a hexagonal transverse cross-section, thereby defining six longitudinal faces  118 . However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that fewer than six or more than six longitudinal faces  118  may be defined by the stem  114  without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In fact, the stem  114  may define various shapes and sizes, such as spherical, semi-spherical, frustoconical, cubical, etc. without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0046]    The number of LEDs  116  mounted to the stem  114  may also be varied. Fewer LEDs  116  may be mounted for soft or dim lighting applications, while more LEDs  116  may be mounted for brighter applications. However, the stem preferably includes 120 LEDs  116  mounted thereto. 
         [0047]    The stem  114  is configured to be received within a cavity  122  formed within the base  112 . Along these lines, a flange  124  may extend radially outward from the stem  114  to engage with the base  112  to secure the stem  114  thereto. 
         [0048]    The base  112  may be connected to an electrical connector  126  sized to be threadably engageable with a conventional electrical socket. Wiring may extend between the electrical connector  126  and the LEDs  116  to electrically communicate power from the electrical connector to the LEDs  116 . 
         [0049]    An enclosure element  128 , such as a glass, plastic, or polycarbonate globe, may be connected to the base  112  to enclose the stem  114  and LEDs  116 . The size and shape of the enclosure element  128  may vary according to the size and shape of the stem  114 . Furthermore, the enclosure element  128  may be formed in various colors to alter the color emitted by the lamp. 
         [0050]    The LED-based light bulb  110  provides a desirable alternative to conventional incandescent light bulbs because it provides greater illumination and utilizes less power than prior art light bulbs. Along these lines, the light bulb  110  is approximately an 8 watt light bulb which gives approximately 540 lumen output (which is equivalent to 55-60 watts of light) of “reading light” at night, which is unique for a “decorative outdoor portable” fixture. Furthermore, the LED-based light bulb  110  is rated for outdoor use making it desirable for use with the above-described lamp  10 . 
         [0051]    This disclosure provides an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited by this exemplary embodiment. Numerous variations, whether explicitly provided for by the specification or implied by the specification, such as variations in structure, dimension, type of material and manufacturing process may be implemented by one of skill in the art in view of this disclosure.