Photocell cover and method of use

A photocell cover, including a jacket that defines a jacket cavity and a jacket opening, that is operable to be used by the user at any time of day and in any level of ambient light. The invention achieves this object by providing a photocell cover to cover a photocell and its housing, blocking any ambient light from reaching the photocell, in order to provide an environment in which the photocell can be tested. The jacket cavity and jacket opening receive a housing of a photocell and simulate a low level of ambient light in the area surrounding the photocell in order to test the functionality of the photocell. The method of using the photocell cover allows the user to test the photocell during any time of day or night, including from a ground level position.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to equipment designed to test photocells, and, more particularly, relates to a housing that covers a light that utilizes photocells, providing for the testing of photocells in the daylight, as well as at night.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Photocell circuits provide a number of benefits that makes them desirable to use in a number of circumstances, particularly when a light source housing a photocell is in an environment exposed to sunlight or another light source. Photocells often function to measure the amount of ambient light in the area immediately surrounding the photocell in order to determine whether there is a need for a light source to be on or off. In a typical light source that employs a photocell, the photocell will detect a level of ambient light, and will activate the light source upon the darkening of ambient light below a predetermined level. When a certain amount of ambient light exceeds and/or meets the predetermined level, the photocell will deactivate the light source; conversely, when the certain amount is less than and/or meets the predetermined level, the photocell will activate the light source.

Photocells often have resistances that vary greatly depending on the level of ambient light. For example, a photocell can have a resistance of 70 KΩ during a moonlit night, while having a resistance of just 300Ω during an overcast day. The variance in resistance is an important feature of a photocell, because it controls whether or not the light source is on or off as a result of changes in ambient light, and the consequent changes in resistance.

Photocells are commonly used because they are small and inexpensive, and because they do not use a great deal of power. Photocells can, however, short-circuit or become open circuits. A photocell circuit that has become an open circuit will have many of the characteristics of a normally operating photocell in a dark environment; accordingly, detecting faults in the photocell circuit can be difficult.

Regular testing of photocells is important due to the placement of light sources containing photocells in exterior environments, such as streets, airports, and remote locations. However, in order to accurately test the functionality of a photocell, the photocell must be surrounded by a dark environment. This requires the testing to be performed in the middle of the night, or in a simulated night environment. Moreover, in certain industrial or commercial settings the photocell is disposed at a location that is difficult to reach by a user and/or a height above a ground surface that poses significant injury risks to a user.

Existing methods of testing photocells require the user to create a dark environment surrounding the photocell. Such methods include blacking out the area surrounding the photocell, such as the light source, with dark tape, thereby simulating a dark environment; however, this method is time-consuming, cumbersome, and often leaves sticky residue on the light source housing the photocell. Moreover, because of the location of many photocells, utilizing this method increases the risk of injury to the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a photocell cover and method of use that overcomes the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices and methods of this general type and that is operable to be used by the user at any time of day and in any level of ambient light. The invention achieves this object by providing a photocell cover to cover a photocell and its housing, blocking any ambient light from reaching the photocell, in order to provide an environment in which the photocell can be tested.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a method of testing a photocell disposed on a lighting fixture, including providing a photocell cover with an enclosed jacket having an internal proximal end and an internal distal end opposite the internal proximal end, that defines a jacket cavity spanning from the internal proximal end to the internal distal end, and defines a distal jacket opening disposed at a distal end of the jacket, the distal jacket opening spatially coupled to the jacket cavity; and inserting a housing of the photocell disposed on a lighting fixture through the distal jacket opening and within the jacket cavity to generate a false-positive light activation reading, wherein the photocell has a non-low-level ambient light reading before insertion.

In one embodiment, the jacket is enclosed along a longitudinal length spanning from the internal proximal end to the internal distal end of the jacket.

In another embodiment, the jacket includes an elastic band disposed at the distal end of the jacket, and the method of testing the photocell further includes elastically deforming the elastic band of the jacket, and frictionally retaining the jacket to the housing of the photocell at least partially through the elastic band.

In a further embodiment, the method of testing a photocell includes the step of disposing the distal end of the jacket on a surface of the lighting fixture.

In one embodiment, the jacket includes an attachment point disposed at the proximal end of the jacket, and the method of testing the photocell includes the step of attaching an elongated arm member to the attachment point; extending the elongated arm member from a substantially ground-level position to a position defined by the housing of the photocell disposed on the light fixture; and covering the housing of the photocell disposed on the light fixture with the jacket.

In another embodiment, the attachment point is a loop.

In a further embodiment, the elongated arm member is a cord.

In one embodiment, the method of testing the photocell further includes the step of detaching the distal end of the jacket from the photocell disposed on a lighting fixture.

In another embodiment, the method of testing the photocell includes the step of disengaging the elastic band disposed at the distal end of the jacket from the photocell disposed on a lighting fixture.

As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. In this document, the term “longitudinal” should be understood to mean in a direction corresponding to an elongated direction of the photocell cover with an enclosed jacket spanning from the internal proximal end to the internal distal end of the jacket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides a novel and efficient photocell cover and method of use. Embodiments of the invention provide the user with the ability to effectively test photocells at any time of day and in any level of ambient light by providing an apparatus that covers the light source housing the photocell, blocking any ambient light from reaching the photocell, in order to provide an environment in which the photocell can be tested. In addition, embodiments of the invention provide the user with the ability to effectively test photocells without the need to elevate the user to the position directly over the photocell.

Referring now toFIGS. 1-2, one embodiment of the present invention is shown in a perspective and cross-sectional view, respectively.FIGS. 1-2show several advantageous features of the present invention, but, as will be described below, the invention can be provided in several shapes, sizes, combinations of features and components, and varying numbers and functions of the components. The first example of a photocell cover100, as shown inFIGS. 1-2, includes a jacket102having an internal proximal end204and an internal distal end206opposite the internal proximal end204. In one embodiment, the jacket102of the photocell cover100defines a jacket cavity208that spans from the internal proximal end204to the internal distal end206of the jacket102. In one embodiment, the jacket102of the photocell cover100defines a distal jacket opening210that is disposed at the internal distal end206of the jacket102, with the distal jacket opening210being spatially coupled to the jacket cavity208.

In one embodiment, the jacket102of the photocell cover100is enclosed. The term “enclosed” is defined herein in its broadest possible sense as substantially surrounding a longitudinal length of the jacket cavity208.

With reference toFIGS. 1-6, in conjunction with the process flow diagrams ofFIGS. 8-10, there is provided a method of using a photocell cover, such as the photocell cover100. The method is not limited to use with the particular photocell cover structure depicted inFIG. 1, but may be used with other photocell covers as well. AlthoughFIGS. 8-10show a specific order of executing the process steps, the order of executing the steps may be changed relative to the order shown in certain embodiments. Also, two or more blocks shown in succession may be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence in some embodiments. Certain steps may also be omitted inFIGS. 8-10for the sake of brevity. In some embodiments, some or all of the process steps included inFIGS. 8-10can be combined into a single process.

In one embodiment, a method of testing a photocell begins at step700and moves directly to step702, where a photocell cover100, which may be referred to herein as the cover100, is provided. In one embodiment, as mentioned above, the photocell cover100may, but does not necessarily, include the jacket102having an internal proximal end204and an internal distal end206opposite the internal proximal end204, defining a jacket cavity208that spans from the internal proximal end204to the internal distal end206, and defines a distal jacket opening210that is disposed at the internal distal end206of the jacket102, with the distal jacket opening210being spatially coupled to the jacket cavity208. In one embodiment, the internal distal end206of the jacket102may include a suction member. In one embodiment, the jacket102of the photocell cover is enclosed. The term “enclosed” is defined herein in its broadest possible sense as substantially surrounding a longitudinal length of the jacket cavity208. The jacket102may be any material to suitable to withstand re-occurring use by the user and should be preferably, but not necessarily, waterproof, e.g., a natural rubber, a nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, acrylic, nylon, etc.

In one embodiment, the method moves from step702to step704, wherein a housing of a photocell302, disposed on a lighting fixture300, may be inserted through the distal jacket opening210and within the jacket cavity208to generate a false-positive light activation reading, wherein the housing of the photocell302has a non-low-level ambient light reading before insertion. The term “non-low-level ambient light reading” is defined herein in its broadest possible sense as a level that is similar to that of a daytime level of ambient light, including that of an overcast day. In one embodiment, the non-low-level ambient light reading corresponds with a resistance of 300Ω during an overcast day.

In one embodiment, the method proceeds to step706, which includes elastically deforming an elastic band502of the jacket102, and fictionally retaining the enclosed jacket102to the housing of the photocell302at least partially through the elastic band502of the jacket102. In other embodiments, step706can occur before or during step704, and the elastic band502of the jacket102can be elastically deformed before inserting the housing of a photocell302disposed on a lighting fixture300through the distal jacket opening210and within the jacket cavity208. In one embodiment, the jacket102is frictionally retained to a proximal end of the housing of the photocell302that is at least partially through the elastic band502of the jacket102.

In one embodiment, the method moves from step706to step708, wherein the internal distal end206of the enclosed jacket102is disposed on a surface of the lighting fixture300.

In one embodiment, the method proceeds to step710, which includes maintaining the housing of the photocell302disposed on a lighting fixture300within the jacket cavity208to determine whether the photocell generates a false-positive light activation reading that corresponds to a low-level ambient light reading. The term “low-level ambient light reading” is defined herein in its broadest possible sense as a level that is similar to that of a nighttime level of ambient light, including that of a moonlit night. In one embodiment, the low-level ambient light reading corresponds with a resistance of 70 KΩ during a moonlit night. Other exemplary resistances, however, may be provided depending on sensor design considerations and/or lighting applications.

In one embodiment, the method proceeds to step712, which includes uncoupling the internal distal end206of the enclosed jacket102from the surface of the lighting fixture300. In one embodiment, the elastic band502of the enclosed jacket102is disengaged from the housing of the photocell302disposed on the lighting fixture300such that the housing of the photocell302disposed on the lighting fixture300is removed from within the jacket cavity208and through the distal jacket opening210. The method may then terminate at step714.

As specifically shown inFIG. 9, another method of testing a photocell is depicted. The process begins at step800and moves directly to step802, wherein a photocell cover100is provided which includes an attachment member408for attaching an elongated arm member406to the photocell cover100. In one embodiment, as mentioned above, the photocell cover100may, but does not necessarily, include the jacket102having an internal proximal end204and an internal distal end206opposite the internal proximal end204, defining a jacket cavity208that spans from the internal proximal end204to the internal distal end206, and defines a distal jacket opening210that is disposed at the internal distal end206of the jacket102, with the distal jacket opening210being spatially coupled to the jacket cavity208. In one embodiment, a user402can test a photocell from a substantially ground level position404. The term “substantially ground level position” is defined herein in its broadest possible sense as a position at which the user402can extend the elongated arm member406to a position defined by the housing of the photocell302disposed on the lighting fixture300. The term “attachment member” is defined herein in its broadest possible sense as a structural point of the photocell cover100, e.g., a loop, configured to allow the user to connect, for example, an elongated arm member406to the photocell cover100. The term “elongated arm member”406is defined herein in its broadest possible sense and may be a nylon or polymeric cord, wire, or other flexible structure that the user may use to couple with the attachment member408to effectuate a quick and effective placement of the photocell cover100in a position where it substantially encloses the photocell to generate a false-positive light activation reading.

In one embodiment, the method proceeds from step802to step804, in which the elongated arm member406extends from the substantially ground-level position404to the position defined by the housing of the photocell302disposed on the lighting fixture300. In other embodiments, the elongated arm member406may only span approximately 2-3 feet in total length or may span another length sufficient to enable the user to apply a tensile force on the jacket102without having to unsafely reach over the lighting fixture300or place the user in an unsafe position relative to the lighting fixture300.

In one embodiment, the method proceeds from step804to step806, where the housing of the photocell302disposed on the lighting fixture300may be inserted through the distal jacket opening210and within the jacket cavity208to generate a false-positive light activation reading, wherein the housing of the photocell302has a non-low-level ambient light reading before insertion.

In one embodiment, the jacket102includes an elastic band502that is elastically deformed and frictionally retained to the housing of a photocell302at least partially through the elastic band502of the jacket102. In other embodiments, the elastic band502of the jacket102can be elastically deformed before inserting the housing of a photocell302disposed on a lighting fixture300through the distal jacket opening210and within the jacket cavity208. In one embodiment, the jacket102is frictionally retained to a proximal end of the housing of the photocell302that is at least partially through the elastic band502of the jacket102. In one embodiment, the jacket housing cavity612is shaped and sized to conform to a portion of the jacket102of the photocell cover100. For example, both the jacket housing cavity612and the jacket102have portions which are rectangular in shape and have dimensions of 2″×2″×2″ (length×width×height), such that the jacket housing610is configured to frictionally retain the jacket102thereto. The overall and relative dimensions may vary depending on the property materials, e.g., elasticity, for the jacket housing610and the jacket102.

In one embodiment, the method includes step808, which includes disposing the internal distal end206of the jacket102on a surface of a lighting fixture300, and maintaining the housing of the photocell302disposed on a lighting fixture300within the jacket cavity208to determine whether the photocell generates a false-positive light activation reading that corresponds to a low-level ambient light reading. In one embodiment, the method proceeds from step808to step810, which includes uncoupling the internal distal end206of the jacket102from the surface of the lighting fixture300. In one embodiment, the elastic band502of the enclosed jacket102is disengaged from the housing of the photocell302disposed on the lighting fixture300such that the housing of the photocell302disposed on the lighting fixture300is removed from within the jacket cavity208and through the distal jacket opening210. The method may then terminate at step812.

In one embodiment, another exemplary method of testing a photocell begins at step900and moves directly to step902, where a photocell cover100is provided. In one embodiment, as mentioned above, the photocell cover100may, but does not necessarily, include the jacket102having an internal proximal end204and an internal distal end206opposite the internal proximal end204defining a jacket cavity208that spans from the internal proximal end204to the internal distal end206and defines a distal jacket opening210that is disposed at the internal distal end206of the jacket102with the distal jacket opening210being spatially coupled to the jacket cavity208.

In one embodiment, a pole member602is employed by the user to couple the cover100to the photocell302. The pole member602may have a proximal end604, a handle portion606, where a user can grasp, and a distal end608with a jacket housing610disposed thereon. The jacket housing610may define a jacket housing cavity612. Before inserting the housing of the photocell302disposed on a lighting fixture300through the distal jacket opening210, the jacket102of the photocell cover100may be inserted into the jacket housing cavity612until it is frictional retained by the jacket housing610. This frictional retention may be caused by a dimensional disproportion wherein, for example, the diameter of the jacket housing cavity612may be less than the length and/or width of the jacket102(spanning from outer surface to opposing outer surface). In one embodiment, the pole member602includes at least two pole arm members626,628operably configured to telescope to provide a user extended reaching capacity when installing the jacket102on the photocell302. In one embodiment, the pole member602may include a threaded portion to attach to the jacket housing610. In one embodiment, the jacket housing610may include a threaded portion to attach to the pole member602.

The method may then proceed from step902to step904, in which an attachment member614, which may be formed by the jacket and/or disposed at a proximal end616of the jacket102, is provided. An elongated arm member618may be coupled to the attachment member614at a proximal end620of the elongated arm member618. A distal end632of the elongated arm member622, opposite the proximal end620of the elongated arm member618, may include a handle portion624, e.g., a loop. In one embodiment, the elongated arm member618may be inserted through the jacket housing cavity612and through a slit defined by a sidewall of the jacket housing610.

In one embodiment, the method proceeds from step904to step906, in which the jacket102of the photocell cover100is detached from within the jacket housing cavity612and held in place by a user630by holding the handle624of the elongated arm member618. A housing of a photocell302disposed on a lighting fixture300may be inserted through the distal jacket opening210and within the jacket cavity208to generate a false-positive light activation reading, wherein the housing of the photocell302has a non-low-level ambient light reading before insertion.

In one embodiment, the jacket102includes an elastic band502that is elastically deformed and frictionally retained to the housing of a photocell302at least partially through the elastic band502of the jacket102. In other embodiments, the elastic band502of the jacket102can be elastically deformed before inserting the housing of a photocell302disposed on a lighting fixture300through the distal jacket opening210and within the jacket cavity208. In one embodiment, the jacket102is frictionally retained to a proximal end of the housing of the photocell302that is at least partially through the elastic band502of the jacket102.

In one embodiment, the method proceeds to step908, which includes disposing the internal distal end206of the jacket102on an outer surface of a photocell302disposed on a lighting fixture300, and maintaining the housing of the photocell302disposed on a lighting fixture300within the jacket cavity208to determine whether the photocell302generates a false-positive light activation reading that corresponds to a low-level ambient light reading. The method may then proceed from step908to step910, which includes the user uncouples the internal distal end206of the jacket102from the surface of the photocell302. In one embodiment, the elastic band502of the enclosed jacket102is disengaged from the housing of the photocell302disposed on the lighting fixture300such that the housing of the photocell302disposed on the lighting fixture300is removed from within the jacket cavity208and through the distal jacket opening210. The method may then terminate at step912.

In one embodiment, a user630can perform any of the preceding steps from a substantially elevated position. The term “substantially elevated position” is defined herein in its broadest possible sense as an above-ground position, including a heightened position in which the user630is lifted to a position adjacent to a lighting fixture300, as depicted, for example, inFIGS. 6-7.

A photocell cover and method of use has been disclosed that provides the user with the ability to test a photocell at any time of day and in any level of ambient light. The invention achieves this object by providing a photocell cover to cover a photocell and its housing, blocking any ambient light from reaching the photocell, in order to provide an environment in which the photocell can be tested.