Abstract:
An apparatus for a solar window nightlight includes at least one battery contained within a circuit housing. Solar panels are disposed on an outside surface of the circuit housing for charging the battery. Control circuitry connects the battery, the solar panels and LED lights to control operations of the LED lights and charging of the at least one battery. A photocell is connected to the control circuitry where when ambient light falls below a predetermined level, the control circuitry activates the LED lights. Translucent lenses include a bore hole in a base for receiving one of the LED lights and reflective material on outside edges. Suction cups retain the apparatus on a window surface where, during day light hours, there is sufficient ambient light to charge the battery and, during night hours, the translucent lenses illuminate a desired area.

Description:
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0001]    Not applicable. 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
       [0003]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention relates generally to solar lighting. More particularly, the invention relates to a solar window nightlight that includes a power source and projection lenses. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    There are several types of currently known nightlights that are typically plugged into a wall outlet. As these nightlights are usually plugged in, they constantly draw from the power grid. Therefore a nightlight that does not need to be plugged into a wall outlet is desirable. Other desirable features for a nightlight include without limitation, enabling the user to direct the light from the nightlight, providing decorative features, and providing various controls to the user such as, but not limited to, brightness control, color control, and speed of lighting. 
         [0006]    In view of the foregoing, there is a need for improved techniques for providing nightlights may be powered without being plugged into a wall socket. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 
           [0008]      FIGS. 1A ,  1 B,  1 C, and  1 D illustrate an exemplary solar window nightlight, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1A  is a front perspective view;  FIG. 1B  is a rear perspective view;  FIG. 1C  is a side view, and  FIG. 1D  is a front perspective view of a lens separated from a circuit housing; 
           [0009]      FIGS. 2A ,  2 B and  2 C illustrate an exemplary nightlight where all of the components are built into a specific design, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2A  is a rear view;  FIG. 2B  is a front view, and  FIG. 2C  is a front exploded view; and 
           [0010]      FIGS. 3A ,  3 B,  3 C, and  3 D illustrate an exemplary nightlight with a multi-part design, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 3A  is a rear view;  FIG. 3B  is a front view;  FIG. 3C  is a side view, and  FIG. 3D  is a bottom view. 
       
    
    
       [0011]    Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    To achieve the forgoing and other objects and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, an apparatus for a solar window nightlight is presented. 
         [0013]    In one embodiment, an apparatus for a solar window nightlight is presented. The apparatus includes a circuit housing. At least one battery is contained within the circuit housing. A plurality of solar panels are disposed on an outside surface of the circuit housing for charging the at least one battery. A plurality of LED lights are included. Control circuitry connects the at least one battery, the solar panels and the plurality of LED lights to control operations of the LED lights and charging of the at least one battery. A photocell is operative to detect ambient light. The photocell is connected to the control circuitry where when ambient light falls below a predetermined level, the control circuitry activates the plurality of LED lights. A plurality of translucent lenses each includes a generally wedge shape, a bore hole in a base of the wedge shape for receiving a one of the plurality of LED lights and reflective material on outside edges of the wedge shape to direct and contain light. A plurality of suction cups joined to at least the circuit housing retains the apparatus on a window surface where, during day light hours, there is sufficient ambient light to charge the at least one battery and the plurality of translucent lenses capture and reflect sunlight, and, during night hours, the translucent lenses illuminate a desired area. 
         [0014]    In another embodiment an apparatus for a solar window nightlight is presented. The apparatus includes means for housing at least one battery and control circuitry, means for charging the at least one battery, means for producing light from the at least one battery, means for detecting a level of ambient light to activate the light producing means, means for lensing light from the light producing means and means for joining the apparatus to a window surface. 
         [0015]    In another embodiment an apparatus for a solar window nightlight is presented. The apparatus includes a circuit housing. At least one battery is contained within the circuit housing. At least one solar panel is disposed on an outside surface of the circuit housing for charging the at least one battery. At least one light is included. Control circuitry connects the at least one battery, the at least one solar panel and the at least one light to control operations of the at least one light and charging of the at least one battery. A photocell is operative to detect ambient light. The photocell is connected to the control circuitry where when ambient light falls below a predetermined level, the control circuitry activates the at least one light. At least one translucent lens includes a bore hole for receiving the at least one light. Means retains the apparatus on a generally flat vertical surface where, during day light hours, there is sufficient ambient light to charge the at least one battery, and, during night hours, the translucent lens illuminates a desired area. 
         [0016]    Other features, advantages, and object of the present invention will become more apparent and be more readily understood from the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0017]    The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. 
         [0018]    Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive. 
         [0019]    The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
         [0020]    Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a solar window nightlight that comprises a power source and projection lenses. Preferred embodiments use solar energy collected during the day to power the nightlight at night thus generally eliminating the need to constantly draw from the power grid. Some preferred embodiments may include a flexible conduit that separates the circuit housing from the projection lenses that enables the user to position the illuminated area. For example, without limitation, separating the two main components enables the user to thread the projection lenses through blinds or shutters and to select the exact position and direction of the lighting. Preferred embodiments may incorporate various types of designs such as, but not limited to, fish, animals, insects, flowers, machinery, letters, numbers, symbols, licensed material, etc. In addition, preferred embodiments may be used during the day to reflect light through translucent lenses like a sun catcher. In addition, preferred embodiments provide additional controls to the user such as, but not limited to, brightness control, color control, and speed of lighting. 
         [0021]    One preferred embodiment of the present invention is an all-encompassed translucent print design that can be attached to a projection lens, as shown by way of example in  FIGS. 1A through 1D . Another preferred embodiment is an all-encompassing inclusive design that has a decorative shape such as, but not limited to, a flower, an insect, an animal, machinery, a letter, a numeric, a symbol, a licensed design, etc., as shown by way of example in  FIGS. 2A through 2C . Yet another preferred embodiment is a multi-component design that enables the user to position the illuminated components (i.e., the projection lenses) independently from the circuit housing via a flexible conduit, as shown by way of example in  FIGS. 3A through 3D . In addition, multiple units of the same or different designs may be mixed and matched to make a larger picture or design. For example, without limitation, a spider may be created as a Halloween window night light decoration by taking one encompassed-inclusive design for the body and adding multiple multi-component designs for legs, etc. 
         [0022]    Preferred embodiments are typically used by affixing the nightlight to a window via suction cups where the light captures sunlight during the day charging the internal batteries and reflecting light through translucent lenses. Once it becomes dark, the nightlight automatically activates the lighting source illuminating the desired area. 
         [0023]      FIGS. 1A ,  1 B,  1 C, and  1 D illustrate an exemplary solar window nightlight, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1A  is a front perspective view;  FIG. 1B  is a rear perspective view;  FIG. 1C  is a side view, and  FIG. 1D  is a front perspective view of a lens  1   a  separated from a circuit housing  2 . In the present embodiment, the solar window nightlight comprises projection lens la that is a translucent material such as, but not limited to, resin, plastic, or glass, which may have various shapes. Projection lens  1   a  is a wedge shape to provide more controlled lighting over a projection lens  1   b  that is rectangular in shape. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will readily recognize that projection lenses in alternate embodiments may be various different shapes such as, but not limited to, circles, spheres, cubes, decorative shapes, etc. Both lenses  1   a  and  1   b  may be used as a sun capture to reflect light during the day. Projection lenses  1   a  and  1   b  can be solid material or hollow material depending on the light distribution desired. In the present embodiment, projection lens  1   a  is connected to circuit housing  2  that houses a rechargeable battery  3  and internal solar and lighting circuitry  4 . Internal circuitry  4  is protected by a housing cap  5  that is secured to housing  2  with screws  6 . The solar window nightlight also comprises suction cups  7 , which are connected to projection lens  1   a  or  1   b  through holes  8 . 
         [0024]    Referring to  FIG. 1B , the rear view of the solar window nightlight illustrates a photocell  10  and solar collection panels  12  on circuit housing  2 . In the present embodiment, reflective tape  13  covers the outside edges of projection lens  1   a  to help direct and contain light; however, in alternate embodiments some solar window nightlights that do not need help directing and containing light do not include reflective tape on the projection lens. The solar window nightlight has the option to print designs on a transparent film  14  and use adhesive to apply film  14  to projection lens  1   a.  For additional support when attached to a surface, circuit housing  2  comprises an extra suction cup connection  15 . Referring to  FIG. 1C , a suction cup  16  is shown attached to suction cup connection  15 . Referring to  FIG. 1D , circuit housing  2  comprises LED light sources  21  that are powered by the solar collection circuitry, and projection lens  1   a  comprises bored LED inserts  22  into which LED light sources  21  are inserted when projection lens  1   a  is connected to circuit housing  2 . LED light sources may be single or multiple colors and may be able to flash, alternate colors, or sparkle. In an alternate embodiment, the nightlight may comprise an additional cover to house a traditional incandescent light bulb. 
         [0025]    In typical use of the present embodiment, the solar window nightlight is secured to a window with suction cups  7  and  16 . Photocell  10  and solar collection panels  12  lie flat on the glass of the window charging rechargeable battery  3  any time there is light. In addition, projection lens  1   a  acts as a sun capture to reflect light during this time. Once it becomes dark, photocell  10  activates the LED light sources  21 . If a design film  14  is attached to projection lens  1   a,  this design is now projected from projection lens  1   a  by LED light sources  21 . In an alternate embodiment, the solar collection panels may be located on the front of the circuit housing so that the nightlight may be attached to a surface other than a window such as, but not limited to, a mirror, a wall, a piece of furniture, etc. and still collect light. 
         [0026]      FIGS. 2A ,  2 B and  2 C illustrate an exemplary nightlight where all of the components are built into a specific design, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2A  is a rear view;  FIG. 2B  is a front view, and  FIG. 2C  is a front exploded view. In the present embodiment, the nightlight is in the design of a flower; however, alternate embodiments may be various different designs such as, but not limited to, cars, stars, fish, animals, licensed designs, etc. Referring to  FIG. 2A , the back of the encompassed design is shown exposing solar collection panels  31  that lie flat on a window during use. Referring to  FIG. 2B , the front of the encompassed design is shown illustrating petals  40  and a flower center  41 , which act as projection lenses that illuminate once a photocell  47 , is activated. The encompassed design is secured to a window by a suction cup  42  that is attached to a petal projection lens  40  through a hole  43  and suction cups  44  that are attached to decorative leaves  45  through holes  46 . 
         [0027]    Referring to  FIG. 2C , the internal components of the encompassed design are illustrated. Petal projection lenses  40  each comprise a bored out hole  50  into which LED lights  51  are inserted. LED lights  51  can be single or multiple colors and may also be able to flash, alternate colors or sparkle. Inside a circuit housing  61  is lighting and solar collection circuitry  52 , an additional LED light  53  that is threaded through a cutout  56  of a circuit-housing cap  55 , and a power source  54 , which is a rechargeable battery in the present embodiment. Circuit-housing cap  55  covers circuit housing  61  to protect and conceal internal circuitry  52  and is secured in place using screws threaded through secure points  57 . In the present embodiment, circuit-housing cap  55  comprises cutouts  58  to secure a translucent lens  59  utilizing fittings  60  that thread though cutouts  58 . 
         [0028]    In typical use of the present embodiment, the nightlight is secured to a window using suction cups  42  and  44  with solar collection panels  31  facing the outside. Solar collection panels  31  lie flat on the glass of the window charging power source  54  any time there is light. In addition, petal projection lenses  40  act as sun captures to reflect light during this time. Once it becomes dark, the photocell activates LED light sources  51  and  53  to illuminate petals  40  and flower center  41 . In an alternate embodiment, the solar collection panels may be located on the front of the circuit housing so that the nightlight may be attached to a surface other than a window such as, but not limited to, a mirror, a wall, a piece of furniture, etc. and still collect light. 
         [0029]      FIGS. 3A ,  3 B,  3 C, and  3 D illustrate an exemplary nightlight with a multi-part design, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 3A  is a rear view;  FIG. 3B  is a front view;  FIG. 3C  is a side view, and  FIG. 3D  is a bottom view. In the present embodiment, the nightlight is in the design of a flower; however, alternate embodiments may be various different designs such as, but not limited to, other plants, animals, insects, licensed designs, etc. In the present embodiment the nightlight comprises a circuit housing  70 , a flexible conduit  64 , and a projection lens assembly  72 . In the present embodiment, projection lenses  73  are not part of circuit housing  70 . Instead, wiring  65  from a power source  67  is housed in flexible conduit  64 , which enables a user to position projection lens assembly  72  while maintaining the shaped integrity of flexible conduit  64 . In the present embodiment, flexible conduit  64  is made of plastic that enables flexible conduit  64  to be shaped, bent and adjusted to direct the light of the nightlight; however, in alternate embodiments other materials may be used for the conduit, such as, but not limited to, a rubber hose that encases a metal wire. 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIG. 3A , the rear of the nightlight comprises solar collection panels  71  and suction cups  68 , which fit into suction cup holes  69  in circuit housing  70 . Referring to  FIG. 3B , projection lenses  73  are connected to an additional lighting source  62  and comprise bored out holes  74  into which LED lights  63  are inserted. In the present embodiment, the same circuitry in the previously described embodiments is housed in circuit housing  70  including, but not limited to, lighting and solar collection circuitry  66  and power source  67 . Referring to  FIG. 3C , the side view of the nightlight illustrates that flexible conduit  64  can be bent to position projection lens assembly  72 . A photocell  75  on circuit housing  70  measures the amount of ambient light present. Referring to  FIG. 3D  a brightness dial  73  that controls the brightness of LED lights  63  and a speed control  74  that controls the speed of the rotation of LED lights  63  from slow sparkle to solid lights and everywhere in between are located on the bottom of circuit housing  70 . Other controls that may be included in alternate embodiments include without limitation, a color rotation control when multiple color LED lights are included, a timer, or controls for effects such as, but not limited to, strobe, flash, sparkle, fade and on/off switch. LED lights  63  may be single or multiple colors and may also be able to flash, alternate colors or sparkle. 
         [0031]    In typical use of the present embodiment, the nightlight is secured to a window using suctions cups  68  that are attached to circuit housing  70  with solar collection panels  71  lying flat against the window. Flexible conduit  64  can then be bent in any direction allowing for exact positioning of projection lens assembly  72 . For example, without limitation, the user may position projection lens assembly  72  to light a doorway or to slide between slats in window blinds so that circuit housing  70  is attached to the window and projection lens assembly  72  is visible in the room. Solar collection panels  71  charge power source  67  any time there is light. Once it becomes dark, photocell  75  activates LED light sources  62  and  63  to illuminate projection lens assembly  72 . In an alternate embodiment, the solar collection panels may be located on the front of the circuit housing so that the nightlight may be attached to a surface other than a window such as, but not limited to, a mirror, a wall, a piece of furniture, etc. and still collect light. 
         [0032]    Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of providing a solar nightlight according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention has been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. For example, the particular implementation of the light may vary depending upon the intended use. The embodiments described in the foregoing were directed to nightlight implementations; however, similar techniques are to implement embodiments of the present invention as different types of lights such as, but not limited to, reading lights, flashlights, accent lights, decorative lights, holiday lights, etc. Non-nightlight implementations of the present invention are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims.