Abstract:
A nightlight and control unit comprises a nightlight housing including an illumination member and a control unit associated with the nightlight housing for regulating light in a light device connectable to the control unit. An input mechanism is provided for programming the control unit.

Description:
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates to a nightlight and lamp control. Specifically, the invention, in one aspect, is for a stand alone nightlight which is capable of controlling an associated light or lamp. The nightlight may provide a source of constant illumination, and is capable of controlling an associated lamp or light fitting so as to fade out the light given off by the lamp or light fitting over a preselected or predetermined period of time. 
   The invention has particular application with respect to use in children&#39;s bedrooms. In this regard, the nightlight and lamp of the invention can provide a low level light over the entire night in the child&#39;s bedroom, but at the same time slowly fade out an associated lamp or light over a given period of time. The associated lamp will be activated to commence the fade-out phase typically when a child is put to sleep, and the time of fade-out can be selected, for example, so as to coincide with at least the length of time it is known that the child takes to fall asleep. 
   Nightlights are, of course, well known and widely used in a number of contexts and applications. For example, in a child&#39;s bedroom, wall plug inserts or stand-alone light units, whether powered by AC or DC sources, are known. Some of these may be able to detect ambient light conditions, so that they are activated when ambient light falls below a predetermined level. Other nightlights can simply be switched on and off at will, and may, for example, be switched on at the time the child is going to sleep. 
   Various devices are also known by means of which the light provided by a lamp or light fixture can be slowly faded out or increased over a period of time. Some of these may, also, sense ambient light conditions, and slowly phase in to light up a room or area as light fades during sunset and the onset of night. Conversely, other types of light fittings may have the circuitry for programming them to fade-out over a given period of time, which may be in response to increasing ambient light levels at daybreak. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,646,594 (Barben) describes a lighting apparatus characterized by the use of motion detectors for controlling a lighting system. The motion detectors may also be utilized to activate other devices, such as radios, alarms, and the like, upon the approach of people. A dimmer control and timer assembly are incorporated into the circuit, all of which respond to the motion detector. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 2,907,901 (Parker) describes a sleep-inducing apparatus for sequentially dimming the brilliance of a light and then disconnecting it after a preselected time period. U.S. Pat. No. 4,712,019 (Nilssen) includes a self-contained programmable plug-in timer, while U.S. Pat. No. 4,038,561 (Lorenz) describes a circuit for a children&#39;s lamp including a timer mechanism which may automatically and gradually diminish the light level. U.S. Pat. No. 4,000,405 (Horwinski) describes an electrical adaptor and nightlight which provides multiple electric sockets and subdued illumination, and a switch which enables lamps to be selectively energized. 
   U.S. Patent Application No. US 2003/0057879 (Capriglione) teaches a lighting electronic controller which can switch on an external device such as a house lamp at a predetermined time, and automatically increase or decrease the level of intensity in gradual stages. 
   U.S. Patent Application No. US2002/0131262 (Amburgey) describes a nightlight and socket assembly including a light sensor which can replace a switch to provide automatic on and off for the night light. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   As will be noted from the above, nightlights of various forms and characteristics are available, as are mechanisms and circuitry for increasing and decreasing the light intensity of a light unit, either over a predetermined time period or in response to some external condition, such as ambient light changes. 
   The invention provides both a nightlight, which consistently gives off a preferably variable intensity light, until switched off, the nightlight also controlling an associated lamp which can be dimmed over a period of time. The present invention therefore addresses the issue of not only providing a consistent low-level nightlight to, for example, small children, but also the ability for that nightlight to operate as a control mechanism for dimming out an associated light unit. In many instances, children, and especially young children, are uncomfortable when a room is substantially darkened over a very short period of time, such as by turning off a light, even when a nightlight may exist. The ability of the light to be faded over a period of time while the child goes to sleep may be more comforting to the child, and also may help the child to fall asleep more quickly. While the child is going to sleep, the room is not dark, although the light from the associated lamp will be fading in accordance with the present invention. Once the light from the associated lamp has been switched off, the nightlight itself will continue to give off a small amount of light so that, if the child should awaken during the night, the room will not be in darkness. At this time, of course, the child&#39;s eyes may have accommodated to the darker conditions, so that the presence of the low level nightlight alone will be comforting for the child. 
   In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is therefore provided a nightlight, which is connectable to an associated lamp or light unit, wherein the nightlight gives off a consistent light over a period of time, such as during the night, while the associated lamp is dimmed from a fully or partially lighted condition to an off condition, over a period of time, which may be selected by the user. 
   In one form, the nightlight itself may be adjustable so that its light intensity can be varied, but, for most purposes, once set, will remain at the selected light intensity until switched off either manually or automatically. The automatic switch-off may occur as a result of a timing device, or by operation of an ambient light detector which will switch off the nightlight when the ambient light conditions in the room have reached a desired level. 
   According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a nightlight and control unit comprising: a nightlight housing including an illumination member; a control unit associated with the nightlight housing for regulating light in a light device connectable to the control unit; and input means for programming the control unit. 
   The control unit may be located within the housing, or it may be outside of the housing and electrically connected thereto. The control unit may comprise a box, circuit board or other structure inside or outside the housing for containing circuitry for regulating light in the light device, a light device connector means for electrically connecting the light device with the control unit, a nightlight connecting means for connecting the control unit with the nightlight, and a power cable for connecting the nightlight to a power source. 
   The input means is preferably located on the nightlight housing and may comprise time-setting means, whereby the control unit is programmed to regulate the light device so that the light therefrom fades to off over a preselected time period. 
   The nightlight and control unit may further comprise a timer display for indicating time remaining for regulating the light in the light device. Adjustment means for adjusting the intensity of the illumination member may be provided. 
   The nightlight itself may preferably be shaped in the form of a turtle, other animal or other shape to appeal to a child. The nightlight may, for example, comprise a substantially hemispherical cover portion on a flat base. The light provided by the nightlight may be a low glow over the area, or a part of the area, of the hemispherical cover or dome, or the light may shine through the base. The nightlight may include an adjustment means for setting the intensity of the light provided thereby. 
   In one embodiment, the nightlight is connected to a control box or member, which may be integral therewith, or comprised as a separate unit placed away from the nightlight. The control box or member itself may have an electrical connector means so as to plug into a source of power, such as a wall plug outlet. Further, the control box will have connector means whereby an associated lamp can be plugged into it. The associated lamp so connected to the control box will receive both the necessary power from the control box, and the control box or member will have the circuitry and signal mechanisms for fading-out, or increasing, the light intensity of the associated lamp in accordance with the preset conditions selected by the user. Preferably, however, all control functions reside in the turtle or other shaped housing, and the lamp attachment will, for aesthetic reasons, have its attachment closer to the wall. 
   The control box may also have outlets for a plurality of lamps, which can be placed away from each other or at different points in the room, and the circuitry may permit each of the plurality of lamps to be timed and programmed to fade-out simultaneously with each other, or fade-out at different rates, so that different areas of the room may remain lighter, or become darker, more quickly than other areas of the room. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic perspective view of the nightlight and lamp control in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a side perspective view of the nightlight in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of the nightlight and control unit in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  is a bottom view of the nightlight of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5  is a schematic representation showing the components and operation of the nightlight and control circuit, in conjunction with associated lamps, in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 6  is a side perspective view of another embodiment of the nightlight of the invention showing a different shape and form of the device; and 
       FIG. 7  is a side perspective view of another embodiment of the nightlight of the invention showing a further different shape and form of the device. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings which show various forms, views and embodiments of the nightlight and lamp control in accordance with the present invention. The nightlight and control provides a continuous low-level light in the form of a night lamp, but also has circuitry and components associated therewith whereby an associated lamp or lamps can be connected thereto, and whose light intensity can be diminished or increased over a predetermined period of time, as may be selected by the user. The “start” intensity of the associated lamp can preferably be adjusted. 
   Reference is made to  FIG. 1  of the drawings which shows a general schematic perspective view of the nightlight and lamp control in accordance with the present invention. The components of this nightlight and lamp control system include a nightlight unit  12 , and an associated lamp  14 . Both the nightlight unit  12  and associated lamp  14  will typically be placed on a flat surface  16  which in many circumstances will be a small table or night stand adjacent or near the child&#39;s bed. While the present invention has as one of its important applications the control of light within a child&#39;s room, it should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to such applications. For example, the nightlight unit and lamp control of the invention may be used as a security type mechanism, whereby lighting is switched on and off, and dimmed over time, in a house where the occupants may be away, to give the external appearance that the house is inhabited. Further, the unit is not limited to use in a child&#39;s bedroom, but can be used in any living room area or adult&#39;s bedroom, or even in commercial, retail or industrial settings where it is desired to have a consistent, low-level night light, but to fade-out, or fade-in, the light of an associated light unit. 
   The nightlight unit  12  includes a control unit  18 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  of the drawings, the control unit  18  is shown within the nightlight unit  12 . The control unit  18  connects to a connector box  21  which is located external to the nightlight unit  12 . However, in other forms of the invention, the control unit  18  may be separate and apart from the nightlight unit  12 . One advantage of separating the connector box  21  from the nightlight unit  12 , especially in a child&#39;s bedroom, would be to avoid unnecessary wiring or cables on the surface  16 . Thus, the nightlight unit  12  and associated lamp  14  can be located on the surface  16 , and their wires led directly under the surface  16  where the necessary electrical connections would be made. This may assist in placing the potentially hazardous electrical connections out of reach, and possibly out of sight, of the child, thus contributing to the additional safety of the nightlight and lamp control of the invention. 
   The connector box  21  has a power connector cable  20 , which plugs into a conventional wall socket  22 . As will become apparent below, the power connector cable  20  thus provides the necessary power source for the nightlight unit  12 , the associated lamp  14 , as well as any circuitry and other control devices which may be located within the control unit  18  or connector box  21  and the nightlight unit  12 . 
   The associated lamp  14  has a conventional power cord  24 , which plugs into the connector box  21 . In this way, the control unit  18  and connector box  21  together are able to provide not only a power source for illuminating the associated lamp  14 , but also the necessary controls for increasing, but usually decreasing, the intensity of the associated lamp  14  over a period of time, as will be described. 
   With reference to  FIG. 2  of the drawings, there is shown a more detailed view of the nightlight unit  12 . The nightlight unit  12  comprises a generally hemispherical dome cover  30  having a top portion  32  and a side portion  34 . A rotatable annular slide switch  36  is formed below the side portion  34 , and is mounted on the base  40  of the nightlight unit  12 . The slide switch  36  includes a radially, outwardly projecting lever  42  for rotating the slide switch  36 . The base  40  is mounted on four legs  44  which raises the base  40  so that it is somewhat spaced from the surface  16  on which the nightlight unit  12  may be located. 
   The nightlight unit  12  is connected to a connector box  21 , not shown in  FIG. 2 , but which is discussed in further detail with reference to some of the other Figures. However, the nightlight unit  12  has a power and signal connector(s)  48  which connects to the connector box  21 . The power and signal connector(s)  48  serves as a transmitter of power between the connector box  21  and the nightlight unit  12  to serve as a power source for the light within the nightlight unit  12 . Further, the power and signal connector(s)  48  also serves as a medium by which programmed or selected features, such as timing, dimming periods, and other features selected on the nightlight unit  12  may be transmitted to the connector box  21 , so that the connector box  21  in turn may operate the associated lamp  14  in accordance with the selections of the user. 
   The hemispherical dome cover  30 , including the top portion  32  and side portion  34  may, in certain embodiments, be comprised of semi-opaque but translucent material so that illumination provided by a light bulb or light emitting diode (LED)  50  formed within the chamber defined by the dome cover  30  is emitted through the dome cover  30  to provide it with a comforting glow and a low level of light. However, in other embodiments, the dome cover  30  may be substantially opaque so that no light can escape therefrom, but a translucent window, as will be described, formed in the base  40  of the nightlight unit  12 , may permit the light from the bulb or LED  50  to provide a low-level light. These are just two such embodiments, and the invention is not limited according to the nature by which light may be transmitted from inside of the nightlight unit  12  to the exterior thereof. Any type of window, whether located on the base  40  or dome cover  30  of the nightlight unit  12 , or whether formed by translucent portions of the dome cover  30  or base  40 , may fall within the scope of the invention whereby the low-level night light is provided. 
   The intensity given off by the light bulb or LED  50  in  FIG. 2  of the drawings may be varied. Thus, some children or people may prefer the nightlight unit  12  to give off a fairly significant amount of light during the course of the night. However, other users may prefer that the intensity of the nightlight be much lower. To this end, an adjustment knob  52  may be provided in the dome cover  30  for modulating the intensity of the LED or light bulb  50 , and thereby control the amount of light given off by the nightlight unit  12 . 
   The nightlight unit  12  incorporates a mechanism whereby a user may select the amount of time it takes for the nightlight unit  12  to fade-out the associated lamp  14 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , this is provided in the form of a slide switch  36 , which is easily operated by manipulating the lever  42 . As will be seen, the dome cover  30  has printed thereon periods of time  56 , and these are, in the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , provided in quarter-hour increments, and shown as 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes and 60 minutes. Any desired interval may, however, be provided, and the invention is not limited to fading-out the associated lamp in an hour or less. Thus, the length of time for fading out the associated lamp may exceed an hour by any desired portion. A period of time  56  may be selected in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2  by rotating the slide switch  36  by grasping the lever  42 . If the lever  42  is located in front of the “60” period of time  56 , indicating a 60 minute fade-out time, this is the time that it will take for the control unit  18  to fade-out the illumination of the associated lamp  14 . The other periods of time  56  may also be selected, and, in one embodiment, the lever  42  may be placed anywhere along the scale between 0 and 60 to select the desired time. 
   In use, it will be seen that the nightlight unit  12  shown in  FIG. 2  of the drawings thus has a variable intensity light bulb or LED  50  which gives off light over the entire period that the nightlight unit  12  is powered. This is substantially consistent, and will not change over a period of time. In addition, the slide switch  36  can be moved around and set so that the nightlight unit also provides signals to the connector box  21 , as to how long the associated lamp  14  should remain illuminated, which represents the time that it will be faded out. Preferably, the control unit  18  will fade-out the associated lamp  14  incrementally so that a consistent fade-out to will be provided until the associated lamp  14  is switched off. 
   Reference is now made to  FIG. 3  of the drawings, which shows another embodiment of the nightlight unit, designated with the reference numeral  60  in this figure, in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, the nightlight unit  60  is formed by a hemispherical dome cover  62  having a top portion  64  and side portion  66 . A slide switch  68  is formed adjacent a base  70  of the nightlight unit  60 , and legs  72  are provided, in much the same way as was shown and described with respect to  FIG. 2  of the drawings. 
   As an example of the variations possible within the scope of the present invention, the slide switch  68  shown in  FIG. 3  may be used by turning it with the lever  74  so as to vary the intensity of a light bulb, not shown, located within the chamber defined by the dome cover  62 . As an alternative, it may be used to vary the intensity of the associated lamp  14 . Further, a different method of setting the time of fade-out of the associated lamp is provided. At the top  64  of the dome portion  62 , there is formed an LED or LCD display  80 , and more or less equispaced around the display  80  are four time setting buttons  82 ,  84 ,  86  and  88 . Each button represents a specific fade-out time. Thus, for example, button  82  may set the timer at 15 minutes for fading out the associated lamp; button  84  may set the timer at 30 minutes for fading out the associated lamp; button  86  may set the timer for 45 minutes (the time shown in the LCD display  80 ) for fading out the associated lamp; while button  88  may set the timer for 60 minutes for fading out the associated lamp. These are arbitrary times only, set in quarter hour increments, and any convenient, desirable time limits may be set. The fade out of the associated lamp  14  may start from full light intensity thereof or from a predimmed setting as determined by manually dimming thereof, such as by adjusting the position of the lever  74 . 
   Extending from the nightlight unit  60  is a power and signal connector  48 , having the same properties and characteristics as that described with reference to FIG.  2 . The power and signal connector  48  connects to the connector box  21 , and the connector box  21  is itself connected to a power source by means of the power connector cable  20 . Also connected to the connector box  21  is a power cord  24 , which supplies power and signals relating to diminishing intensity of light to the associated lamp  14 . 
   With reference to  FIG. 3 , the nightlight unit  60  is set by first adjusting the lever  74  so that the desired brightness of the bulb within the dome cover  62  is obtained. Thereafter, one of the four time setting buttons  82 ,  84 ,  86  and  88  is set, and selected based on the preferred time limit for fading out the associated lamp  14 . Once set in motion, the LCD display  80  will begin to count backward, towards zero, indicating the amount of time left until such time as the associated lamp  14  will be disconnected from power, and will be switched off. 
   The nightlight and control unit of the invention may in addition have an on-off button  92  for switching the entire unit on or off. Further, the outlet of the connector box  21  may have input for two or more associated lamps, so that each lamp can be controlled, either as a group, or with individual fade-out times for each lamp. In  FIG. 3 , the on-off switch  92  is shown for activating and deactivating the entire mechanism. 
     FIG. 4  shows a bottom view of the nightlight unit  12  shown in  FIG. 2  of the drawings. The base  40  is shown, including the legs  44 , and a window  116  is shown which is transparent or translucent so that a light bulb illuminated within the nightlight unit  12  can pass therethrough. The light will therefore shine, for example, on the surface  16 , but gently spread so as to provide a low-level intensity nightlight within the room in which it is used. 
   Reference is now made to  FIG. 5  of the drawings which is a schematic representation showing a total system of the invention. In  FIG. 5 , there is shown a nightlight unit  60  having most of the features and characteristics of that shown in  FIG. 3  of the drawings. Thus, the nightlight unit  60  includes the LCD display, the dome cover  62 , the slide switch  68  operated by the lever  74 , all mounted on a base  70  which is supported on legs  72 . The buttons  82  to  88  are formed on the top of the dome cover  66  for easy access and setting by the user. Further, the switch  92  is provided for the entire system. 
   Extending from under the base  70  of the nightlight unit  60 , the power and signal connector  48  extends to the connector box  21 . The connector box  21  has the power connector cable  20 , which plugs into a conventional wall socket  22 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , the connector box  21  has two associated lamp cutlets  102  and  104 . A power cord  24   a  extends from the outlet  102  to lamp  14   a . Separately, a power cord  24   b  extends from the power outlet  104  to supply the lamp  14   b . Where the connector box  21  permits more than one lamp to be connected thereto, the nightlight unit  60  may, for example, include a selector switch  106  so that each of the lamps  14   a  and  14   b  can be separately programmed for fade-out time. 
   In use, and in one particular embodiment of the invention, the connector box  21  will be separate from the nightlight unit  60 . However, it is within the scope of the invention to place the connector box  21  within the chamber defined by the dome portion  62 , with the associated lamp outlets  102  and  104  either being located on the outside of the dome portion  62 , or having a separate connector away from the nightlight unit  60 , and preferably close to the wall socket. 
   In another variation of the invention, the control unit  18  may be regulated remotely. Thus, a remote control unit, not shown, held by the user may be capable of transmitting a signal to a receiver, which may be located within the nightlight unit  60  or within the connector box  21 . By appropriately pressing selected buttons on the remote control unit, the fade-out time of the associated lamp can be set, and, in some embodiments, the intensity of the nightlight which will consistently shine can also be varied. 
   The control unit  18  will include the necessary circuitry for effecting the fade-out or fade-in times of the associated lamp  14 , based on the settings selected on the nightlight unit. The invention is not limited to any one form of circuit board or circuitry, but any components which are able to effect the necessary fade-out time based on the settings in the nightlight unit can be used. 
     FIG. 6  shows yet a further embodiment of the invention, but will have the essential features and characteristics of the nightlight described with reference to the previous drawings. In  FIG. 6  there is shown a nightlight unit  110  wherein the dome-shaped portion is in the shape of a turtle body, and the lever  74  is in the shape of a turtle head. The legs are in the shape of a turtle&#39;s legs, and an LED display area  80  is provided on the top thereof. On the base or underside of the dome there is provided a lens  112  through which light from a bulb, not shown, formed within the body of the dome, can pass, thus providing the necessary illumination. 
   With reference to  FIG. 7  of the drawings, there is shown a nightlight unit  120  having a housing  122  comprising a dome shaped cover  124  and a base  126 . The housing  122  is shaped like a turtle and includes ornamental legs  128 . A bulb or LED  130  is located in the housing  122  and the light given off thereby, indicated by reference numeral  132 , emanates through a translucent window or area in the base  128 . The cover  124  and entire base  126  may also be translucent so that the whole or a part of the housing  122  glows, as may be desired. 
   The housing  122  accommodates a control unit  134  which is electrically connected to connector box  136  by means of a connector cable  138 . The connector box  136  itself is connected to a power source  140 , which is typically a wall socket outlet, by cable  141 . The connector box  136  also is connected to two lamps  142  and  144  by electric wires  146  and  148  respectively. 
   The housing  122  includes a lever  152  in the shape of a turtle&#39;s head which can be rotated as indicated by arrow  154  in much the same manner as described with respect to previous embodiments. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , the adjustment of the position of the lever  152  will dim or brighten the light intensity of the lamps  142  and/or  144 . Mounted on the base  126  of the housing  122 , there is a slide switch  158  which can be adjusted to allow the lamps  142  and  144  to dim out over a preset duration of time, such from one hour to fifteen minutes or any amount of time in between. 
   A plunger  160  is formed in the housing  122  and is attached to the dome cover  124 , preferably near the upper portion or acme thereof. The plunger  160  extends downward through the housing  122  and has a lower end  162  which may be in contact with a switching mechanism  164  near the base  126 . In the embodiment, the cover  124  is spring mounted so that it can be pushed down a small distance and will then return to its original or standing position. As the cover  124  is pushed down, the lower end  162  of the plunger  160  activates the switching mechanism  164 . The switching mechanism  164 , which is connected to the control unit  134 , may have a number of different effects when the cover  126  is pushed downward. For example, a first press down will turn on the lamps  142  and  144 . A second press down will start the dimming procedure and may brighten the nightlight bulb  132  as an indication that the count down has commenced. A third press down may turn off the lamps  142  and  144 , which would, of course, be unnecessary if they have already dimmed to the extent that they are off. 
   It will be appreciated that the particular shape and dimensions of the nightlight shown in the various embodiments are not limiting to the invention. Indeed, the nightlight may be in any convenient shape of form, and may be shaped like other animals, structures, dolls or the like. The switches may be differently formed and located, and the intensity adjusters may not be in the form of a sliding switch, but may be in the form of a rotatable knob, rheostat switch, or the like. The time display may be in the form of a LED or LCD mechanism, and, as described with reference to the drawings, multiple lamps may be controlled by the control unit. 
   The invention is not limited to the precise details described herein. Many types of variations and different embodiments within the scope of the invention may thus be provided. There is no limit as to how the various intensities of the light, fade-out times, or time settings may be made, and any way of carrying out these functions would fall within the scope of the invention.