Abstract:
A modular light system for a spa where replacement of a light emitter, such as but not limited to a LED and/or a cable is accomplished without needing access an area around a tub in the spa and replacing the cable and light emitter can be accomplished individually, the system comprises a light emitter with a first attachment element at a first end, a power source, a controller connected to the power source and a second attachment element for connection to the first attachment element of the light emitter, a cable having a third attachment element at a first end and a fourth attachment element at a second end for connection the cable to the second attachment element on the controller and the first attachment element on the light emitter, and wherein when the light emitter fails, it is disconnected from the cable and replaced with a working light emitter and when and the cable fails it is connected from the light emitter and replaced with a working cable.

Description:
[0001]     Applicant herein claims priority to the Provisional Patent Application, U.S. Ser. No. 60/592,211 filed Jul. 29, 2004. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to light emitting diode (LED) technology, and more particularly to a modular LED lighting assembly and method generally used in spas, saunas, Jacuzzis, or hot tubs.  
         [0003]     Manufactured into most spas, saunas, Jacuzzis and/or hot tubs (hereinafter commonly referred to as “spa” or “spas”) are a plurality of lights. The number of lights integrated into a spa can vary depending on the purpose of the lights and the size of the spa. Typically, lights are used for both providing illumination for safety concerns and for accentuating the spa to provide an enhanced aesthetic appearance.  
         [0004]     Currently, spas are either manufactured with wiring for its lighting system encased within insulation that covers an outer surface of a tub in which an individual sits, or the wiring is run on the outside of the insulation. In either case, the wiring is cut to fit around the given tub dimension. Regardless of how the wire is placed around the tub, the wire is usually inaccessible to a user or manufacturer once installed.  
         [0005]     In most circumstances, the light, or light emission device, and wire are permanently affixed to each other wherein if either the wire or light fails individually, both must be replaced. If a light, or light emission device, is detached, such as by cutting it, from a wire connecting it to a power source and/or light source, to simply replace the light emission device, not enough wire is typically available to connect the new light emission device to the existing wire because of the precise cut length of the wire. Furthermore, because of the limited access space provided around a tub, especially when the spa is built into the ground, replacing a defective wire can be expensive and time consuming.  
         [0006]     In view of the cost and time that results in having to fix a light not emitting from a spa, manufacturers and spa owners would benefit from a system and device which would minimize the repair time and cost involved.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     The present invention is directed towards a modular light system and method where the primary components, such as but not limited to a light emitter, cable, and controller are readily attachable from the other so that only one of these elements can be replaced if the others are still functioning, or to allow for a lighting system to be installed where one was not presently installed.  
         [0008]     Towards this end, in a preferred embodiment a modular light system for a spa is disclosed where replacement of a light emitter and/or a cable is accomplished without needing access an area around a tub in the spa and replacing the cable and light emitter can be accomplished individually. The modular light system comprises a light emitter with a first attachment element at a first end and a power source. A controller is also provided and is connected to the power source and a second attachment element for connection to the first attachment element of the light emitter. A cable is also provided and has a third attachment element at a first end and a fourth attachment element at a second end for connection the cable to the second attachment element on the controller and the first attachment element on the light emitter. When the light emitter fails, it is disconnected from the cable and replaced with a working light emitter and when and the cable fails it is disconnected from the light emitter and replaced with a working cable.  
         [0009]     In another preferred embodiment, a light system for replacing a light emitter and a cable connected to the light emitter when the cable is not readily accessible is disclosed. The system comprises a light emitter and a controller connected to the light emitter for at least one of providing power to the light emitter and regulating illumination intensity and illumination duration of the light emitter. A power source connected to the controller and a cable connecting the light emitter to the controller are also disclosed. A first connector and/or a first receiver are fixed to each end of the cable. A second connector and/or a second receiver are connected to the light emitter. A third connector and/or a third receiver is connected to the controller. The first connector and/or the first receiver connected to the cable can be connected to and disconnected to the second connector and/or the second receiver connected to the light emitter and can be connected to and disconnected to the third connector and/or the third receiver connected to the controller.  
         [0010]     In another preferred embodiment, a modular light system for a spa is disclosed. The system comprises a controller having a receptacle, a cable, having a first end and a second end with release mechanisms, connected to said receptacle at said a first end of said cable. An adapter having at least a first end into which said second end of said cable attaches and a second end, and a light emitter having a first end that connects to said second end of said adapter are also disclosed.  
         [0011]     In another preferred embodiment, a method for replacing a cable installed within a spa is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of disconnecting both ends of said cable from other parts of said spa and attaching a first end of a coupler to a first end of said cable. Additional steps include attaching a second cable to a second end of said coupler and threading said second cable into a location of said first cable by pulling said first cable from said spa. A couple of other steps are disconnecting said coupler from said second cable and connecting said second cable to said other parts of said spa.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]     The invention itself, both as to organization and method of operation, may best be understood by reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like numbers represent like parts throughout the drawings and in which:  
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a schematic illustrating the present invention;  
         [0014]      FIG. 2  is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a controller;  
         [0015]      FIG. 3  is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of spa with lights disposed around a spa deck;  
         [0016]      FIG. 4  is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a spa light further illustrating the present invention;  
         [0017]      FIG. 5  is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a main spa light further illustrating the present invention;  
         [0018]      FIG. 6  is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a spa with a cable requiring replacement further illustrating the present invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 7   a  is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a coupler with two male ends;  
         [0020]      FIG. 7   b  is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a coupler with two female ends;  
         [0021]      FIG. 7   c  is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a coupler with a male and a female end; and  
         [0022]      FIG. 7   d  is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a coupler with three connection ends. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0023]     With reference to the figures, exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described. The scope of the invention disclosed is applicable to a plurality of uses. Thus, even though embodiments are described specifically to spas, the present invention is applicable to other uses or applications where wiring for a light system is run around a hard-to-reach-location such as, but not limited to, a swimming pool.  
         [0024]     Additionally, other examples of use of the present invention include uses in the area of architectural lighting such as interior and exterior lighting of residential homes, office complexes and/or other buildings. Similarly, the same or other embodiments may be used in landscaping, such as illuminating sidewalks, pools of water, waterfalls or any other area that needs to be illuminated, including underwater applications.  
         [0025]     Furthermore, though the present invention is disclosed specific to LED lights, other forms of lights, such as fiber optic lighting, nano-tubes, surface mount lasers, solid state lasers, semiconductor lasers and electrolumencent diodes and/or tapes, are also applicable to the present invention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that a plurality of ways is available to implement the present invention depending on the lighting source used and/or the purpose of the light.  
         [0026]      FIG. 1  is an exemplary embodiment of a schematic illustrating the present invention. Though a plurality of different light emitting devices, or light emitter, may be used, as discussed above, a variety of different light-emitting diode (“LED”) fixtures  10 ,  11 ,  12 ,  14  are disclosed as connected to a controller  18 . Such LEDs include, but not limited to, a main LED light  12 , such as a 12- or 24-LED light, a waterfall feature LED fixture  14 , a waterfall light, a pillow light, hand rail, LED candles, lights fixed on or within a speaker (none of which are disclosed), and/or a plurality of single-point LED fixtures  10 ,  11 . As illustrated, in one exemplary embodiment the single-point LED fixtures  10 ,  11  are daisy-chained together. As illustrated, a connector, line, or cable,  35  leads from the controller  18  into a first adapter  17 . A cable  6  extends from the first adapter  17  to a first single-point LED fixture, as further disclosed in  FIG. 4-6 . From the first adapter  17 , a second cable  16  attaches to the first adapter  17  and then to a second adapter  19  and/or directly to a second single-point LED fixture  10 ,  11 .  
         [0027]     The individual points of light  10 ,  11 , in a preferred embodiment, are positioned around the deck part  20  of the spa  21 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . In another preferred embodiment, the individual points of light  10 ,  11  are positioned within the tub  23  of the spa  21 . A power cable  25  is also connected to the controller  18 , as well as a line  26  leading to a programming device  27 , such as a computer. A cable  29  is also provided allowing the system to be connected to a music device  31  wherein the lights may be programmed to illuminate at a rate in response to the music.  
         [0028]     The programming device  27  can reconfigure the timing sequence of the lights  10 ,  12 ,  14 ,  16  if certain light patterns are desired, such as in beat with music. Pulse width modulation, pulse amplitude modulation, bit angel modulation, pulse position modulation and/or analog control are exemplary techniques that may be employed by a controller to individually or as a group address the LEDs and alternatively turn on, turn off, brighten and/or dim them either individually or in combination as necessary. The controller  18  can, but is not limited to, dim and/or intensify the light, and/or vary the speed of the color change or changing the colors that are emitted from the light or lights. The various color modes include, but are not limited to, color changing mode, party mode, dimming mode and showroom mode (making it dimmer or brighter for showroom display). The controller  18  is able to perform these functions for either a specific light or a specific group of lights.  
         [0029]      FIG. 2  is an exemplary illustration of a controller  18 . As illustrated, outlets, receptacles, connectors,  30 ,  31 ,  32 ,  33  are provided to connect the various light fixtures  10 ,  12 ,  14 ,  16  to the controller  18 . These outlets  30 ,  31 ,  32 ,  33  are configured so that the wires connecting the light fixtures  10 ,  11 ,  12 ,  14 , controller, and/or music source are readily detachable from the controller  18  instead of being hardwired to the controller. In a preferred embodiment, the outlets  30 ,  31 ,  32 ,  33  are uniform so that a light fixture can be connected to any outlet  30 ,  31 ,  32 ,  33 , but ones skilled in the art may employ an approach where each outlet serves a particular purpose.  
         [0030]     In a preferred embodiment, a display  100  is provided on the controller  18  where color change and/or color pattern is visible on the controller  18 . Thus, within the display LEDs are provided, connected to the same emitters that transmit signals along the cables  35 ,  36 ,  37 ,  38  to illuminate at a rate established by the controller  18 . In a preferred embodiment, cables  35 ,  36 ,  37 ,  38  are detachable from both the controller  18  and from the lights  10 ,  11 ,  12 ,  14 . Furthermore, the cables  25 ,  26 ,  29  leading to the music source, power source, and programmer, may also be detachable from the controller  18  at one end and the respective end source at a second end. Thus, from a manufacturing standpoint, various lengths of cable  35 ,  36 ,  37 ,  38  are manufactured, wherein the user can connect different lengths to the controller  18  which are specific to the user&#39;s intended use.  
         [0031]     As further illustrated in  FIG. 4 , a lens  40 , such as a star point lens, is provided and is positioned within a deck  20  of the spa  21 , as is shown in  FIG. 3 . A LED  42  fits within and/or beneath the lens  40  and is secured to the lens  40  by an element or elements  43  to secure these components, wherein power and control signals provided to the LED are provided through a cable  45  that connects to the LED at one end. The second end of the cable  45  has a connector  48  that is attachable and detachable from a second power cable  35 ,  36 ,  37 ,  38  and/or an adapter  17 ,  19 .  
         [0032]     As further illustrated in  FIGS. 4 , the lens  40  can be opened or disconnected so that the LED  42  is accessible. Once accessible, the LED  42  can be removed, such as when the LED  42  ceases to illuminate. In a preferred embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5 , a clip  47 , which is part of the end connector  48  is depressed releasing the connector  48  from a receiver cable  35 ,  36 ,  37 ,  38  and/or adapter  17 ,  19 . Thus, in one embodiment, once the lens  40  is removed, enough cable  45  is provided, so that the LED  42  can be easily pulled from the lens component  43  and then disconnected by depressing the detent  47 . Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that though a detent is disclosed, other release mechanisms are available wherein activation would release the connector  48  from an element that it is attached to.  
         [0033]     As further illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 2 , and  4 , the cable and connectors use phone jack connectors and receivers. As illustrated, the cables and jack connectors are phone cables and jacks where the transfer of data, namely control signals, and power occurs through the phone cables and jacks. With respect to  FIG. 4 , viewing the connector  45  as a male connector, it fits within a female connector, such as one that is fixed to the second cable  35 ,  36 ,  37 ,  38 , located within an adapter  17 , and/or directly into the controller  18 .  
         [0034]      FIG. 5  is an exemplary illustration of a connector that is used with an underwater LED accent light and/or main spa light  12  that comprises a plurality of LEDs  60  within a lens  61 . As illustrated, the back of a panel  62  that each LED  60  is connected to has an extension  64  through which and/or on which wires leading to the LEDs  60  are placed. The extension  64  is connected to a joint  65  that has a receiving end  57 , illustrated as a female connector, to connect the spa light to a power source and/or signal source  18 , through cables  6 ,  35 ,  36 ,  37 ,  38 , having a male connector, which provides power and/or a signal to the LEDs  60 .  
         [0035]     Within a spa  20 , the controller  18  is usually positioned at a location where it is accessible by a user. Thus, all cables  35 ,  36 ,  37 ,  38  leading from the controller  18  are usually accessible at the controller  18 . However, the pathways for the cables  35 ,  36 ,  37 ,  38  connected to the controller  18  and leading to light emitters  10 ,  11 ,  12 ,  14  are usually not accessible. As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , if a cable between a light emitter  10  and the controller  18  must be removed, a user must first disconnect each end of the cable  35  from the controller  18  and the light emitter  10 . Once disconnected, a coupler, joiner element, or joiner,  70  is connected to either end of the cable  35  and a new cable  71  is then connected to the other end of the joiner  70 . The coupler  70  can be configured a plurality of ways.  
         [0036]     As illustrated in  FIGS. 7   a,    7   b,  and  7   c,  the coupler  70  can have two male ends  70   a,  two female ends  70   b,  or a male and a female end  70   c.  Thus, if the cable  35  being removed has male ends  45 , the joiner  70   b  with two female ends  47  is used where a first end of the joiner  70   b  is connected to one end of the cable  35 , such as the end that is connected to the controller  18 . At the second end of the cable  35 , a replacement cable  71  is connected. In a preferred embodiment, the joiner  70   a,    70   b,    70   c  has a diameter nearly as small as the cable  35  being removed. Thus, a user can then pull the old cable  35  out, which in turn pulls the new cable  71  into place.  
         [0037]     As further illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the coupler is also used to connect cables together when shorter cables are used in place of a longer single cable. In another exemplary embodiment, the coupler has more than two connection ends, such as three, as illustrated in  FIG. 7   d,  four, or more, to allow either lights or additional cables to be connected at a single joint.  
         [0038]     In another preferred embodiment, though not illustrated, the present invention can be used to provide a lighting system to older spas that were manufactured without a lighting system. A hole-forming device, such as a drill, can be used to create holes in the spa, either along the deck or directly into the spa, through which light emitters  10 ,  11  are placed. As disclosed above, the coupler(s)  17 ,  19  can be used to thread wires, or cables  6 ,  35 ,  36 ,  37 ,  38  from the controller  18  to the light source  10 ,  11 ,  12 ,  14 , and/or music source.  
         [0039]     While the invention has been described in what is presently considered to be a preferred embodiment, many variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the specific illustrative embodiment, but be interpreted within the full spirit and scope of the appended claims.