Abstract:
A solar powered lighting fixture having a multi-paneled solar array that maximizes the generation of solar energy during the course of a day. The outdoor lighting fixture of the present invention includes a multi-paneled solar array housing positioned on an extension rod that includes a plurality of solar panels arranged in a slanted configuration about the periphery of the housing unit. The housing unit is positioned on the extension rod so as to be elevated above the ground but below the actual light fixture. Employing a housing unit separate from the light fixture permits a greater variety of shapes to be used for the light fixture. Moreover, it allows the individual solar panels to be positioned at an optimal angle for maximizing exposure to solar radiation. Each of the solar panels is independent of the others, charging the battery separately so as not interfere with the other solar panels.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field of the Invention 
     The present invention pertains to solar powered light systems such as those used primarily in close proximity to residences for the purpose of illuminating walkways or providing decorative lighting; more particularly the present invention pertains to a system for enhancing the collection of solar energy to power solar powered outdoor lights. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     In the past several years, the technology associated with solar panels and light emitting diodes has seen rapid development. Specifically, while solar panels were once almost a novelty item or an item used only in remote locations, both the cost of solar panels has decreased and the output of electrical energy from solar panels has increased. Similarly, while light emitting diodes had only limited applications for many years, both the cost of light emitting diodes has decreased and the output of light energy has increased. Accordingly, the power available from solar panels has grown to a level where the power requirements for a light emitting diode having an acceptable light output level for use in an outdoor setting can now be met with a solar panel. Similarly, the cost of both solar panels and light emitting diodes have both decreased to the point where an outdoor light fixture using electrical energy obtained from solar panels and emitting light from light emitting diodes is affordable to most homeowners. 
     The convergence of the development of the technology associated with solar panels and the technology associated with light emitting diodes has created a market where small outdoor lighting fixtures used to mark walkways or to enhance the appearance of landscaping are now in demand by homeowners. These small outdoor lighting fixtures include solar panels to capture light energy and then turn the light energy into electrical energy. The electrical energy is then stored in a battery and then directed, when needed, to an array of light emitting diodes which illuminate on receipt of the electrical energy obtained from the battery. 
     Early outdoor lighting fixtures typically featured a string of outdoor light fixtures connected to a common solar panel, which provided electrical power for energizing the light emitting diodes. More recently, individual outdoor light fixtures having integral solar panels have been created. For example, a prior art outdoor light fixture  10  is depicted in  FIG. 1  comprising a extension rod  20  having a spike  22  on one end, a light element  40  on an opposing end and a disc-shaped housing  30  configured therebetween that supplies electrical energy to the light element  40 . The disc-shaped housing  30  includes a flat solar panel array  32  configured on the top planar surface  34  of the housing  30 . The housing  30  is typically affixed to the extension rod  20  so that when the spike  22  is inserted into the ground, the solar panel array  32  with be substantially parallel with the earth so as to face upwards towards the open sky. Another common variant (not shown) features the housing affixed to the extention rod by means of a hinge mechanism so that the housing (and consequently the solar array) may be tilted in a variety of fixed configurations. While such outdoor lighting fixtures are satisfactory in many instances, they are inherently suseptible to poor recharging characteristics because the natural movement of the sun inherently insures that the solar array is positioned optimally to receive the sun light for only a portion of the day. Accordingly, a need remains in the art of solar powered outdoor lighting fixtures to provide a system by which the solar array is positioned more optimally so as to receive the maximum amount of available sunlight throughout the day. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The outdoor lighting fixture of the present invention provides a solar powered lighting fixture having a multi-paneled solar array that maximizes the generation of solar energy during the course of a day. More specifically, the outdoor lighting fixture of the present invention includes a multi-paneled solar array housing positioned on an extension rod that includes a plurality of solar panels arranged in a slanted configuration about the periphery of the housing unit. The housing unit is positioned on an extension rod so as to be elevated above the ground but below the actual light fixture. Employing a housing unit separate from the light fixture permits a greater variety of shapes to be used for the light fixture. Moreover, it allows the individual solar panels to be positioned at an optimal angle for maximizing exposure to solar radiation. Each of the solar panels is independent of the others, charging the battery separately so as not interfere with the other solar panels. In a preferred embodiment, multiple pairs of solar panels are arranged on opposing sides of the housing unit. 
     By including a multi-paneled solar array on the outdoor lighting fixture of the present invention, the exposure to, and hence the generation of, solar energy is maximized during the course of a day. That is, by positioning a multi-paneled solar array housing on an extension rod in accordance with the present invention, one or more of the individual solar panels is optimally positioned for receiving solar energy. Thus, with this added functionality, the outdoor lighting fixture of the present invention is better able to recharge its batteries during daylight hours. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete understanding of the method and apparatus of the present invention may be had by reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a prior art embodiment of an outdoor light; 
         FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the outdoor light of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2B  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the outdoor light of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3A  is an exploded view of a the open-ended light fixture of the first embodiment of the outdoor light of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3B  is an exploded view of a the closed-ended light fixture of the second embodiment of the outdoor light of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the embodiment of the multi-paneled solar array of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B ; and 
         FIG. 5  is an electrical schematic diagram of an embodiment of the outdoor light of the present invention illustrating the full recommended circuit incorporating a multi-paneled solar array. 
     
    
    
     Where used in the various figures of the drawing, the same numerals designate the same or similar parts. Furthermore, when the terms “top,” “bottom,” “first,” “second,” “upper,” “lower,” “height,” “width,” “length,” “end,” “side,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” and similar terms are used herein, it should be understood that these terms have reference only to the structure shown in the drawing and are utilized only to facilitate describing the invention. 
     All figures are drawn for ease of explanation of the basic teachings of the present invention only; the extensions of the figures with respect to number, position, relationship, and dimensions of the parts to form the preferred embodiment will be explained or will be within the skill of the art after the following teachings of the present invention have been read and understood. Further, the exact dimensions and dimensional proportions to conform to specific force, weight, strength, and similar requirements will likewise be within the skill of the art after the following teachings of the present invention have been read and understood. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Preferred embodiments of the outdoor light fixture of the present invention are depicted in  FIGS. 2A and 2B . Both embodiments include an extension shaft  120  having a ground spike  122  on one end and a light fixture element on the opposing end with a multi-panel solar array  130  configured therebetween. The extension shaft  120  includes a lower portion or section  120   a  configured below the multi-panel solar array housing  130  and an upper portion or section  120   b  configured above the multi-panel solar array housing  130 . While the lower portion or section  120   a  of the extension shaft  120  may be of either solid or hollow construction, upper portion or section  120   b  must be hollow in order to for a conduit for electrically connecting the multi-panel solar array  130  to the light fixture element. The lower portion of the extension shaft  120  may further include a stabilization spike  125  configured parallel to and offset from the extension shaft  120 . 
     The extension shaft  120  may comprise a single piece unit extending through the multi-panel solar array housing  130  or, preferably as shown, a two-piece unit comprising a lower and upper extension shafts  120   a ,  120   b . For example, as shown in the Figures, the lower extension shaft  120   a  includes a ground spike  122  on one end and a distal end  126  that engages a complementary receiver mount  139  configured on the bottom of the lower housing portion  134  of the multi-panel solar array  130 . The upper extension shaft  120   b  includes one end engaged in a complementary receiver mount  137  configured on the top of the upper housing portion  132  of the multi-panel solar array  130 . The hollow upper extension shaft  120   b  provides a protective conduit for an electrical connection (e.g., wires) (not shown) between the multi-panel solar array  130  and the light fixture element. 
     The primary distinguishing characteristic between the two embodiments is the light fixture element, which may comprise either an open-ended light fixture  140  as shown in  FIG. 2A  or a closed-ended light fixture  240  as shown in  FIG. 2B . With reference now to  FIG. 3A , a close-up, exploded view of the open-ended light fixture  140  is depicted. The open-ended light fixture  140  includes an open-ended light shade  142  surrounding an LED light module  150  (comprising at least one light emitting diode), which are both attached to the upper end  128  of the upper extension shaft  120   b  by means of a retainer base unit  154 . The open-ended light shade  142  is open at both its bottom  144  and top  146  ends. The bottom end  144  is dimensioned so as to interface with the retainer base unit  154 . The retainer base unit  154  is fixably attached about the outer circumference of the distal end  128  of the upper extension shaft  120   b  (e.g., by adhesive means, screw fasteners, etc.). An alignment ring  123  attached to the upper end of the extension shaft  120   b  assists in properly positioning the retainer base unit  154  on the distal end  128  of the upper extension shaft  120   b . The retainer base unit  154  is attached to the LED light module  150  by means of screw fasteners  155 . A washer  152  may be configured between the retainer base unit  154  and the LED light module  150  to seal the electrical connection between the multi-panel solar array  130  and the LED light module  150 . The open-ended light fixture  140  may further include an annular shroud element  156  for additional support of the retainer base unit  154  and for aesthetic purposes. 
     A close-up, exploded view of the closed-ended light fixture  240  is depicted in  FIG. 3B . The closed-ended light fixture  240  includes a closed-ended light shade  242  surrounding an LED light module  250  comprising at least one light emitting diode. The closed-ended light shade  242  includes only one opening  244  on its bottom end. The closed-ended light shade  242  and the LED light module  250  are both attached to the upper end  128  of the upper extension shaft  120   b  by means of a retainer base unit  254 . The bottom end  244  of the closed-ended light shade  242  is dimensioned so as to interface with the retainer base unit  254 . The retainer base unit  254  is fixably attached about the outer circumference of the distal end  128  of the upper extension shaft  120   b  (e.g., by adhesive means, screw fasteners, etc.). A washer  252  may be configured between the retainer base unit  254  and the LED light module  250  to seal the electrical connection between the multi-panel solar array  130  and the LED light module  250 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 4 , a close-up, exploded view of an embodiment of the novel multi-panel solar array  130  of the present invention is shown. The multi-panel solar array  130  includes a housing unit, which in the depicted embodiment comprises an upper or top portion  132  connected to a lower or bottom portion  134  by means of screw fasteners  129 . The lower housing unit  134  includes a receiver mount  139 , which is configured on the bottom of the lower housing portion  134 , for coupling with the complementary distal end  126  of the lower extension shaft  120   a . The upper housing unit  132  includes a receiver mount  137  configured on the top of the upper housing portion  132  of the multi-panel solar array  130 , for coupling with the complementary lower end of the upper extension shaft  120   b . A retainer clip  131  may be used to secure the upper housing unit  132  in place. 
     The primary electrical circuit components are housed in the housing unit. For example, as shown in  FIG. 4 , a rechargeable power storage device or battery  160  along with other componentry, such as printed circuit board  166  and switch  164 , are housed in the lower housing unit  134 . The electrical circuit configured in the multi-panel solar array  130  is electrically connected to the LED light module  150  by electrical conductors (e.g., wires) (not shown) between the multi-panel solar array  130  and the LED light module  150 . The lower housing unit  134  may further include a weather resistant cover for the switch mechanism  164  and a translucent cover  168  to protect the light sensor switch  172  incorporated into the electrical circuit components. 
     The housing unit further includes a plurality of solar panels  136  arranged about the exterior of the housing unit. Each of the solar panels  136  is independent of the others, charging the battery separately and do not interfere with each other. The housing unit includes a corresponding number of complementary slots  138  formed therein for receiving the solar panels  136 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 4 , a plurality of solar panels  136  are positioned on opposing sides of the upper housing portion  132 . Preferably, each slot  138  and its respective solar panel  136  is configured at a slant or oblique angle from that of the extension shaft  120  so that when the outdoor light fixture of the present invention is properly mounted in the ground the individual solar panels are positioned at an optimal angle for maximizing exposure to ambient solar radiation. The configuration of the plurality of solar panels  136  ensures that at least one or more of the solar panels  136  is positioned to receive the maximum amount of solar energy available throughout daylight hours. While the planar surfaces of the four solar panels  136  are configured approximately 90° apart from each other are depicted, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that other embodiments may include additional solar panels configured between the solar panels  136  as depicted. For example, additional solar panels may be further incorporated so that their planar surfaces are offset approximately 45° from the planar surfaces of the depicted solar panels  136  in additional slots formed into the corner faces f (as well as opposing corner faces (not shown)) of the upper housing portion  132  of the multi-panel solar array  130  solar depicted in  FIG. 4 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 5 , a schematic of an electrical circuit  170 , constructed in accordance with the depicted embodiment of the present invention, is provided. The exemplary circuit  170  is comprised of transistors configured on a printed circuit board  166 , capacitors C, resistors R, a light sensor  172 , an LED light module  150 / 250  and a rechargeable battery  160  coupled to the multiple solar panels  136 . Each of the solar panels  136  charges the battery  160  independent of the other solar panels. The rechargeable battery  160  is used to provide electrical current to and the LED light module  150 / 250  comprising one or more light emitting diodes. 
     A light sensor  172  and other circuit elements are included in the preferred embodiment to turn the LED light module  150 / 250  on and off when the light sensor  172  detects a certain level of light. The light sensor  172  is typically isolated from the LED light module  150 / 250  so that the light sensor  172  does not receive light from the LED light module  150 / 250 . When the light sensor  172  detects a certain level of light above a predetermined threshold (for example, the light sensor  172  is exposed to sunlight), the light sensor  172  prevents the flow of electricity from the battery  160  to the LED light module  150 / 250 . Conversely, when the light sensor  172  detects a light level below a predetermined threshold (e.g., the sensor is exposed to darkness), the light sensor  172  permits the flow of electricity from the battery  160  to the LED light module  150 / 250 . 
     While the present invention has been disclosed according to its preferred and alternate embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand the other embodiments have been enabled by the foregoing description. Such other embodiments shall be included in the scope and meaning of the appended claims. 
     It will now be evident to those skilled in the art that there has been described herein an improved outdoor light fixture. Although the invention hereof has been described by way of a preferred embodiment, it will be evident that other adaptations and modifications can be employed without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. The terms and expressions employed herein have been used as terms of description and not of limitation; and thus, there is no intent of excluding equivalents, but on the contrary it is intended to cover any and all equivalents that may be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.