Abstract:
A flowerpot including structure for illuminating a plant or other object or objects contained within the flowerpot may comprise a container. At least one light is supported on the container. A power source is coupled to the at least one light. The container may define an upper circumferential rim. The at least one light may be supported proximate the upper circumferential rim. If desired, a plurality of lights may be disposed at spaced intervals about the circumferential rim.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation in part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/330,390, filed Dec. 8, 2008 and entitled Light for Illuminating Plants, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/236,501, filed Sep. 24, 2008 and entitled Light for Illuminating Plants. The disclosures of these patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The invention relates to flower pots including means for illuminating plants, plantings or the like. 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0003]    (Not applicable) 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The dramatic effect of illuminated plants is well known. Spotlights are often used to accentuate architectural features, including plants, surrounding trees, and other visual aspects of structural arrangements and features. 
         [0005]    Such lights take a wide variety of forms. For example, lights may comprise spotlights. Small area lights, often solar powered, are common architectural aspects of gardens. Sometimes lights are used in relatively specialized illumination applications, such as the use of strings of lights of the type commonly used to decorate Christmas trees and to wrap around and define the branches of trees which have lost their leaves during the holiday season. 
         [0006]    Plants in pots lend a vibrant, relaxing and natural atmosphere to a space, whether it is indoor or outdoor. In the case of indoor plants, the same also have the good effect of increasing oxygen and humidity in the air. Plants may also trap air pollutants, rendering even further healthful effects. 
         [0007]    Certainly one of the advantages of plants is the fact that they may be seen and, when seen, have the effect of psychologically relaxing people, as well as lending beauty and ambience to the space in which they are located. 
         [0008]    However, modern lifestyles often mean work for long hours and arrival at home long after the sun has fallen. Thus, plants are not likely to be seen unless they are illuminated. However, given increasing fuel costs (which, in recent memory goes back certainly as far back as the early 1970s), environmental reasons to reduce consumption of electricity, and so forth, lights put on at night in a space may be task oriented, such as desk lamps or event oriented, such as a lamp on a coffee table which will only illuminate the area surrounded by a group of people talking, for example, at a cocktail party. There are also other circumstances which may restrict the amount of light available in the space, such as a room or patio, and these may include, for example, low levels of lighting used for economical reasons or to create a certain mood, and sometimes low levels of lighting associated with color lights also intended to create a mood. 
         [0009]    Accordingly, plants located on a windowsill, for example, may not be sufficiently illuminated to be visible when lights in a room are turned on. Likewise, plants located in outdoor planting beds proximate to, for example, an open or closed patio, are not likely to be illuminated by general lighting. 
         [0010]    However, the illumination of plants generally involves a separate lighting device. In my prior application I describe a device mounted on a spike adapted to be pushed into the earth in a flowerpot for the purpose of illuminating plants. However, placement of such a device in a pot where the plant is already large and dominating the space may be difficult. Likewise, if there is a need for a wide area of illumination, the positioning of multiple lighting devices within a pot may be problematic. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    In accordance with the invention, apparatus including structure for illuminating a plant is provided. A light is mounted on the housing. A control may turn the light on or off and/or otherwise control the light. 
         [0012]    The inventive flowerpot may support a solar cell. 
         [0013]    The light may be powered by a rechargeable battery. 
         [0014]    A generator may be used to charge a rechargeable battery for powering the light. 
         [0015]    Optionally the light output by the plant light may vary from one light color to another. 
         [0016]    The light may be powered for a fixed period of time after the control is actuated. 
         [0017]    In accordance with the invention, mechanics may be provided for variably controlling the position upon which light output from the light falls. The provision of a plurality of such light sources may be used to provide a desired illumination pattern. A control may optionally turn on the light in response to ambient light dropping below a predefined level. 
         [0018]    More precisely, a flowerpot including structure for illuminating a plant or other object or objects contained within the flowerpot may comprise a container. At least one light is supported on the container. A power source is coupled to the at least one light. 
         [0019]    The container may define an upper circumferential rim. The at least one light may be supported proximate the upper circumferential rim. 
         [0020]    If desired, a plurality of lights may be disposed at spaced intervals about the circumferential rim. 
         [0021]    The power source may be a rechargeable battery, and the inventive device may further comprise circuit structure associated with the rechargeable battery and the lights for preventing the lights from going on unless the rechargeable battery meets minimum performance criteria, whereby the rechargeable battery is unlikely to be completely discharged. 
         [0022]    A generator may be provided for charging the rechargeable battery. 
         [0023]    The light may vary from one light color to another. 
         [0024]    The event of apparatus may further comprise a switch for actuating the coupling of power from the power source to the lights wherein the light may be powered for a fixed period of time after the switch is actuated. 
         [0025]    The power source may be a rechargeable battery. The apparatus may further comprise circuit structure associated with the rechargeable battery and the lights for preventing the light from going on unless the rechargeable battery meets minimum performance criteria, whereby the rechargeable battery is unlikely to be completely discharged. In this embodiment, the rechargeable battery may be charged by a solar cell. 
         [0026]    The lights may be mounted for rotation to achieve a desired illumination pattern. 
         [0027]    The inventive apparatus may also comprise a solar activated switch for turning on the lights in response to ambient light dropping below a predefined level. 
         [0028]    Each of the lights may comprise a fiber-optic output lens. The power source may be a light emitting device or devices, such as a light emitting diode. The light emitting device or devices may be coupled to the fiber optic output lens by a fiber optic member or bundle. 
         [0029]    The inventive apparatus may further comprise a foam plastic member secured within the container. This allows an artificial plant or plants or cookies on sticks or other confections or other objects to be mounted in the foam plastic. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION THE DRAWINGS 
         [0030]    The operation of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which: 
           [0031]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a flowerpot constructed in accordance the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 2  is a cross sectional view of the inventive plot showing the light illuminating structure; 
           [0033]      FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram of the electrical circuit for the pot illustrated in  FIG. 2  and constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a pot similar to the view of  FIG. 1  and incorporating a solar source according to the present invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 5  is a detailed view of the solar source of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram of a lighting circuit employed in the embodiment of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the inventive lighted flowerpot incorporating a position adjustable light source; 
           [0038]      FIG. 8  is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of the light moving mechanism illustrated in  FIG. 7  in accordance with the present invention with the light moved to a tilted position; 
           [0039]      FIG. 9  is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of the light moving mechanism illustrated in  FIG. 7  in accordance with the present invention with the light moved to a more vertical position; 
           [0040]      FIG. 10  is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of the light moving mechanism illustrated in  FIG. 7  in accordance with the present invention with the light moved to a position angularly displaced in a direction opposite that of the  FIG. 8  position; and 
           [0041]      FIG. 11  illustrates the lighted flowerpot of  FIG. 7  in use; 
           [0042]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention incorporating a crank for recharging; 
           [0043]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 12  illustrating stowage of the crank after charging; 
           [0044]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the inventive flowerpot with a foam plastic filler and various cookies and confections mounted in an arrangement in the manner of a flower arrangement; and 
           [0045]      FIG. 15  is a schematic illustration of the inventive flashlight configured for fiber-optic transmission of light from a light source or sources to output lenses associated with the rim of the inventive flowerpot. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0046]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , the inventive lighted flowerpot  10  comprises a container  12  with a sidewall  14  and a bottom  15 . As can be seen most clearly in  FIG. 2 , a lighted rim  16  is formed by an upper light supporting surface  18 , an inner container engaging sidewall  20  and an outer rim  22 . A lip  24  extends from and is formed integrally with inner container engaging sidewall  20 . 
         [0047]    Lip  24  defines an inner surface  26  which engages the top  28  of container sidewall  14 . Inner surface  26  and top  28  of container sidewall  14  may define a snap fit whereby inner surface  26  and top  28  may be engaged during manufacture and remained together. Alternatively, inner surface  26  and top  28  may be held together using a suitable adhesive. 
         [0048]    A plurality of lights  30  is disposed around the upper light supporting surface  18  of rim  16 . Lights are turned on and off by a pushbutton switch  32 . Lights  30  may comprise light emitting diodes or any suitable light source. Moreover, light emitting diodes  30  may be of any desired color, such as green, red, or may be color controllable comprising three or more or fewer light emitting members of, for example, different color, allowing them to be modulated (over time or in accordance with particular directions input by the user) in amplitude to vary overall color. 
         [0049]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the inventive flowerpot  10  may be powered by any suitable source of power. The same may be a simple battery which may be rechargeable or nonrechargeable. It is also contemplated that flowerpot  10  may be powered by a rechargeable battery which is associated with a generator and recharging crank in the manner of a rechargeable flashlight. 
         [0050]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , light emitting diodes  30  receive power through leads  34  and  36 . Leads  34  are connected to a conductor bus  38  by, for example, soldering or any suitable connection mechanism, such as crimping, welding or the like. Leads  36  are connected to a conductor bus  40 . 
         [0051]    Conductor bus  38  is, in turn, connected to switch  32 . Switch  32  couples power from the negative terminal of a battery  42 . Conductor bus  40  is connected directly to the opposite positive terminal of battery  42 . Accordingly, when switch  32  is closed power is coupled to light emitting diodes  30 , and illumination is provided to, for example, a plant located in pot  10 . 
         [0052]    In accordance with the invention, it is noted that the seam or joint formed at lip  24  should be positioned a relatively small difference from the top  28  of inventive pot  10 . More particularly, it is contemplated that potting soil will be contained in pot  10  up to a level below the joint between lip  24  and or light supporting surface  18 . Moreover, the upper level of such potting soil should be positioned below the joint  44  between lip  24  and/or light supporting surface  18  by a sufficient distance as to allow for rising water level during watering without water reaching the level of the joint between lip  24  and or light supporting surface  18 . This ensures that spillage of excess water is minimized. 
         [0053]    At the same time, the joint  44  between lip  24  and or light supporting surface  18  should be sufficiently low to allow most if not all of the major electrical components of the lighting circuit to be positioned in the space  46  at the upper end of lighted rim  16 . This provides that in the event of a spill causing water to exit through joint  44  such water will enter space  46  and trip down without contacting the electrical components of the lighting circuit. 
         [0054]    Container  12  and rim  16  may be made of any suitable material, such as plastic which has been injection molded, blow formed, or fabricated in any other fashion. If a different aesthetic or functional set of characteristics is desired, container  12  and rim  16  may be made of a more classical material, such as pottery, suitably treated wood, metal, wood lined with metal, and so forth. 
         [0055]    Turning to  FIG. 4 , it may be seen that in accordance with the invention, an alternative power source may be used to implement the inventive lighted flowerpot  110 . In the figures and/or description associated with this embodiment and in the other embodiments discussed below, parts performing analogous or similar functions may be numbered with numbers which are different from the analogous parts in the earlier embodiment and/or other earlier embodiments by multiples of a hundred, where this numbering convention is practical and convenient. 
         [0056]    Referring to  FIGS. 4-5 , lighted flowerpot  110  is essentially the same as the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-2 , except that power is supplied by a solar cell  148 . Solar cell  142  may be simply connected to receive light when available by suitably positioning the flowerpot  110  in an open window, or the like. 
         [0057]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , a solar cell  148  charges a rechargeable battery  142  in a conventional matter to a recharging circuit  150 . A switch  132  controls the turning on and turning off of light emitting diodes  130 , coupled to the power circuitry by buses  138  and  140 . Power may automatically be sent to light emitting diodes  130 in response to a solar cell switch which detects that there is darkness. Such a solar cell activated switch may replace or be in addition to switch  132 . Any other suitable ranges for turning on and turning off the lights, charging the rechargeable battery, and so forth as are detailed in the above-referenced priority applications may be employed. The disclosure of such priority applications is hereby incorporated by reference. 
         [0058]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , a lighted flowerpot  210  constructed in accordance with the invention and incorporating position adjustable light emitting diode sources  230  is illustrated. In the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , the lights  230  mounted in lighted flowerpot  210  are supported by spherical supports  252  which are supported for ball and socket joint movement, said vertical supports  252  functioning as the “ball” part of the joint. 
         [0059]    As may be seen most clearly in  FIGS. 8-10  Each support  252  rotates within socket member  254  which has an inner spherical support surface  256 . Socket member  254  also comprises an annular support groove  258 , which engages circular hole  260  on rim  216 . Socket member  254  may be snapped fit into hole  260  being driven into hole  260  by bringing conical ramp surface  262  into contact with hole  260  and applying pressure until hole  260  is in contact with annular support groove  258 . 
         [0060]    Light emitting diode  230  may be freely rotated in all directions with components in the radial direction  264  and in the tangential direction  266 , thus allowing complete angular freedom of movement within the range of movement provided by the ball and socket joint formed by spherical support  252  and spherical support surface  256 , which mates with the outside spherical surface of spherical support  252 . 
         [0061]    Accordingly, light emitting diodes  230  may be rotated from the radially inwardly directed position illustrated in  FIG. 8 , through a more upwardly directed position as illustrated in  FIG. 9  and toward an outwardly directed position as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . In addition, that all of these positions and positions in between, the tilt may have a tangential component. This allows the light emitting diodes  232  illuminate any part of a plant within pot  210  that is within the range of moment of the ball and socket joint formed by spherical support  252  and spherical support surface  256 . 
         [0062]    The possibilities for such a set of selectable illumination positions of, for example, a plant  268  is illustrated in  FIG. 11 . More particularly, light  230 a may be adjusted to illuminate a lower radially inward portion of plant  268 . Likewise, like emitting diode  230 b may be adjusted to illuminate a central upward portion of plant  268 . Light emitting diode  230 c may be yet differently adjusted, and illuminating lower radially outward positions on plant  268 . 
         [0063]    As may be seen most clearly in  FIG. 11 , the top surface  270  of soil within pot  210  is positioned safely below joint  244 . This allows water to be poured into pot  210  and rise to a level above the top surface  270  of the soil without reaching joint  244 , thus ensuring that water will be retained in the pot and not leak, potentially causing damage. 
         [0064]    Referring to  FIGS. 12-13 , an alternative embodiment of the inventive pot  310  incorporating a generator mechanism for mechanically recharging the rechargeable battery light emitting diodes  330  is illustrated. The generator and associated mechanical assembly and electronic circuitry may be of the type conventionally incorporated in a crank flashlight. Such mechanisms are illustrated in the above-identified priority patent applications, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
         [0065]    More particularly, a crank  372  is mounted for rotation on an axle  374 . Crank  372  may be moved in the direction of arrow  376 , by grasping a knob  378 , and cranking in a conventional fashion, for example in a clockwise direction. When cranking has been completed, crank  372  may be put in the position illustrated in phantom lines in and  FIG. 13 , after which it may be rotated in the direction of arrow  380  to the position illustrated in solid lines in  FIG. 13 . In this position, knob  378  is rotated into a well  382 , in much the same manner as a conventional crank flashlight. 
         [0066]    In accordance with the invention, it is noted that the inventive pot may be used to hold things other than living plants. For example, an artificial plant may be positioned within a pot or may be made a permanent part of the same. More creative applications may also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the applicable art. For example, as may be seen with reference to  FIG. 14 , in recent years it has become fashionable to provide baked goods simulated to appear like an arrangement of flowers. The inventive pot  410  may contain cookies  484  and other baked goods, as well as ice cream pops  486  on sticks  488  arranged in the inventive pot and made to look like a flowerpot with a living plant or plants, or bouquet arrangement. Such baked goods may also be illuminated in accordance with the present invention using any one of the structures disclosed herein. 
         [0067]    Implementation of such non-living plant type applications is achieved in accordance with the present invention by providing a solid foam plastic  490 , such as Styrofoam brand foam plastic, filler member whose shape generally matches or snugly may be secured within the inside of pot  410 . Such confections, such as cookies  484 , ice cream pops  486 , or the like may be inserted in the foam plastic member  490 . In this manner, they are secured in a stable configuration and lighted, as desired in accordance with the features of any of the embodiments disclosed herein. 
         [0068]    Referring to  FIG. 15 , a pot  510  constructed in accordance with the present invention may comprise a single light source  592  or a plurality of light sources. In this figure, only the fiber optics associated with some of the lenses which serve as fiber optic light outputs are illustrated for purposes of clarity of illustration. However, it will be understood that as many light output points as are desired on the rim of the pot may be provided with fiber optic fibers or bundles for the purpose of providing illumination as desired. The light source or sources may driven by a fiber-optic bundle  594 , with individual fibers  538  or fiber groups ending at the positions where they are coupled to output lenses  530 . In the illustrated embodiment, each of the light emitting diodes  30  of the  FIG. 1  embodiment is replaced by a cluster of three output lenses  530 , which may be selected to give the appearance of a substantially complete (or at least greatly varied) spectrum of color, for example cyan, yellow and magenta. This may be achieved by varying the relative proportion of power sent to each of the light sources of different color. These light sources may be light emitting diodes or other light emitting sources. 
         [0069]    While no structure has been shown for the alteration of the output angle of light from the lenses in the embodiment of  FIG. 15 , it is noted that in accordance with an alternative embodiment, the ends of the fiber-optic bundles may be glued to the input face of the output lenses and the entire assembly rotated by an appropriate mechanical mechanism. 
         [0070]    While illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described, it is understood that modifications will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such modifications are within the spirit and scope of the invention which is limited and defined only by the appended claims.