Patent Publication Number: US-7717582-B2

Title: Method and system for underwater light display

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a continuation to and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/468,126, entitled METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR UNDERWATER LIGHT DISPLAY, filed Aug. 29, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. [TBD], which in turn claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/744,031, entitled METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR UNDERWATER LIGHT DISPLAY, filed Mar. 31, 2006, both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 

   CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This Application claims priority to and benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/744,031, entitled “Method and System for Underwater Light Display” and filed on Mar. 31, 2006. 
   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention generally relates to systems and methods for providing an underwater light display, such as on the surface of a container that holds a body of water, and or the surface of objects within the body of water. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Water recreation has become a favorite pastime. As such, swimming pools, ponds, spas/jacuzzis and the like have become commonplace in residences and businesses, such as hotels. As the popularity of swimming pools and ponds have increased, it has become desirous to find ways to enhance their beauty and festive ambience. Prior art lighting systems for swimming pools, ponds, spas/jacuzzis are rigid and/or quite limited in their ability to provide unique underwater light displays to achieve enhanced ambience. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, a method and system for underwater light display provides a decorative and/or ornamental light display on a surface of a container holding a body of water, and/or on a surface of objects within the body of water. 
   In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, an underwater light display system comprises a shell and a light assembly that is located inside the shell. The shell can comprise various shapes and configurations, including for example, a hemispherical, translucent shell. In exemplary embodiments, the shell can comprise a resealable, waterproof top portion to allow access to the light assembly and/or a plurality of embedded lenses to direct the light generated by the light assembly. 
   In an exemplary embodiment, the light assembly comprises a light source, e.g., an LED light source, a battery power source and a control system configured to produce a variety of light shows when the light assembly is activated. In an exemplary embodiment, the light assembly is secured to an interior surface of a top portion of the shell so that light produced by the light assembly shines downward through a translucent portion of the shell to the surface of a container holding a body of water, and/or on the surface of objects within the body of water. 
   In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the surface of a container holding a body of water, such as a pool, act as a “movie screen” reflecting the light generated by the underwater light display system and thereby creating a variable light pattern. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The subject matter of the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to structure and method of operation, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the claims and the accompanying drawing figures, in which like parts may be referred to by like numerals: 
       FIG. 1  is an exemplary embodiment of an underwater light display system; 
       FIG. 2  is an exemplary embodiment of an underwater light display system having a two-portion design; 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of an underwater light display system comprising lenses; 
       FIG. 4  is an exemplary embodiment showing a stabilization mechanism comprising a floating housing; 
       FIG. 5  is an exemplary embodiment showing a stabilization mechanism comprising a perimeter float; 
       FIG. 6  is an exemplary embodiment showing the stabilization mechanism comprising a barge float; 
       FIG. 7  is another exploded view of an exemplary embodiment; 
       FIG. 8  is an exemplary embodiment showing a light assembly located on an inside top portion of the shell. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   The description that follows is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way; rather, it is intended to provide a convenient illustration for implementing various embodiments of the invention. As will become apparent, various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements described in these embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. It should be appreciated that the description herein may be adapted to be employed having different shaped shells, top portions, and lighting systems and the like and still fall within the scope. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for the purpose of illustration only and not of limitation. 
   That being said, exemplary embodiments of an underwater light system are provided. Generally, an underwater light system is any system that is capable of providing a decorative light display on the surface of a container holding a body of water, such as a pool bottom or sides, and/or on the surface of objects within the body of water. In an exemplary embodiment, an underwater light display system comprises a shell and a light assembly. 
   Turning now to the Figures in which like reference characters indicate corresponding elements throughout the several views,  FIG. 1  shows an exemplary embodiment of an underwater light display system  100  comprising shell  110  and light assembly  120 . 
   Shell  110  is any structure that is capable of containing light assembly  120 , e.g., to protect from water contact or other interference, and permits the passage of at least some light generated by light assembly  120  to the surface of a container holding a body of water, and/or on the surface of objects within the body of water. 
   In an exemplary embodiment, shell  110  is substantially hemispherical. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that shell  110  may be any convenient shape such as spherical, cylindrical, rectangular, and/or the like and still fall within the scope. Furthermore, shell  110  may comprise any decorative shape, such as, for example, lilies, frogs, flowers, and/or the like. 
   In an exemplary embodiment, shell  110  may be substantially hollow in order to decrease the density of underwater light display system  100  and thereby increasing the buoyancy, allowing system  100  to float. However, in other exemplary embodiments, shell  110  may be substantially solid depending on the desired buoyancy of underwater light display system  100 . 
   In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, underwater light display system  100  floats on or along the surface of a body of water. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, underwater light display system may be adjusted to float at a desired depth by adding water to the interior of shell  110  to offset the buoyancy of the water. In another exemplary embodiment, underwater light display system  100  may be configured to set on the bottom of a body of water, or on the surface of objects beneath the water by increasing the density of system  100  to be greater than the density of water. 
   Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, shell  110  may be made of a low density material to increase the buoyancy of the underwater light display system. For example, shell  110  may comprise blow-molded plastic. However, it will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that shell  110  may be made of any material, such as glass and/or the like, that is capable of blocking or otherwise preventing the passage of water to an interior of shell  110 . 
   In an exemplary embodiment, shell  110  may be substantially translucent in order to allow light to pass from the interior of underwater light display system  100  to the surface of a container holding a body of water. However, in various exemplary embodiments, shell  110  may be any degree of opaqueness that permits the passage of at least some light. For example, shell  110  may be tinted, semi-opaque, and/or the like to create a variety of lighting effects. In addition, shell  110  may comprise substantially all of its structure with such a substantially translucent configuration, or any smaller portions thereof, to allow light to pass through. 
   As shown in  FIG. 1 , shell  110  may be a one portion design. However, as shown in an exemplary embodiment in  FIG. 2 , shell  210  of underwater light display system  200  may comprise a bottom portion  215  and a resealable top portion  225 . Resealable top portion  225  is any structure that is capable of mating with bottom portion  215  to create a watertight seal and permits a user to access the interior of shell  210 . Resealable top portion  225  can comprise various types of materials and surfaces, e.g., translucent, tinted and/or opaque, or the same or different material as bottom portion  215 . In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, top portion  225  comprises a textured top section configured to protect a lighting assembly from exposure to sunlight. For example, top portion  225  may comprise a polypropylene-type plastic, or any other material capable of performing the intended functions of top portion  225 . 
   As shown in an exemplary embodiment in  FIG. 2 , top portion  225  is substantially flat. However, in various exemplary embodiments, top portion  225  may be any shape suitable for mating with bottom portion  215 . 
   In an exemplary embodiment, top portion  225  may be configured to be screwed on to bottom portion  215 . However, in accordance with various other exemplary embodiments, any method of or configuration for attaching top portion  225  to bottom portion  215  now known or hereinafter devised, such as press-fitting, snapping on and/or clamping to and the like, may be used. 
   In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, an underwater light display system may comprise one or more lighting effects. A lighting effect is any structure capable of directing, reflecting, refracting, focusing, defocusing and/or distorting light. 
   For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , shell  310  can comprise one or more lenses to focus, defocus, refract, or otherwise direct light provided by light assembly  320  through a surface of shell  310  to create variable light patterns. 
   In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, lenses  330  may be circular to create a light pattern on the surface of a container holding a body of water that is a series of expansive rings and/or circles of light. However, lenses  330  may also be configured to create any desired size or shape to create an endless variety of light patterns on the surface of a container holding a body of water. For example, lenses  330  may be configured to create dots, stars, characters, letters to spell out a message, any combination of the above, and/or the like. Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the shapes may be configured to be in any desired degree of focus, refraction or direction. 
   Lenses  330  can comprise various types of materials for focusing, defocusing, refracting, or otherwise directing light. For example, lenses  330  can comprise acrylic materials, ABS or other translucent-like plastics, glass or any other configuration for focusing, defocusing, refracting, or otherwise directing light. 
   Lenses  330  can be suitably glued or otherwise affixed within or onto the exterior surface of shell  310 . For example, lenses  330  may also be mounted to the interior or exterior surface of shell  310  using any now known or hereinafter devised attachment mechanism or methodology. Lenses  330  can also be integrally formed within the exterior surface of shell  310 . In an exemplary embodiment, lenses  330  are suitably embedded in shell  310  so as to be substantially flush with an exterior surface of shell  310 . In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, lenses  330  may be embedded in the surface of shell  310  so as to protrude from the surface. 
   In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, the shape of shell  310  may be configured such that lenses  330  are located one or more distances from a light assembly  320  to create a light pattern having varying degrees of focus, refraction, and/or direction. 
   Although an exemplary lighting effect can comprise lenses  330 , exemplary lighting effects may comprise any configuration of reflecting, refracting, and/or otherwise distorting or directing light now known or hereinafter devised. 
   With reference again to  FIG. 1 , light assembly  120  may be any device capable of providing light. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a light assembly may comprise a light source connected to a power source. 
   In an exemplary embodiment, a light source is any device capable of generating light using electricity. For example, a light source may comprise one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). LEDs are known in the art, and as such, an in-depth discussion is not provided. In such embodiments, any combination of colors, sizes, and intensities of LEDs may be used in conjunction with the light source. Instead of LEDs, any other type of light source or device capable of generating light may be utilized. 
   In an exemplary embodiment, the power source may be any device capable of producing electricity such that the light assembly produces light when the power source is connected to a light source. For example, a power source may comprise one or more standard, low voltage dry-cell or rechargeable batteries. However, any other device capable of producing electricity or other power may be used as a power source. 
   In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, the light assembly may further comprise a light programming mechanism or other control system. A light programming mechanism is any device capable of being programmed to produce one or more flashing or continuous light patterns by controlling and/or varying the output characteristics of the light source, such as, flash rate, frequency, period, and/or intensity. 
   In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a light programming mechanism may comprise programmable circuitry or other like control system components. For example, a light programming mechanism may comprise an electrical circuit having various electronic components such as integrated circuits, processors and the like. Thus, a light programming mechanism may comprise any device capable of providing one or more light patterns and fall within the scope. 
   The light assembly may further comprise an activation device. An activation device is any device capable of activating and/or deactivating the light assembly. In an exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , activation device  335  is a button that is located on the exterior surface of top portion  325  to facilitate user access. However, activation button  335  may also be located anywhere on underwater light display system  300 . 
   In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, the light programming mechanism comprising a timer switch that can be selected by the individual, e.g., to operate for one hour, three hours, six hours or any other desired amount of time. Such a timer switch can be activated manually, e.g., by turning a dial or other switch device, or through programming of light programming control system. In addition to timing of operation, different light flashing programs can also be selected, either manually or through programming. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the light programming control system can also be configured with a remote control or other like device, e.g., an infrared control unit mounted within system  300  and configured to control light assembly  320 , to allow individuals to remotely program or otherwise remotely operate system  300 . As such, an exemplary light programming mechanism can create many different light flashing programs, which can generate a decorative light show on the surface of the perimeter containing a body of water and/or on the surface of objects within a body of water. 
   In an exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , light assembly  320  may be configured proximate the inside of top portion  325  such that any light beams are substantially directed to shine downwards through shell  310  to the surface of a container holding a body of water, and/or on the surface of objects within a body of water. However, light assembly  320  may also be located anywhere within shell  310 . While light assembly  320  can be configured in a stationary position within top portion  325 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, light assembly  320  may be configured with a rotation platform, e.g., a motor and gearbox configuration, such that light assembly  320  rotates or translates within top portion  310  and/or such that individual lights within light assembly  320  can individually spin, rotate and/or translate, alone or in combination with each other and/or with the rotation or translation of the entire light assembly  320 . 
   Accordingly, the light source, power source and control circuits may be configured in various manners. For example, with momentary reference to an exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 , the inside surface of a top portion  825  comprises LEDs  850 , batteries  840 , and a control circuit (not shown in  FIG. 8 ). The control circuit is protected from water interference by protective plate  880 . When the activation button (not shown) is activated, the control circuit that is connected to LEDs  850  produce one or more preprogrammed light displays that shine downwardly through the lenses  330  located in shell  310  to produce a decorative light show comprising a varying light pattern of multicolored rings on the surface a container holding a body of water, and/or on the surface of objects within the body of water. 
   In accordance with another embodiment, underwater light display system may further comprise a stabilization mechanism. A stabilization mechanism is any device capable of keeping the underwater light display system oriented in an upright position. 
   For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , an exemplary stabilization mechanism may comprise a weight  355  to keep underwater light display system  300  oriented substantially upright. Such a weight  355  can be suitably enclosed within an integrally molded section of bottom portion  315 , with weight  355  further comprising a lens portion to allow light to be focused, defocuses or otherwise directed through. For example, when light assembly  320  is located on the inside of top portion  325 , light will be continuously directed downward to the surface of a container holding a body of water, and/or on the surface of objects within the body of water. 
   In accordance with another exemplary embodiment as shown in  FIG. 4 , the stabilization mechanism may comprise a floating housing  485  configured to float right side up with a weight  455 . Weight  455  may comprise one or more lenses  480  to refract light that is emanating outward from underwater light display system  400  and/or any other weight-bearing device. To facilitate testing of system  400 , a pad  481  may be added beneath lens  480  to allow for drop-testing prior to shipment. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment as shown in  FIG. 5 , the stabilization mechanism may comprise a perimeter float  490  to act as a life preserver to keep underwater light display system  500  afloat and oriented substantially upright. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment as shown in  FIG. 6 , the stabilization mechanism may comprise a substantially translucent barge floater  495  to keep underwater light display system  600  afloat and oriented upright. Accordingly, a stabilization mechanism may comprise any structure capable of maintaining underwater light display system oriented substantially upright or in an otherwise desired orientational position. 
   In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the underwater light display system may be configured for use in any body of water. For example, the shell may also be configured to be of any size suitable for use in a standard-sized swimming pool. However, the shell may also be configured to be any desired size that is suitable to contain the light assembly within a chosen body of water, such as a pond, a lake, and/or the like. 
   In an exemplary embodiment, underwater light display system may be free to float untethered on the surface of a body of water, so as to create moving light patterns on the surface of a container holding a body of water, and/or the surface of any objects within the body of water. However, it will be appreciated that that underwater light display system may also be fixed in a stationary position using any known or hereinafter devised tethering and/or anchoring means, such as a suction cup. 
   In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the surface of the perimeter containing the body of water acts as a “movie screen” to reflect the light generated by the underwater light display system, so as to create a variable light pattern. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the reflected light may be also configured to be in any size or shape. For example, the reflected shapes may comprise any known shape such as, for example, dots, stars, characters, and/or letters arranged to spell out a message. 
   Referring to  FIG. 7 , underwater light display system  700  comprises a hemispherically-shaped bottom portion  715  and top portion  725 . Hemispherically shaped bottom portion  715  comprises a plurality of lenses  730  similar to those described in the embodiment of  FIG. 3 . Bottom portion  715  further comprises a weight  755  to keep underwater light display system  700  oriented substantially upright. As shown, weight  755  comprises one or more lenses  780  to refract light beaming downwards or sideways from lighting mechanism  720 . A peripheral edge  760  of bottom portion  715  is stepped radially inward and has a series of grooves to create a waterproof seal when mated with a peripheral edge  765  of top portion  725 . Top portion  725  further comprises an activation button  735  to activate the light programming mechanism  720 . Lighting mechanism  720  comprises one or more LEDs  750 . 
   Thus, a new and improved underwater light display system has been described above with reference to various exemplary embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes and modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the various components may be configured in alternate ways depending upon the particular application or in consideration of cost. These and other changes or modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims. 
   The claims of the present application are different and possibly broader than the claims pursued in the parent application. To the extent any prior amendments or characterizations of the scope of any claim or referenced art could be construed as a disclaimer of any subject matter supported by the present disclosure, Applicant hereby rescinds and retracts such disclaimer. Accordingly, the references previously construed in the parent application may need to be revisited.