Patent Publication Number: US-7585085-B1

Title: Solar light sign post

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/729,518, filed on Oct. 24, 2005, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/514,760, filed on Sep. 1, 2006. 

   BACKGROUND 
   Solar lighting is a renewable source of energy. Over the years, solar lighting components are becoming more compact and more efficient, allowing solar lighting components to be incorporated into new devices and to implement new applications. 
   One specific area of solar innovations is in solar lighting products to light signage such as real estate “for sale” signs. However, currently available solar light devices for signage suffer from many disadvantages. Foremost, many conventional solar lighting devices are bulky or otherwise distract from the traditional and professional image of real estate signs. For example, many conventional solar lighting products are made to attach to the sign post or directly to the sign. In this way, a substantial portion of the solar lighting product typically increases the profile of the sign/post system, or extends away from the sign/post like a foreign appendage. Because they are mounted in an exposed manner on the sign and/or post, these conventional solar lighting devices are also prone to theft, abuse, or damage. Specific types of conventional solar lighting devices have additional problems. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     A more particular description of embodiments of the invention is provided herein by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. 
       FIG. 1A  is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a solar light sign post. 
       FIG. 1B  is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a non-rectangular crossarm. 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of a solar light sign post. 
       FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a solar light sign post. 
       FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an inclined solar post top. 
       FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram illustrating a top view of the inclined solar post top of  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram illustrating several potential locations of a solar panel and one or more lights on a solar light sign post. 
       FIG. 7A  is a schematic diagram illustrating an exploded view of one embodiment of a solar light sign post assembly. 
       FIG. 7B  is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of a solar light sign post assembly. 
       FIGS. 8A-C  are schematic diagrams illustrating one embodiment of an attachment clip of a solar light device. 
       FIG. 9  is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a solar light flyer box. 
       FIG. 10  is a schematic diagram illustrating a side view of the solar light flyer box of  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 11  is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of a solar light flyer box with edge-lighting. 
       FIG. 12A  illustrates another embodiment of a solar light sign post with a backlight panel built into the crossarm. 
       FIG. 12B  illustrates another embodiment of a solar light sign post with an edge-lit rider sign. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. 
   The described features, structures, or characteristics of the embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that some embodiments of the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. 
     FIG. 1A  depicts one embodiment of a solar light sign post  10 . The illustrated solar light sign post  10  includes a post  12  having a vertical member  14  and a horizontal member  16 . Alternative embodiments may include other vertical or horizontal members. The horizontal member  16  is also referred to as a crossarm. A listing sign  18  or other type of sign may be attached to the crossarm  16  using sign hardware  20 . For example, conventional sign hanging hardware  20  includes eye-hooks attached to the underside of the crossarm  16  and “S” hooks which hang the sign  18  from the eye-hooks. In certain embodiments, the sign  18  may be a conventional real estate “For Sale” sign or a “For Rent” sign such as a metal or corrugated plastic sign. Other types of sign hardware  20  and signs  18  may be used with the solar light sign post  10 . Furthermore, the crossarm  16  may have a mounting location and/or hardware for a rider sign  22  (shown dashed) on the topside of the crossarm  16 . 
   In one embodiment, the sign post  12  is manufactured of vinyl, aluminum, steel, or another material that forms a hollow interior. Alternatively, the sign post  12  may be a solid material such as wood. Additionally, the sign post  12  may have cross-sectional dimensions similar to conventional sign posts. For example, the cross-section of the sign post  12  may be between approximately one inch square (1″ by 1″) and six inches square (6″ by 6″) or a rectangular variation within the range of one to six inches. Some conventional sign posts include one inch tubular steel sign posts, 3×2¼ aluminum sign posts, and trade size 4×4 wood sign posts, all of which may be generally referred to as swingposts. Other types of sign posts include A-frames, H-frames, and other well-known sign frames. Reference herein to a specific type of sign post  12  or frame is meant to generally refer to sign posts or frames, unless indicated otherwise in the text or context. 
   The illustrated solar light sign post  10  includes one or more solar panels  24 , or solar cells, that collect solar energy and generate electrical energy. Several optional locations are shown for the one or more solar panels  24 . For example, a solar panel  24  may be located on the top of the vertical member  14 . In another embodiment, a solar panel  24  may be located in the center of or off-center along the topside of the crossarm  16 . In another embodiment, one or more solar panels  24  may be located on either or both sides of the rider sign location  22  along the topside of the crossarm  16 . Although specific locations are illustrated, other locations and combinations of locations may be implemented in a particular solar light sign post  10 . The use of certain locations may depend in part on the size and configuration of the sign post  12 , including the crossarm  16 . For, example, where a crossarm with a non-rectangular cross-section  16   a , as shown in  FIG. 1B , is implemented, the solar panels  24  may be mounted on surfaces that are not completely horizontal or vertical. In one embodiment, a solar panel  24  may be mounted on an angled portion of the crossarm  16   a  so that the solar panel  24  is mounted at an angle such as 45 degrees (or another angle between zero and 90 degrees) relative to a horizontal position. Furthermore, the solar panels  24  may be mounted on top of or partially or wholly recessed within the corresponding member of the sign post  12 . In the case of a hollow member such as a vinyl crossarm  16 , recessing may be accomplishing by cutting or otherwise forming a whole in the crossarm  16  and locating the solar panel  24  within the hole. In the case of a solid member such as a 4×4 wood crossarm  16 , recessing may be accomplished by constructing the member with a recess or by forming the recess through routing the recess into the member or otherwise forming the recess. 
   The illustrated solar light sign post  10  also includes one or more lights  26  and associated circuitry (not shown) to electrically couple the solar panel(s)  24  and the lights  26 . In one embodiment, one or more lights  26  may be mounted on or recessed into the underside of the crossarm  16  and oriented to project light onto the listing sign  18  or other sign mounted to the underside of the crossarm  16 . In another embodiment, one or more lights  26  may be mounted to the topside of the crossarm  16  to project light onto the rider sign  22 . In another embodiment, one or more lights  26  may be mounted to one or both sides of the crossarm  16 , the end of the crossarm  16 , or any other location on the sign post  12 , including the vertical member  14 . 
   The circuitry may include wires, circuitboards, transistors, batteries, connectors, and other electrical components that may be used to connect the one or more solar panels  24  to the one or more lights  26 . In one embodiment, the lights  26  may be light emitting diodes (LEDs). Alternatively, the lights  26  may be another type of light source. In one embodiment, the batteries store the electrical energy generated by the solar panels  24  and, at an appropriate time, send the electrical energy to the lights  26 . In one embodiment, the lights  26  and circuitry are configured to allow the lights  26  to remain off during approximately daylight hours and to allow the lights  26  to turn on and remain on during approximately the nighttime hours. In one embodiment, the lights  26  turn on or off depending on the ambient light as determined through a photocell (not shown) or other type of light detector such as the solar panels  24  themselves. In another embodiment, the lights  6  turn on or off depending on other circuitry such as a timer (not shown). Additionally, the circuitry may include programming circuitry to program the lights  26  to turn on or off according to a preset program, such as blinking, fading, strobing, and so forth. Additionally, where multiple lights  26  are used, the lights  26  may be controlled individually or in groups. Additionally, the lights  26  may include multiple colors. In one embodiment, the lights  26  are superbright white LEDs and the batteries are rechargeable batteries. 
     FIG. 1B  is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a non-rectangular crossarm  16   a . In other words, some embodiments may implement a sign post  12  with a crossarm  16   a  with a non-rectangular cross-section. For example, the crossarm  16   a  may have a trapezoidal cross-section, or another polygonal or partially curved cross-section. Implementing a non-rectangular crossarm  16   a  may permit various placement locations for the solar panels  24 . 
     FIG. 2  depicts another embodiment of a solar light sign post  10 . The depicted solar light sign post  10  is similar in some aspects to the solar light sign post  10  of  FIG. 1A . The solar light sign post  10  of  FIG. 2  is shown from a different vantage point to illustrate multiple lights  26  on the underside of the crossarm  16 . In certain embodiments, the lights  26  may be protected by one or more lenses  28 , flanges, seals, or other protective components. 
   The illustrated solar light sign post  10  includes one or more battery compartments (internal to the sign post  12 ) having an access door  30 . The access door  30  may be held closed by a screw or other fastener. As shown, the access door  30  may be on the vertical member  14  or on the crossarm  16 . In other embodiments, the access door  30  may be on another part of the sign post  12 . In a particular embodiment, the battery compartment may be accessible under another solar light device such as a solar panel  24 . For example, the battery compartment may be accessible by removing a solar panel  24  or opening a compartment covered by a solar panel  24 . In the case of a hollow sign post  12 , the battery compartment may be located within the hollow core of the sign post  12 , either attached to the sign post  12  or unattached (resting on) a part of the sign post  12 . The battery compartment also may be referred to as a power storage module. 
     FIG. 2  also illustrates an inclined, rotatable solar panel post cap  32  mounted on the vertical member  14  of the sign post  12 . One example of a solar panel post cap  30  is shown and described in more detail with reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5  below. 
     FIG. 3  depicts a cross-sectional view of a solar light sign post  10 . The illustrated solar light sign post  10  is substantially similar to the solar light sign posts  10  of  FIGS. 1A and 2 . The illustrated solar light sign post  10  includes a solar panel  24  that is located on the topside of the crossarm  16 , a battery compartment  34  within the hollow core of the crossarm  16 , and two light housings  36  recessed within the underside of the crossarm  16 . In another embodiment, the light housings  36  may partially or wholly extend from the core of the crossarm  16 . Each light housing  36  may have one or more lights  26  such as LEDs and/or lenses  28 . In another embodiment, the solar light sign post  10  may include a single light housing  36  with LEDs  26  in approximately the same position and orientation in relation to the sign. In another embodiment, the lights  26  may be clustered or distributed within one or more light housings  36 . For example, a cluster of three LEDs  26  may be attached to a single circuitboard (not shown) and positioned approximately at the horizontal center of the hanging sign  18 . As another example, a bar of LEDs  26  may be positioned parallel to the crossarm  16  and sign  18  to light a side of the sign  18 . Although omitted for clarity, one or more wires, circuitboards, or other circuitry may be included to electrically couple the solar panel  24 , battery compartment  34 , and light housing(s)  36 . 
   Alternatively, the lights  26  may be installed within the internal compartment of the crossarm  16  without using a light housing  36 . For example, one or more bars of LEDs  26  may be glued or otherwise fastened to an interior surface of the crossarm  16 . In another embodiment, the LEDs  26  may be mounted to the lens  28 , which may be fastened to the crossarm  16 . 
     FIG. 4  depicts one embodiment of an inclined solar post top  32 . The inclined solar post top  32  is at an angle with respect to the vertical and horizontal planes. In one embodiment, the incline may be approximately equal to an angle that might position the solar panel  24  approximately perpendicular to the location of the sun (not shown). The inclined solar panel post top  32  may be fixed or rotatable with respect to the vertical member  14  of the sign post  12 . One example of a rotatable inclined solar post top  32  is shown and described in more detail with reference to  FIG. 5 . 
     FIG. 5  depicts a top view of the inclined solar post top  32  of  FIG. 4 . In one embodiment, the solar post top  32  includes a fixed base  38  and a rotatable top  40 . The fixed base  38  may be rigidly fixed to the top of the vertical member  14 , and the rotatable top  40  may be rotated relative to the fixed base  38 . The solar post top  32  is shown in a first position (solid) and a second position (dashed). The second position is rotated approximately 45 degrees from the first position as indicated by the arrows. In one embodiment, the solar panel post top  32  may include a mechanical stop  42  to prevent rotation of the post top  32  more than approximately one revolution. For example, the stop  42  may allow the solar post top  32  to rotate a maximum of approximately 359 degrees, in one embodiment. 
     FIG. 6  depicts several potential locations of one or more solar panels  24  and one or more lights  26  on a solar light sign post  10 . The solar panel(s)  24  may be located on the top of the vertical member  14  or the top of the horizontal member  16 . In other embodiments, the solar panel(s)  24  potentially may be mounted on a side or other location of the vertical or horizontal members  14  and  16 . In another embodiment, the solar panel(s)  14  may be mechanically coupled to one of the members of the sign post  12 . Similarly, the light(s)  26  may be location on the vertical member  14 , the horizontal member  16 , or both. In one embodiment, the light(s)  26  may be located and oriented to project light onto a sign  18  hanging from the crossarm  16 . In another embodiment, the light(s)  26  may be located and oriented to project light onto a sign  18  mounted onto the crossarm  16 . In another embodiment, the light(s)  26  may be located and oriented to project light onto a sign  18  mounted to the vertical member  14  or another part of the sign post  12 . In another embodiment, the light(s)  26  may be located and oriented to project light onto the sign post  12  itself. 
     FIG. 7A  depicts an exploded view of one embodiment of a solar light sign post  10  assembly. The illustrated assembly includes a solar panel  24 , battery compartment  34 , and a crossarm  16 . Other components are omitted for clarity, but may be configured in a manner similar to or different from the illustrated components. In one embodiment, the solar panel  24  serves as a cover for the battery compartment  34 . The battery compartment  34  includes one or more notches  44  that align with one or more locking catches  46  coupled to the cutout  48  in the crossarm  16 . The locking catches  46  may be integrally formed with the crossarm  16 , in one embodiment, or attached to the crossarm  16 . For example, the locking catches  46  may be coupled to a ring (not shown) that may be inserted into the cutout  48 . The notches  44  and locking catches  46  align so that when the battery compartment  34  is inserted into the crossarm cutout  48  then the locking catches  46  engage the corresponding notches  44  to hold the battery compartment  34  and solar panel  24  within or against the crossarm  16 . Similar mounting arrangements may be implemented to assemble the light housings  36  in the crossarm  16 . Alternatively, other assembly hardware such as adhesives, screws, snaps, clasps, or fasteners may be used to install the battery compartment  34 , light housing  36 , or solar panel  24  into or on the crossarm  16 . 
     FIG. 7B  is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of a solar light sign post  10  assembly. The illustrated assembly includes a solar panel  24  and a crossarm  16 . Other components are omitted for clarity, but may be configured in a manner similar to or different from the illustrated components. In one embodiment, the solar panel  24  is directly adhered to a surface such as the top of the crossarm  16 . Wires  50  from the solar panel  24  are directed through a hole  52  in the surface of the crossarm  16 . In one embodiment, the hole  52  is covered by the solar panel  24  once the solar panel  24  is adhered to the crossarm. 
     FIGS. 8A-C  depict one embodiment of an attachment clip  54  of a solar light  24  device. The attachment clip  54  also may be referred to as a locking catch. The illustrated attachment clip  54  is coupled the battery compartment  34  and solar panel  24 . In one embodiment, the solar panel  24  serves as a cover for the battery compartment  34 , as described in relation to  FIG. 7A  above. The solar panel  24  also includes a flange  56  that is larger extends beyond the battery compartment  34  and may serve to rest against the outer surface of the topside of the crossarm  16 , as explained below. 
     FIG. 8B  specifically shows the battery compartment  34  partially inserted into the crossarm cutout  48  in the direction indicated by the arrow. As the battery compartment  34  and attachment clips  54  are inserted through the crossarm cutout  48 , the attachment clips  54  engage against the sides of the crossarm cutout  48  to compress the attachment clips  54  so that the battery compartment  34  may be recessing into the crossarm  16 . 
     FIG. 8C  specifically shows the battery compartment  34  inserted into the crossarm cutout  48 . In the illustrated embodiment, the flange  56  of the solar panel  24  engages against the topside of the crossarm  16  and the attachment clip  54  engages against the opposite side of the same wall of the topside of the crossarm  16 . In this manner, the solar panel  24  and battery compartment  34  may be temporarily or permanently secured to the crossarm  16 . Similar mounting arrangements may be implemented for the light housings  36 . 
   The light housing(s)  36  other components of the solar light sign post  10  may be attached similarly to the attachment methods shown and described with reference to the previous figures. In another embodiment, one or more components may be temporarily or permanently secured to the sign post  12  in another manner using similar or other types of fasteners, including glue, screws, silicone, or other fasteners. 
     FIG. 9  depicts one embodiment of a solar light flyer box  100 . The illustrated solar light flyer box  100  includes a flyer box  102  having a lid  104 . A solar panel  106  is mounted on or within the lid  104  and coupled to a light source  108  that projects light onto the flyer box  102 . In one embodiment, the light source  108  is located on the underside of the lid  104  and configured to project light onto the front panel  110  of the flyer box  102 . In one embodiment, the solar panel  106 , light source  108 , and other related circuitry (not shown), including one or more rechargeable batteries, may be substantially similar to the components described above. In one embodiment, the flyer box  102  may be mounted to a post (not shown) such as a sign post or a dedicated post. 
     FIG. 10  depicts a side view of the solar light flyer box  100  of  FIG. 9 . In particular,  FIG. 10  shows the flyer box  102 , the lid  104 , the solar panel  106 , and the light source  108  mounted within a housing on the underside of the lid  104 . The lid  104  extends beyond the front panel  110  of the flyer box  102  so that the light source  108  such as an LED may project light onto the front panel  110 . The illustrated solar light flyer box  100  also includes a battery compartment  112 , which may be mounted within the flyer box  102  as shown, or on the outside of the flyer box  102 , the lid  104 , a stand, a post, or another device. 
     FIG. 11  depicts another embodiment of a solar light flyer box  120 . The illustrated solar light flyer box  120  implements edge-lighting to light an image  122  etched or otherwise marked on the front panel  110  of the flyer box  102 . Alternatively, the image  122  may be marked on another part of the flyer box  102  or lid  104 . The image  122  shown is the phrase “FOR SALE” etched into the front panel  110 , which may be made of glass, plastic, or another transparent or translucent material. 
   The image  122  may be lit from light emitted from one or more light sources  108  such as LEDs that project light into the edge of the panel  110 . For example, one or more LEDs may project light from the bottom of the front panel  110  into the front panel  110  to light up the image  122 . The one or more lights  108  may be located within a light base  124  attached to the bottom of the flyer box  102 . In alternative embodiments, the lights  108  may be mounted and configured to project light into one or more panels and/or the light  108  from another position other than the base  124 . For example, one or more light sources  108  may be mounted within a side panel of the flyer box  102  to project light into a side edge of the flyer box  102 . 
     FIG. 12A  illustrates another embodiment of a solar light sign post  10  with a backlit panel  58  built into the crossarm  16 . For clarity, many of the solar components are omitted, but may be configured in a manner similar to or different from the illustrated components. The depicted solar light sign post  10  includes a backlit panel  58  that may be partially or wholly translucent or semi-translucent so that a light source  26  mounted behind the backlit panel  58  (i.e., within the crossarm  26 ) may illuminate the backlit panel  58 . In one embodiment, the solar light sign post  10  may be configured to allow a user to easily exchange different backlit panels  58  within the crossarm  16 . 
     FIG. 12B  illustrates another embodiment of a solar light sign post  10  with an edge-lit rider sign  60 . For clarity, many of the solar components are omitted, but may be configured in a manner similar to or different from the illustrated components. The depicted solar light sign post  10  includes an edge-lit rider sign  60  that may be etched with an image, as described above, so that the edge-lighting illuminates the image. In one embodiment, the light source  26  to illuminate the rider sign  60  is located within the crossarm  16 . In some embodiments, the solar light sign post  10  may be configured to allow a user to easily exchange different edge-lit rider signs  60  on the crossarm  16 . 
   Some embodiments of the solar lighting sign post  10  use different types of solar cells or solar panels  24 . For example, some embodiments use crystalline solar cells such as monocrystalline or polycrystalline solar cells. Other embodiments use amorphous solar cells or another type of solar cell. 
   In another embodiment, an apparatus includes means for mounting a sign; means for defining a cavity within the mounting means; and means for illuminating the sign from within the cavity. 
   The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.