Patent Publication Number: US-11384925-B1

Title: Light fixture and mount with multiple adjustments

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to mounts for light fixtures, and more particularly, to an adjustable landscape light assembly that includes a mount for installation around lawns and gardens of residential and commercial properties. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Outdoor landscape lighting is popular for security, aesthetic, safety, and other reasons. It is known in the outdoor lighting industry to mount a landscape light fixture on the top of a mounting stake whose lower end is planted in the ground. This secures the light fixture in a fixed position and keeps it in place. 
     Typical commercially available landscape light fixture mounts are attached to an electrical junction box or a stake with a lower pointed end and a threaded top portion for receiving a light fixture. When using an electrical junction box, a user will first mount the junction box to an appropriate structure and attach the light fixture with the mount to the electrical junction box. When using a stake, a user will secure the light fixture mount to the stake and place the stake in the ground. Alternatively, a user might first pound the stake into the ground before affixing the light fixture. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Many light fixtures include a pivot to allow a user to aim the light fixture at the intended feature. This can be done by adjusting the angle of the light fixture relative to the horizon. Many light fixtures also include an adjustable shroud. The shroud is often rotatable around the body of the light fixture so the user can aim the shroud in a desired position. In some fixtures, the shroud may not be adjustable. In some cases, a light fixture without an adjustable shroud can be rotated at the mount relative to the axis of the body of the light fixture. 
     In accordance with some embodiments, an adjustable landscape light assembly for securing to a surface can include a light fixture comprising a body having a first end and a second end. The second end has a first engagement structure. The light fixture can further include a mount configured to be secured relative to the surface. The mount comprises a second engagement structure. The second engagement structure is sized and shaped to engage with the first engagement structure while allowing the light fixture to be rotated relative to the mount. The light fixture can further include a locking member configured to move between a first position and a second position. The locking member engages with both the light fixture and the mount when in the second position to prevent the light fixture from being rotated relative to the mount and disengaging from the mount when moved to the first position. 
     In some variants, the locking member engages the first and second engagement structures when in the second position. 
     In some variants, the locking member is a screw. 
     In some variants, the light fixture further comprises a hole disposed in the first engagement structure and sized and shaped to engage the locking member. 
     In some variants, the mount further comprises a contact surface disposed in the second engagement structure and positioned to be contacted by the locking member when the locking member is in the second position. 
     In some variants, the mount further comprises a groove, and wherein the contact surface is disposed in the groove. 
     In some variants, the light assembly further comprises a shroud engaged with the first end of the body, the shroud comprising a lens. 
     In some variants, the light assembly further comprises a light module supported by the first end of the body. The light module has one or more lights configured to emit light through the lens when the shroud is engaged with the first end of the body. 
     In some variants, the mount is at least partially hollow to allow a wire connected to the light module to pass therethrough. 
     In some variants, the mount comprises a fixture mount and a base. The fixture mount is rotatable relative to the base. 
     In accordance with some embodiments, an adjustable landscape light assembly for securing to a surface can include a light fixture comprising a body having a first end and a second end. The second end has a first engagement structure. The light assembly can further include a mount comprising a base and a fixture mount. The base is configured to be secured relative to the surface. The fixture mount is rotatable relative to the base and has a second engagement structure. The second engagement structure is sized and shaped to engage with the first engagement structure while allowing the light fixture to be rotated relative to the fixture mount. The light assembly can further include a locking member configured to move between a first position and a second position. The locking member engages with both the light fixture and the fixture mount when in the second position to prevent the light fixture from being rotated relative to the fixture mount and disengaging from the fixture mount when moved to the first position. 
     In some variants, the locking member engages the first and second engagement structures when in the second position. 
     In some variants, the locking member is a screw. 
     In some variants, the light fixture further comprises a hole disposed in the first engagement structure and sized and shaped to engage the locking member. 
     In some variants, the fixture mount further comprises a contact surface disposed in the second engagement structure and positioned to be contacted by the locking member when the locking member is in the second position. 
     In some variants, the fixture mount further comprises a groove. The contact surface is disposed in the groove. 
     In accordance with some embodiments, an adjustable landscape light assembly for securing to a surface can include a body having a first end and a second end. The second end has a first engagement structure. The light assembly can further include a shroud engaged with the first end of the body and having a lens and a light module supported by the first end of the body and having one or more lights. The one or more lights are configured to emit light through the lens at least when the shroud is engaged with the first end of the body. The light assembly can further include a mount comprising a base and a fixture mount. The base is configured to be secured relative to the surface. The fixture mount is rotatable relative to the base and has a second engagement structure, the second engagement structure being sized and shaped to engage with the first engagement structure while allowing the body to be rotated relative to the fixture mount. The light assembly can further include a locking member configured to move between a first position and a second position. The locking member engages with both the body and the fixture mount when in the second position to prevent the body from being rotated relative to the fixture mount and disengaging from the fixture mount when moved to the first position. 
     In some variants, the light assembly further comprises a stud, the stud being configured to be secured between the base and the surface. 
     In some variants, the base comprises a hole sized and shaped to receive a fastener. The stud comprises a groove aligned with the hole and configured to be contacted by the fastener so as to prevent rotation of the base relative to the stud when the fastener is tightened against the groove. 
     In some variants, the body comprises an outer surface and one or more fins disposed on the outer surface. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various embodiments are depicted in the accompanying drawings for illustrative purposes and should in no way be interpreted as limiting the scope of the inventions, in which like reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout similar embodiments. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a light assembly that includes a generally cylindrical light fixture attached to a mount with multiple adjustments according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The light fixture in  FIG. 1  is angled at approximately 15 degrees relative to the mount and is selectively rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the mount. 
         FIG. 2  is a left side view of the light fixture and the mount from  FIG. 1  with the light fixture adjusted to a vertical position relative to the mount. Engagement of a locking member with a contact surface of the mount inhibits rotation of the light fixture relative to the mount. 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of the light fixture and the mount from  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a section view of the light fixture and the mount from  FIG. 2  taken along cut lines  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded view of the light fixture and the mount from  FIG. 2  showing, for example, the locking member disengaged from a groove in the mount and further removed from the light fixture. A base of the mount is attached to a stud. 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment for attaching the stud to the base that allows rotational adjustment of the base relative to the stud. 
         FIG. 7  is a view of a generally rectangular light fixture attached to the mount from  FIG. 1  according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Outdoor lighting can be used to highlight features on buildings, illuminate pathways, highlight various plants to provide an aesthetic appeal and to improve security and safety in an outdoor environment. 
     According to the present disclosure, as illustrated and described below, an outdoor light assembly that includes a mount that can be configured to aim a light to a desired direction and to orient the light fixture relative to the mount so as to provide the desired lighting effect. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a light assembly  10  that includes a generally cylindrical light fixture  12  attached to a mount  14  with multiple adjustments according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The light fixture  12  in  FIG. 1  is angled at approximately 15 degrees relative to the mount  14  and is selectively rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the mount  14  as further describe below. 
       FIG. 2  is a left side view of the light fixture  12  and the mount  14  from  FIG. 1  with the light fixture  12  adjusted to a vertical position relative to the mount  14 . As further described below in certain embodiments, engagement of a locking member  20  with a contact surface  22  of the mount  14  inhibits rotation of the light fixture  12  about a longitudinal axis of the mount  14 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2  in certain embodiments, the mount  14  supports the light fixture  12 , for example, from an electrical junction box or above a stake while allowing the light fixture  12  to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the mount  14 . For example, an end of the mounting stake can be inserted into the ground by a user at a desired location. Typically, a user will insert the mounting stake into soil, for example, a lawn or yard, although any relatively soft and penetrable body will suffice. Once inserted, the user can still rotate the light fixture  12  to a desired direction and then lock the light fixture  12  in place with the locking member  20 . 
     The stake can include a pointed end. The pointed end is configured to allow the stake to be easily and securely inserted into soil, or any other relatively soft, penetrable body for positioning. Although the stake is typically inserted into the ground, for example a lawn or yard, it is envisioned that the mount  14  may be positioned anywhere a user may desire a landscape light fixture. Thus, alternatively, the stake may be replaced with other attachment means for securing the mount  14  in a desired location. For example, the stake can be replaced by a suction cup, a male threaded portion, a female threaded portion, a through hole for receiving a bolt, etc. For example, the mount  14  can be alternatively attached to an electrical junction box. The attachment means is not limited to the particular examples disclosed herein and other means can be used. 
     In certain embodiments, the light fixture  12  comprises a first engagement structure  16  ( FIG. 4 ) which couples to a second engagement structure  18  on the mount  14  ( FIG. 4 ). In certain embodiments, the user couples the first and second engagement structures  16 ,  18  together by placing the light fixture  12  on the mount  14 . In certain embodiments, when placed on the mount  14 , the first and second engagement structures  16 ,  18  prevent the light fixture  12  from falling off the mount  14  while allowing the user to freely rotate the light fixture  12  relative to the longitudinal axis of the mount  14 . 
     In certain embodiments, the first engagement structure  16  is a lip of the light fixture  12  that projects in a downward direction towards the mount  14 . In certain embodiments, the second engagement structure  18  is a lip of the mount  14  that projects in an upward direction towards the light fixture  12 . In certain embodiments, diameters of the first and second engagement structures  16 ,  18  are complementary so that the first and second engagement structures  16 ,  18  can overlap with one another. Of course, the first and second engagement structures  16 ,  18  are not limited to the illustrated embodiment. For example, in certain other embodiments, the first and second engagement structures  16 ,  18  are configured as projections, fingers, and/or tabs which act to prevent the light fixture  12  from falling off the mount  14  while allowing the user to freely rotate the light fixture  12  relative to the mount  14 . For example, in certain other embodiments, the first and second engagement structures  16 ,  18  can be screws or other fasteners known to a person having ordinary skill in the art. 
       FIG. 3  is a front view of the light fixture  12  and the mount  14  from  FIG. 2 . Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , in certain embodiments, the light fixture  12  comprises a body  24  and a shroud  26 . In certain embodiments, the body  24  of the light fixture  12  is secured to the mount  14 . 
     In certain embodiments, the body  24  can be manufactured out of brass, copper, bronze, aluminum, plastic or other material. In certain embodiments, the body  24  can be manufactured from a heat conductive material. In certain embodiment, heat emitted by a light module  38  ( FIG. 4 ) is dissipated by the body  24 . For example, in some embodiments, the body  24  dissipates heat from the light module  38  to the body  24  so as to protect the light module  38  from damage caused by the heat it produces. In certain embodiments, the body  24  comprises fins  52 . In certain embodiments, the fins  52  are formed on the body  24  to increase an exposed surface area of the body  24 . The additional surface area of the fins  52  promotes heat transfer (e.g., convection) from the body  24  to the ambient air. In this way, the ambient air can act as a heat sink to cool the body  24  and the light module  38  during operation. 
       FIG. 4  is a section view of the light fixture  12  and the mount  14  from  FIG. 2  taken along cut lines  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2 . Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , in certain embodiments, the body  24  can have a first end  27  and a second end  28 . In certain embodiments, the first end  27  of the body  24  can be formed with threads  29 . In some embodiments, the shroud  26  can be formed with threads  31  near an open end  30  of the shroud  26 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the threads  29  are disposed on an outer surface of the body  24  and are positioned to engage with the threads  31  of the shroud  26  to secure the shroud  26  to the body  24  of the light fixture  12 . In other embodiments, the shroud  26  can be securely attached to the body  24  using a press fit between the body  24  and the shroud  26 . In some other embodiments, the shroud  26  can be secured to the body  24  using one or more screws, pins, or other attachment structures. 
     In some embodiments, the shroud  26  can be attached to the body  24  by rotating the shroud  26  and engaging the threads  31  with the threads  29 . In some embodiments, the shroud  26  can be rotated until the shroud  26  is tightly and securely fitted to the body  24 . In certain embodiments, the threads  29 ,  31  can be tapered threads  29 ,  31  and the shroud  26  can tighten to the body  24  as the shroud  26  is threaded further in position. In some embodiments, the threads  29 ,  31  are not tapered. In certain embodiments, a contact surface  34  on the open end  30  of the shroud  26  will contact a contact surface  32  of the body  24  when the shroud  26  is fully threaded to the body  24 . 
     In certain embodiments, the light assembly  10  comprises a seal  36 . In certain embodiments, the seal  36  can provides a watertight connection between the body  24  and the shroud  26 . In certain embodiments, the seal  36  is an O-ring placed between the body  24  and the shroud  26 . In certain embodiments, the O-ring can be sandwiched between an outer diameter of the body  24  and an inner diameter of the shroud  26 . In the illustrated embodiment, the seal  36  is disposed at a location between the threads  31  and the contact surface  34  of the shroud  26  when the shroud  26  is secured to the body  24 . 
     In certain embodiments, the light assembly  10  includes a light module  38 . In certain embodiments, the light module  38  can be configured to emit light out of the light assembly  10  through the shroud  26  in a desired direction. As is illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the light module  38  is secured to the body  24 . 
     In certain embodiments, the light module  38  can include a support  40  and one or more light sources  42 . In certain embodiments, the one or more light sources  42  can be one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), incandescent bulbs, fluorescent bulbs, halogen bulbs, or high intensity discharge bulbs. In some embodiments, the one or more light sources  42  are one or more LEDs that emit a single color such as white, red, green, or blue mounted to a circuit board  39 . In other embodiments, the one or more LEDs emit multiple colors such as by employing an array of controlled RGB LEDs. In some embodiments the one or more LEDs emit multiple colors as well as white light such as by employing an array of controlled RGBW LEDs. In some embodiments, the support  40  holds one or more lenses  43  over the one or more light sources. 
     In certain embodiments, the light assembly  10  can include one or more fasteners for releasably securing the light module  38  to the body  24 . In certain embodiments, the fasteners can include screws, bolts, nuts, or any other suitable fasteners. In certain embodiments, the circuit board  39  can be sandwiched between the body  24  and the support  40 . For example, in certain embodiments, the support  40  can include a plurality of apertures  41  for receiving the fasteners. In certain embodiments in which the fasteners are screws, the body  24  can have complementary threads configured to receive the screws. 
     In certain embodiments, the shroud  26  includes a lens  48 . In certain embodiments, the lens  48  can be positioned to allow light from the one or more light sources  42  to project in at least one direction exterior to the light assembly  10 . In certain embodiments, the lens  48  can be transparent or substantially transparent. In certain embodiments, the lens  48  can be frosted. In certain embodiments, the lens  48  may be tinted with a color. In certain embodiments, the lens  48  may be tinted with a color to change the color temperature of the light emitting from the light assembly  10 . In certain embodiments, the lens  48  can protect the one or more light sources  42  from the outside environment when the shroud  26  is secured to the body  24 . 
     In certain embodiments, the shroud  26  includes a filter  50 . In certain embodiments, the filter  50  can be positioned between the one or more light sources  42  and the lens  48 . In certain embodiments, the filter  50  can be transparent or substantially transparent. In certain embodiments, the filter  50  can be frosted. In certain embodiments, the filter  50  may be tinted with a color. In certain embodiments, the filter  50  may be tinted with a color to change the color temperature of the light emitting from the light assembly  10 . In certain embodiments, the filter  50  can be a diffuser that blends the light output from each of the one or more light sources  42  to a more uniform pattern. In certain embodiments, the filter  50  can protect the one or more light sources  42  from the outside environment when the shroud  26  is secured to the body  24 . 
     In certain embodiments, the shroud  26  comprises a mating portion  49 . In certain embodiments, the mating portion  49  is configured to form a seal between the mating portion  49  and the lens  48 . In certain embodiments, the mating portion  49  inhibits or prevents water or moisture ingress past the lens  48  and into the light assembly  10  when the shroud  26  is secured to the body  24 . In certain embodiments, the mating portion  49  is an O-ring. In certain embodiments, the mating portion  49  is formed as an integral part of the shroud  26 . In some embodiments, the lens  48  is secured to the mating portion  49  with a waterproof adhesive. 
     In certain embodiments, the light assembly  10  includes one or more clamps  44  for connecting a circuit board  45 . In some embodiments, the circuit board  45  is electrically connected to the one or more light sources  42 . In some embodiments, the circuit board  45  contains circuitry to drive the one or more LED light sources  42 . In certain embodiments, the light module  38  can be electrically connected to the circuit board  45  by one or more wires  47 . In some embodiments, the circuit board  45  is electrically connected to a power wire  46 . In some embodiments, the power wire  46  can contain two wires. For example, in certain embodiments, the power wire  46  can be coupled to the circuit board  45  which is electrically connected through a portion of the body  24  to the light module  38 . In certain embodiments, the light module  38  can be plugged into or removed from being electrically connected to the one or more wires  47  by the user. 
     In certain embodiments, components of the light fixture  12  and the mount  14  are hollow, or have hollowed out portions to provide a path for the power wire  46  to extend from the circuit board  45  through the light fixture  12  and the mount  14  to outside of the light assembly  10 . In certain embodiments, the power wire  46  is configured to electrically connect with a source of electrical power. In certain embodiments, the circuit board  45  has one or more wires  47  configured to transfer power from the power wire  46  to the one or more light sources  42 . In some embodiments the hollowed out portion of the body  24  can be filled, or partially filled with a potting compound to protect the circuit board  45  from moisture. In some embodiments, the potting compound acts to provide a strain relieve for the attachment point of the wire  46  to the circuit board  45 . 
       FIG. 5  is an exploded view of the light fixture  12  and the mount  14  from  FIG. 2 . In certain embodiments, the mount  14  is formed as a knuckle  54 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the knuckle  54  comprises a fixture mount  56  and a base  58 . In some embodiments, the fixture mount  56  can be removably mounted to the base  58 . In some embodiments, the fixture mount  56  can be rotationally mounted to the base  58 . In certain embodiments, the fixture mount  56  can rotate relative to the base  58  about a longitudinal axis of a fastener  64  until the user fixes the light fixture  12  in a preferred orientation. 
     In certain embodiments, the fixture mount  56  comprises a hole  68  aligned with a hole  66  in the base  58 . In certain embodiments, the hole  68  is threaded. The hole  68  may include female threads that correspond to male threads of the fastener  64 . Alternatively, the hole  68  may include a through-hole that does not include threads. Such a through-hole can include a counterbore positioned on an outer side of the fixture mount  56 . In use a male threaded portion of the fastener  64  is inserted through the hole  66  and through-hole  68  and a nut is screwed onto the fastener  64  such that it sits in the counterbore. The counterbore allows the nut to secure the fastener  64  to the fixture mount  56  while still maintaining a flat profile of the outer side of the fixture mount  56  opposite the head of the fastener  64 . 
     In certain embodiments, the fastener  64  passes through the hole  66  in the base  58  and then is threaded in the hole  68  in the fixture mount  56  to fix the light fixture  12  in the preferred orientation relative to the base  58 . For example, in certain embodiments, the user can loosen the fastener  64  to rotate the fixture mount  56  about the longitudinal axis of the fastener  64  to reach the preferred orientation of the light fixture  12 . Once in the preferred orientation, the user can tighten the fastener  64  to fix the light fixture  12  relative to the base  58 . 
     In certain embodiments, the fixture mount  56  comprises a surface  60  which faces and engages with a surface  62  on the base  58  when the fastener  64  is tightened relative to the hole  68 . For example, in certain embodiments, the surface  60 ,  62  comprises grooves and/or ridges which are complementary to grooves and/or ridges on the surface  60 ,  62  to increase surface friction between the surfaces  60 ,  62  when at a plurality of orientations. In certain embodiments, the user can tighten the fastener  64  so it clamps the surface  62  of the base  58  against the surface  60  of the fixture mount  56  to inhibit further rotation of the fixture mount  56  around the axis of the fastener  64  as long as the fastener  64  is tightly torqued in the hole  68 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates the locking member  20  from  FIG. 4  disengaged from a contact surface  22  in the mount  14  and further removed from the light fixture  12 . In certain embodiments, the contact surface  22  is formed on a smooth surface. In certain other embodiments, the contact surface  22  is formed on a rough surface. In certain embodiments, the contact surface  22  is in a divot or recess in the base  56 . For example, in certain embodiments, the contact surface  22  comprises a series of recesses around a circumference of the base  56 . 
     In certain embodiments, the body  24  can be removably mounted to the mount  14 . In certain embodiments, the body  24  can be rotationally mounted to the fixture mount  56 . As explained above, in certain embodiments, the first engagement structure  16  of the body  24  couples to the second engagement structure  18  on the fixture mount  56 . In certain embodiments, the user couples the first and second engagement structures  16 ,  18  together by placing the light fixture  12  on the mount  14 . In certain embodiments, when placed on the mount  14 , the first and second engagement structures  16 ,  18  prevent the light fixture  12  from falling off the mount  14  while allowing the user to freely rotate the light fixture  12  relative to the mount  14 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the body  24  comprises a hole  69 . In certain embodiments, the hole  69  is threaded. In certain embodiments, the hole  69  is sized and shaped to receive the locking member  20 . In certain embodiments, the locking member  20  is configured as a screw. In some embodiments, the locking member  20  can be a slotted head screw. In some embodiments, the locking member  20  can be a hex head screw. In some embodiments, the locking member  20  can be a screw with any type engagement portion, such as a Philips head or a torx head screw. Of course, the locking member  20  can be configured as any other type of fastener known to a person having ordinal skill in the art. In certain embodiments, the locking member  20  is configured as a rod, pin, clamp, or other structure. 
     In certain embodiments, the fixture mount  56  can have a contact surface  22  configured to be contacted by the locking member  20 . In the illustrated embodiment, the contact surface  22  is formed as a groove. In the illustrated embodiment, the groove has a general C-shape. Of course, the contact surface  22  need not be formed as a groove and can other shapes. For example, the contact surface  22  can be formed as an L-shaped channel. In certain embodiments, the body  24  of the light fixture  12  becomes rotationally fixed relative to the mount  14  when the locking member or screw  20  is tightened against the contact surface or groove  22  of the fixture mount  56 . In certain embodiments, engagement of the locking member  20  with the contact surface  22  of the mount  14  inhibits rotation of the light fixture  12  relative to the mount  14 . 
     In certain embodiments, the user can loosen the locking member  20  in the hole  69  and rotate the body  24  around its longitudinal axis to a desired orientation. In certain embodiments, the user can tighten the locking member  20  so the locking member  20  contacts the contact surface  22  of the groove to inhibit further rotation of the body  24  around its longitudinal axis as long as the locking member  20  is in tight contact with the contact surface  22  of the groove. In certain embodiments, the user can loosen the locking member  20  so a distal end of the locking member  20  is not pressing against the contact surface  22  but is still disposed in the groove to prevent the body  24  from being inadvertently lifted off of the fixture mount  56  while the user rotates the body  24 . In certain embodiments, the engagement of the locking member  20  with the contact surface  22  of the mount  14  inhibits rotation of the light fixture  12  relative to the mount  14 . In certain embodiments, the locking member  20  secures the body  24  to the fixture mount  56  of the knuckle  54  in a preferred orientation. 
     In certain embodiments, the mount  14  includes a stud  70 . In certain embodiments, the stud  70  can be fitted to the base  58 . In certain embodiments, the stud  70  can provide a connection to a mounting stake or an electrical box. 
     In certain embodiments, the stud  70  can have a first end  72  and a second end  74 . In certain embodiments, the first end  72  can incorporate a structure that connects the stud  70  to the base  58 . For example, in certain embodiments, the structure can be a lip of the stud  70 . In certain embodiments, the lip can fit within a complementary recess in the base  58 . For example, in certain embodiments, the structure can be a groove in the stud  70 . In certain embodiments, the lip or groove can fit within a complementary recess in the base  58 . 
     In certain embodiments, the first end  72  can incorporate a hole  76 . In certain embodiments, the hole  76  is threaded. In certain embodiments, the base  58  can include a hole  78  aligned with a portion of the stud  70 , such as the hole  76 , when the stud  70  is inserted into the base  58 . In certain embodiments, the hole  78  is threaded. In certain embodiments, the hole  78  is a through hole that is not threaded. In certain embodiments, the light assembly  10  includes a fastener  80  configured to be installed in the through hole  78  and the threaded hole  76  in the stud  70  to lock the stud  70  and the base  58  together. In certain embodiments, as seen in  FIG. 4 , the stud  70  is mounted to the base  58  in a fixed position. 
     In certain embodiments, the second end  74  can incorporate a threaded section  82 . In certain embodiments, the threaded section  82  can be configured to connect to the mounting stake or the electrical box. 
       FIG. 6  is an exploded view of alternative embodiment for attaching a stud  84  to the base  58  that allows rotational adjustment of the base  58  relative to a longitudinal axis of the stud  84 . In certain embodiments, the stud  84  can be mounted to the base  58 . In certain embodiments, the base  58  can be removeable and rotatably mounted to the stud  84 . In certain embodiments, the structure of the stud  84  that connects the stud  84  to the base  58  can be a groove  86 . In certain embodiments, the hole  78  in the base  58  can be threaded to receive the fastener  80 . In certain embodiments, the hole  78  in the base  58  is aligned with the groove  86 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the groove  86  has a general C-shape. Of course, the groove need not have a C-shape. For example, in certain embodiments, the groove has an L-shaped channel. In certain embodiments, the groove  86  comprises a hole  76 . In certain embodiments, the base  58  becomes rotationally fixed relative to the stud  84  when the fastener  80  is tightened against the groove  86  of the stud  84 . In certain embodiments, engagement of the fastener  80  with the groove  86  of the stud  84  inhibits rotation of the knuckle  54  relative to the stud  84 . 
     In certain embodiments, the user can loosen the fastener  80  in the hole  78  and rotate the base  58  around its longitudinal axis to a desired orientation. In certain embodiments, the user can then tighten the fastener  80  so the fastener  80  contacts the groove  86  and/or enters the hole  76  to inhibit further rotation of the base  58  around its axis as long as the fastener  80  is in tight contact with the groove  86  and or in the hole  76 . In embodiments that include the hole  76 , the user can orient the hole  76  to line up with the hole  78  and tighten the fastener  80  in the hole  76  to provide a positive linking position between the base  58  and the stud  84 . 
     In certain embodiments, the user can loosen the fastener  80  so a distal end of the fastener  80  is not tightly against the groove  86  and/or in the hole  76  but is still disposed in the groove  86  to prevent the base  58  from being inadvertently lifted off of the stud  84  while the user rotates the base  58 . In certain embodiments, the engagement of the fastener  80  with the groove  86  of the stud  84  inhibits rotation of the base  58  relative to the stud  84 . In certain embodiments, the fastener  80  secures the base  58  of the knuckle  54  to the stud  84  in a preferred orientation. 
       FIG. 7  is a view of a generally rectangular light fixture  90  attached to the mount  14  from  FIG. 1  according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The shape of the light fixture  12 ,  90  is not limited to the illustrated shapes and can another shape. Many different shapes of the light fixture  12 ,  90  can be mounted to the mount  14  such that the user can loosen the locking member  20  and rotate the light fixture  12 ,  90  about the mount  14 . 
     While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointed out novel features of the development as applied to various embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the devices illustrated may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the development. As will be recognized, the present development may be embodied within a form that does not provide all of the features and benefits set forth herein, as some features may be used or practiced separately from others. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 
     The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein. It will be appreciated, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the systems, devices, and methods may be practiced in many ways. As is also stated above, it should be noted that the use of particular terminology when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to including any specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the technology with which that terminology is associated. 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the described technology. Such modifications and changes are intended to fall within the scope of the embodiments. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that parts included in one embodiment are interchangeable with other embodiments; one or more parts from a depicted embodiment may be included with other depicted embodiments in any combination. For example, any of the various components described herein and/or depicted in the Figures may be combined, interchanged or excluded from other embodiments. 
     With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art may translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity. 
     It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. 
     In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). 
     Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.” 
     The term “comprising” as used herein is synonymous with “including,” “containing,” or “characterized by,” and is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. 
     The above description discloses several materials of the present development. This development is susceptible to modifications in the methods and materials, as well as alterations in the fabrication methods and equipment. Such modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of this disclosure or practice of the development disclosed herein. Consequently, it is not intended that this development be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but that it covers all modifications and alternatives coming within the true scope and spirit of the development as embodied in the attached claims. 
     While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointed out novel features of the improvements as applied to various embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the device or process illustrated may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. As will be recognized, the present invention may be embodied within a form that does not provide all of the features and benefits set forth herein, as some features may be used or practiced separately from others. The scope of the invention is 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.