Patent Publication Number: US-2010109556-A1

Title: Solar Powered Underwater Multipurpose Illumination Device

Description:
This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/606,230, filed on Nov. 30, 2006, currently pending, which is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/857,500, filed on Jun. 4, 2004, which is abandoned. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to illumination systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to solar powered underwater illumination systems. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many devices have been proposed for illuminating bodies of waters, such as pools. 
     Prior art systems include the use of electrical units installed directly in a pool lining underground. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,184,628 discloses a pool light for mounting in a cavity of the pool below the water surface. A 12 volt-ac power source is provided for supplying power to the light source. However, there are many disadvantages in connection with these underground systems. With regard to internal light sources, strong electrical currents are often used to operate these systems. In addition, specialists are needed to install the systems to avoid underwater shock and electrocution. Further, specific regulations must be followed in order to provide against underwater shock and electrocution. For example, electrical cable lines have to be buried underground. These types of installations can be very costly, and the risk of electrocution is never totally eliminated. 
     Another drawback involved in the preceding examples relates to power source. There are drawbacks, as noted above, with lights that must be wired to an external power source, e.g., live wires in the vicinity of the pool, batteries, or electrical outlets within the lighting unit. Lights that require batteries need to have the batteries changed/charged frequently. Thus, either an electrical connection to the light must be provided, or an opening to insert/remove the batteries for charging/replacement must be provided. The electrical connection or opening jeopardize the water tightness of the light. If water gets into the light, the internal components of the light will likely be damaged, thereby preventing the light from operating properly. 
     With all those drawbacks in mind, the present application discusses a solar powered light. 
     SUMMARY 
     An illumination device, comprising: a housing defining an outer surface, the outer surface defining a space therein, the housing comprising a lens, the housing and the lens being configured so that light can travel from outside the housing to the space and from the space to the outside of the housing, and so that the space in the housing is impervious to water from the outside; at least one LED disposed in the space, the at least one LED for transmitting light through the lens to outside the housing; a rechargeable battery within the space; a solar unit within the space, for generating electricity from solar energy for providing power to the rechargeable power source or the LED; and an electronic control unit within the space, the electronic control unit for directing power from the battery or the solar unit to the at least one LED; a signal sensor within the space, the signal sensor being operatively connected to the electronic control unit for remotely operating the electronic control unit; a first magnet integrated with the housing, wherein the LED, battery, electronic control and solar panel are electrically self contained and have no electrical connection from inside the space to outside the space, and wherein the housing is configured to not have a position providing an opening connecting the space inside the housing to the outside space. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings provide visual representations which will be used to more fully describe the representative embodiments disclosed herein and can be used by those skilled in the art to better understand them and their inherent advantages. In these drawings, like reference numerals identify corresponding elements and: 
         FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a side elevational view of the mounting disk and bracket of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the lens according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the lens of  FIG. 4 ; and 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the lens, with portions taken away, of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention showing how light is refracted through the lens; 
         FIG. 7  is a side view cross section of a solar powered embodiment including a magnet. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     With reference to the figures, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described. The scope of the invention disclosed is applicable to uses in addition to illuminating swimming pools. For example, the present invention is also applicable to illuminating other underwater areas such as docks and underwater landscaping features. The device may also be used for other recreational activities, such as camping and backyard illumination, where imperviousness to water and moisture is required. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an illumination device  100  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. One embodiment of the illumination device  100  includes a main housing  102  with a lens  104  disposed at the end of the housing  102 . The lens  104  is in watertight engagement with the main housing  102 , thereby defining a watertight area  103 . In use, the housing  102  does not have an opening connecting a space inside the housing  102  to a space outside of the housing  102  to, for example, connect wires from the outside of the housing to an element inside the housing. Preferably, both lens  104  and main housing  102  are made from a plastic material, and are sonic welded together. However, it should be understood that main housing  102  and lens  104  can be made from any other material that is resistant to water and water corrosive effects. In addition, it should be understood that main housing  102  and lens  104  may be connected in other ways known in the art, such as by a waterproof adhesive or mechanical fasteners. A seal (not shown) may be placed between the housing  102  and the lens  104  to help establish a watertight compartment  107  therein. 
     The illumination device  100  includes an LED module  106  for illuminating the device. The LED module is made up of at least one LED bulb. Preferably, the LED module  106  emits a white light. Alternatively, the LED module  106  may emit a plurality of different color lights, such as red, green and blue lights. The LED bulbs may also be high-output white cool color LED bulbs. However, the LED module  106  is not limited to these color selections. Preferably, the LED module  106  is 0.5 mm in diameter by 0.200 mm in height. However, different size and shape LED modules may also be used, depending on design preference. 
     The LED module  106  is disposed in the watertight area  107  defined by the housing and the lens  104 . The LED module  106  is positioned to allow transmission of light through the lens  104 . The LED module  106  is mounted behind the lens  104  on an electronic mounting plate  108 , in a first compartment  109 . Mounted on the opposite side of the electronic mounting plate  108  is an electronic control unit  110 . 
     A divider plate  112  is disposed adjacent to, but spaced from the electronic mounting plate  108  thereby defining a second compartment  113 . Preferably, the divider plate  112  and electronic mounting plate  108  are attached to the housing  102  via a plurality of screws  114 , which are disposed underneath the sonic weld and inside the main housing  102 . However, it should be understood that the divider plate  112  may be attached in other ways, such as by an adhesive or through bonding. 
     A backup plate  116  is disposed adjacent to, but spaced from the divider plate  112  thereby defining a third compartment  117 . A power source  118  is disposed between the divider plate  112  and the backup plate  116  in the third compartment  117 . The divider plate  112  includes an aperture  120  for directing wires from the power source  118  to the electronic control unit  110 . 
     Preferably, the power source is at least one battery, or a plurality of batteries, that are rechargeable. According to a preferred embodiment, the batteries are nested in a straight line next to one another. However, it should be understood that the batteries may be arranged in other ways known in the art. 
     A solar unit  109  for transforming solar energy into electric charge may be provided in this embodiment and is preferably a solar panel. The solar unit  109  can be positioned anywhere on the outside of the lens  104  or housing  102 , and can alternately be positioned inside the watertight compartment  107 . It is necessary that the solar unit  109  be able to receive light energy from an outside source, e.g., the sun, when exposed. 
     The illumination device  100  may also optionally include an on/off button  122 . The on/off button  122  is disposed on the side of the housing  102 , but may be disposed in any other location. Preferably, the on/off button  122  is rubberized, and is designed to be resistant to water. In an alternative embodiment, a magnetic reed switch can be used instead of the disclosed on/off button. 
     A mounting magnet  608  can be provided on the backside of the illumination device  100  and is preferably connected with the housing  102 . The magnet is for creating magnetic connection with an object, e.g., a metal object, wall, or other member, thereby holding the illumination device  100  in place with respect to that object. Preferably, the object is a metal wall of a pool, e.g., an above ground pool, but can also be another magnet that is secured to a structure. That configuration is particularly advantageous in that only the illumination device  100  is needed to establish a connection to locate and maintain the illumination device  100  in a position bellow the surface of the pool. The illumination device  100  is capable of being submerged underwater to provide diffused light to that body of water. 
     With reference to  FIG. 2 , an IR sensor  200  is provided. The IR sensor  200  is operatively connected to the electronic control unit ( FIG. 1 ), for remotely operating the electronic control unit. In particular, a remote control unit, such as one used for keyless entry into a car, can activate the infrared sensor  200  to turn the LED module on and off. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the infrared sensor  200  is disposed behind the lens. According to a preferred embodiment, the remote control  204  is operable with the infrared sensor  200  to remotely operate the electronic control unit that directs power from the power source for illuminating the LED module  106 . 
     According to an alternative embodiment, the LED module  106  emits a plurality of colors. According to this embodiment, the remote control  204  is operable with the infrared sensor  200  to change the color of the LED module  106 . In a preferred embodiment, the remote control  204  determines the pattern of light emitted by the LED module  106 . For example, for a white light, the remote control  204  can be pushed a first time. For a blue light, the remote control may be pushed a second time. For a red light, the remote control is pushed three times. For a green light, the remote control is pushed a fourth time. To turn the light off, the remote control is pushed a fifth time. However, one having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that there are numerous ways to change the colors and patterns of the LED module. For example, the LEDs can be arranged and configured so that they can display the temperature of the water, in conjunction with a thermometer, and display the time, in conjunction with an internal clock. 
     In the event that the remote control  204  is not available, the control unit may be controlled by the on/off button  122 . The on/off button  122  can be a rubber button that is integrated with the housing, so as to maintain water tightness of the housing  102 . 
     Optionally, the illumination device may also include a charge indicator light  202  which changes between a green and red color. When the power source is running low, the charge indicator light will become red. When the power level is sufficient, the charge indicator will remain green. Preferably, the charge indicator is a 0.200 RG LED which changes from red to green. 
     With reference to  FIG. 3 , the illumination device may be mounted to a surface via a mounting bracket  300 . The mounting bracket  300  includes a plate  302  with a U-shaped bracket  304  mounted thereon. The plate  302  and U-shaped bracket  304  may be formed integrally, or formed separately and then mounted together permanently. Plate  302  allows for the mounting bracket  300  to be connected to a surface, such as a pool surface. Preferably, the mounting bracket  300  is attached to a surface via screws (not shown) which are mounted through a plurality of holes  306 . Alternatively, the mounting bracket  300  may be affixed to a surface via a two-part epoxy. When mounting the illumination device to a wet surface, a two-part epoxy may be used that can be applied underwater. The mounting bracket and plate may be made of a metallic material and can be encapsulated in plastic, rubber, or other suitable water-resistant or wear-resistant material. The mounting disk  126  comes in different sizes to compensate for varying diameters in pools. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the illumination device  100  is mounted onto the mounting bracket  300  by way of the mounting disk  126 . In particular, the mounting disk  126  enters and is supported by the U-shaped bracket  304 , such that the disk rests securely within the U-shaped bracket  304 . In order to remove the illumination device  100  from the mounting bracket  300 , the illumination device  100  and mounting disk  126  is simply moved upward out of the U-shaped bracket. The device can be mounted to the side of any surface using the mounting disk and mounting bracket and/or an underwater epoxy system. For example the illumination device may be mounted to the side of a swimming pool, on a boat or a dock. In addition, the illumination device may be mounted on trees or other surfaces for camping and backyard illumination including landscaping features. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 4-6 , the preferred embodiment of the lens  400  includes a relatively planar front surface  402 . Preferably, the center of the lens is relatively flat, to refract light at various angles, as shown in  FIG. 6 . However, the lens  400  includes a plurality of ridges  404 , which are angled from the front surface  402 . The ridges  404  are shaped so as to emit light at an angle perpendicular to the front surface of the lens  400 , as shown in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of the lens  500  divided in half, showing the landscape of the ridges. The shape of the lens maximizes the light emitted to the pool by directing most of the light rays perpendicular from the front surface so that the light is directed sidewardly. In addition, the front surface or center of the lens remains so as to also emit light downwardly. 
     In one embodiment, the lens is designed to emit the light in downward horizontal directions, in order to keep as much light as possible in the pool. 
     The illumination device of the present invention also includes a restrictor chip or electronic driver that regulates the battery to give only the required amount of milliamps to operate the LED module efficiently. The electronic driver is mounted behind the LED module inside the electronics mount. 
     In another embodiment, the housing  102  may include slots  125  extending through the base. The slots  125  enable the housing to be fastened to a tree, pole, object, magnet, or other surface with a strap. 
     Another embodiment includes a series of small diodes to indicate to a user the temperature of any water that the illumination device is submerged in. The lights indicating the temperature may flash on/off, and may flash at predetermined intervals. They can be controlled by the IR signals. 
     The present device is safe, using rechargeable batteries with no risk of fire or electrocution through external electrical currents. The illumination device of the present invention provides multiple uses for underwater illumination inexpensively. It also offers convenience with remote control access to operations. 
     In another embodiment, which can include all compatible aspects from the previously mentioned embodiments, the solar power aspects, magnetic connecting aspects, and watertight aspects of the system provided are elaborated upon.  FIG. 7  shows a side cross-sectional view of a solar powered light that is watertight. The first outer casing part  602  is configured to connect to the second outer casing part  604 , thereby defining an outer surface that defines an inner open space  618  therein. The first outer casing part  602  and the second outer casing part  604  are connected to one another so that water cannot travel between the inner open space  618  and space outside the light  600 . The second outer casing  604  comprises a part that is at least partially transparent to light (e.g., a lens), thereby allowing light from outside the light  600  into the inner open space  618 . Preferably, the second outer casing  604  is transparent. The connection between the first outer casing part  602  and the second outer casing part  604  can be formed by any known means. However, some of the more preferred are welding, gluing, or epoxy. A preferred method of welding is vibratory welding, however, any method of welding can be used. 
     Inside the light  600  are a number of components as described above. Their positions can vary as needed. A magnet  608  is connected to the light  600 . The magnet  608  can be provided on the inside of the first outer casing part  602 , on the outside of the first outer casing part  602 , or inside/part of the outer casing part  602 . The magnet could also be connected to the bracket  128 . An important factor in the placement of the magnet  608  is that the watertight integrity of the light  600  be maintained. 
     A rechargeable battery is provided in the light  600 , preferably within the open space  618 . However, that battery can be provided anywhere so long as the watertight integrity of the light  600  is maintained. 
     A controller  612  is provided in the light  600 , and is preferably an electronic control board. The controller  612  can be positioned above the magnet  608 . 
     A solar panel  614  is provided in the light  600  and is positioned so as to receive light from the exterior of the light. The solar panel  614  is electrically connected to the battery  610  so that the electricity generated by the solar panel  614  can charge the battery  610 . 
     In one embodiment, when the device is turned on, it may automatically shut back off after a predetermined number of blinks. This can occur when it is recognized that the solar panel  614  is active, i.e., when there is enough light for the solar panel  614  to charge the battery  610 . This is because when the solar panel  614  is active, it is likely light enough that the illumination device will not be necessary. This function can be controlled by the controller  612 . 
     An LED  616  is provided inside the light  600 . The LED  616  can alternatively be numerous LED&#39;s. The LED&#39;s can be configured in any known manner, and controlled by the controller  612  to be turned on/off in any sequence or order. The LED&#39;s can be used to display information by turning on/off in an appropriate order, according to the controller  612 . The LED can receive power from the battery  610 , directly from the solar panel  614 , or from a combination of both. The LED is preferably positioned inside the light  600 , and in the inner open space  618 , above the solar panel  614  so that it is visible through the transparent portion of the second outer casing part  604 . 
     Additionally, the controller  612  can be programmed to turn off the LED&#39;s after a specified period of time. In an illustrative example, the battery  610 , when fully charged, may be able to provide 4-5 hours of run time. If a person forgets to turn the device off, the battery may completely lose its charge. Thus, controller  612  can be programmed to turn the device off after, for example, two hours, in order to preserve battery life. 
     A thermometer can be incorporated in the light  600 . A clock can also be incorporated in the light  600 . The temperature and the time can be displayed with the LED&#39;s in conjunction with the controller. The temperature and time are thus displayed by a combination of digits formed by illuminated LED bulbs. The digits, in one embodiment, can be approximately 2.5 in. high by 1.25 in. wide, each. 
     The magnet  608  can be magnetically connected to a piece of metal, such as a metal plate, thereby securing the metal, and in turn, to what ever structure the piece of metal is connected to. The metal plate can be a disk having, for example, a diameter of approximately 3 in. and a thickness of approximately 0.25 in. Also, the magnet  608  can be magnetically connected to another magnet  609  by magnetic attraction. The magnet  609  can be connected to a surface, preferable a solid surface such as the inside of a pool, or other underwater structure. The magnet  609  can be connected to the structure by epoxy, glue, straps, screws, bolts, brackets, or any other known connecting means. The light  600  can be held in page underwater by connecting the magnet  608  to the magnet  609  by magnetic attraction. 
     The piece of metal to which the magnet  608  may be attached is preferably encapsulated in a coating of plastic, rubber, or other suitable water-resistant and/or wear-resistant material. Encapsulating the piece of metal in such material is useful to deter rusting or other damage to the piece metal. Additionally such a coating may also act as a safety feature to, for example, reduce any sharp edges on the piece of metal. 
     A detector is provided for detecting signals. The signals instruct the controller  612  to perform operations, such as, on/off, display time, temperature, etc., and frequency of display, e.g., flashing at predetermined times. A preferred signal detector detects infra red signals. Alternatively, the detector can detect radio waves, or sound waves. 
     The presently disclosed embodiments are considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope is indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalence thereof are intended to be embraced.