Patent Publication Number: US-11662083-B2

Title: Modular outdoor light fixture and accessories

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of pending U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 16/003,905 filed on Jun. 8, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/565,301 filed on Sep. 29, 2017, the above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to outdoor lights. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a modular outdoor light fixture comprising a light fixture base with a plurality of light shrouds and base attachments that attach to the base via a quick disconnect mechanism. 
     Decorative outdoor lighting elements are commonly found in both residential and commercial applications to enhance the appearance of a property. As an example, outdoor lights are used to outline a walkway, illuminate a structure or dwelling, and to provide an aesthetically pleasing dimension to a location. As can be appreciated, a variety of lighting elements are known and available for enhancing the appearance of a location. Additionally, outdoor lights are also used to increase safety by illuminating walkways, driveways, and other obstacles that are not readily visible in dark and lowlight conditions. 
     A variety of lighting elements having different design features are known and used in the art. These elements are selected for use based on the area to be illuminated. A non-exhaustive list of commonly used outdoor lighting elements includes hanging lights, up lights, down lights, well lights, path lights, and wash lights. Each of these lighting elements are generally designed for use as a stand-alone product, and do not include a means for converting from one type of light to another. The lack of convertibility means that a consumer is required to replace an entire light fixture or element if a part of it is damaged, or if it is desirable to change from one light type to another, such as, for example, from an up light to a path light. Additionally, light installers are required to carry each type of lighting product in their inventory, which can be prohibitively expensive. 
     The present invention overcomes the problems inherent in conventional outdoor lighting elements by providing a modular light fixture. The device comprises a light shroud, a light fixture base having a first cylindrical housing, a second cylindrical housing, a quick disconnect with a pair of external pins, and a light fixture base supporting attachment that includes a pair of P-shaped channels. The shroud attaches to the first cylindrical housing, and the base attachment attaches to the base via the P-shaped channels and the first and second external pins. The shroud and base attachments can be interchanged as desired for use as a hanging light, an up light, a down light, a well light, a path light, a wash light, or any combination thereof. The device allows for quick and easy conversion of lights from one style to another without requiring an entirely new fixture, enables simple repairs, and lessens the number of items required to be stocked by an installer. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to modular light fixtures. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. These devices generally relate to modular light fixtures for outdoor lighting. The following is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,063,553 B1 (MULLEN) discloses a quick release socket and a quick release base. The quick release socket includes a housing, a light bulb attachment, and two electrical contact posts on the bottom surface of the housing. The quick release base includes two electrical connection slots. The outside of the bottom surface possesses two electrical input posts. Inside the housing, the two electrical connection slots are electrically connected to the two electrical input posts. The two electrical contact posts of the quick release socket and the two electrical contact slots of the quick release base are designed to engage each other and lock together following insertion and rotation of the quick release socket in the quick release base. The quick release socket and the quick release base lock together by rotating the socket with respect to the base. 
     US 2008/0151545 A1 (Brija) discloses an outdoor decorative lighting arrangement and system that includes a lighting fixture comprising a stake, a bulb and shade assembly, and a coupling configuration providing for the attachment and detachment of the bulb and shade assembly to the stake. The shades are also detachable and interchangeable on the lighting fixtures and come in a variety of forms or shapes representing various events, seasons, and holidays, and the shades can incorporate solar panels as the energy source that illuminates the bulbs. The stakes and the bulb and shade assemblies also include quick connect/disconnect interior plugs. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,938,565 B2 (Richard) discloses a lighting assembly and apparatus having a light fixture mounted using a tube and stake assembly, wherein the tube is configured with a male receptacle formed of a pronged plug positioned vertically with the upper end flush with the earth. The stake is configured with a female receptacle containing electrical contacts adapted to receive the pronged plug of the male receptacle. The female receptacle is adapted to have an open end so as to clear debris to the bottom of said stake. 
     US 2014/0119022 A1 (Beausoleil) discloses a landscape lighting system that includes a plurality of interchangeable light diverting elements adapted to be secured over the LED. Each of the light diverting elements has a unique light diversion angle associated therewith, whereby only one of the light diverting elements is secured over the LED at any one time. The landscape lighting system includes a light intensity controller in communication with the LED driver. The light intensity controller includes a control element that enables an operator to selectively increase and decrease the intensity of the light generated by the LED. 
     As can be seen from the above, there is currently no device that includes a light fixture base with a plurality of light shrouds and base attachments that attach to the base via P-shaped channels and first and second external pins. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention overcomes the problems inherent in conventional outdoor lighting elements by providing a modular light fixture. The device comprises a light shroud, a light fixture base having a first cylindrical housing, a second cylindrical housing, a quick disconnect with a pair of external pins, and a light fixture base supporting attachment that includes a pair of P-shaped channels. The shroud attaches to the first cylindrical housing, and the base attachment attaches to the base via the P-shaped channels and the first and second external pins. The shroud and base attachments can be interchanged as desired for use as a hanging light, an up light, a down light, a well light, a path light, a wash light, or any combination thereof. The device allows for quick and easy conversion of lights from one style to another without requiring an entirely new fixture, enables simple repairs, and lessens the number of items required to be stocked by an installer. 
     The present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the prior art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to modular light fixture devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs. 
     Objects of the Invention 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of modular light fixtures now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new modular light fixture wherein the same can be utilized for quick and easy conversion of lights from one style to another without requiring an entirely new fixture. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved modular light fixture device that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a modular light fixture device that allows for quick and easy conversion of lights from one style to another without requiring an entirely new fixture. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a modular light fixture device that includes a means for quickly attaching and detaching light shrouds of varying style. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular light fixture device having a light fixture base with a quick disconnect for quickly attaching and detaching light fixture base supporting attachments. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a modular light fixture device having shroud and base attachments that can be interchanged as desired for use as a hanging light, an up light, a down light, a well light, a path light, a wash light, or any combination thereof. The modular light fixture device may be readily fabricated from materials that permit relative economy and are commensurate with durability. Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout. 
         FIG.  1    shows a side view of the light fixture base. 
         FIG.  2    shows a perspective view of the lower side of the light fixture base. 
         FIG.  3 A  shows an overhead view of the light fixture base. 
         FIG.  3 B  shows an alternate embodiment of the light fixture base with a pair of internal pins. 
         FIG.  4    shows a perspective view of the light bulb adapter. 
         FIG.  5    shows an exploded view of the light fixture base, light bulb adapter, and shroud/lens cover. 
         FIG.  6    shows an exploded view of the light fixture base, a quick disconnect pivot elbow, a conventional light bulb, and various shrouds. 
         FIG.  7    shows an exploded view of a shroud, a top mounted reflector, a light bulb, a light bulb adapter, and a light fixture base. 
         FIG.  8    shows a close-up view of a quick disconnect hanger and the light fixture base. 
         FIG.  9 A  shows a close-up view of a quick disconnect hanger, a light fixture base, and a lens cover. 
         FIG.  9 B  shows a side view of a quick disconnect hanger, a light fixture base, and a lens cover. 
         FIG.  10    shows a close-up view of a quick disconnect pivot elbow attached to a light fixture base. 
         FIG.  11 A  shows a side view of a quick disconnect riser. 
         FIG.  11 B  shows a side view of a quick disconnect ground stake. 
         FIG.  12    shows an exploded view of a shroud/lens cover, an attached light, a light fixture base, a quick disconnect pivot elbow, and a ground stake. 
         FIG.  13 A  shows a side view of a slotted quick disconnect. 
         FIG.  13 B  shows an overhead view of slotted quick disconnect. 
         FIG.  13 C  shows a side view of a slotted locknut. 
         FIG.  14    shows a side view of the slotted disconnect and locknut attached to a prior art threaded ground stake. 
         FIG.  15 A  shows a side view of the female threaded adapter. 
         FIG.  15 B  shows perspective view of the female threaded adapter. 
         FIG.  16 A  shows an exploded view of a first prior art accessory, a female threaded adapter, slotted disconnect, and a second prior accessory. 
         FIG.  16 B  shows an assembled view of a first prior art accessory, a female threaded adapter, slotted disconnect, and a second prior accessory. 
         FIG.  17    shows an exploded view of a path light that includes a lens cover and reflector, a light fixture base, a quick disconnect riser, and a ground stake. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the modular light fixture device. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used as an outdoor light fixture comprising a plurality of accessory components. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1   , there is shown a side view of the light fixture base  11 . The light fixture base  11  comprises a first cylindrical housing  12 , a light shroud retaining lip  13 , a first cylindrical base extension  14 , and a light shroud weather seal  15 . The lower portion of the fixture base  11  further comprises a second cylindrical housing  16 , a second cylindrical base extension  17 , and a quick disconnect comprising a pair of external pins  18 , and a spacer  20 . The interior of the fixture base  11  includes components (not shown) to illuminate a lightbulb when connected to a standard power source. Such components are known and well understood in the art. As will be shown below, the light fixture base  11  is designed to accept a light shroud and a light fixture base attachment. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  2   , there is shown a perspective view of the lower side of the light fixture base  11 . The lower portion of the fixture base  11  includes a second cylindrical housing  16 , a second cylindrical base extension  17 , and a quick disconnect comprising a pair of external pins  18 , and a spacer  20 . The external pins  18  mate with a plurality of base supporting attachments, which will be shown in greater detail below. The base supporting attachments attach to the base  11  with a twist-lock friction fit mechanism, enabling the attachments to be quickly added or removed as desired. The various attachments enable a single light fixture base  11  to be used in a variety of outdoor lighting applications. A non-exhaustive list of light types that can be created with the light fixture base  11  include a hanging light, an up light, a down light, a well light, a path light, and/or a wash light. As can be appreciated, the base  11  and the attachments/accessories can be interchanged to convert the light from one type to another, such as, for example, from a hanging light to a path light. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  3 A , there is shown a perspective overhead view of the light fixture base  11 . The interior of the base  11  comprises an interior member  32  and an exterior member. In some embodiments, the interior member  32  and the exterior member form inner circle and outer circles. The outer circle is formed by the first cylindrical base extension  14 . The inner circle  32  is designed to support a conventional lightbulb. Also visible in this view is the channel  31  that extends through the first cylindrical base extension  14  to enable wires and other components to be fitted into the base  11 . The first cylindrical base extension  14  and light shroud weather seal  15  are designed to enable friction fitting of a shroud or lens covers, which will be discussed in further detail below. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  3 B , there is shown a perspective overhead view of an alternate embodiment of the light fixture base  11  with a pair of internal pins  33 . The upper portion of the base  11  includes a pair of internal pins  33  that are designed to mate with a plurality of shrouds or lens covers via a twist-lock friction fit mechanism. The shroud/lens is designed to friction fit inside the first cylindrical base extension  14  of the base  11 , and to rest on the shroud floor  35 . As will be shown in greater detail below, the shroud/lens cover includes a pair of notches for mating with the internal pins  33 , wherein the shroud/lens is twisted in such a manner as to lock the shroud/lens to the pins  33 , thereby preventing it from being inadvertently removed. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  4   , there is shown a perspective view of the light bulb adapter  41 . The light bulb adapter  41  mates with the inner circle  32  as shown in  FIG.  3 B  via an outer snap ring  42 . The outer snap ring  42  comprises a female channel  43  that mates with a male channel  36  on the inner circle  32 , as shown in  FIG.  3 B . When pressed together, the light bulb adapter  41  snaps onto the inner circle  32  and is retained securely in position. The light bulb adapter  41  further includes a pair of bulb holding arms  44  that are adapted to hold a variety of outdoor light bulbs. As can be appreciated, conventional outdoor light fixtures are designed to accept one standard type of base, for example a G-4. This means that a completely different base is required for applications where a bulb having a different base, such as a MR-16 base is desirable. The light bulb adapter  41  of the present invention overcomes this limitation by enabling use of a single base with bulbs having different bases, such as MR-16, G-4, MR-8, or MR-11 bases. 
     The light bulb adapter  41  further includes a pair of indentations  45  in the bulb holding arms  44  that enable a user to insert and remove a bulb (not shown) as desired. The arms  44  further include two sets of shelves  46  that aid in holding the bulb in position. The bulb rests between the bulb holding arms  44  to allow the anode and cathode leads to make contact with the socket within the base  11 , such that when electrical energy is applied to the base bulb holding arms  44 , the bulb is illuminated. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  5   , there is shown an exploded view of the light fixture base  11 , light bulb adapter  41 , and shroud  51 . As a non-limiting example of how the components of the present invention work together to create a modular lighting assembly, a base  11 , adapter  41 , and cover  51  are shown. As described above, the light bulb adapter  41  comprises an outer snap ring  42  with a female channel  43  that mates with a male channel  36  on the inner circle  32  of the base  11 , such that when the components are pressed together, the adapter  41  snaps onto the inner circle  32  and is retained securely in position. The shroud  51  is designed to fit over the light shroud retaining lip  13 , a first cylindrical base extension  14 , and a light shroud weather seal  15 , such that the interior of the shroud  51  is flush with the first cylindrical housing  12  and over the light shroud weather seal  15 , and is retained in position via friction. The shroud  51  is pressed onto the base  11  until the shroud  51  makes contact with the light shroud base  11  and is flush with the first cylindrical housing  12 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  6   , there is shown an exploded view of the light fixture base  11 , a quick disconnect pivot elbow  61 , a conventional light bulb  62 , and various shrouds  63 ,  64 . The light fixture base  11  is designed to accept a plurality of light fixture base attachments on a first end, and a plurality of shroud/lens covers on a second end. As a non-limiting example, the base  11  can be utilized with a quick disconnect pivot elbow  61 . The elbow  61  enables a user to quickly adjust the direction of the light with a screw  65  that can be loosed to make adjustments and tightened to secure the device in position. In place of the light bulb adapter  41  as shown in  FIG.  4   , the inner circle  32  can be constructed in a size that retains the light bulb  62  in place when installed therein. The spring  66  applies pressure between the bulb  62  and the base  11  for ease of removal. 
     The removable shroud enables the base  11  to be used in a variety of lighting applications. As non-limiting examples, the base  11  can accept a directional/up light shroud  64  or an area/path light shroud  63 . Examples of other shroud types include a wall wash light or a top mounted reflector. As can be appreciated, the directional/up light  64  includes an opaque cylinder with an angled top  67  and a diffuser  68 . In this application, light travels through the diffuser  68  and the angled top  67  to illuminate the desired area. The area/path light shroud  63  can include a solid top and cylinder  69 , and is preferably constructed of a transparent, semitransparent, or translucent material. In this application, light travels through the transparent, semitransparent, or translucent portion of the shroud to provide illumination. Alternately, the cylinder  69  can be constructed of a transparent, semitransparent, or translucent material. In this application, light travels through all sides of the shroud  63  to illuminate the desired area. Regardless of design, each shroud  63 ,  64  are designed to fit over the light shroud retaining lip  13 , first cylindrical base extension  14 , and a light shroud weather seal  15 , such that the interior of the shroud  63 ,  64  rests against the light shroud retaining lip  13 , and light shroud weather seal  15 , and is retained in position via friction. Alternatively, the shrouds  63 ,  64  can be constructed with a pair of lower channels for attachment to the internal pins, as described below. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  7   , there is shown an exploded view of a shroud  71 , a top mounted reflector  72 , a light bulb  73 , a light bulb adapter  41 , and a light fixture base  11 . In this embodiment, the shroud  71  attaches to the base  11  via a pair of lower channels  74  that mate with the pins  33  as shown in  FIG.  3 B  within the base  11 . In this application, the shroud  71  additionally includes a pair of upper channels  75  that mate with a pair of internal pins (not shown) on the interior of the top mounted reflector  72 . The addition of the upper channels  75  enables a user to quickly change reflectors, thereby providing for an easy means of altering the aesthetics of the light. As can be appreciated, a user can remove and add various reflectors to decorate for holidays or to direct lighting from one area to another. Alternatively, the shroud  71  can be constructed without the lower channels  74  and can be used in a friction fit matter as described above. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  8   , there is shown a close-up view of a quick disconnect hanger  81  and a light fixture base  11 . In this embodiment, the device is designed to function as a conventional outdoor hanging light, which is well known and understood in the art. As shown, the base  11  functions with a quick disconnect hanger  81 , and attaches to the external pins  18  via a pair of slots  82  in the hanger  81 . In the preferred embodiment, the slots  82  comprise a P-shaped channel. The hanger  81  attaches to the base  11  with a twist-lock mechanism, enabling the hanger  81  to be quickly added or removed as desired. The loop  83  on the hanger  81  enables the device to be quickly attached and detached from any desired location. As can be appreciated, the loop  83  can be solid, or can open and close via a spring mechanism. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  9 A-B , the quick disconnect hanger  81 , light fixture base  11 , and lens cover  91  are illustrated. As discussed above, the base  11  can be utilized with a quick disconnect hanger  81  to function as a hanging light. The hanger  81  attaches to the external pins  18  as shown in  FIG.  8   . via a pair of slots  82  in the hanger  81 . In the previous examples, the base  11  was oriented such that the first cylindrical housing  12  is oriented upwards and the second cylindrical housing  16  is oriented downward. As shown here, the base  11  can be oriented in any desired direction. The lens cover  91  secures in position over the base  11  as described above in order to provide the desired lighting effect. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  10   , there is shown a close-up view of a quick disconnect pivot elbow  61  attached to the light fixture base  11 . The elbow  61  enables a user to quickly adjust the direction of the light with a screw  65  that can be loosed to make adjustments and tightened to secure the device in position. The end of the elbow  61  that attaches to the base  11  resembles the hanger  81  in  FIG.  8    and includes a slot attached to the external pins of the base. The end of the elbow  61  furthest from the base  11  includes a pair of external pins  91 . The pins  91  enable the elbow  61  to mate with a variety of attachments. As a non-limiting example, the elbow  61  can mate with a hanger  81  as shown in  FIG.  8   , a quick disconnect riser  111  as shown in  FIG.  11 A , a ground stake  121  as shown in  FIG.  11 B , or a threaded base  131  as shown in  FIG.  13 A . Alternatively, instead of pins  91 , the end of the elbow  61  furthest from the base  11  can include ½″ threads that are standardized in the industry. 
     The elbow  61  includes a pivoting joint  93  that enables the angle of the elbow  61  to be adjusted as desired. The joint  93  can include a threaded adapter, such as a screw  65  that enables the angle of the elbow  61  to be locked in position. Alternately, the joint  93  can include internal teeth that retain the desired angle, a tightening mechanism, or any other means for adjusting the angle thereof. The joint  93  enables a user to quickly adjust the direction of the light, while the screw  65  or teeth/tightening mechanism lock the elbow  61  at the desired angle, which prevents the need for constant readjustment. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  11 A , there is shown a side view of a quick disconnect riser  111 . The riser  111  is preferably used to increase the height of the light. The riser  111  preferably includes a pair of slots  112  at a first end and a pair of external pins  114  at a second end. As can be appreciated, the slots  112  can mate with the external pins  18  on the base  11  as shown in  FIG.  1   . The function of the riser  111  is to increase the length of the light system. As a non-limiting example, the riser  111  can mate with a hanger  81  as shown in  FIG.  8   , a quick disconnect riser  111  as shown in  FIG.  11 A , a ground stake  121  as shown in  FIG.  11 B , or a threaded base  131  as shown in  FIG.  13 A . As can be appreciated, the riser  111  can be constructed in any length that is desirable, preferably from 1 to 24 inches in length. The modularity provided by the riser  111  enables an installer to quickly adjust the height of the light for aesthetics or to ensure proper illumination of an area. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  11 B , there is shown a side view of a quick disconnect ground stake  121 . The stake  121  includes a pair of slots  122  that provide a means for attaching a light fixture base thereto. The ground stake  121  can be of any desired length and can be constructed from a variety of materials. As can be appreciated, the stake  121  can be inserted into the ground and a base can be attached thereto. The head  123  of the base can be constructed as a solid piece or can be attached via a rotating connection. By enabling rotation of the head  123 , a user can position the slots  122  such that an attached light provides illumination in a desired direction or location. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  12   , there is shown an exploded view of a shroud/lens cover  64 , attached light bulb  62 , a light fixture base  11 , a quick disconnect pivot elbow  61 , and a ground stake  121 . Shown here is an example of how the various components can be used to create an outdoor light fixture. A directional/up light shroud  64  attaches to the base  11  as described above. The light bulb  62  is secured within the base  11  and between the shroud  64  and base  11 . The quick disconnect pivot elbow  61  is attached to the base  11  to enable the shroud  64 , light bulb  62 , and base  11  to be moved in a desired direction. The final component in this example is the ground stake  121  that enables the light fixture to be installed in the ground. As can be appreciated, any shroud or base component can be used in place of the directional/up light shroud  64  or ground stake  121 . Additionally, the light bulb adapter  41  as shown in  FIG.  4    can be used in place of the conventional light bulb  62 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  13 A-B , there is shown a side view and an overhead view of a slotted quick disconnect  131 . The slotted quick disconnect  131  comprises a pair of slots  132 ,  133  for attachment to the base  11 , as shown in  FIG.  1   . The slotted disconnect  131  further comprises a slot  134  that extends the length of the disconnect  131 . The slot  134  provides an internal channel for running electrical wires, as will be shown below. The disconnect  131  also utilizes ½″ male threads  135 , which are a standard size in the industry. The base  11  attaches to the disconnect  131  via the slots  132 ,  133 , as described above, while the threads  135  provide for attachment to currently existing brackets and accessories that include ½″ female threads. The slotted disconnect  131  provides a simple means of integrating the base  11  and other components of the present invention with existing lighting applications for seamless installation. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  13 C , there is shown a side view of a slotted locknut  136 . The locknut  136  threads onto the male threads  135  of the slotted disconnect  131  as shown in  FIGS.  13 A-B . The locknut  136  resembles a conventional locknut, but includes a slot  137  for enabling a user to insert or remove wiring from the device. When the locknut  136  is attached to the slotted disconnect  131 , the slot  137  is aligned with the slot  134  to create a channel for inserting wiring. The locknut  136  can then be rotated about the threads  135  such that a solid section of the locknut  136  covers the slot  134  to prevent the wiring from being removed. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  14   , there is shown a side view of a slotted disconnect  131  and locknut  136  attached to a prior art threaded ground stake  141 . As shown, the slotted disconnect  131  can thread into an existing accessory, such as prior art threaded ground stake  141 . The locknut  136  threads between the disconnect  131  and ground stake  141 . The slot  134  in the disconnect  131  and the slot  137  in the locknut  136  can be aligned to create a channel  142  that extends from the disconnect  136  to the ground stake  141 . The channel  142  enables the insertion or removal of electrical wiring  143  therein. As can be appreciated, the channel  142  protects the wire  143  from exposure to the elements. Once the wire  143  is inserted into the channel  142 , the locknut  136  can be rotated so that the slot  137  closes the channel  142  and prevents the wire  143  from being inadvertently removed. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  15 A-B , there is shown a side view and a perspective view of a female threaded adapter  151 . The female threaded adapter  151  threads onto any conventional lighting component that is known in the art. The purpose of the adapter  151  is to convert the light component into a quick disconnect, thereby enabling the existing light component to function with the various bases and attachments of the present invention. The adapter  151  utilizes internal or female ½″ threads  154  that are standardized throughout the outdoor lighting industry. By using a standard threading, the adapter  151  can be easily attached to or removed from the conventional light. The pins  152  enable the adapter and conventional light fixture to function with the hanger, quick disconnect pivot elbow, ground stake, or any other desired component in the system. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  16 A-B , there is shown an exploded view and an assembled view of a first prior art accessory  161 , a female threaded adapter  151 , slotted quick disconnect  131 , and a second prior accessory  162 . The female threaded adapter  151  and slotted quick disconnect  131  can be used to convert prior art conventional lighting components into quick disconnects. As shown, the slotted quick disconnect  131  can attach to any prior art accessory having ½″ female threads, while the female threaded adapter  151  can be used with any component having ½″ male threads. The slot  133  in the slotted disconnect  131  mates with the pins  152  on the female adapter  151  to enable quick assembly and disassembly of the components. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  17   , there is shown an exploded view of a path light that includes a lens cover and reflector  171 , a light fixture base  172 , a quick disconnect riser  173 , and a ground stake  174 . In this example, the light fixture base  172  is utilized with a lens cover and two base supporting attachments. As shown, the lens cover and reflector  171  attach to the base  173  on one end, while the quick disconnect riser  173 , and ground stake  174  are attached on the other end. This combination provides additional height to the base  172 , which can be advantageous in certain applications. Alternately, a quick disconnect pivot elbow could be substituted for the riser  173 , or the base  172  can be attached directly to the ground stake  174 . 
     The modular outdoor light fixture of the present invention is constructed from materials that are adapted to outdoor environmental factors, including sun, water, snow, wind, dirt, and the like. The components of the present invention can be constructed from plastics, PVC material, brass, a low-conductive metal such as aluminum, and/or a combination thereof. The aesthetic features of the present invention can be modified without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined herein. The components may be round, oval, triangular, square, rectangular, or the like. The components can also be constructed in any desired shape, size, and/or color. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 
     It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
     Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.