Patent Document

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/142,789, filed on Apr. 29, 2016, which is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/801,458, filed on Jul. 16, 2015, which claims the benefit of the U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/025,344, filed on Jul. 16, 2014. These applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
     FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to lighting devices, and more particularly to an improved landscape lighting apparatus. 
     BACKGROUND 
     U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,641,345 and 8,057,045 to Johnson describes a projection apparatus for generating a moving star field and a cloud-like effect comprises a means for generating a cloud-like effect using at least one non-coherent light source, a means for generating a moving star field using at least one coherent light source and a means for regulating and supplying electric power. The means for generating cloud-like effect using at least one non-coherent light source comprises at least one pair of condenser lenses and an interferential filter wheel rotated by a motor, disposed between at least one pair of condenser lenses. The means for generating the moving star field using a coherent light source comprises a grating wheel rotated by a motor and a diffractive optical element disposed between the at least one coherent light source and the grating wheel. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 8,100,537 to Johnson describes a laser landscape lighting apparatus for use in accent lighting applications for landscapes and outdoor venues. In one embodiment, the laser landscape lighting apparatus includes a coherent light source in combination with a diffractive optical element and optionally a diffraction grating wheel. The diffractive optical element may be, for example, a holographic optical element. In some embodiments, the laser landscape lighting apparatus includes a temperature-controlled integral derivative system. In one application, the laser landscape lighting apparatus may project a static or movable star field. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the present invention can provide a landscape light. The landscape light can include a first laser light source having a first lens and producing a first laser light having a first color, the first lens configured to disperse the first laser light, a second laser light source having a second lens and producing a second laser light having a second color, the second lens configured to disperse the second laser light, and a spotlight producing a background light such that the dispersed first and second laser lights are projected substantially within the background light produced by the spotlight. 
     According to certain exemplary embodiments, the landscape light can further include a third laser light source producing a third laser light, where the third laser light has a third color, with the first, second, and third colors being different. The landscape can also include a laser light effect assembly configured to produce at least one visual effect using at least one of the first and the second laser lights. The visual effect can include at least one of a shimmering effect, a flashing effect, a pulsing effect, a strobing effect, a movement, and a pattern. 
     According to other exemplary embodiments, the landscape light can include a wireless control module configured to provide wireless control of the landscape light, a timer configured to enable control of the landscape light based on operation of the timer, a speaker, and/or a motion sensor configured to enable control of the landscape light based on motion detected by the motion sensor. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention can provide a landscape light including a laser light source producing a laser light, a pattern assembly including at least one pattern generator secured in a path of the laser light such that the laser light passing through the at least one pattern generator is be projected onto a surface in a pattern defined by the at least one pattern generator, and an articulation assembly configured to articulate the laser light on the surface onto which the laser light is being projected. The landscape light can include a second laser light source having a second lens and producing a second laser light. The second laser light can pass through the at least one pattern generator such that the second laser light is projected onto the surface in the pattern defined by the at least one pattern generator, and the articulation assembly can be further configured to articulate the second laser light on the surface onto which the second laser light is being projected. 
     According to certain exemplary embodiments, the landscape light can include a spotlight producing a background light such that the laser light is projected substantially within the background light produced by the spotlight. The landscape light can also include a laser light effect assembly configured to produce at least one visual effect using the laser light. The visual effect can include at least one of a flashing effect, a pulsing effect, and a strobing effect. 
     According to other exemplary embodiments, the landscape light can include a wireless control module configured to provide wireless control of the landscape light, a timer configured to enable control of the landscape light based on operation of the timer, a speaker, and/or a motion sensor configured to enable control of the landscape light based on motion detected by the motion sensor. 
     According to other exemplary embodiments, the at least one pattern generator can include a plurality of pattern generators, each of the plurality of pattern generators defining a different pattern/. Further, the pattern assembly can be further configured to enable positioning any of the plurality of pattern generators in the path of the laser light. 
     Yet another embodiment of the present invention can provide a landscape light including a first laser light source producing a first laser light having a first color, a second laser light source producing a second laser light having a second color, and a pattern generation assembly. The pattern generation assembly can include an interchangeable pattern generation module, and a pattern generation module mounting mechanism configured to releasably mount the interchangeable pattern generation module in a path of the first and second laser lights such that the laser lights passing through the interchangeable pattern generation module are projected onto a surface in a pattern defined by the at least one pattern generator. The landscape light can further include a spotlight producing a background light such that the laser light is projected substantially within the background light produced by the spotlight. The landscape light can also include a laser light effect assembly configured to produce at least one visual effect using the laser light. The visual effect can include at least one of a flashing effect, a pulsing effect, and a strobing effect. 
     According to other exemplary embodiments, the landscape light can include a wireless control module configured to provide wireless control of the landscape light, a timer configured to enable control of the landscape light based on operation of the timer, a speaker, and/or a motion sensor configured to enable control of the landscape light based on motion detected by the motion sensor 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The features and advantages of the present invention can be more readily understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a landscape light apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2A  is a front perspective cutaway view of a landscape light apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2B  is a front cutaway view of a landscape light apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of a landscape light apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4A  is a front perspective view of a landscape light apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4B  is a front perspective detailed view of a landscape light apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4C  is a cross-sectional view of a landscape light apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4D  is a front perspective partially opened view of a landscape light apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a landscape light. Specifically, certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide various new and novel features for a landscape light, such as a landscape light having laser light sources. Landscape lights according to embodiments of the present invention can, for example, be used as interior or exterior festive and/or decorative lighting in connection with holidays such as Christmas, Halloween, etc. Additionally, the landscape lights according to embodiments of the present invention may be used in place of other traditional decorative lighting, such as string lights, etc. Although the embodiments of the present invention are primarily described with respect to a landscape light, it is not limited thereto, and it should be noted that the exemplary apparatus and systems described herein may be used in connection with any lighting apparatus 
       FIG. 1  is an illustration of an exemplary landscape light  10  according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 1 , landscape light  10  can include light sources  14  and  16  and lenses  14   a  and  16   a  housed within light projector housing  12 . Although landscape light  10  is shown in  FIG. 1  having only two light source  14  and  16 , landscape light  10  can include any number and type of light sources. For example, landscape light  10  can include one, two, three, or more light sources. Further, each of the light sources can be any type of light source that can produce the type of light desired, such as, for example, light sources  14  and  16  may include lasers, incandescent bulbs, and/or light emitting diodes (LEDs). Optionally, light sources  14  and  16  can produce lights having the same color. Alternatively, light sources  14  and  16  can produce lights having different colors (e.g., red, green, white, blue, etc.). Further, as shown in  FIG. 1 , landscape light  10  can include lenses  14   a  and  16   a , which can correspond to light sources  14  and  16 , respectively. Lenses  14   a  and  16   a  can include any type of optical element that can manipulate and/or condition the light produced by light sources  14  and  16  in a desired manner. For example, lenses  14   a  and  16   a  can include diffractive features (e.g., diffractive holographic optics) configured to disperse the light generated by light sources  14  and  16  into a plurality of discrete points of light when projected onto a surface. Lenses  14   a  and  16   a  can also scatter the light generated by light sources  14  and  16  so as to lower the power of the light, thereby reducing the potential risk associated with exposure to the light in embodiments where light sources  14  and  16  may include lasers. 
     According to certain embodiments of the present invention, in operation, landscape light  10  can project light produced by light sources  14  and  16  onto a target surface. For example, light produced by light sources  14  and  16  may be manipulated or conditioned by lenses  14   a  and  16   a  and be projected onto a target surface, such as a wall or other structure. In an embodiment where lenses  14   a  and  16   a  include diffractive elements configured to disperse the light generated by light sources  14  and  16 , landscape light may project a plurality of discrete points of light onto the target surface. Landscape light  10  may also include various modes of operation. For example, landscape light  10  may include mode where the lights produced by light sources  14  and  16  can be flashed, strobed, or pulsed at predetermined, or randomized intervals. This may be performed by modulating the power delivered to light sources  14  and  16  in accordance with the desired flashing, pulsing, or strobing pattern. Additionally, landscape light  10  may also a visual effect assembly, which can produce various visual effects using the lights produced by light sources  14  and  16 . For example, visual effect assembly may be configured to produce a shimmering effect of the light, a movement of the light across the target surface, a “raining” effect of the light, etc. Visual effect assembly may also be configured to produce the flashing, pulsing, or strobing pattern of the light in addition to or in place of any power modulation techniques utilized to achieve these effects. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , landscape light  10  can also include mounting bracket  20 , ground stake  22 , and power cord  18 . Power cord  18  can be connected to a power supply or transformer (not illustrated). Optionally, landscape light  10  can include a wireless remote control  30 , which can enable wireless control of landscape light  10 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , ground stake  22  and light projector housing  12  may be rotatably coupled to mounting bracket  20 . This can allow user to aim and adjust the direction of the light produced by landscape light  10 . For example, the angle of light projector housing  12  can be adjusted relative to mounting bracket  20 , and mounting bracket  20  can be rotatably adjusted relative to ground stake  22 . Thus, landscape light  10  can be adjusted in two degrees of freedom to provide nearly a full range of motion of adjustments. This can enable a user, for example, to adjust and aim the light produced by landscape light  10  to be projected on various targets even after it has been staked into the ground. 
     Additionally, landscape light  10  can include a wireless remote control  30  that can enable wireless operation of landscape light  10 . For example, landscape light  10  can include a wireless transmitter/receiver, which can wirelessly communicate with a remote control  30  to enable wireless operation of landscape light  10 . For example, the wireless transmitter/receiver can employ radio frequency (“RF”), Bluetooth, and/or WiFi technology to facilitate wireless communication between landscape light  10  and remote control  30 . According to certain embodiments, landscape light  10  can be wirelessly operated via remote control  30 . For example, remote control  30  can control powering landscape light  10  ON and/or OFF, changing the operation of light sources  14  and  16  (e.g., choosing between having one of light source  14  or  16  in an ON condition or having both light sources  14  and  16  in an ON condition), controlling a visual effect setting (e.g., flashing, movement, shimmering, strobing, etc.), controlling a timer setting, etc. Further remote control  30  can indicate and display the current operating status of landscape light  10  (e.g., whether or not landscape light  10  is ON or OFF and/or the mode of operation). According to certain embodiments, remote control  30  can be implemented via an app on a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet, or via a web-based application on a computer. 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  show cut-away views of an exemplary landscape light  210  having a visual effect assembly  220  and light source  230  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Landscape light  210  shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B  operate similarly to landscape light  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . Further, visual effect assembly  220  can create and/or produce visual effects using the light generated by light source  230 . For example, visual effect assembly  220  can create a flashing, pulsing, or strobing pattern, a shimmering effect, a movement of the light across the target surface, a “raining” effect, etc. According to certain exemplary embodiments, visual effect assembly  220  may include an optical element  222 , which may include any optical features (e.g., holographic elements, diffractive elements, patterns, etc.) that can be used to create the desired visual effect. Further, optical element  222  may be coupled to a motor, or other articulating element, that can cause optical element  222  to be articulated in a defined manner, which when combined with the optical feature of optical element  222 , can create the desired visual effect. As noted herein, visual effect assembly  220  can create a flashing, pulsing, or strobing pattern, a shimmering effect, a movement of the light across the target surface, a “raining” effect, etc. As shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , optical element  222  may include a disk having optical features disposed thereon, which can be rotated in front of light source in the direction of arrow A to create various optical effects as the light generated by light source  230  interacts with rotating optical element  222 . Although visual effect assembly  220  is shown to include a rotating optical wheel, visual effect assembly  220  can include any structure or programming that can enable creating the desired visual effects of the light. 
       FIG. 3  shows an exemplary landscape light  310  according to an embodiment of the present invention. Similarly to landscape light  10  shown in  FIG. 1 , landscape light  310  includes housing  312 , light sources  314  and  316 , and ground stake  322 . Additionally, landscape light  310  includes spotlights  332  and an adjustment mechanism  340 . Spotlights  332  may include any type of light source having sufficient power to illuminate a desired area. For example, spotlights  332  may include light-emitting diodes (LED), halogen bulbs, high-intensity discharge gas lamps, etc., which may illuminate an area in which the light generated by light sources  314  and  316  are projected. For example, spotlights  332  may illuminate a surface such as a wall, and a plurality of discrete points of light generated by light sources  314  and  316  may be projected on the wall within the area of illumination. In operation, spotlights  332  may be configured to be operable in a continuously on state, a flashing mode of operation, varying levels of brightness/intensity, etc. Operation of the spotlights  332  can be in addition to and can augment any visual effects that can be produced/created as described herein. Further, certain visual effects (e.g., flashing, movement, etc.) can be implemented on the light generated by light sources  314  and  316  as well as the light generated by spotlights  332 . 
     Further, as shown in  FIG. 3 , landscape light  310  can include adjustment mechanism  340 . Adjustment mechanism  340  may include any element that facilitates adjustment of housing  312  relative to ground stake  322 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , adjustment mechanism  340  may a securing element  342  and ratcheted teeth  344 . Securing element  342  may enable housing  312  to be releasably secured in a plurality of positions relative to ground stake  322 . Ratcheted teeth  344  may provide engagement mechanisms that define a plurality of positions in which housing  312  can be secured relative to ground stake  344 . 
       FIGS. 4A-4D  show landscape lights  410  and  410   a  including pattern generation assemblies  450  and  450   a , respectively, according to certain embodiments of the present invention. As shown in  FIGS. 4A-4D , landscape lights  410  and  410   a  are similar to landscape light  10 , but include pattern generation assemblies  450  and  450   a . Pattern generation assemblies  450  and  450   a  can create patterns in the light produced by the light sources of landscape lights  410  and  410   a , thereby enabling landscape lights  410  and  410   a  to be project light in specific patterns and shapes. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 4A-4C , pattern generation assembly  450  may include pattern generators  452  mounted on a slide cartridge  454 . Slide cartridge  454  may be configured to be received in cartridge receiving mount  456 . Further, each of pattern generators may include a silhouette or outline of a specific pattern. Alternatively, pattern generators  452  can include any shape, pattern, or optical feature that can be used to obtain any desired visual effect. For example, pattern generators  452  can include shapes such as trees, hearts, angels, snowflakes, butterflies, bells, animals, balloons, jack-o-lanterns, etc. When slide cartridge is installed in housing  412  in receiving mount  456 , slide cartridge  454  positions and secures at least one of pattern generators  452  in the path of the light generated by light sources of landscape light  410 . According to certain exemplary embodiments, slide cartridge  454  may facilitate the mounting of a plurality of pattern generators  452  and slide cartridge  454  may allow a user to select between any of the pattern generators  452  mounted thereon. For example, each of pattern generators  452  may include a different pattern, and slide cartridge  454  and/or pattern generation assembly  450  may include a selector to rotate any of pattern generators  452  in position to be the active pattern generator. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4C , when slide cartridge  454  is installed in housing  412  in receiving mount  456 , light produced by light source  414  can pass through at least one of the pattern generators  452  mounted on slide cartridge  454 . As light from light source  414  passes through pattern generators  452 , the light may be shaped by the pattern defined by pattern generators  452 . Further, slide cartridge  454  and/or pattern generation assembly  450  may include a selection mechanism so that any of pattern generators  452  can be positioned and secured in the path of the light produced by light source  414 . 
       FIG. 4D  shows another exemplary landscape light  410   a  having pattern generation assembly  450   a . As shown in  FIG. 4D , pattern generation assembly  450   a  can include pattern generators  452   a . Pattern generators  452   a  can be positioned in mounting locations  456   a  to secure pattern generators  452   a  in the path of the light generated by landscape light  410 . For example, the mounting of pattern generators  452   a  may include a threaded engagement, a tension mount, a clip mount, or any other mounting mechanisms that can secure pattern generators  452   a  in the path of the light generated by landscape light  410   a . Similar to landscape light  410 , as the light generated by landscape light  410   a  passes through pattern generators  452   a , pattern generators  452   a  can create patterns and shapes as defined by the patterns and/or shapes disposed thereon. Pattern generators  452   a  may include any shape, pattern, or optical feature that can be used to obtain any desired visual effect. For example, pattern generators  452  can include shapes such as trees, hearts, angels, snowflakes, butterflies, bells, animals, balloons, jack-o-lanterns, etc. 
     According to embodiments of the present invention, landscape light  10  can include various other features. For example, landscape light  10  can include a motion sensor to control operation of the light when motion is detected. Additionally, landscape light  10  can include a memory, which can facilitate programming various operating modes of landscape light  10 . This programming can be performed via remote control  30 . Landscape light  10  can further include a speaker, and music and audio can be stored on the memory, which can be played via the speaker. For example, landscape light can include holiday music, scary Halloween sounds, Christmas carols, etc. Further, the lights of landscape light  10  can be choreographed to the audio being played. Additionally, landscape light  10  can include a solar power module, enabling landscape light  10  to be powered by solar energy. 
     The embodiments and examples shown above are illustrative, and many variations can be introduced to them without departing from the spirit of the disclosure or from the scope of the appended claims. For example, elements and/or features of different illustrative and exemplary embodiments herein may be combined with each other and/or substituted with each other within the scope of the disclosure. For a better understanding of the disclosure, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

Technology Category: 5