AU2004203873B2 - Underwater lighting devices - Google Patents

Description

P/00/011 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

ORIGINAL

TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT Name of Applicant: Actual Inventor: Address for Service: DOUGLAS GRAEME KERSEY DOUGLAS GRAEME KERSEY JOHN R.G. GARDNER Suite 398 Albert Avenue, BROADBEACH QLD 4218 Invention title: UNDERWATER LIGHTING DEVICES Details of Associated Provisional Applications No: 2003904238 filed 12 August 2003 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it know to me:- 2

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O UNDERWATER LIGHTING DEVICES TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to lighting devices, and in a particular but not exclusive aspect to underwater lighting devices for use in swimming or spa pools to illuminate the volume of water in a swimming or spa pool. The lighting devices of the invention however may also be used in other applications where a light source is required 00 for use in or in close proximity to water such as in fountains or water features.

OBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Most commonly, existing light assemblies used in underwater installations such as swimming pools use high wattage globes (up to 150 Watt) which are contained in a sealed housing. The globes which are used require replacement at regular intervals.

Replacement of the globes is often a difficult task as it is necessary to remove the assembly from the underwater location, open the sealed housing to enable the globe to be removed and replaced, and then reseal the housing. Usually each light assembly is supplied with current from a separate transformer. Furthen-rmore, the known light assemblies are usually installed in the wall of a pool or other water container with wiring for supply of current to the light assemblies provided through dedicated conduits which penetrate the wall of the pool or other water container. Provision for these forms of light assemblies is therefore required to be made at the time of construction of a pool or other water container.

It is common also for light assemblies to be used in systems for illumination flowing water to provide a pleasing and attractive appearance to the observer. These systems may be used in connection with swimming or spa pools such as in bubblers or sprayers or in fountains or other water features. In these systems, the light sources are usually located separately and remote from the water outlets which necessitates separate installation of the plumbing system for supplying water to the water outlets and the electrical system for supplying the light sources. Consequently, these systems tend to be relatively expensive both in capital costs and installation costs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention aims to provide an improved lighting device which overcomes or at least alleviates one or more of the above disadvantages. In one particular aspect, the present invention aim to provide an underwater lighting device for use in swimming pools, spa pools or in any other underwater application. Other objects and O advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description.

The present invention thus provides in one aspect, an underwater lighting device for use with a liquid container of the type in which at least one return line is provided for returning water to said liquid container, said lighting device including a main support body supporting one or more light sources, locating means adapted for cooperation with said return line to locate said lighting device relative to said return line, said support body 00 having one or more liquid outlets through which water flowing through said return line in Cuse can return to said liquid container, and a supply wire or cable for supplying current to said one or more light sources, said wire or cable extending at least partly in use along said return line for connected to a power supply externally of said return line.

The liquid container may be a swimming pool, spa, pond such as a fish pond, a water fountain, fish tank or any other form of liquid container, the contents of which are required to be illuminated. Thus the term "liquid container" as used throughout the description and claims includes all the aforementioned forms of liquid container.

The locating means in one form may comprise engagement means which are suitably frictionally engageable with the return line whereby the lighting device can be installed into or removed from the return line. In an alternative arrangement, the locating means may be attached to the return line by any suitable attaching means. The attaching means may comprise adhesive means such as a solvent adhesive or alternatively may comprise a fastener or fasteners or screw threads.

Most preferably, the main support body has a liquid outlet or outlets for flow of water from the return line to the water container. The main support body may comprise a known pool return fitting such as an eyeball fitting or "letterbox" fitting and the locating means may comprise a spigot formed integrally with or fixed to the main body. The spigot is suitably of hollow tubular form and defines a flow passage for communicating water from the return line to the liquid outlet or outlets.

The main support body suitably has a front face and the light source is on the front face. Suitably the light source comprises at least one solid state light emitting device such as a light emitting diode (LED). The light source most preferably comprise a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged in any suitable array. The array may comprise an array in which the LEDs are arranged in one or more rows, along a circular path, in combinations of rows or in circles or in any other configuration.

The one or more light sources in an alternative embodiment may comprise one or 0 more incandescent light sources or gas tubes.

The devices of the present invention allows for easy installation of lights in an existing body of water without the need to empty the vessel or container, drill holes or trench for conduits. Further, the devices of the present invention provides for the safe and easy decorative illumination of fish ponds, water fountains, fish tanks and the like.

Where solid state light sources such as LEDs are used, the need to provide a 0 transformer for every light installed can be eliminated thereby resulting in a cost saving.

OSold state light sources emit a soft glow to the water, rather than a strong point of light, Sand as the light assemblies can be left on for long periods without detrimental effect to themselves, they can act as a safety feature by illuminating the body of water, even when all external lighting has been extinguished The lighting devices in the preferred fonrm utilise low voltage and minimum current draw to operate and depending on size of the transfonrmer or battery, multiple light assemblies can be lit from the one power source.

The lighting devices of the present invention may be used as a stand-alone standard illumination device for new pools and the like. Installation is easier than existing lights, only requiring a standard sized pipe to be installed in the wall and a conduit returning to the power source.

In some embodiments, the underwater lighting devices may provide localised lighting from within a body of water and at the same time allow water to return to the body of water. When applied to existing plumbing such as pool return lines, the need for additional holes to be drilled through the wall of the vessel or container is eliminated, thereby eliminating an additional source of possible leaking.

The lighting devices of the present invention although particularly suitable for use underwater, can be used anywhere to provide a waterproof light source for any application. A typical application is in fountains or other water features, garden lights which incorporate water sprays or flowing water or waterfalls.

The fluid flow outlet may include a fixed fluid flow outlet or an adjustable fluid flow outlet. The fixed fluid outlet may be defined by one or more openings. The one or more openings may be formned or defined in the main body. The adjustable fluid flow outlet may be adjusted to vary the direction of fluid flow from the lighting device. The adjustable fluid flow outlet may comprise an eyeball.

The lighting device may include mounting means for mounting the main body to a wall such as a wall of a liquid container for example an above ground pool. The mounting means may comprise a threaded spigot which may be passed through an opening in the wall secured thereto by a nut. Alternatively, other mounting means may be provided for mounting the main body on a wall. The threaded spigot suitably is hollow and comprises the locating means adapted for location relative to and for connection to the return line.

0 Preferably where more than one light emitting device is provided, they are Oarranged around the fluid flow outlet or outlets. Preferably the light emitting devices are provides at a circumferential spacing around the fluid flow outlets. The main body may include a front wall having a plurality of openings therein through which respective light emitting diodes project. The front wall of the main body may comprise a wall of a radially extending flange or channel to which the light emitting devices are mounted.

The channel may include therein a suitable waterproof sealing material to seal the electrical connections to the light emitting diodes.

In an other aspect, the present invention provides a lighting assembly for a swimming or spa pool in which at least one water return line is provided in a wall of said pool for returning water to said pool, said lighting assembly including at least one lighting device, said lighting device having a main support body supporting one or more light sources, locating means adapted for frictional engagement with said return line to locate said lighting device within said pool, said support body having one or more liquid outlets through which water flowing through said return line can return to said pool, and a power supply wire or cable for supplying current to said one or more light sources, said power supply wire or cable extending at least partly along said return line for connection to a power supply externally of said return line.

The locating means suitably comprises a hollow spigot extending from the main support body and adapted to be received within the return line. The main body suitably has a front face and the one or more light sources comprise one or more light emitting diodes located in respective openings in the front face. The one or more liquid outlets may comprise a liquid outlet arranged centrally of the main body In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a lighting assembly for use with a liquid flow line, said lighting assembly including a lighting device having a main support body supporting one or more light sources, locating means adapted for frictional engagement with an end of said fluid flow line to locate said lighting device relative to said liquid flow line, said support body having one or more liquid outlets for flow of Sliquid from said liquid flow line, and a power supply wire or cable for supplying current to said one or more light sources extending at least partly along said liquid flow line for Sconnection to a power supply externally of said liquid flow line.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Cc Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate 00 preferred embodiments of the invention and wherein: Fig. 1 is a front elevation of one embodiment of lighting device of the present invention; 1 0 Fig 2 is a cross section of the lighting device of Fig. 1 taken along the line A A and located in a pool wall; Fig. 3 is a front elevation of another embodiment of lighting device of the present invention; Fig. 4 is a cross section of the lighting device of Fig. 3 taken along line B B and located in a pool wall; Fig. 5 illustrates in front elevation a further embodiment of lighting device of the invention; Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the lighting device of Fig. 5 along lines D-D; Fig. 7 is a rear elevation of the lighting device of Figs. 5 and 6; Fig. 8 is a schemrnatic plan view illustrating the general manner in which the light assemblies are installed in a pool; Fig. 9 illustrates schematically the manner in which a single lighting device may be installed in a pool water return line; Fig. 10 illustrates an alternative installation method for the lighting device in a pool; Fig. 11 illustrates a lighting device for use in above ground pools or similar applications; Fig. 12 illustrates the manner in which the lighting device of Fig. I 1 is supported to a pool wall or the like; and Fig. 13 is a sectional view of a lighting device designed for use in water features such as fountains, sprayers or the like.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring firstly to Figs. I and 2, there is shown one embodiment of underwater light/water return device 10 according to the present invention which is designed for submerged placement in a body of water such as a swimming pool having a side wall 11 typically formed of concrete and having a pool return line 12 for returning water from a filter to the pool, the return line 12 normally comprising a PVC plastics pipe and being embedded within the pool wall 11 during construction of the pool.

C€ The underwater light/water return device 10 includes a light assembly 13 00 comprising a printed circuit board 14 on which are mounted a plurality of light emitting Sdiodes (LEDs) 15 arranged in an array in this case of three rows. A waterproof compound 16 such as rubber, epoxy resin or other material encapsulates the bases of the light emitting diodes 15 and is encircled by a retaining ring 17 formed of PVC or a similar material.

The light assembly 13 is mounted on to the front wall or flange 18 of a 'letterbox' pool return fitting 19 having a pool water return outlet 20 therethrough. The light assembly may be mounted to the wall 18 by means of solvent welding, by adhesives or other connection method or alternatively, a housing for the light assembly 13 may be injection moulded with the return fitting 19. Alternatively a separate housing for the light assembly 13 may be injection moulded and mounted in any suitable manner to the front wall or flange 18. The pool return fitting 12 includes as is conventional, a spigot 21 adapted for a push fit into, for frictional engagement, with the pool return line 12.

A power supply cord 22 for supply of current to the light assembly 13 is passed through a hole 23 drilled or formed the front wall 18 of the pool return fitting 12 prior to the affixing of the light assembly 13 to the wall 18 and is connected to the light emitting diodes 15 which are arranged in parallel with each other. The power cord 22 passes along the pool return line 11 for connection to a power supply usually an above ground power supply. The power cord 22 may pass out of the return line 12 through a suitable gland or other means which seal the cord to the return line 12 to prevent escape of water from the return line 12.

It will be apparent that the attachment of the light assembly 13 to the pool return fitting 19 does not interfere with the operation of the fitting 19 as it still allows water to flow out of the fitting 19 through the outlet 20 as indicated by the arrow X whilst at the same time, the fitting 19 provides a convenient means for mounting of the light assembly 13 to the return line 12. A convenient means is also provided for supplying current to the light assembly 13 via the power cord 22 located within and passing along the return line 8 12 without the necessity of using separate conduits or other wiring externally or Sinternally of the pool.

Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, there is shown another embodiment of the underwater Slight/ pool return device 23 of the present invention in which similar components to the components of the embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2 have been given like numerals. As Mc, shown in Fig. 3, the underwater light/water return device 23 comprises in this case, an 00 outlet fitting 24 comprising a "safety suction" fitting provided with water inlet/outlets e¢3 around its periphery which comprise a series of open vents moulded around the entire, or partial, edge of the fitting 24 and which is used in this case as a pool water return fitting.

The fitting 24 additionally includes a spigot 26 adapted for a push fit into and frictional engagement with a pool return line 12 embedded in the pool wall 11. The fitting 24 additionally includes a detachable front wall or face plate 27 secured to the main body of the fitting 24 by screws 28.

As before, an underwater light assembly 13 on the device 23 includes a printed circuit board 14 on which are mounted an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) encircled by a PVC or similar retaining ring 17, and encapsulated in a waterproof compound 16 of rubber, epoxy resin or other material.

The light assembly 13 is mounted on to the front wall or face plate 27 of the pool fitting 24 by means of solvent welding, injection moulding or adhesives. A power supply cord 22 is threaded through a hole 29 drilled or fonred in the front wall 27 of the return fitting 23 prior to the affixing of the light assembly 13 to the wall 27. The power cord 22 is connected to the light emitting diodes 15 which are arranged in parallel with each other.

As in the embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2, when the fitting 24 is frictionally engaged with the pool return line 12, the attachment of the light assembly 13 to the fitting 24 does not interfere with the operation of the fitting 24 as it still allows water to flow in any direction out of the fitting 24 through the outlets 25 as indicated by the arrow Y in Fig. 4.

The power supply for the light assemblies 13 in the above embodiments to which the power cord 22 is connected is preferably mains power via a transformer or transformers. The light assemblies 13 however may be battery powered. In the illustrated embodiments, the light assemblies 13 have a power consumption of approximately 200 milliwatts whilst the light emitting diodes 15 have a life expectancy in excess of 50000 hours. Thus changes of light emitting diodes 15 are not required for many years. Further the light assemblies are capable of operating on standard lead acid or (Ni Sany other rechargeable battery for hundreds of hours before recharging is necessary.

Referring now to Figs. 5 to 7 there is illustrated a further embodiment of Sunderwater light/water return device 43 according to the invention comprising an eyeball type water return fitting 44 having an outer housing 45 in which an eyeball 46 is mounted for rotation in a range of directions and which includes a spigot 47 for push fit mounting 00 of the fitting 44 in a pool return line. The housing 45 includes an outer front flange 48 Swhich terminates at its outer edge in a return flange or skirt 49 such as to define a channel on the rear side of the flange 48.

The front flange 48 is provided with a plurality of apertures 51 in this case four apertures circumferentially spaced around the flange 48 through which respective light emitting diodes 51 project, the light emitting diodes 51 being mounted on an annular printed circuit board 53. A power supply cord or cable 54 is connected to the light emitting diodes 52 which are arranged in parallel. The spigot 47 of the return fitting 44 includes a thickened wall portion 55 having a bore 56 extending in an axial direction therealong through which the cable 54 may pass for connection to the light emitting diodes 52. The channel 50 is filled with a waterproofing compound 57 such as an epoxy resin or rubber which encapsulates the printed circuit board 53 to seal the circuit board and electrical connections from entry of water.

As shown in Fig. 8, the devices 43 are typically installed in the pool return outlets 58 which penetrate the wall 59 of a pool 60, the return outlets 58 typically being PVC pipes and being connected to a common pool return line 61 which is connected to the pool filtering apparatus (not shown). A single power supply cable 62 passes along the pool return line 58 and is connected to one of the devices 43 with connecting cables 63 connected between adjacent devices 43.

For installation purposes and as shown in Fig. 9, the return line 61 is severed adjacent the pool pump and a T-section fitting 64 fitted to the line 61. The cable 62 connected to a lighting device 43 is passed along the line 61 and out through the leg 65 of the T- fitting 64. An end cap or plug 66 is engageable with the T-section leg 65 and has an opening 67 for receipt of a gland assembly 68 through which the cable 62 is passed.

Thus when the cap or plug 66 is sealed to the leg 65 of the T-section 64, water is prevented from escaping through the T-section leg 65. Although only one gland assembly 68 is shown in Fig. 11, a number of gland assemblies 68 may be provided in the end cap 66 for respective cables 62 connected to different lighting devices 43. The Scable or cables 62 are then connected to a suitable power supply such as mains power through a transformer or a battery supply. The above method of installation is Sparticularly suited for installation of the lighting devices 43 where the pool 60 is an existing in-ground pool.

Cc In an alternative method of installation as illustrated in Fig. 10 which is 00 particularly suited to installation of lighting devices 43 in a pool during the construction Sthereof or where access to the return line adjacent the pool wall is available, a T-section fitting 69 is installed in the pool return line 70 adjacent to the pool wall 71. In this case, the cable 62 passes out of the leg 72 of the T-section 69 and through a gland assembly 73 mounted on an end cap 74 sealed to the leg 72 in a similar manner to that described with reference to Fig. 9. The cable 62 may then be fed to the surface in the earth for connection to the power supply. Alternatively, the cable 62 may be located within a conduit for passage to the surface.

It will be appreciated that the lighting devices described in the above embodiments may be of many different designs and either powered remotely from a battery or mains power supply by a supply line or cable.

The above lighting devices are described in association with in-ground swimming or spa pools. The lighting devices may also be adapted for use with above -ground pools as shown in the embodiment of Figs. 11 and 12. The lighting device 95 in this case is similar to the embodiment of Figs. 5 to 7 having a housing 96 supporting an eyeball 97 defining a fluid outlet and which carries light emitting diodes 98 spaced circumferentially around the eyeball 97. The housing 96 also includes a front flange 99 and a hollow externally threaded spigot 100 for threaded engagement by a flanged nut 101. A cable 102 is provided to supply power to the light emitting diodes 98.

For installation in an above ground pool (or for mounting on any other wall) and as shown in Fig. 12, the wall 103 is provided with an opening 104 through which the spigot 100 can project for threaded engagement by the nut 101 to clamp the lighting device 95 to the wall 103. An annular seal 105 may be provided between the nut 101 and wall 103.

The spigot 100 is then connected to a return line (shown in dotted outline) to the pool and the supply cable 102 may be passed along the return line in the manner described above in relation to in-ground pools for connection to a power supply.

11 O Of course the lighting device 95 may be simply mounted to any wall and not connected in a water return line but connected alternatively to any fluid supply line.

Whilst the lighting devices have been described above in relation primarily to swimming and spa pools, they may be used in water features in which water is pumped through the lighting device. Thus the lighting device of the embodiment of Figs. 5 to 9 may be used in for example a waterfall with water pumped through the flow passage OO through the hollow spigot 47 out of the eyeball 63 with the water flow being illuminated Sby the light emitting diodes 52. Such an arrangement does not require a separate light Ssource for illumination of the water flow as the light sources are incorporated within the lighting device.

A further lighting device 106 for use in fountains, water features, sprays or the like is illustrated in Fig. 12. The lighting device 106 is similar to the embodiment of Figs. 7 to 9 and like components thereto have been given like numerals. In this case however the eyeball 46 is replaced by a transversely extending fixed wall 107 having a series of outlet openings 108 therein. The spigot 47 as before defines a flow passage 109 through which water can flow in the direction indicated by the arrow F to exit through the openings 108 as indicated by the arrow G. The latter flow may be in the form of a spray.

The flow G can be illuminated by the light emitting diodes 52 which may be supplied with current from supply cable 54. The outlet openings 108 can be in many different configurations depending upon the nature of the flow required therefrom for producing for example a spray or flow of a desired form The present invention thus provides in one aspect an underwater light and pool water return device for internal illumination, and water return function, of swimming pools, spas, ponds and the like, which operates with externally sourced power. In other aspects the lighting devices may be used in water features such as waterfalls or fountains with the flow of water through the assemblies being illumrninated by the light emitting diodes contained within a common housing.

Power is supplies to the light assemblies either from a mains supply or in an alternative embodiment; power may be supplied to the LED assemblies by batteries.

The light sources are suitably high intensity LED's but may be other solid state light emitting devices. The LED's where used may also be multi-coloured LEDs.

The terms "comprising" or "comprises" or derivatives thereof as used throughout the specification and claims are taken to specify the presence of the stated features, 1 12 0 0 integers and components referred to but not preclude the presence or addition of one or Smore other feature/s, integer/s, component/s or group thereof.

Whilst the above has been given by way of illustrative embodiment of the Sinvention, all such variations and modifications thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as ¢C defined in the appended claims.

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Claims (14)

1. An underwater lighting device for use with a liquid container of the type in which Sat least one liquid return line is provided for returning water to said liquid container, said lighting device including a main support body supporting one or more light sources, Cc locating means adapted for cooperation with said return line to locate said lighting device 00 relative to said return line, said support body having one or more liquid outlets through e¢3 which water flowing through said return line in use can return to said liquid container, (-i and a supply wire or cable for supplying current to said one or more light sources, said wire or cable extending at least partly in use along said return line for connection to a power supply externally of said return line.

2. A lighting device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said locating means comprise engagement means which are frictionally engageable with said return line.

3. A lighting device as claimed in claim 2 wherein said locating means comprises a hollow spigot adapted for insertion into said return line, said spigot being adapted to communicate said return line with said one or more liquid outlets.

4. A lighting device as claimed in claim 3 wherein said spigot is fonned integrally with or fixed to the main body. A lighting device as claimed in claim 1 and including means for mounting said main body to a wall of a said liquid container.

6. A lighting device as claimed in claim 5 wherein said mounting means includes a threaded spigot for receipt in an opening in said wall and means cooperable with said spigot for securing said main body to said wall.

7. A lighting device as claimed in claim 6 wherein said spigot is hollow and comprises said locating means adapted for location relative to and for connection to said Return line. S8. A lighting device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said main support body has a front face and wherein said one or more light source are mounted on or to said front face.

9. A lighting device as claimed in claim 8 wherein said front face has a plurality of a openings therein through which respective light sources project. 00 A lighting device as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9 wherein said one or more liquid outlets comprises an outlet arranged centrally of said main body and wherein said one or more light sources are located at a circumferential spacing around said outlet.

11. A lighting device as claimed in claim 7 wherein said outlet comprises a movable eyeball outlet.

12. A lighting device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said one or more light sources comprise solid state light emitting devices.

13. A lighting device as claimed in claim 12 wherein said the or each said solid state light emitting devices comprises a light emitting diode.

14. A lighting device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said supply passes through a sealing gland for connection to said power supply. A lighting assembly for a swimming or spa pool in which at least one water return line is provided in a wall of said pool for returning water to said pool, said lighting assembly including at least one lighting device, said lighting device having a main support body supporting one or more light sources, locating means adapted for frictional engagement with said return line to locate said lighting device within said pool, said support body having one or more liquid outlets through which water flowing through said return line can return to said pool, and a power supply wire or cable for supplying current to said one or more light sources, said power supply wire or cable extending at least partly along said return line for connection to a power supply externally of said return line.

16. A lighting assembly as claimed in claim 15 wherein said locating mrneans comprises a hollow spigot extending from said main support body and adapted to be received within said return line. c 17. A lighting assembly as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16 wherein said main body 00 has a front face and wherein said one or more light sources comprise one or more light ¢¢B emitting diodes located in respective openings in said front face.

18. A lighting assembly as claimed in claim 17 wherein said one or more liquid outlets comprise a liquid outlet arranged centrally of said main body

19. A lighting assembly for use with a liquid flow line, said lighting assembly including a lighting device having a main support body supporting one or more light sources, locating means adapted for frictional engagemrnent with an end of said fluid flow line to locate said lighting device relative to said liquid flow line, said support body having one or more liquid outlets for flow of liquid from said liquid flow line, and a power supply wire or cable for supplying current to said one or more light sources extending at least partly along said liquid flow line for connection to a power supply externally of said liquid flow line. A lighting assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 5 to 7, 8 and 9, 10, 1 and 12, or 13 of the accompanying drawings. Dated this seventeenth day of April 2007 DOUGLAS GRAEME KERSEY