EP3184888B1 - Laser light decorative lighting apparatus - Google Patents
Laser light decorative lighting apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3184888B1 EP3184888B1 EP16197895.2A EP16197895A EP3184888B1 EP 3184888 B1 EP3184888 B1 EP 3184888B1 EP 16197895 A EP16197895 A EP 16197895A EP 3184888 B1 EP3184888 B1 EP 3184888B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- lighting apparatus
- decorative lighting
- light
- switch
- laser light
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Not-in-force
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Images
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V23/00—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices
- F21V23/04—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being switches
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S10/00—Lighting devices or systems producing a varying lighting effect
- F21S10/007—Lighting devices or systems producing a varying lighting effect using rotating transparent or colored disks, e.g. gobo wheels
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S10/00—Lighting devices or systems producing a varying lighting effect
- F21S10/02—Lighting devices or systems producing a varying lighting effect changing colors
- F21S10/023—Lighting devices or systems producing a varying lighting effect changing colors by selectively switching fixed light sources
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S10/00—Lighting devices or systems producing a varying lighting effect
- F21S10/06—Lighting devices or systems producing a varying lighting effect flashing, e.g. with rotating reflector or light source
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V21/00—Supporting, suspending, or attaching arrangements for lighting devices; Hand grips
- F21V21/08—Devices for easy attachment to any desired place, e.g. clip, clamp, magnet
- F21V21/0824—Ground spikes
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V23/00—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices
- F21V23/04—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being switches
- F21V23/0442—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being switches activated by means of a sensor, e.g. motion or photodetectors
- F21V23/0464—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being switches activated by means of a sensor, e.g. motion or photodetectors the sensor sensing the level of ambient illumination, e.g. dawn or dusk sensors
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21W—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO USES OR APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS
- F21W2131/00—Use or application of lighting devices or systems not provided for in codes F21W2102/00-F21W2121/00
- F21W2131/10—Outdoor lighting
- F21W2131/107—Outdoor lighting of the exterior of buildings
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
- F21Y2101/00—Point-like light sources
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
- F21Y2113/00—Combination of light sources
- F21Y2113/10—Combination of light sources of different colours
- F21Y2113/13—Combination of light sources of different colours comprising an assembly of point-like light sources
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
- F21Y2115/00—Light-generating elements of semiconductor light sources
- F21Y2115/30—Semiconductor lasers
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to a laser light decorative lighting apparatus.
- a laser light decorative lighting apparatus is disclosed in US 2014/328060 A1 , CN204629169U and CN201407589Y .
- Lighting is often used in a decorative manner. For example, many people decorate homes, offices, stores, outdoor spaces, etc. with various lighting to achieve certain effects, designs, atmospheres, festive moods, etc. Although decorative lighting may be used at any time of the year, many people utilize decorative lighting during certain holidays.
- the goal of the invention is to overcome the before-mentioned shortcomings.
- the laser light decorative lighting apparatus includes a first laser light source providing a first light having a first color, a second laser light source providing a second light having a second color, a first switch including a first position corresponding to the first light source and the second light source being in an off condition, a second position corresponding to the first light source being in an on condition and the second light source being in an off condition, and a third position corresponding to the first light source and the second light source being in an on condition, a visual indicator including a first colored portion corresponding to the first color and corresponding to the second position of the first switch and a second colored portion corresponding to the first color and the second color and corresponding to the third position of the first switch, and a second switch for controlling activation of a motion assembly.
- the motion assembly includes an articulating element configured to secure a first optical element in a first path of the first light being generated by the first laser light source and a second optical element in a second path of the second light being generated by the second laser light source and a motor coupled to the articulating element via a linkage such that a movement generated by the motor is imparted to the articulating element so that the first light and the second light passing through the first and second optical elements are articulated when projected onto a surface.
- the laser light decorative lighting apparatus can further include an attenuation assembly, which can include a first attenuator; a second attenuator; and a first housing being configured to be coupled to a second housing.
- an attenuation assembly which can include a first attenuator; a second attenuator; and a first housing being configured to be coupled to a second housing.
- the first and second housings form a first recess and a second recess, the first and second recesses designed and dimensioned to receive and hold the first and second attenuators in a substantially fixed position in the first and second paths of the first and second lights being generated by the first and second laser light sources, respectively.
- the laser light decorative lighting apparatus can further include an optical element cover configured to secure the optical element to the articulating element and a light sensor configured to measure a level ambient of light and control the first laser light source and the second laser light source based on the measured level of ambient light.
- the articulating element can include gears.
- Embodiments of the present invention relate to a decorative laser lighting apparatus.
- Embodiments not covered by claim 1 do not form part of the invention but are part of the disclosure and represent background art that is useful for understanding the invention.
- Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary decorative lighting apparatus 100.
- decorative lighting apparatus 100 may include body 102, mounting element 104, one or more light sources 106, switch 108, and light sensor 116.
- decorative lighting apparatus 100 in operation, is positioned via mounting element 104 and is coupled to a power source. A user can then actuate switch 108 to control the operation of decorative lighting apparatus 100.
- switch 108 When decorative lighting apparatus 100 is turned on via switch 108, light sources 106 are activated to produce light, and decorative lighting apparatus 100 thereby emits and projects the light generated by light sources 106 onto a target, such as a wall of a house or other structure.
- the light generated by light sources 106 passes through a light attenuator to attenuate the light being emitted and projected by decorative lighting apparatus 100.
- decorative lighting apparatus 100 can generate any combination of colored light depending on the light source(s) 106 employed by decorative lighting apparatus 100.
- light source(s) 106 may include one or more light sources all producing the same color light (e.g., green) so that decorative lighting apparatus 100 only emits and projects one color light.
- light source(s) 106 may include multiple light sources capable of producing lights of various colors so that decorative lighting apparatus 100 can generate multiple different colored lights (e.g., red light and green light).
- body 102 may be cylindrical in shape and preferably houses the mechanical and electrical components of decorative lighting apparatus 100.
- body 102 may include housing 112, light source(s) 106, light cover 110, switch 108, switch visual indicator 114, and light sensor 116.
- body 102 may house electronic circuitry (not shown) that enables the electrical operation of decorative lighting apparatus 100, as well as various mechanical components (not shown) that facilitate the design and operation of decorative lighting apparatus 100.
- decorative lighting apparatus 100 may also include a motion switch 118 to control a motion, modulation, or articulation of light source(s) 106.
- body 102 may be coupled to pivoting arm 105 via a coupling element 116.
- coupling element 116 may include a nut and a hand screw, as shown in Figure 2 .
- projection 103 of body 102 may include a nut disposed within a recess which may prevent the nut from rotating
- pivoting arm 105 may include an opening through which the hand screw may pass.
- the hand screw can pass through the opening in pivoting arm 105 and engage the nut disposed in projection 103 of body 102.
- coupling element 116 may also allow body 102 to be rotatably adjusted relative to pivoting arm 105.
- the surfaces of projection 103 and pivoting arm 105 which contact each other may be toothed or geared so that body 102 can be rotatably adjusted relative to pivoting arm 105 in discrete positions.
- the contacting surfaces can be smooth such that body 102 can be rotatably adjusted relative to pivoting arm 105 through a full range of motion.
- body 102 can be rotatably adjusted relative to pivoting arm 105 so that the angle at which the light is projected can be adjusted.
- the hand screw of coupling element 116 can be tightened so that body 102 is substantially fixed relative to pivoting arm 105.
- coupling element 116 is shown as a screw and a nut, coupling element 116 can include any mechanism by which the angle of body 102 can be adjusted and fixed relative to pivoting arm 105, such as a hinge, or the like. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, body 102 is rotatably adjustable relative to pivoting arm 105 via a single pivoting point.
- mounting element 104 is coupled to pivoting arm 105.
- mounting element 104 and pivoting arm 105 can include complementary threads configured to engage each other to couple mounting element 104 and pivoting arm 105, allowing mounting element 104 and pivoting arm 105 to be screwed together.
- mounting element 104 and pivoting arm 105 can be coupled via any coupling engagement, such as a locking nut, an engaging projection and recess, etc.
- mounting element 104 may include a ground stake.
- mounting element 104 can be any mechanism that facilitates positioning decorative lighting apparatus 100.
- mounting element 104 may include a bracket, a clip, a platform, or any other mechanism by which decorative lighting apparatus 100 may be located and/or positioned in a desired location.
- switch 108 can be any type of switch that can control the operation of decorative lighting apparatus 100, such as, e.g., a rocker switch, a toggle switch, a dimmer switch, a rotating switch, and the like.
- switch 108 is disposed on a top portion of body 102 to facilitate easy access to the switch by a user. For example, if decorative lighting apparatus 100 is placed outdoors in a discreet location, such as behind bushes or some other structure, locating switch 108 on a top portion of body 102 enables a user to easily access switch 108 and operate decorative lighting apparatus 100.
- switch 108 may include weather-proofing elements to protect switch 108, as well as other internal components of decorative lighting apparatus 100, from the exterior environment, including weather.
- weather-proofing elements for switch 108 may include rubber, plastic, and/or other sealing elements to make it substantially waterproof, water-repellant, dirt-proof, and the like.
- waterproofing switch 108 may include a rubber or plastic cover 109 that can be disposed over switch 108.
- switch 108 can be received within cover 109 to protect switch 108 from water and other environmental elements.
- Cover 109 may include a main body 109a, within which switch 108 may be received, and an extension 109b. Extension 109b may be sealed on an interior surface of housing 112 to prevent water and other environmental elements from penetrating within the interior of housing 112, thereby protecting switch 108 and the interior of housing 112 from water and other environmental elements.
- switch 108 may include a rocker switch having switch portions 108a and 108b. As shown in Figures 3A , 3B , and 3C , switch 108 may include three positions and may be articulated between the various positions by pressing on switch portion 108a or 108b to articulate the switch in the directions depicted by arrows A and B.
- Figure 3A shows switch 108 in an OFF position.
- this OFF position neither switch portion 108a nor 108b is depressed, and light sources 106 are in an off condition (i.e., not generating light) and decorative lighting apparatus 100 is therefore not emitting or projecting any light.
- either switch portion 108a or 108b can be pressed in the directions depicted by arrows A and B, respectively, to articulate switch 108 into one of two ON positions.
- Figure 3B shows switch 108 in a first ON position.
- switch 108 may have been articulated from the OFF position shown in Figure 3A in the direction shown by the arrows.
- the movement of switch portion 108b is shown by arrow A and the movement of switch portion 108a is shown by arrow B.
- switch portion 108b may have been pressed to articulate switch 108 from the OFF position to this first ON position as shown in Figure 3B .
- decorative lighting apparatus 100 in this first ON position, decorative lighting apparatus 100 may be operating in a first operating mode.
- this first ON position of switch 108 may correspond to an operation of decorative lighting apparatus 100 where light sources 106 producing both red light and green light are turned on so that decorative lighting apparatus 100 emits and projects both red light and green light.
- Figure 3C shows switch 108 in a second ON position.
- switch 108 may have been articulated from the OFF position in the direction shown by the arrows.
- the movement of switch portion 108b is shown by arrow A and the movement of switch portion 108a is shown by arrow B.
- switch portion 108a may have been pressed to articulate switch 108 from the OFF position to this second ON position as shown in Figure 3C .
- decorative lighting apparatus 100 in this second ON position, decorative lighting apparatus 100 may be operating in a second operating mode.
- this second ON position of switch 108 may correspond to an operation of decorative lighting apparatus 100 where only the light sources 106 which only produce green light are turned on so that decorative lighting apparatus 100 emits and projects only green light.
- Figure 4 shows a top view of decorative lighting apparatus 100, including a view of body 102, switch 108, and switch visual indicator 114.
- switch visual indicator 114 may include portions 114a, 114b, and 114c. Portions 114a, 114b, and 114c can include visual indicators that correlate the position of switch 108 to the operating modes of decorative lighting apparatus 100. For example, portion 114b may include a green color and portion 114c may include a red color. These colors may correspond to the first operating mode described with respect to Figure 3B , where decorative lighting apparatus 100 emits and projects both green light and red light.
- articulating switch 108 toward the side of visual indicator 114 which includes green portion 114b and red portion 114c can activate the light sources 106 which produce green light and red light.
- articulating switch 108 in this direction would turn decorative lighting apparatus 100 on to emit and project both red light and green light.
- portion 114a may include only a green portion and may correspond to the second operating mode of decorative lighting apparatus 100 described above with respect to Figure 3C .
- articulating switch 108 towards the side of visual indicator 114 which only includes green portion 114a can activate only the light sources 106 which produce green light, thereby activating decorative lighting apparatus 100 to emit and project only green light.
- Light sensor 116 can also control the operation of decorative lighting apparatus 100 in conjunction with switch 108. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, light sensor 116 measures the ambient light present and can control whether light sources 106 are on or off. For example, assuming that switch 108 is in one of the two operating modes described above, light sensor may turn the appropriate light sources 106 on or off depending on the level of ambient light measured by light sensor 116. During the day, when light sensor 116 measures a level ambient light above a certain predetermined threshold, light sensor 116 may turn light sources 106 off, regardless of the position of switch 108.
- light sensors 116 may allow light sources 106 to operate as dictated by switch 108. Accordingly, the operation of light sensor 116 can extend the lifetime of decorative lighting apparatus 100, prevent overheating of decorative lighting apparatus 100, and provide energy savings by ensuring that decorative lighting apparatus 100 is not operating continuously during high levels of ambient light when the light emitted and projected by decorative lighting apparatus 100 may be difficult to see in any event.
- decorative lighting apparatus 100 may also include a motion switch 118. Similar to switch 108, motion switch 118 may also be disposed on a top portion of body 102 to enable a user to easily access switch 118, especially while decorative lighting apparatus 100 is positioned in use where access to other portions of decorative lighting apparatus 100 may be hindered or difficult. Motion switch 118 may also optionally include weather-proofing elements to protect motion switch 118, as well as other internal components of decorative lighting apparatus 100, from the exterior environment, including weather. For example, weather-proofing elements for motion switch 118 may include rubber, plastic, and/or other sealing elements to make it substantially waterproof, dirt-proof, and the like.
- motion switch 118 may control any visual and/or optical effect that can be produced by decorative lighting apparatus 100, such as a motion, modulation, or articulation of the light produced by light source(s) 106.
- motion switch 118 may turn on and off the various visual and/or optical effects produced by decorative lighting apparatus 100, such as pulsing light sources 106, activating the colored lights being produced by light sources 106 in a pattern (e.g., first red, then green, then red, the together, etc.), moving the light being emitted and projected by decorative lighting apparatus 100.
- Moving the light being emitted and projected by decorative lighting apparatus 100 may be achieved by moving a reflective element within decorative lighting apparatus 100 so that the light projected by decorative lighting apparatus 100 on a target surface moves.
- Figure 5B shows an exploded view of motion assembly 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- motion assembly 500 may enable the movement, modulation, and/or articulation of the light which is controlled by motion switch 118.
- motion assembly 500 may include a motor 502, a connecting shaft 504, gears 506 and 508, articulating optical elements 510, articulating covers 512, a fixed optical elements seat 514, fixed optical elements 516, and fixed covers 518.
- Articulating optical elements 510 and/or fixed optical elements 516 may include attenuators as described herein and may be disposed in gears 508 or fixed optical elements seat 514 and secured via articulating covers 512 or fixed covers 512.
- Articulating optical elements 510 and fixed optical elements 516 may include any type of optical component, such as a lens, a diffracting element, an attenuator, etc., and may be disposed within a recess of gears 508 and fixed optical elements seat 514 and secured via articulating covers 512 and fixed covers 518, respectively.
- Motion switch 118 may control activation of motor 502. Once activated, motor 502 may provide a rotating or oscillating motion which may be transferred via a linkage, such as connecting shaft 504, to gear 506. The rotating or oscillating motion provided by motor 502 may rotate or oscillate gear 506, which may in turn rotate or oscillate gears 508. As shown in Figure 5B , articulating optical elements 510 may be secured within recesses of gears 508.
- articulating optical elements 510 may be secured on a separate component which may be coupled to gears 506 and/or 508 and thereby articulated via the coupling mechanism to gears 506 and/or 508. Accordingly, optical elements 510 may then be rotated or oscillated in accordance with the rotating and/or oscillating motion of gears 508.
- light sources 106 can be turned on via switch 108, and the motion, movement, modulation, and/or articulation or the light is activated via motion switch 118.
- the light generated by light sources 106 passes through articulating optical elements 510, which are articulated by motor 502. Accordingly, as the light passes through articulating optical elements 510, the light is articulated, in accordance with the motion provided by motor 502, on the surface onto which decorative lighting apparatus 100 is projecting the light. For example, if the light is being projected on a wall, the articulation of the articulating optical elements 510 may cause the light to move across the surface of the wall.
- the light may rotate in a circular manner, the light may oscillate linearly or rotationally about an axis, etc. on the surface on which the light is being projected.
- articulating optical elements 510 and/or fixed optical elements 516 may include optical features to scatter, or create patterns in the light being projected.
- FIG. 6A shows an exploded view of attenuator assembly 620 of decorative lighting apparatus 100 according to certain embodiments of the present invention.
- attenuator assembly 620 includes attenuator lower housing 602, attenuator lower base 604, attenuators 606, attenuator upper base 608, attenuator upper housing 610, and fastening elements 612 and 614.
- Attenuator assembly 620 positions and secures attenuator 606 in the path of the light generated by light source 106 within body 102 of decorative lighting apparatus 100.
- optical elements 510 and/or fixed optical elements 516 shown in Figure 5B may include attenuator 606, and attenuator assembly 620 may be used in conjunction with motion assembly 500, as shown and described with respect to Figure 5B .
- Figure 6A shows decorative lighting apparatus 100 only having two attenuators 606, decorative lighting apparatus 100 preferably includes an attenuator 606 for each light source 106 included in decorative lighting apparatus 100.
- decorative lighting apparatus 100 would preferably include five attenuators 606.
- embodiments of the present invention contemplate modifications to attenuator assembly 620 shown in Figure 6A to accommodate any number of attenuators 606 that may be required in view of the number of light sources 106 employed by decorative lighting apparatus 100.
- Attenuators 606 can include any type of attenuating device to be placed in the path of the light generated by light sources 106.
- attenuator 606 can include an opening/slit or a lens to diffract and/or scatter the light produced by light source 106.
- attenuators can include an optical attenuator (e.g., fixed, variable, etc.) to reduce the power of the light produced by light sources 106. Attenuators may be necessary where light sources 106 include lasers since lasers can be dangerous and can cause damage to eyesight.
- Attenuator 606 is shown to be substantially square, attenuator 606 may be any shape, such as a circle, rectangle, triangle, hexagon, octagon, or any other shape.
- Figure 6B shows an exemplary scatter pattern 690 that may be employed by attenuator 606. Attenuator 606 is not limited to the scatter pattern 690 shown in Figure 6B . Attenuator 606 may include any scattering or attenuating elements therein.
- Attenuator assembly 620 includes attenuator 606 disposed between upper and lower attenuator bases 604 and 608, which is disposed between upper and lower attenuator housings 602 and 610.
- Upper and lower attenuator bases 604 and 608 can include complementary designs and, when coupled together, preferably form a recess shaped and configured to receive attenuator 606 such that attenuator 606 is held in a substantially fixed position.
- upper and lower attenuator housings 602 and 610 can include complementary designs and preferably include a recess, when coupled together, shaped and configured to receive the assembled upper and lower attenuator bases 604 and 608 such that the assembled upper and lower attenuator bases 604 and 608 are held in a substantially fixed position.
- the assembled attenuator assembly 620 can be held together and mounted within housing 112 by fastening devices 612 and 614.
- fastening devices 612 and 614 may include any type of mechanism that can hold attenuator assembly 620 together and/or mount attenuator assembly 620 within housing 112 of body 102, such as snap-fits, adhesives, glue, screws, bolts, Velcro, hinges or any other fastening mechanisms. Accordingly, fastening devices 612 and 614 can secure attenuator assembly 620 together and position attenuator 606 in the path of the light generated by light sources 106.
- decorative lighting apparatus 100 may include an anti-theft device.
- decorative lighting apparatus 100 may include an anti-theft device that includes a proximity sensor disposed within decorative lighting apparatus 100 and a base unit that may be disposed in a secure location, such as inside a home.
- the anti-theft device may be configured that the proximity sensor disposed within decorative lighting apparatus 100 and the base unit must remain within a certain distance to each other for decorative lighting apparatus 100 to be operable. If the distance between the proximity sensor with decorative lighting apparatus 100 and the base unit exceeds a certain threshold distance (e.g., if decorative lighting apparatus 100 had been placed outside and is stolen and removed from the premises), anti-theft device preferably renders decorative lighting apparatus 100 inoperable.
- decorative lighting apparatus 100 may also include an audio and/or visual alerting mechanism, such as flashing lights, emitting a sound, etc.
- the anti-theft device may include other features, such as a key-pad to enable utilizing a security code, a biometric sensor, a motion sensor, etc.
- decorative lighting apparatus 100 may include a solar power module configured to power decorative lighting apparatus 100.
- decorative lighting apparatus 100 may include solar panels, such as photovoltaic panels, which can convert solar energy into electricity and store the electricity in a storage medium, such as batteries or capacitors, which can then be used to power decorative lighting apparatus 100.
- solar panels such as photovoltaic panels
- a storage medium such as batteries or capacitors
- This can remove the need for decorative lighting apparatus 100 to be connected to an external power supply by, for example, having to run extension cords to the location of decorative lighting apparatus 100. Accordingly, this can enable decorative lighting apparatus 100 to be more easily placed and positioned in virtually any location.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
- Arrangement Of Elements, Cooling, Sealing, Or The Like Of Lighting Devices (AREA)
Description
- The present invention generally relates to a laser light decorative lighting apparatus. Such a laser light decorative lighting apparatus is disclosed in
US 2014/328060 A1 ,CN204629169U andCN201407589Y . - Lighting is often used in a decorative manner. For example, many people decorate homes, offices, stores, outdoor spaces, etc. with various lighting to achieve certain effects, designs, atmospheres, festive moods, etc. Although decorative lighting may be used at any time of the year, many people utilize decorative lighting during certain holidays.
- There are many types of decorative lighting. For example, string lights, character lights, and laser lights are just a few of the various forms of decorative lighting. However, existing laser lights having numerous shortcomings in their design and functionality. For example, switch mechanisms used to control the operation of many laser lights are typically limited in their functionality and are often disposed in inconvenient locations. This can make accessing the switch and operating the decorative light difficult, especially when the light is positioned for use. Additionally, although the lasers used in the decorative lights can be dangerous, many decorative laser lights use unreliable adhesives and tapes that a prone to failure to affix lenses that scatter the light emitted by lasers.
- The goal of the invention is to overcome the before-mentioned shortcomings.
- This goal is achieved through a laser light decorative lighting apparatus according to claim 1.
- The laser light decorative lighting apparatus includes a first laser light source providing a first light having a first color, a second laser light source providing a second light having a second color, a first switch including a first position corresponding to the first light source and the second light source being in an off condition, a second position corresponding to the first light source being in an on condition and the second light source being in an off condition, and a third position corresponding to the first light source and the second light source being in an on condition, a visual indicator including a first colored portion corresponding to the first color and corresponding to the second position of the first switch and a second colored portion corresponding to the first color and the second color and corresponding to the third position of the first switch, and a second switch for controlling activation of a motion assembly. The motion assembly includes an articulating element configured to secure a first optical element in a first path of the first light being generated by the first laser light source and a second optical element in a second path of the second light being generated by the second laser light source and a motor coupled to the articulating element via a linkage such that a movement generated by the motor is imparted to the articulating element so that the first light and the second light passing through the first and second optical elements are articulated when projected onto a surface.
- The laser light decorative lighting apparatus can further include an attenuation assembly, which can include a first attenuator; a second attenuator; and a first housing being configured to be coupled to a second housing. When the first housing is coupled to the second housing, the first and second housings form a first recess and a second recess, the first and second recesses designed and dimensioned to receive and hold the first and second attenuators in a substantially fixed position in the first and second paths of the first and second lights being generated by the first and second laser light sources, respectively.
- The laser light decorative lighting apparatus can further include an optical element cover configured to secure the optical element to the articulating element and a light sensor configured to measure a level ambient of light and control the first laser light source and the second laser light source based on the measured level of ambient light. Further, the articulating element can include gears.
- 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:
-
Figure 1 is a front perspective of an exemplary decorative lighting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
Figure 2 is a rear perspective of an exemplary decorative lighting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
Figure 3A is a front view of an exemplary decorative lighting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
Figure 3B is a front view of an exemplary decorative lighting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
Figure 3C is a front view of an exemplary decorative lighting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
Figure 4 is a top view of an exemplary decorative lighting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
Figure 5A is a side view of an exemplary decorative lighting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
Figure 5B is an exploded view of an exemplary motion assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
Figure 6A is an exploded view of an exemplary attenuation assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
Figure 6B is an exemplary attenuator scatter pattern according to an embodiment of the present invention; and -
Figure 7 is an exemplary weather-proofing element according to an embodiment of the present invention. - Embodiments of the present invention relate to a decorative laser lighting apparatus. Embodiments not covered by claim 1, do not form part of the invention but are part of the disclosure and represent background art that is useful for understanding the invention.
- In accordance with embodiments of the present invention,
Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplarydecorative lighting apparatus 100. As shown inFigure 1 ,decorative lighting apparatus 100 may includebody 102,mounting element 104, one ormore light sources 106,switch 108, andlight sensor 116. According to one embodiment, in operation,decorative lighting apparatus 100 is positioned viamounting element 104 and is coupled to a power source. A user can then actuateswitch 108 to control the operation ofdecorative lighting apparatus 100. Whendecorative lighting apparatus 100 is turned on viaswitch 108,light sources 106 are activated to produce light, anddecorative lighting apparatus 100 thereby emits and projects the light generated bylight sources 106 onto a target, such as a wall of a house or other structure. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the light generated bylight sources 106 passes through a light attenuator to attenuate the light being emitted and projected bydecorative lighting apparatus 100. - According to embodiments of the present invention,
decorative lighting apparatus 100 can generate any combination of colored light depending on the light source(s) 106 employed bydecorative lighting apparatus 100. For example, light source(s) 106 may include one or more light sources all producing the same color light (e.g., green) so thatdecorative lighting apparatus 100 only emits and projects one color light. Alternatively, light source(s) 106 may include multiple light sources capable of producing lights of various colors so thatdecorative lighting apparatus 100 can generate multiple different colored lights (e.g., red light and green light). Although the embodiments of the present invention are primarily described with respect to a decorative laser lighting apparatus generating two different colored lights (i.e., red light and green light), it is not limited thereto, and it should be noted that the exemplary apparatus and systems described herein may generate any combination of any number of different colored lights. - As shown in
Figure 1 ,body 102 may be cylindrical in shape and preferably houses the mechanical and electrical components ofdecorative lighting apparatus 100. For example,body 102 may includehousing 112, light source(s) 106,light cover 110,switch 108, switchvisual indicator 114, andlight sensor 116. Insidehousing 112,body 102 may house electronic circuitry (not shown) that enables the electrical operation ofdecorative lighting apparatus 100, as well as various mechanical components (not shown) that facilitate the design and operation ofdecorative lighting apparatus 100. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, as shown inFigure 5A ,decorative lighting apparatus 100 may also include amotion switch 118 to control a motion, modulation, or articulation of light source(s) 106. - As shown in
Figures 1 and2 ,body 102 may be coupled to pivotingarm 105 via acoupling element 116. According to certain embodiments of the present invention,coupling element 116 may include a nut and a hand screw, as shown inFigure 2 . For example,projection 103 ofbody 102 may include a nut disposed within a recess which may prevent the nut from rotating, and pivotingarm 105 may include an opening through which the hand screw may pass. To securepivoting arm 105 tobody 102, the hand screw can pass through the opening in pivotingarm 105 and engage the nut disposed inprojection 103 ofbody 102. Further,coupling element 116 may also allowbody 102 to be rotatably adjusted relative to pivotingarm 105. For example, the surfaces ofprojection 103 and pivotingarm 105 which contact each other may be toothed or geared so thatbody 102 can be rotatably adjusted relative to pivotingarm 105 in discrete positions. Alternatively, the contacting surfaces can be smooth such thatbody 102 can be rotatably adjusted relative to pivotingarm 105 through a full range of motion. In operation, when the hand screw and the nut ofcoupling element 116 are not fully tightened,body 102 can be rotatably adjusted relative to pivotingarm 105 so that the angle at which the light is projected can be adjusted. Afterbody 102 is positioned in a desired angle relative to pivotingarm 105, the hand screw ofcoupling element 116 can be tightened so thatbody 102 is substantially fixed relative to pivotingarm 105. Althoughcoupling element 116 is shown as a screw and a nut,coupling element 116 can include any mechanism by which the angle ofbody 102 can be adjusted and fixed relative to pivotingarm 105, such as a hinge, or the like. According to certain embodiments of the present invention,body 102 is rotatably adjustable relative to pivotingarm 105 via a single pivoting point. - As shown in
Figures 1 and2 , to facilitate positioning ofdecorative lighting apparatus 100 in a desired location and position,mounting element 104 is coupled to pivotingarm 105. According to certain embodiments, mountingelement 104 and pivotingarm 105 can include complementary threads configured to engage each other tocouple mounting element 104 and pivotingarm 105, allowing mountingelement 104 and pivotingarm 105 to be screwed together. Alternatively, mountingelement 104 and pivotingarm 105 can be coupled via any coupling engagement, such as a locking nut, an engaging projection and recess, etc. As shown inFigure 1 , according to certain embodiments of the present invention, mountingelement 104 may include a ground stake. This can enabledecorative lighting apparatus 100 to be positioned outside by positioning and securingdecorative lighting apparatus 100 in a material such as soil, grass, dirt, etc. by inserting the mountingelement 104 into such material. Although mountingelement 104 is shown as a ground stake inFigure 1 , alternatively, mountingelement 104 can be any mechanism that facilitates positioningdecorative lighting apparatus 100. For example, mountingelement 104 may include a bracket, a clip, a platform, or any other mechanism by whichdecorative lighting apparatus 100 may be located and/or positioned in a desired location. - As noted above, the operation of
decorative lighting apparatus 100 can be controlled usingswitch 108. Althoughswitch 108 is shown as a button, switch 108 can be any type of switch that can control the operation ofdecorative lighting apparatus 100, such as, e.g., a rocker switch, a toggle switch, a dimmer switch, a rotating switch, and the like. Preferably,switch 108 is disposed on a top portion ofbody 102 to facilitate easy access to the switch by a user. For example, ifdecorative lighting apparatus 100 is placed outdoors in a discreet location, such as behind bushes or some other structure, locatingswitch 108 on a top portion ofbody 102 enables a user to easily accessswitch 108 and operatedecorative lighting apparatus 100. According to one embodiment, switch 108 may include weather-proofing elements to protectswitch 108, as well as other internal components ofdecorative lighting apparatus 100, from the exterior environment, including weather. For example, weather-proofing elements forswitch 108 may include rubber, plastic, and/or other sealing elements to make it substantially waterproof, water-repellant, dirt-proof, and the like. As shown inFigure 7 , according to one embodiment, waterproofingswitch 108 may include a rubber orplastic cover 109 that can be disposed overswitch 108. For example, switch 108 can be received withincover 109 to protectswitch 108 from water and other environmental elements. Cover 109 may include amain body 109a, within which switch 108 may be received, and anextension 109b.Extension 109b may be sealed on an interior surface ofhousing 112 to prevent water and other environmental elements from penetrating within the interior ofhousing 112, thereby protectingswitch 108 and the interior ofhousing 112 from water and other environmental elements. - As shown in
Figure 3A , according to certain embodiments of the present invention, switch 108 may include a rocker switch havingswitch portions Figures 3A ,3B , and3C , switch 108 may include three positions and may be articulated between the various positions by pressing onswitch portion - According to certain embodiments of the present invention,
Figure 3A showsswitch 108 in an OFF position. In this OFF position, neitherswitch portion 108a nor 108b is depressed, andlight sources 106 are in an off condition (i.e., not generating light) anddecorative lighting apparatus 100 is therefore not emitting or projecting any light. In the OFF position, eitherswitch portion switch 108 into one of two ON positions. -
Figure 3B showsswitch 108 in a first ON position. In the position shown inFigure 3B , switch 108 may have been articulated from the OFF position shown inFigure 3A in the direction shown by the arrows. Specifically, the movement ofswitch portion 108b is shown by arrow A and the movement ofswitch portion 108a is shown by arrow B. For example, from the OFF position shown inFigure 3A ,switch portion 108b may have been pressed to articulateswitch 108 from the OFF position to this first ON position as shown inFigure 3B . According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, in this first ON position,decorative lighting apparatus 100 may be operating in a first operating mode. For example, in an embodiment wherelight sources 106 produce red light and green light, this first ON position ofswitch 108 may correspond to an operation ofdecorative lighting apparatus 100 wherelight sources 106 producing both red light and green light are turned on so thatdecorative lighting apparatus 100 emits and projects both red light and green light. -
Figure 3C showsswitch 108 in a second ON position. In the position shown inFigure 3C , switch 108 may have been articulated from the OFF position in the direction shown by the arrows. Specifically, the movement ofswitch portion 108b is shown by arrow A and the movement ofswitch portion 108a is shown by arrow B. For example, from the OFF position shown inFigure 3A ,switch portion 108a may have been pressed to articulateswitch 108 from the OFF position to this second ON position as shown inFigure 3C . According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, in this second ON position,decorative lighting apparatus 100 may be operating in a second operating mode. For example, in an embodiment wherelight sources 106 produce red light and green light, this second ON position ofswitch 108 may correspond to an operation ofdecorative lighting apparatus 100 where only thelight sources 106 which only produce green light are turned on so thatdecorative lighting apparatus 100 emits and projects only green light. -
Figure 4 shows a top view ofdecorative lighting apparatus 100, including a view ofbody 102,switch 108, and switchvisual indicator 114. As shown inFigure 4 , according to certain embodiments of the present invention, switchvisual indicator 114 may includeportions Portions switch 108 to the operating modes ofdecorative lighting apparatus 100. For example,portion 114b may include a green color andportion 114c may include a red color. These colors may correspond to the first operating mode described with respect toFigure 3B , wheredecorative lighting apparatus 100 emits and projects both green light and red light. Accordingly, articulatingswitch 108 toward the side ofvisual indicator 114 which includesgreen portion 114b andred portion 114c can activate thelight sources 106 which produce green light and red light. Thus, articulatingswitch 108 in this direction would turndecorative lighting apparatus 100 on to emit and project both red light and green light. Further,portion 114a may include only a green portion and may correspond to the second operating mode ofdecorative lighting apparatus 100 described above with respect toFigure 3C . Similarly, articulatingswitch 108 towards the side ofvisual indicator 114 which only includesgreen portion 114a can activate only thelight sources 106 which produce green light, thereby activatingdecorative lighting apparatus 100 to emit and project only green light. -
Light sensor 116 can also control the operation ofdecorative lighting apparatus 100 in conjunction withswitch 108. According to certain embodiments of the present invention,light sensor 116 measures the ambient light present and can control whetherlight sources 106 are on or off. For example, assuming thatswitch 108 is in one of the two operating modes described above, light sensor may turn the appropriatelight sources 106 on or off depending on the level of ambient light measured bylight sensor 116. During the day, whenlight sensor 116 measures a level ambient light above a certain predetermined threshold,light sensor 116 may turnlight sources 106 off, regardless of the position ofswitch 108. When the level of ambient light measured bylight sensor 116 drops below the predetermined threshold (e.g., as it becomes night),light sensors 116 may allowlight sources 106 to operate as dictated byswitch 108. Accordingly, the operation oflight sensor 116 can extend the lifetime ofdecorative lighting apparatus 100, prevent overheating ofdecorative lighting apparatus 100, and provide energy savings by ensuring thatdecorative lighting apparatus 100 is not operating continuously during high levels of ambient light when the light emitted and projected bydecorative lighting apparatus 100 may be difficult to see in any event. - As shown in
Figure 5A , according to certain embodiments of the present invention,decorative lighting apparatus 100 may also include amotion switch 118. Similar to switch 108,motion switch 118 may also be disposed on a top portion ofbody 102 to enable a user to easily accessswitch 118, especially whiledecorative lighting apparatus 100 is positioned in use where access to other portions ofdecorative lighting apparatus 100 may be hindered or difficult.Motion switch 118 may also optionally include weather-proofing elements to protectmotion switch 118, as well as other internal components ofdecorative lighting apparatus 100, from the exterior environment, including weather. For example, weather-proofing elements formotion switch 118 may include rubber, plastic, and/or other sealing elements to make it substantially waterproof, dirt-proof, and the like. - As noted above,
motion switch 118 may control any visual and/or optical effect that can be produced bydecorative lighting apparatus 100, such as a motion, modulation, or articulation of the light produced by light source(s) 106. For example,motion switch 118 may turn on and off the various visual and/or optical effects produced bydecorative lighting apparatus 100, such as pulsinglight sources 106, activating the colored lights being produced bylight sources 106 in a pattern (e.g., first red, then green, then red, the together, etc.), moving the light being emitted and projected bydecorative lighting apparatus 100. Moving the light being emitted and projected bydecorative lighting apparatus 100 may be achieved by moving a reflective element withindecorative lighting apparatus 100 so that the light projected bydecorative lighting apparatus 100 on a target surface moves. -
Figure 5B shows an exploded view ofmotion assembly 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to an embodiment,motion assembly 500 may enable the movement, modulation, and/or articulation of the light which is controlled bymotion switch 118. As shown inFigure 5B , according to an embodiment of the present invention,motion assembly 500 may include amotor 502, a connectingshaft 504, gears 506 and 508, articulatingoptical elements 510, articulatingcovers 512, a fixedoptical elements seat 514, fixedoptical elements 516, and fixed covers 518. Articulatingoptical elements 510 and/or fixedoptical elements 516 may include attenuators as described herein and may be disposed ingears 508 or fixedoptical elements seat 514 and secured via articulatingcovers 512 or fixed covers 512. Articulatingoptical elements 510 and fixedoptical elements 516 may include any type of optical component, such as a lens, a diffracting element, an attenuator, etc., and may be disposed within a recess ofgears 508 and fixedoptical elements seat 514 and secured via articulatingcovers 512 and fixedcovers 518, respectively.Motion switch 118 may control activation ofmotor 502. Once activated,motor 502 may provide a rotating or oscillating motion which may be transferred via a linkage, such as connectingshaft 504, to gear 506. The rotating or oscillating motion provided bymotor 502 may rotate or oscillategear 506, which may in turn rotate or oscillate gears 508. As shown inFigure 5B , articulatingoptical elements 510 may be secured within recesses ofgears 508. Alternatively, articulatingoptical elements 510 may be secured on a separate component which may be coupled togears 506 and/or 508 and thereby articulated via the coupling mechanism togears 506 and/or 508. Accordingly,optical elements 510 may then be rotated or oscillated in accordance with the rotating and/or oscillating motion ofgears 508. - In operation, when
light sources 106 can be turned on viaswitch 108, and the motion, movement, modulation, and/or articulation or the light is activated viamotion switch 118. Oncelight sources 106 are turned on, the light generated bylight sources 106 passes through articulatingoptical elements 510, which are articulated bymotor 502. Accordingly, as the light passes through articulatingoptical elements 510, the light is articulated, in accordance with the motion provided bymotor 502, on the surface onto whichdecorative lighting apparatus 100 is projecting the light. For example, if the light is being projected on a wall, the articulation of the articulatingoptical elements 510 may cause the light to move across the surface of the wall. For example, the light may rotate in a circular manner, the light may oscillate linearly or rotationally about an axis, etc. on the surface on which the light is being projected. Further, articulatingoptical elements 510 and/or fixedoptical elements 516 may include optical features to scatter, or create patterns in the light being projected. -
Figure 6A shows an exploded view ofattenuator assembly 620 ofdecorative lighting apparatus 100 according to certain embodiments of the present invention. As shown inFigure 6A ,attenuator assembly 620 includes attenuatorlower housing 602, attenuatorlower base 604,attenuators 606, attenuatorupper base 608, attenuatorupper housing 610, andfastening elements Attenuator assembly 620 positions and securesattenuator 606 in the path of the light generated bylight source 106 withinbody 102 ofdecorative lighting apparatus 100. According to some embodiments of the present invention,optical elements 510 and/or fixedoptical elements 516 shown inFigure 5B may includeattenuator 606, andattenuator assembly 620 may be used in conjunction withmotion assembly 500, as shown and described with respect toFigure 5B . AlthoughFigure 6A showsdecorative lighting apparatus 100 only having twoattenuators 606,decorative lighting apparatus 100 preferably includes anattenuator 606 for eachlight source 106 included indecorative lighting apparatus 100. Thus, ifdecorative lighting apparatus 100 were to include fivelight sources 106,decorative lighting apparatus 100 would preferably include fiveattenuators 606. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention contemplate modifications toattenuator assembly 620 shown inFigure 6A to accommodate any number ofattenuators 606 that may be required in view of the number oflight sources 106 employed bydecorative lighting apparatus 100. - According to certain embodiments of the present invention,
attenuators 606 can include any type of attenuating device to be placed in the path of the light generated bylight sources 106. For example,attenuator 606 can include an opening/slit or a lens to diffract and/or scatter the light produced bylight source 106. Alternatively, attenuators can include an optical attenuator (e.g., fixed, variable, etc.) to reduce the power of the light produced bylight sources 106. Attenuators may be necessary wherelight sources 106 include lasers since lasers can be dangerous and can cause damage to eyesight. Althoughattenuator 606 is shown to be substantially square,attenuator 606 may be any shape, such as a circle, rectangle, triangle, hexagon, octagon, or any other shape.Figure 6B shows anexemplary scatter pattern 690 that may be employed byattenuator 606.Attenuator 606 is not limited to thescatter pattern 690 shown inFigure 6B .Attenuator 606 may include any scattering or attenuating elements therein. - As shown in
Figure 6A ,attenuator assembly 620 includesattenuator 606 disposed between upper andlower attenuator bases lower attenuator housings lower attenuator bases attenuator 606 such thatattenuator 606 is held in a substantially fixed position. Similarly, upper andlower attenuator housings lower attenuator bases lower attenuator bases attenuator assembly 620 can be held together and mounted withinhousing 112 by fasteningdevices fastening devices fastening devices attenuator assembly 620 together and/or mountattenuator assembly 620 withinhousing 112 ofbody 102, such as snap-fits, adhesives, glue, screws, bolts, Velcro, hinges or any other fastening mechanisms. Accordingly,fastening devices attenuator assembly 620 together andposition attenuator 606 in the path of the light generated bylight sources 106. - According to certain embodiments of the present invention,
decorative lighting apparatus 100 may include an anti-theft device. For example,decorative lighting apparatus 100 may include an anti-theft device that includes a proximity sensor disposed withindecorative lighting apparatus 100 and a base unit that may be disposed in a secure location, such as inside a home. The anti-theft device may be configured that the proximity sensor disposed withindecorative lighting apparatus 100 and the base unit must remain within a certain distance to each other fordecorative lighting apparatus 100 to be operable. If the distance between the proximity sensor withdecorative lighting apparatus 100 and the base unit exceeds a certain threshold distance (e.g., ifdecorative lighting apparatus 100 had been placed outside and is stolen and removed from the premises), anti-theft device preferably rendersdecorative lighting apparatus 100 inoperable. Alternatively or additionally, once the anti-theft device is activated,decorative lighting apparatus 100 may also include an audio and/or visual alerting mechanism, such as flashing lights, emitting a sound, etc. The anti-theft device may include other features, such as a key-pad to enable utilizing a security code, a biometric sensor, a motion sensor, etc. - According to yet another embodiment of the present invention,
decorative lighting apparatus 100 may include a solar power module configured to powerdecorative lighting apparatus 100. For example,decorative lighting apparatus 100 may include solar panels, such as photovoltaic panels, which can convert solar energy into electricity and store the electricity in a storage medium, such as batteries or capacitors, which can then be used to powerdecorative lighting apparatus 100. This can remove the need fordecorative lighting apparatus 100 to be connected to an external power supply by, for example, having to run extension cords to the location ofdecorative lighting apparatus 100. Accordingly, this can enabledecorative lighting apparatus 100 to be more easily placed and positioned in virtually any location. - The embodiments and examples shown above are illustrative, and many variations can be introduced to them without departing 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 appended claims. 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.
Claims (7)
- A laser light decorative lighting apparatus (100), comprising
a first laser light source (106) providing a first light having a first color;
a second laser light source (106) providing a second light having a second color,
a first switch (108) including a first position corresponding to the first light source (106) and the second light source (106) being in an off condition, a second position corresponding to the first light source (106) being in an on condition and the second light source (106) being in an off condition, and a third position corresponding to the first light source (106) and the second light source (106) being in an on condition;
a visual indicator (114) including a first colored portion corresponding to the first color and corresponding to the second position of the first switch (108) and a second colored portion corresponding to the first color and the second color and corresponding to the third position of the first switch (108); and
a second switch (118) for controlling activation of a motion assembly (500), the motion assembly (500) including:an articulating element configured to secure a first optical element (510) in a first path of the first light being generated by the first laser light source and a second optical element (516) in a second path of the second light being generated by the second laser light source; anda motor (502) coupled to the articulating element via a linkage such that a movement generated by the motor (502) is imparted to the articulating element so that the first light and the second light passing through the first and second optical elements (510, 516) are articulated when projected onto a surface. - The laser light decorative lighting apparatus (100) of claim 1, further comprising:
an attenuation assembly (620) including:a first attenuator (606);a second attenuator (606); anda first housing (602) being configured to be coupled to a second housing (610),when the first housing (602) is coupled to the second housing (610), the first and second housings (602, 610) form a first recess and a second recess, the first and second recesses designed and dimensioned to receive and hold the first and second attenuators (606) in a substantially fixed position in the first and second paths of the first and second lights being generated by the first and second laser light sources (106), respectively. - The laser light decorative lighting apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein the articulating element includes gears (508).
- The laser light decorative lighting apparatus (100) of claim 1, further comprising an optical element cover (512) configured to secure the optical element (510) to the articulating element.
- The laser light decorative lighting apparatus (100) of claim 2, further comprising a light sensor (116) configured to measure a level of ambient light and control the first laser light source (106) and the second laser light source (106) based on the measured level of ambient light.
- The decorative lighting apparatus (100) of claim 1, further comprising a mounting element (104) removably coupled to the lighting apparatus (100).
- The decorative lighting apparatus (100) of claim 1, further comprising a pivoting arm (105) enabling adjustment of the laser light decorative lighting apparatus (100) relative to the mounting element (104).
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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US14/976,202 US9458994B1 (en) | 2015-12-03 | 2015-12-21 | Decorative lighting apparatus having two laser light sources and a switch |
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EP3184888A1 EP3184888A1 (en) | 2017-06-28 |
EP3184888B1 true EP3184888B1 (en) | 2019-05-22 |
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CN201407589Y (en) * | 2009-05-15 | 2010-02-17 | 深圳市雅其光科技有限公司 | Multi-light source laser performance lamp |
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US6474837B1 (en) * | 2000-11-20 | 2002-11-05 | Richard S. Belliveau | Lighting device with beam altering mechanism incorporating a plurality of light souces |
US7033037B2 (en) * | 2004-04-29 | 2006-04-25 | Shih-Hsien Chen | Dazzling light device |
EP2795185B1 (en) * | 2011-12-21 | 2017-11-15 | Martin Professional ApS | Light collecting system with a number of reflector pairs |
CN204629169U (en) * | 2015-05-14 | 2015-09-09 | 湖北香江电器股份有限公司 | Laser lamp |
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