WO2010067089A2

WO2010067089A2 - Sensing device

Info

Publication number: WO2010067089A2
Application number: PCT/GB2009/051520
Authority: WO
Inventors: Douglas Burnham
Original assignee: Douglas Burnham
Priority date: 2008-12-12
Filing date: 2009-11-12
Publication date: 2010-06-17
Also published as: GB2477894A; GB201109621D0; GB2477894B; GB0822648D0; WO2010067089A3

Abstract

A sensing device (2) for a lighting apparatus, the sensing device comprising at least one detection portion (6) being operable to detect the presence of a person, and at least one base portion (4), the base portion being connected to the detection portion by a connection portion (8) and being operable to communicate with the detection portion and the lighting device (10), wherein the base portion is operable to switch the lighting apparatus from a first operational mode to a second operational mode, upon detection of a person by the detection portion; characterized in that the device further comprises connection portion housing means, wherein the connection portion is operable to be stored in or on the connection portion housing means.

Description

A Sensing Device

The invention relates to a sensing device. Particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a sensing device for minimising energy consumption.

Global warming is an increasingly serious issue. It is caused by greenhouse gases rising into the atmosphere, creating a blanket around the earth, trapping heat. The most significant greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide, is created by burning fossil fuels such as coal, gas and oil.

Research has shown that over forty per cent of the carbon dioxide emission in the United Kingdom is linked to what we do as individuals. For example, the way in which we heat and use electricity in our homes directly impacts on global warming. There is therefore a need for every person to reduce their carbon footprint.

There is a growing global push to minimise greenhouse gas emissions. Alternative sources of power which do not generate carbon dioxide are becoming more common, for example solar panels and wind turbines. However, such devices are expensive to install and therefore not feasible for the average homeowner.

Individually, the homeowner is encouraged to recycle their household waste and reduce the energy consumption in their home. This can often be achieved by the person changing the pattern of their use of gas and electricity. For example, simply turning off lights when they are not needed can significantly reduce the overall tonnage of carbon emissions produced annually in the country. It is an object of the invention to provide a sensing device which minimises the consumption of electricity.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a sensing device for a lighting apparatus, the sensing device comprising at least one detection portion being operable to detect the presence of a person, and at least one base portion, the base portion being connected to the detection portion by a connection portion and being operable to communicate with the detection portion and the lighting device, wherein the base portion is operable to switch the lighting apparatus from a first operational mode to a second operational mode, upon detection of a person by the detection portion; characterized in that the device further comprises connection portion housing means, wherein the connection portion is operable to be stored in or on the connection portion housing means.

Preferably, in the first operational mode the lighting apparatus is operable to emit a light. Preferably, substantially no light is emitted from said apparatus when in the second operational mode.

Preferably, the detection portion comprises a sensor. The sensor may be a passive infra red sensor. The sensor may be a motion detection sensor. The sensor may be a thermal sensor. The sensor may be a sonic sensor.

Preferably, the base portion is adapted to house electronic circuitry for operating the sensing device.

Preferably, the base portion comprises power connections, preferably terminals, preferably switching mechanisms, preferably auxiliary devices which are preferably operable to work in conjunction with the detection portion.

Preferably, the connection portion housing means is housed on or in the base portion. The connection portion is preferably operable to be withdrawn or retracted with respect to the connection portion housing means.

Preferably, the base portion comprises an operational member operable to adjust function parameters of the lighting device, preferably, time functions, preferably daylight functions, preferably dimming functions. Preferably, when a person leaves a room, the operational member operates to cause the lighting device to switch to the second operational mode, to turn the light off, after a preset period. Preferably, the preset period is substantially between 1 and 10 minutes, preferably substantially between 2 and 5 minutes.

Preferably, the daylight function is operable to override the lighting circuitry to thereby prevent the light moving to the first operational mode (in which light is emitted) during ample light conditions. In other words, the daylight function is operable to prevent the light switching on during the day. The daylight function may comprise a light dependent resistor (LDR) .

In this arrangement, substantially all of the electronic circuitry for controlling the sensing device is located in the base portion, remote from the detection portion.

Preferably, the sensing device, preferably the base portion, comprises auxiliary devices. Preferably, the auxiliary devices comprise controllers having selectable or programmable functions. Preferably said controllers comprise a memory and/or a computing facility being operable to learn usage patterns of the sensing device.

Preferably, the controllers may be operable to control the brightness level of the light.

In one embodiment, the invention extends to a dimming controller, operable to control the brightness of the light emitted. Preferably, the dimming controller is operable to switch between a multitude of different lighting levels, preferably automatically. In one embodiment, the dimming controller may be operable to switch the light from an operational mode (in which the light is illuminated) to an intermediate mode (in which the light is partially illuminated) before switching the light to a non-operational mode (in which the light is not illuminated. Advantageously such a mode provides a user with a visual signal that the light is about to switch off.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a light controlling device comprising detection means, operable to detect the presence of a person, and, upon detection of a person, to cause a light to switch between a first non operational mode and a second operational mode, wherein, after a predetermined time of the detection means not detecting a person, the light is switched from the operational mode to an intermediate mode in which the level of light emitted is less than in the operational mode. Advantageously, in a situation where the detection means is a motion detection means and a user is stationary for a period of time, the light may be switched to a dimmer level, rather than being turned off. This provides a user with a visual signal that the light is about to switch off, thus allowing a user time to trigger the light back into the operational mode, or to leave the area before the light switches to the non-operational mode.

Preferably, the base portion is operable to receive signals from a remote control device, such as a hand held device. Preferably, the remote control means is adapted to operate using radio receiving or transmitting devices, preferably located in the base portion. Preferably, the remote control means is a hand held device. Preferably, the hand held device is a transmitting device operable to transmit or send an infra red signal for example, to the base portion housing the receiving device.

In so doing, a user is able to adjust or change the function or mode of operation of the sensing device remotely. For example, a user may adjust the time setting function from a preset time period to an alternative time period. Advantageously, such adjustments or mode changes could be altered from a distance without the need to for the user to access the base portion directly. This is particularly desirable where the base portion is difficult to access, for example, being located in a lighting device on a high ceiling.

Preferably, the sensing device, preferably the base portion, comprises adjustment members adapted to enable local or external adjustment of the device. Preferably, the adjustment members comprise adjusting knobs or slotted screw members for manipulation with a screw driver, for example .

Preferably, the base portion is adapted to communicate with at least one alternative base portion, preferably with a plurality of alternative base portions.

In this manner, a number of alternative base portions are able to communicate with the base portion. The base portion therefore acts as a main controller for a number of sensing devices.

Preferably, the base portion comprises a sensor module and preferably an integrated transmitting module operable to transmit a signal to the at least one alternative base portion/s. Preferably, said alternative base portions comprise a receiving device for receiving the signal.

Preferably, the alternative base portion/s are set at a pre-determined distance range from the base portion. Preferably, the signal is a radio signal.

Preferably, the first base portion and preferably, the alternative base portions are operable to control a plurality of lighting devices.

Advantageously, such an arrangement provides a more flexible and practical solution where multiple lighting devices are required. Preferably, in this arrangement, the transmitting frequency and the corresponding receiving frequency could be preset or variable. Preferably, the base portion comprises at least one adapter member. Preferably, the adapter member is adapted to connect the base portion to a lighting device. Preferably, the adapter member is adapted to connect the base portion to a bulb holder of the lighting device. In this configuration, preferably, inter connecting wires may be taken from inside the lighting device to terminals provided within the base portion, to connect to the switching devices to facilitate lighting control.

The adapter member may connect the base portion directly to an existing wall or ceiling electricity outlet. Alternatively, the adapter member may connect the base portion directly to a light bulb of the lighting device, for example, to the side of a fluorescent strip light.

Preferably, the adapter member is adapted to be arranged between a bulb holder fitting, for example, between a batten lamp holder and the lighting device.

The base portion may comprise a batten holder type fixture. Preferably, in this arrangement, the base portion is adapted to fix directly to a ceiling or wall electricity outlet. Preferably, said portion is adapted to be hard wired from electrical wiring of a building to the electrical circuitry of the base portion, preferably via connecting terminals. Preferably, the base portion comprises a socket facility for a lamp, for example an Edison Screw (ES) or Bayonet Cap (BC) socket.

In one configuration, the adapter member is adapted to connect the base portion to a lighting device having an enclosed fitting, for example, a bulk head light. Preferably, the base portion comprises a plug member being adapted to plug or screw into an existing power socket or bulb holder comprising connection means to communicate electrically therewith.

Preferably, the base portion comprises a socket member being adapted to allow a lighting device to plug or screw into the adapter member with electrical connection means. Preferably, the electrical connection means are operable to communicate power to the lighting device, preferably via switching mechanisms and control devices contained within the base portion.

Preferably, the adapter member comprises a locking mechanism. Preferably, the locking member is adapted to lock the adapter member to the base portion. In this arrangement, the locking member prevents unwanted physical disconnection of the base portion from said member.

Preferably, the detection portion is located at a first end of the connecting portion and the base portion is located at a second end of the connection portion.

Preferably, at the first end, there is provided an alignment member adapted to secure the detection portion to the connection portion, or preferably, secure the detection portion to a shade of a lighting device. This configuration minimises the possibility of unintended misalignment of the detection portion due to, for example, a user cleaning a lampshade or diffuser to which the sensing device is attached. Preferably, the alignment member comprises a clip. It could be appreciated that such a retaining device could be part of, or moulded into the detection portion casement.

Preferably, the connection portion is moveable, preferably, flexibly moveable. Preferably, the connection portion is adapted to be bent or manipulated into a fixed position. Preferably, the connection portion is of varied or fixed length, preferably substantially between lcm and 100cm in length, more preferably less than 60cm.

Preferably, the connection portion is manufactured from a plastics or metals material, for example metal tubing. Preferably, the connection portion comprises communication wires .

In an alternative embodiment, the connection portion may comprise a telescopic member, which may be substantially rigid. The telescopic member may be hingedly connected to the device, preferably to the base portion thereof. The detection portion may be situated at or toward an end of the telescopic member, preferably an end distal to the base portion. The telescopic member may comprise one or more hinged knuckles along the length thereof about which the member may hinge. For example, the telescopic member may comprise 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 hinged knuckles along the length thereof about each of which the telescopic rod may hinge .

Advantageously, the connection portion has the ability to be manipulated in a fixed position and be constructed to retain its position. Preferably, the adapter member is adapted to provide support to the connection portion. Preferably, the connection portion comprises at least one connection port being adapted to connect the base portion and/or the detection portion to the connection portion.

Preferably, the connection portion is releasably fixed to the base portion and/or the detection portion by fixing members. Preferably, the fixing members comprise a plug and socket arrangement.

Preferably, the detection portion comprises fixing portions. Preferably, the fixing portions are adapted to releasably fix the detection portion to a mount, for example, a wall. Preferably, the fixing portions comprise a plug and socket arrangement.

Preferably, a plurality of detection portions is provided on the sensing device. Preferably, said detection portions comprise infra red or day light sensors.

Preferably, the sensing device further comprises at least one shroud or diffuser which is adapted to shield the at least one detection portion. Preferably, said shroud is operable to alter the sensitivity of the detection portion .

Preferably, the shroud or detection portion is adapted to fix to the inside of a translucent diffuser, for example, a bulk head light fixture. In this arrangement, the sensors would preferably be calibrated to detect occupants or such, through the translucent barrier. This type of installation allows a discrete siting of the connection portion and detection portion.

Preferably, the base portion comprises attaching means adapted to attach a diffuser or shade to thereto. The base portion may have a second shade attaching means in order to facilitate alternative shade positioning. The attaching means may preferably also comprise a locking portion adapted to prevent movement and/or disconnection from lighting device. The base portion may have an independent locking mechanism, for example, screws.

The connection portion housing means enables some of the connecting means to be stored when not needed and thus reduces unnecessary lengths of the connection portion being displayed. Preferably, the housing means comprises a recess, preferably on the perimeter thereof, into which at least a part of the connection portion may be stored. The connection portion may be wrapped around the housing means. Preferably, a shield is provided to substantially cover the housing. In so doing, the connection portion is protected.

Provision of housing means for the connection portion enables a user to vary the length of the connection portion required, depending on the distance of the detection portion from the base portion. The user may simply push or pull the connection portion out of the housing. In one embodiment, the housing means comprises a spool around which the connection portion may be wound. The spool may be loaded with a resilient bias to effect automatic retraction of the connection portion therearound. A ratchet mechanism may also be fitted to the spool to allow the connection portion to remain unwound from the spool at a desired length.

Preferably, the base portion comprises indication means adapted to indicate the status of the sensing device. Preferably, said means comprise indicator lights e.g. LED, or neon lights. In this configuration, the user is given a visual indication of the status of the device, for example, which function mode is in operation or when the base portion has a power supply. Other indicators could show different function status.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a sensing device for a lighting apparatus, the lighting apparatus having a bulb and a shade housing, the bulb being at least partially surrounded by the shade housing, the sensing device comprising a base portion adapted to connect to the lighting apparatus, a detection portion, and a connection portion therebetween, wherein the connection portion is operable to move the detecting portion outside of the shade housing and wherein the device comprises connection portion housing means, the connection portion being operable to be stored in or on the housing means.

Preferably, the detection portion is located at a first end of the connection portion. Preferably, the base portion is located at a second end of the connection portion. Preferably, the second end is adjacent the bulb of the lighting device.

Preferably, the connection portion is flexible. Provision of a flexible connection portion enables a user to flex or bend said portion outside of the shade of a lighting device. In so doing, the detection portion is not obstructed or obscured by the shade and can freely detect the presence of a person.

Due to the detection portion being remote from the base portion, the detection portion can be positioned away from an object which may obstruct the detection window.

Preferably, the lighting apparatus comprises at least one bulb which may be an incandescent bulb, a halogen bulb, a fluorescent bulb, or a light emitting diode (LED) type bulb.

Preferably, the shade housing comprises a lamp shade. Alternatively, the shade housing comprises a diffuser, preferably a translucent diffuser.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a sensing device for a lighting apparatus, the lighting apparatus having a bulb and a diffuser housing, the bulb being substantially surrounded by the diffuser housing, the sensing device comprising a base portion adapted to connect to the lighting apparatus, a detection portion, and a connecting portion therebetween, wherein the connecting portion is operable to move the detecting portion to a position adjacent the diffuser housing and wherein the device comprises connection portion housing means, the connection portion being operable to be stored in or on the housing means.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a sensing device for a lighting apparatus, the lighting apparatus having a bulb and a shade housing, the bulb being at least partially surrounded by the shade housing, the sensing device comprising a base portion adapted to connect to the lighting apparatus, a detection portion, and a connection portion therebetween, wherein the connection portion is operable to move the detecting portion to a position where movement outside of the shade housing may be detected and wherein the device comprises connection portion housing means, the connection portion being operable to be stored in or on the housing means.

All of the features described herein may be combined with any of the above aspects, in any combination.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a first embodiment of a sensing device according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows a schematic side view of a second embodiment of a sensing device according to the invention;

Figure 3 shows a schematic side view of a third embodiment of a sensing device according to the invention;

Figure 4 shows a schematic side view of a third embodiment of a sensing device according to the invention;

Figure 5 shows a schematic side view of a fourth embodiment of a sensing device according to the invention; Figure 6 shows a schematic side view of a fifth embodiment of a sensing device according to the invention;

Figure 7a shows a schematic side view of a sixth embodiment of a sensing device according to the invention;

Figure 7b shows a partial sectional view of the device a sixth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 8 shows a sectional view of a seventh embodiment of a sensing device according to the invention;

Figure 9 shows a sectional view of an eighth embodiment of a sensing device according to the invention;

Figure 10 shows a ninth embodiment of a sensing device of the present invention;

Figure 11 shows a sectional view of a sensor arrangement; and

Figure 12 shows a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a sensor arrangement.

Figure 1 shows a sensing device 2 according to the invention. The sensing device 2 comprises a base portion 4 and a detection portion 6. The base portion 4 houses the electronic control circuitry for the sensing device 2. The base portion 4 is connected to the detection portion by a connection portion 8. The connecting portion 8 is retractable into the base portion 4 as will be described in relation to figures 7a and 7b. The sensing device 2 is shown fitted to a lighting device 10. The lighting device 10 comprises a wall mounting 12 which is adapted to fix the lighting device 10 to a ceiling or wall 14, a bulb 16, and a shade housing 18. In this first embodiment, the sensing device 2 is in the form of an adaptor situated between a standard bulb 16 and a standard wall mounting 12. Such an arrangement is described in more detail hereunder in relation to figures 7a and 7b.

In this figure, the base portion 4 is connected to the bulb 16 of the lighting device 10 and to the wall mounting 12. The connection portion 8 is positioned such that the detection portion 6 is outside of the shade housing 18. In this manner, the detection portion 6 is not obstructed by said housing 18.

In use, if a person enters a room where the bulb 18 is not on, the detection portion 6 detects the presence of the person which causes the base portion to switch the lighting device 10 to a first operational mode, i.e. the bulb 16 is switched on. Conversely, when a person leaves the room and forgets to switch off the light, the electronic components of the base portion 4, which may have timing function capability, operate to switch the bulb 16 off after a preset period of time. In this manner, electricity is not wasted.

A second embodiment 100 of the invention is shown in Figure 2. For the reader's convenience, like parts to those in Figure 1 are given corresponding numerals. In the embodiment 100 shown, the base portion 104 is mounted directly to the ceiling or wall electrical circuitry. Such an embodiment may be employed when fitting or replacing wall/ceiling light mounts. In this embodiment, a bulb 116 simply fits into the base portion 104 in the usual manner, and the sensing device operates in a similar manner to that described above in relation to figure 1. The connecting portion 108 is retractably housed within the base portion 104.

Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of the sensing device 200. In this embodiment, the control means 204 is housed within the bulb housing. In this Figure, the shade housing 218 is frusto conical. The connection portion 208 is sufficiently long and flexible in nature to extend over the shade housing 218 to allow the detection portion 206 to be positioned outside of said housing 218 and thus detect the presence of a person outside the shade housing.

Figure 4 shows the device of the third embodiment situated in a bulk head type light fitting 300. Said fitting 300 comprises a translucent shade housing 318 and a compact fluorescent bulb 316. The base portion 304 and the connection portion 308 are integral with the lighting device 310. The detection portion 306 lies adjacent the shade housing 318 and is thus unobstructed.

Figure 5 shows a similar arrangement 400 to that of figure 4, except that the control means is housed in the socket rather than the bulb. In this arrangement, the detection portion 406 is fixed to the translucent shade housing 418 so as not to be obstructed.

Figure 6 shows a fluorescent type strip lighting device 510. The base portion 504 is mounted on the side of the device 510. The detection portion 506 extends away from the device 510 by the connection portion 508. Figures 7a and 7b show an adapter 600 for the base portion 604. The base portion 604 has screw and plug fixing members 619 for fixing the adapter 600 to a lighting socket, such as a wall or ceiling socket. The adapter 600 comprises a housing 620 for storing the connection portion 608. The housing 620 has a cover or shroud 622. The connection portion 608 is wound around the circumference of the housing 620, as shown in figure 7b. The connection portion 608 may be withdrawn or retracted from the housing 620 as required. The housing comprises as internal spring bias and ratchet mechanism (not shown) to cause the connection portion to automatically retract into the housing 620 upon release of the ratchet. Also shown in figure 7b is a socket 624 into which a bulb (not shown) may be inserted. The adaptor 600 operates as described above in relation to figure 1. Provision of the adapter enables the sensing device to be retrofitted to any suitable existing lighting device. Provision of the shroud 622 ensures the connection portion is safely stored.

Referring now to figure 8 there is shown an embodiment of the invention 700. This embodiment is generally the same as that described above in relation to Figure 3, except that the connection portion 708 between the base portion 704 and the detection portion 706 is a telescopic rod, which is operable to be withdrawn or retracted as shown by arrows "X" and "Y" in figure 8.

Referring now to figure 9 there is shown an embodiment of the invention 800 being generally the same as that described in relation to figure 3, above, except that the connection portion 808 comprises a clip 809 that allows the connection portion to be fixed to the light power supply cable 811, thus allowing the detection portion 806 to be secured above the shade 818 and able to detect the presence of a person unhindered.

Referring to figure 10 there is shown an embodiment of the invention 900 being generally the same as that described above in relation to figure 8 except that the telescopic connecting portion 908 is hingably connected to the base portion. The dotted lines show the connection portion 908 in a rotated (via hinge 913) and extended configuration.

Figures 11 and 12 show sensors 1002 arranged within a detecting portion, such as the detecting portion 906, for example. By using multiple sensors 1002, motion can be detected from various angles around the detecting portion.

It will be appreciated that in an alternative arrangement, a compact fluorescent lamp or such could itself be the base portion, whereby the connection means is connected directly to its body with the compact fluorescent lamp body, and containing all necessary devices for control.

The arrangement provides a simple and inexpensive mechanism of occupancy switched lighting. Advantageously, the need to interfere with or alter the existing household wiring is negated due to the electronic control circuitry for the device being housed in the base portion.

The sensing device is an economic means of minimising energy consumption in a building. In its simplest form, the sensing device may be a device which is bought from a hardware store then taken home and simply plugged in to existing light fittings with a bulb then inserted into the device.

The reader' s attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) , and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment (s) . The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A sensing device for a lighting apparatus, the sensing device comprising at least one detection portion being operable to detect the presence of a person, and at least one base portion, the base portion being connected to the detection portion by a connection portion and being operable to communicate with the detection portion and the lighting device, wherein the base portion is operable to switch the lighting apparatus from a first operational mode to a second operational mode, upon detection of a person by the detection portion; characterized in that the device further comprises connection portion housing means, wherein the connection portion is operable to be stored in or on the connection portion housing means.

2. A sensing device according to claim 1 wherein, in the first operational mode, the lighting apparatus is operable to emit a light

3. A sensing device according to either of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein substantially no light is emitted from said apparatus when in the second operational mode.

4. A sensing device according to any preceding claim, wherein the detection portion comprises a sensor.

5. A sensing device according to any preceding claim, wherein the base portion is adapted to house electronic circuitry for operating the sensing device.

6. A sensing device according to any preceding claim, wherein the base portion comprises an operational member operable to adjust function parameters of the lighting device, preferably, time functions.

7. A sensing device according to any preceding claim, wherein substantially all of the electronic circuitry for controlling the sensing device is located in the base portion, remote from the detection portion.

8. A sensing device according to any preceding claim, wherein the base portion is operable to receive signals from a remote control device.

9. A sensing device according to any preceding claim, wherein the base portion is adapted to communicate with at least one alternative base portion.

10. A sensing device according to any preceding claim, wherein the base portion comprises at least one adapter member .

11. A sensing device according to claim 10, wherein the adapter member connects the base portion directly to an existing wall or ceiling electricity outlet.

12. A sensing device according to either of claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the adapter member is adapted to be arranged between a bulb holder fitting, for example, between a batten lamp holder and the lighting device.

13. A sensing device according to any preceding claim, wherein the base portion comprises a plug member being adapted to plug or screw into an existing power socket or bulb holder comprising connection means to communicate electrically therewith.

14. A sensing device according to any preceding claim, wherein the detection portion is located at a first end of the connecting portion and the base portion is located at a second end of the connection portion.

15. A sensing device according to any preceding claim, wherein the connection portion is moveable, preferably, flexibly moveable.

16. A sensing device for a lighting apparatus, the lighting apparatus having a bulb and a shade housing, the bulb being at least partially surrounded by the shade housing, the sensing device comprising a base portion adapted to connect to the lighting apparatus, a detection portion, and a connection portion therebetween, wherein the connection portion comprises a flexible means which is operable to move the detecting portion outside of the shade housing and wherein the device comprises connection portion housing means, the connection portion being operable to be stored in or on the housing means.

17. A sensing device according to claim 16, wherein the detection portion is located at a first end of the connection portion and the base portion is located at a second end of the connection portion.

18. A sensing device for a lighting apparatus, the lighting apparatus having a bulb and a diffuser housing, the bulb being substantially surrounded by the diffuser housing, the sensing device comprising a base portion adapted to connect to the lighting apparatus, a detection portion, and a connecting portion therebetween, wherein the connecting portion comprises a flexible means which is operable to move the detecting portion to a position adjacent the diffuser housing and wherein the device comprises connection portion housing means, the connection portion being operable to be stored in or on the housing means .

19. A sensing device for a lighting apparatus, the lighting apparatus having a bulb and a shade housing, the bulb being at least partially surrounded by the shade housing, the sensing device comprising a base portion adapted to connect to the lighting apparatus, a detection portion, and a connection portion therebetween, wherein the connection portion comprises a flexible means which is operable to move the detecting portion to a position where movement outside of the shade housing may be detected and wherein the device comprises connection portion housing means, the connection portion being operable to be stored in or on the housing means .

20. A sensing device substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings .