Illumination – With static structure – Floor
Reexamination Certificate
2000-09-07
2002-12-10
O'Shea, Sandra (Department: 2875)
Illumination
With static structure
Floor
C362S270000, C362S364000, C362S372000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06491407
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to lighting fixtures adapted for landscape and environmental lighting applications and, more particularly, to in-, or below-ground lighting fixtures.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The use of outdoor lighting fixtures has become increasingly popular for illuminating buildings, gardens, pathways and entrance ways as the nighttime play of light on the landscape and vegetation is aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, such lighting provides enhanced security by eliminating hiding places and unobserved entry points for intruders. Outdoor lighting systems include one or more lighting fixtures which are connected to either a 12 V transformer or a standard 120 VAC line. The lighting fixtures generally include a housing, a lamp assembly having a halogen or conventional bulb and a reflector, and a lens or window. Many configurations are known for providing a variety of different lighting effects.
Landscape lighting fixtures, most of which are mounted at or above ground level are generally considered to appear somewhat incongruous with the surrounding vegetation during daylight hours, when the illumination function is not in use. Further, because of the constant exposure to the elements, above ground lighting fixtures are generally required to be made of expensive, high quality materials, such as non-corrosive metal alloys, in order to provide durability and a reasonable resistance to damage so as not to appear cheap and unkempt.
As an alternative to the above-ground placement of landscape lighting fixtures, recessed, in-ground lighting fixtures, also known as “well lights”, have gained widespread acceptance. In certain applications, the use of below-ground landscape lighting is preferable over above-ground varieties, especially in areas surrounding walkways where an above-ground element could poses a tripping hazard or in lawn areas where the use of a lawn mower presents a risk of damage to the fixture.
Despite having a number of advantages over above-ground type fixtures for certain applications, in-ground light fixtures encounter problems not typically seen in lighting fixtures of other varieties. A significant problem is the intrusion of water or other electrically conductive fluids into the subterranean receptacle housing the lighting fixture. A number of sealing techniques have been employed in the prior art. In the in-ground light fixture of Wagner, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,481,443, a single sealing element between the lens and the fixture housing is relied upon to provide a barrier against moisture intrusion. The U.S. Pat. No. 5,003,441 of Crowe, et al., which discloses an in-ground pop-up light fixture, makes passing mention to “the lower housing is normally sealed watertight” but fails to disclose the means by which the seal is created. The well light of Porter, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,230,559, makes no provision for ensuring water resistance of the lighting fixture and attached wiring. The need for water resistance is of additional importance to in-ground fixtures since the light emitting surface is usually horizontal, providing a place for water to pool and increasing the chance of water-related damage. In addition, in such fixtures, the water can “wick” up the field wire into the fixture housing, thus imposing the need for the fixture to be water-tight from all perspectives.
A second problem experienced with below-ground light fixtures is the need to control the direction of illumination with maximum efficiency and ease for the user. A significant limitation is that the lamp is located at or below ground surface, which limits the range of illumination and convenient access to the lamp. It would be an advantage to have an apparatus where the lamp is easily accessible to the user for adjustment of beam quality and direction without compromising the water tightness or weather resistant features of the fixture.
A third, seldom addressed problem is a means for cooling the in-ground lighting fixture. Halogen and incandescent filaments generate a significant amount of radiant heat when illuminated. Being placed in-ground, the lighting fixture has limited means for providing air circulation to dissipate heat build-up within the fixture which can potentially lead to failure of the fixture due to damaged or melted components and electrical wiring as well as accelerating corrosion due to the exposure to outdoor environments. Furthermore, minerals and other residue deposited on the lens as the result of irrigation and other environmental exposure are baked on by the heat generated by the lamp. The baked-on residue obscures light output and exacerbates the tendency for heat build-up.
It would be desirable to provide an in-ground lighting fixture that provides a watertight interior environment for electrical wiring and associated elements while allowing for adjustability of the light beam. An additional cooling means for the lighting element would also be desirable. These problems and deficiencies are clearly felt in the art and are solved by the present invention in the manner described below.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an advantage of the present invention to provide an in-ground lighting fixture that is water-tight.
It is a further advantage of the present invention to provide an in-ground lighting fixture that allows multi-axis adjustment of the beam.
Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an in-ground lighting fixture that has means for cooling and providing air circulation for the below-ground portion of the fixture.
Still another advantage of the invention is to provide an in-ground lighting fixture that minimizes build-up on the lens that can occur from exposure of the fixture to water and dirt.
In an exemplary embodiment, the in-ground, or “well light”, fixture comprises a hollow cylindrical housing, a bezel and lens mounted at the upper end of the housing, and a lamp assembly comprising a watertight lamp enclosure containing a lamp and reflector. The lamp enclosure is secured by support brackets which extend downward from the bottom portion of the bezel to provide three-axis adjustability of the lamp. An optional mounting ring is attached at the upper end of the housing to form a flange to facilitate stable placement of the well light in the ground as well as providing an attractive frame around the fixture. The lens is retained at a shallow angle within the bezel to permit water and dirt to run off of the lens surface.
The bezel comprises a circular plate that has top and bottom portions and an outside diameter that fits within the inside diameter of the mounting ring so that the bezel is supported on top of the upper end of the housing. The bottom portion of the bezel has a first inner diameter sized to fit within the inner diameter of the housing and a second inner diameter larger than the first inner diameter to create a lip adapted to fit over the top edge of the housing. When seated, the upper surface of the bezel is flush with the upper face of the mounting ring. The bezel has a plurality of openings therethrough, including a window opening that is generally rectangular to provide access to a transparent lens that is disposed at a shallow angle relative to horizontal to guide water and dirt away from the lamp assembly, allowing the water to run off the outer edge of the lens without pooling. A plurality of radially-arranged openings provide air circulation into and out of the interior of the housing, keeping the outer lens cool. Both the mounting ring and the bezel can be made from brass, anodized or powder-coated aluminum, or any other material that provides appropriate durability and weather-resistance as well as being aesthetically pleasing.
Retained within the housing is a lamp assembly comprising a shroud portion, a window, and a base portion which enclose a lamp and reflector. A pair of lamp support brackets are provided to mount the lamp assembly to the bottom portion of the bezel. Each bracket has a flanged portion for attachment to the bezel and a straight portion which attaches to the-lamp a
Kilpatrick & Stockton LLP
Musick Eleanor M.
Negron Ismael
O'Shea Sandra
LandOfFree
In-ground lighting fixture with gimbaled lamp assembly does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with In-ground lighting fixture with gimbaled lamp assembly, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and In-ground lighting fixture with gimbaled lamp assembly will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2968123