Outdoor lighting system with cold cathode ray tubes

Abstract

An outdoor lighting system with cold cathode ray tubes is disclosed. The individual lights are self-powered by one or more batteries carried in the lighting structure itself. In one embodiment, one or more rechargeable batteries are located within a relatively elongated base structure of the lighting component. In one particular embodiment, this elongated base structure also serves as a stake that is utilized to fix the lighting fixture in a particular outdoor location, such as a lawn, pathway, driveway, or patio.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 335,933, filed 2 Nov. 2001, titled “Outdoor Lighting System with Cold cathode ray tubes.”BACKGROUND [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to outdoor lighting. In particular, the present invention relates to outdoor landscape lighting. [0004] 2. Description of Related Art [0005] Outdoor lighting systems have been around for many years. However, low-cost, automated low-voltage lighting systems are a relatively recent introduction into the outdoor lighting market. These low-voltage systems typically include a plurality of lighting fixtures wired together and to a control box. The lighting elements in the lighting fixtures are typically 4-Volt or 11-Volt incandescent bulbs. The control box typically plugs into a conventional AC power outlet and includes the necessary voltage regulators, AC to DC converters, on-off switches, and optional timers. [0006] There are several probl...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] It is one objective of the present invention to provide a lawn or patio umbrella with an integral lighting system that utilizes a cold cathode ray tube to provide relatively bright outdoor light for reading and other relatively high light intensity activities.

[0013] It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a lawn or patio umbrella that includes a cold cathode ray tube lighting system and an electrically-actuated motorized retraction subassembly that allows the umbrella to be opened and closed more easily. Lawn Lighting Systems

[0016] It is another objective of the present invention to provide a photovoltaic solar cell that is utilized to convert sunlight into electrical energy to recharge the rechargeable battery or battery pack carried by the cold cathode ray tube lighting fixture. In one particular embodiment of the present invention, each lighting fixture carries its own solar cell. In another particular embodiment of the present invention, a remotely located solar cell panel is utilized to recharge a plurality of batteries or battery packs contained in a number of light fixtures that are all connected together by electrical conductors. This remotely located photovoltaic solar cell panel may provide the sole means for recharging the battery packs, or it may supplement charging performed by photovoltaic solar cells carried on each individual lighting fixture. Cold Cathode Ray Tubes For Outdoor Lighting

[0017] It is another objective of the present invention to utilize a cold cathode ray tube as the primary bulb for an outdoor lighting fixture that is independent of any household electrical systems. The cold cathode ray tube is a relatively low power consuming device, does not generate much heat, provides a high amount of light intensity output from the bulb, reduces the overall energy consumption of the outdoor lighting fixture, allows for fewer batteries to be utilized in each lighting fixture, allows for easier recharging of the batteries due to the lower power requirements, and allows the utilization of smaller photovoltaic solar cells. One additional advantage of utilizing a cold cathode ray tube is that it may be operated at multiple voltage levels to provide differing amounts of light output. In one particular embodiment, a wireless receiver and transmitter pair may be utilized to allow an operator to use a wireless command signal to change the operating state of a lawn lighting system, and in particular may be utilized to switch the system between on and off conditions, and to switch the system between varying levels of light output. Accordingly, an operator may intensify the light output from a lawn lighting system through use of a wireless handheld transmitter if he needs additional light at a particular location, such as a particular pathway, patio, lawn, or other outdoor structure or feature.

Problems solved by technology

There are several problems associated with such low-voltage lighting systems.

For example, they must be plugged into a conventional AC power outlet to receive power, the incandescent bulbs do not provide high intensity light, and the they cannot be utilized in remote locations away from an AC outlet.

The are also problems associated with these types of lighting systems.

For example, the size and number of the rechargeable batteries is extremely limited, resulting in short periods of illumination, the incandescent bulbs do not provide high intensity light, and the lighting fixtures must operate independently of each other.

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