Motion Actuated Fixture Illuminator

• US 20120235578A1
• Filed: 03/15/2012
• Published: 09/20/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 03/15/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Jack Miller
• Original Assignee: Jack Miller
• Inventors: Miller, Jack
• Granted Patent: US 9,345,110 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 315/152
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/11 by determining the brightness or colour temperature of ambient light
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/13 by using passive infrared detectors
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/16 by timing means
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 20/40 Control techniques providing energy savings, e.g. smart controller or presence detection

Abstract

A motion detecting device that, upon sensing motion, actuates an eclectic variety of illuminations to a proximal area of a fixture for providing functional and aesthetic benefits. The sensitivity of the motion detecting device is adjustable, and once actuated, powers on at least one light stream and or sound emanation device. Each light stream is positioned to illuminate a specific area on the fixture, or in proximity to the fixture. In various embodiments, the resultant illumination allows a user to better proximate the distance from a toilet seat, the perimeter of a toilet, the quantity and direction of water dispensing from a sink, and other similar uses. The motion detecting device may further include a light sensor to prevent illumination when light is detected, and a timer to turn off the illumination device after it has been activated for a predetermined amount of time.

Claims

1. A motion actuated fixture illuminator configured to control the illumination of a proximal area of a fixture after a user is detected, comprising:

a motion detecting device configured to detect motion from a user, the motion detecting device comprising a housing, the housing comprising a detection surface, the detection surface comprising at least one lens, the housing further comprising a mounting surface, the housing further comprising a sensory control member for detecting motion, the housing further comprising at least one switch member, the housing further comprising at least one socket member, the housing further comprising at least one power source; and

at least one light stream operatively connected to the motion detecting device for illuminating the proximal area of a fixture, wherein upon sensing the user, the motion detecting device actuates the light stream.

2. The motion actuated fixture illuminator of claim 1, wherein the fixture comprises an outdoor fixture.

3. The motion actuated fixture illuminator of claim 1, wherein the fixture comprises a plumbing fixture.

4. The motion actuated fixture illuminator of claim 3, wherein the plumbing fixture comprises a toilet, a sink, a bathtub, a bidet, a urinal, a water fountain or a shower.

5. The motion actuated fixture illuminator of claim 1, wherein the motion detecting device comprises an acoustic sensor, an optical sensor, an infrared sensor, a video image processor, a magnetic sensor, a magnetometer, an infrared laser sensor, a microwave radar sensor, an inductive-loop detector, a triboelectric sensor, a seismic sensor, or an inertia-switch sensor.

6. The motion actuated fixture illuminator of claim 5, wherein the infrared sensor is sensitive to activation by detection of a temperature of about 93 degrees Fahrenheit.

7. The motion actuated fixture illuminator of claim 5, further comprising a light sensor, wherein the light sensor is configured to subdue activation of the light stream upon sensing a predetermined level of light.

8. The motion actuated fixture illuminator of claim 1, further comprising a source of sound, wherein activation of the sound source is controlled by the sensory control member.

9. The motion actuated fixture illuminator of claim 8, wherein the motion detecting device further comprises a sensor configured to receive remote signals, wherein the motion detecting device yet further comprises a programmable processor responsive to remote signals received by the sensor to control the sensory control member to be turned on or turned off;

to program the amount of time of illumination of the light stream;

to program the play of music or other sounds under control of the sensory control member, wherein the sensor receives remote signals by way of wireless technology.

10. The motion actuated fixture illuminator of claim 1, wherein the light stream is configured to turn off after it has been active for a predetermined amount of time.

11. A method of illuminating the proximal area of a fixture, comprising:

detecting motion by a motion detecting device;

activating an illumination device upon detection of motion by the motion detecting device;

thereupon illuminating the proximal area of a fixture; and

thereafter turning the illumination device off after it has been activated for a predetermined amount of time,

wherein the motion detecting device comprises a housing, wherein the housing comprises a detection surface, wherein the detection surface comprises at least one lens,

wherein the housing further comprises a mounting surface, a sensory control member configured to detect motion, at least one switch member, at least one socket member, and at least one power source; and

wherein the light stream is operatively connected to the motion detecting device to be activated upon the detection of motion.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the fixture comprises an outdoor fixture.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the fixture comprises a plumbing fixture.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the plumbing fixture comprises a toilet, a sink, a bathtub, a bidet, a urinal, a water fountain or a shower.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the motion detecting device comprises an acoustic sensor, an optical sensor, an infrared sensor, a video image processor, a magnetic sensor, a magnetometer, an infrared laser sensor, a microwave radar sensor, an inductive-loop detector, a triboelectric sensor, a seismic sensor, or an inertia-switch sensor.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the infrared sensor is sensitive to activation by detection of a temperature of about 93 degrees Fahrenheit.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising a light sensor, wherein the light sensor is configured to subdue activation of the light stream upon sensing a predetermined level of light, wherein the light stream is configured to turn off after it has been active for a predetermined amount of time.

18. The method of claim 11, further comprising a source of sound, wherein activation of the sound source is controlled by the sensory control member.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the motion detecting device further comprises a sensor configured to receive remote signals, wherein the motion detecting device yet further comprises a programmable processor responsive to remote signals received by the sensor to control the sensory control member to be turned on or turned off;

to program the amount of time of illumination of the light stream;

to program the play of music or other sounds under control of the sensory control member, wherein the sensor receives remote signals by way of wireless technology.

20. A motion actuated fixture illuminator configured to control the illumination of a proximal area of a fixture after a user is detected, comprising:

a motion detecting device configured to detect motion from a user, the motion detecting device comprising a housing, the housing comprising a detection surface, the detection surface comprising at least one lens, the housing further comprising a mounting surface, the housing further comprising a sensory control member for detecting motion, the housing further comprising at least one switch member, the housing further comprising at least one socket member, the housing further comprising at least one power source;

at least one light stream operatively connected to the motion detecting device for illuminating the proximal area of a fixture, wherein upon sensing the user, the motion detecting device actuates the light stream;

a timing unit configured to turn off the light stream after the light stream has been activated for a predetermined amount of time; and

a light sensor configured to prevent activation of the light stream upon sensing a predetermined level of light;

wherein the motion detecting device comprises an acoustic sensor, an optical sensor, an infrared sensor, a video image processor, a magnetic sensor, a magnetometer, an infrared laser sensor, a microwave radar sensor, an inductive-loop detector, a triboelectric sensor, a seismic sensor, or an inertia-switch sensor;

wherein further the light stream comprises a plurality of interchangeable covers configured to display various patterns upon illumination;

further comprising a light sensor, wherein the light sensor is configured to subdue activation of the light stream upon sensing a predetermined level of light;

wherein further the motion detecting device comprises a source of sound, wherein activation of the sound source is controlled by the sensory control member;

wherein further the motion detecting device comprises a sensor configured to receive remote signals, wherein the motion detecting device yet further comprises a programmable processor responsive to remote signals received by the sensor to control the sensory control member to be turned on or turned off;

to program the amount of time of illumination of the light stream;

to program the play of music or other sounds under control of the sensory control member;

or any combination thereof, wherein the sensor receives remote signals by way of wireless technology.