Security light controlled by motion detector

• US 5,015,994 A
• Filed: 12/28/1989
• Issued: 05/14/1991
• Est. Priority Date: 12/28/1989
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: GRH Electronics Incorporated
• Original Assignee: GRH Electronics Incorporated
• Inventors: Gordon, Gary, Hoberman, Kenneth, Kirwan, Kim
• Primary Examiner(s): Swann, III, Glen R.
• Assistant Examiner(s): MULLEN, THOMAS J
• Application Number:
  US07/458,131
• Time in Patent Office: 502 Days
• Field of Search: 340/567, 340/573, 340/691, 340/693, 340/586, 340/522, 250/342, 250/349, 250/353, 250/221
• US Class Current: 340/567
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 8/035 by means of plugging into a wall outlet, e.g. night light
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 21/02 Wall, ceiling, or floor bases; Fixing pendants or arms to the bases F21V21/08 takes precedence; bases for movable standing lamps F21V21/06
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/0442 activated by means of a sensor, e.g. motion or photodetectors
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19 using infrared-radiation detection systems G08B13/194 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/193 using focusing means
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/11 by determining the brightness or colour temperature of ambient light
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/115 by determining the presence or movement of objects or living beings
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/13 by using passive infrared detectors
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 20/40 Control techniques providing energy savings, e.g. smart controller or presence detection
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 250/01 Passive intrusion detectors

Abstract

A novel illumination device is provided which is small, inexpensive, and conveniently plugs into a standard power outlet, thereby allowing easy installation and deinstallation by nontechnical consumers, and thereby allowing the security light to be easily moved to any wall outlet as security needs change. This illumination device includes a motion detector so that the illumination is provided only in the presence of one or more persons who would find the illumination beneficial. A photoelectric device is provided such that the security light is illuminated in response to motion only when there is an insufficient amount of ambient light available from other sources. In one embodiment, a vision restrictor is provided such that motion is detected only from a desired detection area. In one embodiment, a vision extender is utilized in order to optimize the field of view for the motion detector, making the device more useful in narrow hallways and other unique installations.

Claims

1. A security light comprising:

a source of illumination;

pronged plug means for insertion into a standard electrical wall outlet without the need for permanent electrical connection to power mains or permanent physical attachment to a structural support;

means for detecting motion in an area near said security light; and

means for applying power to said source of illumination in response to the detection of said motion.

2. A security light as in claim 1 which further comprises:

means for detecting ambient light; and

means for disabling said means for applying power in response to a predetermined amount of ambient light.

3. A security light as in claim 1 wherein said motion detector comprises an infrared motion detector.

4. A security light as in claim 1 which further comprises means for selecting the area near said security light within which motion is to be detected.

5. A security light as in claim 4 wherein said means for selecting comprises a faceplate which selects one of a plurality of areas depending on the orientation of said faceplate with respect to said security light.

6. A security light as in claim 4 wherein said selected area is such that motion by a sleeping person is not detected while motion by others is detected.

7. A security light as in claim 1 which further comprises means for selecting a desired amount of time during which power is applied to said source of illumination, after motion is not longer detected.

8. A security light as in claim 2 which further comprises means for disabling said means for detecting ambient light when power is applied to said source of illumination.

9. A security light as in claim 1 which further comprises means for disabling said means for detecting motion when said means for applying power to said source of illumination causes power to said source of illumination to be switched off.

10. A security light as in claim 1 which further comprises means for adjusting the field of view of said means for detecting motion.

11. A security light as in claim 10 wherein said means for adjusting comprises:

a fresnel lens for receiving infrared radiation and directing said infrared radiation to an infrared detector; and

one or more movable reflective surfaces for directing infrared radiation received from a desired direction and reflecting said infrared radiation to said fresnel lens.