Motion actuated fixture illuminator

• US 9,345,110 B2
• Filed: 03/15/2012
• Issued: 05/17/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 03/15/2011
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Jack D. Miller
• Original Assignee: Jack D. Miller
• Inventors: Miller, Jack D.
• Primary Examiner(s): COX, CASSANDRA F
• Application Number:
  US13/421,082
• Publication Number:
  US 20120235578A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,524 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 1/1
• 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 plumbing 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 comprising an interior cavity, the exterior of the housing comprising a detection surface, the detection surface comprising at least one lens and lighting detector that detects the amount of light passing through the at least one lens, the exterior of the housing further comprising a mounting surface, the housing further comprising a sensory control member for detecting motion in proximity to the motion detecting device, 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

wiring and

at least one light stream operatively connected to the at least one socket member,

wherein the socket member is disposed in an exterior surface of the housing such that the sensory control member and the socket member further connect to provide power from the power source to illuminate the at least one light stream when the light stream is connected to the socket member and motion is detected by the sensory control member,

wherein the switch member is disposed on an exterior surface of the housing in operative connection with the lighting detector, wherein the switch member comprises predetermined settings of level of light detection for the lighting detector and operation time of the light stream,

wherein the light stream is operatively connected to the motion detecting device such that detection by the lighting detector of a level of light that passes through the at least one lens above a predetermined level as determined by the setting of the switch member prevents operation of the light stream regardless of the operation of the sensory control member,

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; and

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,

wherein the mounting surface of the motion detecting device is mounted to a surface area proximal to the plumbing fixture.

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 plumbing fixture comprises a toilet, a sink, a bathtub, a bidet, a urinal, a water fountain or a shower.

4. The motion actuated fixture illuminator of claim 1, wherein the sensory control member of 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.

5. The motion actuated fixture illuminator of claim 4, wherein the infrared sensor is sensitive to activation by detection of a temperature of about 93 degrees Fahrenheit.

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

7. 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.

8. A method of illuminating the proximal area of a plumbing 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 plumbing 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 comprising an interior cavity, the exterior of the housing comprising a detection surface, the detection surface comprising at least one lens and lighting detector that detects the amount of light passing through the at least one lens, the exterior of the housing further comprising a mounting surface, the housing further comprising a sensory control member for detecting motion in proximity to the motion detecting device, 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

wiring and

at least one light stream operatively connected to the at least one socket member,

wherein the socket member is disposed in an exterior surface of the housing such that the sensory control member and the socket member further connect to provide power from the power source to the at least one light stream when the light stream is connected to the socket member and motion is detected by the sensory control member to enable the light stream to provide illumination,

wherein the switch member is disposed on an exterior surface of the housing in operative connection with the lighting detector, wherein the switch member comprises predetermined settings of level of light detection for the lighting detector and operation time of the light stream,

wherein the light stream is operatively connected to the motion detecting device such that detection by the lighting detector of a level of light that passes through the at least one lens above a predetermined level as determined by the setting of the switch member prevents operation of the light stream regardless of the operation of the sensory control member,

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; and

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.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the fixture comprises an outdoor fixture.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the plumbing fixture comprises a toilet, a sink, a bathtub, a bidet, a urinal, a water fountain or a shower.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the sensory control member of 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.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the infrared sensor is sensitive to activation by detection of a temperature of about 93 degrees Fahrenheit.

13. The method of claim 8, further comprising a source of sound in electrical connection with the sensory control member, wherein activation of the sound source is controlled by the sensory control member.

14. A motion actuated fixture illuminator configured to control the illumination of a proximal area of a plumbing 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,

a housing comprising an interior cavity, the exterior of the housing comprising a detection surface, the detection surface comprising at least one lens and lighting detector that detects the amount of light passing through the at least one lens, the exterior of the housing further comprising a mounting surface, the housing further comprising a sensory control member for detecting motion in proximity to the motion detecting device, 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

wiring and

at least one light stream operatively connected to the at least one socket member,

wherein the socket member is disposed in an exterior surface of the housing such that the sensory control member and the socket member further connect to provide power from the power source to the at least one light stream when the light stream is connected to the socket member and motion is detected by the sensory control member to enable the light stream to provide illumination,

wherein the switch member is disposed on an exterior surface of the housing in operative connection with the lighting detector, wherein the switch member comprises predetermined settings of level of light detection for the lighting detector and operation time of the light stream,

wherein the light stream is operatively connected to the motion detecting device such that detection by the lighting detector of a level of light that passes through the at least one lens above a predetermined level as determined by the setting of the switch member prevents operation of the light stream regardless of the operation of the sensory control member,

wherein the sensory control member of 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;

wherein further the motion detecting device comprises a source of sound in electrical connection with the sensory control member, 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.