US20040032729A1 - Removable light - Google Patents
Removable light Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20040032729A1 US20040032729A1 US10/603,568 US60356803A US2004032729A1 US 20040032729 A1 US20040032729 A1 US 20040032729A1 US 60356803 A US60356803 A US 60356803A US 2004032729 A1 US2004032729 A1 US 2004032729A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- pod
- light
- housing
- illumination device
- mating
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S2/00—Systems of lighting devices, not provided for in main groups F21S4/00 - F21S10/00 or F21S19/00, e.g. of modular construction
- F21S2/005—Systems of lighting devices, not provided for in main groups F21S4/00 - F21S10/00 or F21S19/00, e.g. of modular construction of modular construction
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J37/00—Baking; Roasting; Grilling; Frying
- A47J37/06—Roasters; Grills; Sandwich grills
- A47J37/07—Roasting devices for outdoor use; Barbecues
- A47J37/0786—Accessories
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S9/00—Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply
- F21S9/02—Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply the power supply being a battery or accumulator
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V33/00—Structural combinations of lighting devices with other articles, not otherwise provided for
- F21V33/008—Leisure, hobby or sport articles, e.g. toys, games or first-aid kits; Hand tools; Toolboxes
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V21/00—Supporting, suspending, or attaching arrangements for lighting devices; Hand grips
- F21V21/08—Devices for easy attachment to any desired place, e.g. clip, clamp, magnet
- F21V21/088—Clips; Clamps
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
- F21Y2115/00—Light-generating elements of semiconductor light sources
- F21Y2115/10—Light-emitting diodes [LED]
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S362/00—Illumination
- Y10S362/802—Position or condition responsive switch
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to field of lighting, and more specifically to a removable lighting apparatus that may be used with barbecue grills.
- Barbecue grills are often utilized in low lighting environments. However, in low lighting environments it is often difficult to adequately view the cooking surface of the grill and the food being cooked thereon. Therefore, various types of lights have been provided to illuminate the cooking surface of barbecue grills. Such illumination devices are generally grouped into one of two categories: (1) auxiliary lights removably fastened to the grill structure; and, (2) various lights integral with components of the grill structure. However, the current state of prior devices for each of these types of lights have inherent drawbacks.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,202,640 discloses a grill lighting apparatus comprising a hollow conduit adapted to be mounted to a hollow frame member of a gas grill.
- a first end of the conduit may be mounted in a sliding-fit relationship within the frame member of the grill.
- the conduit extends upwardly and includes a second end positioned over the cooking grate of the grill.
- An illumination assembly is pivotally mounted to the second end of the conduit.
- a flexible tube extends through the interior space of the conduit and is adapted to carry a combustible fuel, such as propane, from the fuel tank of the grill to the illumination assembly.
- the illumination assembly includes a mantle which is effective to provide a light when the fuel delivered thereto is ignited under controlled conditions. Having a flame exposed over the cooking area, and in the area of the user, however, may not be desirable.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,875 discloses a barbecue grill light comprising a housing, and a structure for mounting the housing to a side platform of a barbecue grill.
- An elongated flexible gooseneck shaft is connected to the housing at one end, and an assembly for illuminating the cooking area is affixed to an upper end of the elongated flexible gooseneck shaft.
- Such a device requires a side platform on the barbecue grill. Further, if the light is positioned over the cooking surface it may become obtrusive to the user when attempting to close the lid of the barbecue grill.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,257,169 discloses a barbecue grill lighting apparatus.
- the lighting apparatus of the '169 patent contains a cylindrical housing with a bulb located in the housing.
- the housing is arranged for fixed securement to the upper barbecue grill housing with a pair of flanged wall plates.
- the housing is positioned adjacent and below the handle of the upper barbecue grill housing.
- the housing of this lighting apparatus includes a crank handle connected to a generator. When the crank handle is turned the generator, which is in operative communication with rechargeable batteries, effects selective illumination of the bulb in the housing. Since this device is directly below the handle, it may become obtrusive to the user when opening and closing the grill lid. Further, the generator crank is complicated for the user to operate.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,623 discloses a retractable grill light mounted to an upper portion of the front of the lower grill housing and moveable between a first operable position and a second stored position. In the operable position the light is oriented to illuminate the cooking surface of the grill. In the stored position, the top surface of the light is substantially aligned with the cooking surface and the top surface of an auxiliary shelf attached to the grill.
- This lighting device may not provide adequate lighting to foods placed on the rear of the cooking grate. Further, when the light is mounted in the operable position it is above the front of the cooking grate and may interfere with the user's ability to manipulate the food on the cooking grate.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,079,843 discloses a lighting apparatus protruding from the grill housing adjacent a rear of the grill.
- the lighting apparatus includes a lighting enclosure having a mounting bracket secured within the grill pit of the grill housing and extending outwardly therefrom, and a substantially transparent front closure means for sufficient sealing a front of the lighting enclosure.
- a lighting means is positioned within the lighting enclosure for illuminating the grilling surface through the substantially transparent front closure means.
- Such an apparatus is large and reduces the surface area of the cooking grid.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,132,055 discloses a handle assembly mounted to a barbecue grill lid.
- the handle assembly includes an integral light positioned to shine upon the cooking surface of the barbecue grill when the barbecue lid is open.
- the integral barbecue handle/light assembly is preferably mounted by removal of the conventional handle from the barbecue grill lid, and attaching the integral barbecue handle/light and mounting hardware in place of the conventional handle.
- the integral handle/light is shaped as a light-containing tube having a clear outer housing, and an inner housing or mounting cradle.
- the inner housing is semi-circular in cross-sectional shape and runs substantially the length of the outer tube.
- a simple and inexpensive lighting apparatus for barbecue grills in accordance with the present invention provides an apparatus which eliminates the drawbacks of prior illumination devices.
- the present invention provides a light.
- the light is connected to a barbecue grill.
- the present assembly is relatively inexpensive and is easy to manufacture, assemble and connect to the barbecue grill. Further, while the present assembly can be provided on new barbecue grills, it also can be utilized as a retrofit assembly on existing barbecue grills. Additionally, the present assembly has numerous uses in addition to being utilized with a barbecue grill.
- the light assembly generally comprises a housing and an illumination device.
- the light comprises a housing having an illumination device operably connected to the upper member of the barbecue grill.
- the light for the barbecue grill generally comprises a light housing having a light source and a switch.
- the light housing may be mounted to a handle on the lid or upper member of the barbecue grill.
- the light housing may be directly mounted to the handle or upper member, or an additional component may be utilized to mount the light to the handle or upper member.
- the switch is on the light housing for controlling illumination of the light source.
- the light housing has a first housing member and a second housing member.
- the light housing may have a parting line dividing the housing into the first and second members.
- the first housing member has a light source
- the second housing member is connected to the first housing member.
- the connection of the second housing member and the first housing member secures the light housing to the barbecue grill.
- the first housing member and the second housing member are connected in a clamping engagement to secure the light housing to the handle of the barbecue grill.
- the first member may engage the second member around a portion of the handle of the barbecue grill to provide the securement of the light to the barbecue grill.
- the light has a first illumination member having a first light source and a second illumination member having a second light source depending from the light housing.
- first and second illumination members of the light are separated on the light housing by a handle portion of the light housing. Further, the first and second illumination members may depend from the first housing member.
- the light housing is positional connected to the upper member of the barbecue grill such that the illumination device is angled toward the cooking grid in the cooking chamber when the upper member of the barbecue grill is in an open position.
- the light has a toggle switch on the light's housing.
- the toggle switch manipulates illumination of the illumination device.
- the toggle switch moves between an open position and a closed position based on the position of the housing connected to the upper member of the barbecue grill.
- the toggle switch is an angle dependent tilt sensor that senses the angle of the light housing as the upper member of the barbecue grill is opened and closed. As the housing moves past a specific differential angle, the tilt sensor advances to an open position.
- the light has a manual switch on the light housing.
- the manual switch is electrically connected to the toggle switch and the light source.
- the manual switch provides an override to the toggle switch for manipulating illumination of the illumination device.
- the manual switch is on a first of the two pods of the light housing. Further, the switch is electrically connected to a circuit board in the light housing.
- the light for the barbecue grill further includes a power source in electrical communication with the light source and the switch.
- the power source comprises a plurality of batteries.
- at least one battery is typically located in a battery compartment in the first pod to provide a power source for the light source in the first pod, and at least one battery is located in a battery compartment in the second pod to provide a power source for the light source in the second pod.
- a battery cover to close each battery compartment is provided for each of the first and second pods.
- the light housing has a first pod having a light source, and a second pod having a light source.
- the second pod is distal the first light source, and the second pod being separated from the first pod from a handle portion of the light housing.
- a method of operating the light for the barbecue grill comprises the steps of providing a light having a housing, a light source, a power source and a tilt switch in the housing, the housing being mounted to the lid of the barbecue grill; lifting the lid of the barbecue grill to open the lid; having the tilt switch sense the opening of the lid; and, receiving a signal from the tilt switch that the lid is being opened and providing power to the light source to illuminate the light source.
- a modular light having a first housing and a removable first pod is provided.
- the housing has a first mating member which mates with a second mating member of the removable first pod to removably secure the first pod to the housing.
- the removable pod has an illumination device and an independent internal power source for illuminating the illumination device.
- the removable pod also has a manual switch electrically connected to the internal power source to control illumination of the illumination device.
- another removable pod is provided.
- the housing has a plurality of first mating members.
- the second mating member of the first pod removably connects the first pod to one of the plurality of first mating members of the housing to removably secure the first pod to the housing.
- the second removable pod has an illumination device and a second mating member. The second mating member of the second pod removably engages one of the plurality of first mating members on the housing to removably secure the second pod to the housing.
- the second pod also has an independent internal power source located within the second pod for illuminating the illumination device of the second pod. Additionally, the second pod has a manual switch electrically connected to the internal power source of the second pod to control illumination of the illumination device of the second pod.
- the mating members of the pods slidingly engage the mating members of the housing to removably connect the pods to the housing.
- multiple pods are adapted to mate with a single mating member on the housing.
- the first mating members of the housing may removably engage the second mating members of the pods, and allow for connected securement thereto, without hardware. Accordingly, tools are not needed to connect or remove a pod from the housing.
- the first mating member depending from the housing is one of a male protrusion or a female receiver.
- the second mating member depending from the pod is the other of the male protrusion or female receiver.
- the male protrusion and the female receiver engage and mate in a frictional fit to secure the pod to the housing.
- the male protrusion and the female receiver may mate in a tapered engagement to position the pod on the housing.
- the illumination device of the pods comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes.
- the light emitting diodes of the illumination device are directionally focused in varying positions.
- the housing of the modular light has a handle portion for grasping by a user.
- the handle portion of the housing is located between the first pod and the second pod.
- an extension depends from the housing.
- the extension has a first connector the secure the extension to a surface.
- the housing has a connector to secure the housing to a handle of a barbecue grill for illuminating a grilling surface of the grill when the pod is connected to the housing.
- a modular light has a housing that is secured to a barbecue grill.
- the barbecue grill has an upper member and a lower member defining a cooking chamber having a cooking grid, and the upper member covers the lower member in a closed position.
- the light comprises a fixture and one or more removable pods.
- the fixture has a first mating member and is fabricated to be secured to the barbecue grill.
- the removable pods have an illumination device and a second mating member. The second mating member of the removable pods removably engage the first mating member of the fixture to removably secure the pod to the fixture.
- the removable pods have an internal power source and a switch to independently manipulate illumination of the illumination device of the pod.
- the illumination device of the pod may be illuminated when the pod is engaging the fixture, and when the pod is removed from the fixture.
- the fixture has a plurality of first mating members.
- multiple pods can be connected to the fixture.
- Each of the first mating members can removably engage a second mating member of a pod.
- the second mating member of a first pod removably engages one of the plurality of first mating members on the fixture to removably secure the first pod to the fixture.
- the second mating member of a second pod removably engages one of the plurality of first mating members on the fixture to removably secure the second pod to the fixture.
- Additional pods may removably engage and be removably secured to the fixture in this manner.
- the fixture is fabricated to be connected to the upper member of the barbecue grill.
- the fixture is fabricated to be connected to a handle of the barbecue grill.
- the fixture has a spring connector portion for connecting the fixture to the handle of the grill.
- the fixture is secured directly to the handle of the barbecue grill.
- the fixture is secured around the handle of the barbecue grill.
- the first mating member depending from the fixture is one of a male protrusion or a female receiver.
- the second mating member depending from the pod is the other of the male protrusion or female receiver.
- the male protrusion and the female receiver mate in a sliding engagement.
- the pod has an automatic tilt-switch or tilt sensor that moves between an open position and a closed position based on the position of the pod connected to the fixture.
- the automatic tilt-switch is electrically connected to the manual switch and provides an override to the manual switch to turn the illumination device off when the upper member of the barbecue grill is in a closed position.
- a modular light having a housing and two removable pods removably connected to the housing.
- the housing has a plurality of first mating members.
- the first removable pod has an illumination device and a second mating member.
- the second mating member of the first pod is removably connected to one of the first mating members of the housing to removably secure the first pod to the housing.
- the first removable pod also has an independent internal power source located within the first pod for illuminating the illumination device of the first pod, and a manual switch electrically connected to the internal power source to control illumination of the illumination device of the first pod.
- the second removable pod has an illumination device and a second mating member.
- the second mating member of the second pod is removably connected to another of the first mating members of the housing to removably secure the second pod to the housing.
- the second removable pod also has an independent internal power source located within the second pod for illuminating the illumination device of the second pod, and a manual switch electrically connected to the internal power source to control illumination of the illumination device of the second pod.
- the housing of the modular light is fabricated to be secured to a handle of a barbecue grill.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the light of the present invention as shown on a barbecue grill
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the light of FIG. 1, as shown in an illumination position;
- FIG. 3 is an elevational side view of the light of FIGS. 1 and 2;
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the light of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the internal components of the light of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a side view of the light of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the light of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a modular light of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is a top view of pod for the modular light of FIG. 8;
- FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional elevation view about line A-A of FIG. 9;
- FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional elevation view about line B-B of FIG. 9;
- FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional elevation view about line C-C of FIG. 9;
- FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the modular light of FIG. 8;
- FIG. 14 a is a top perspective view of one fixture for the modular light of the present invention.
- FIG. 14 b is a bottom perspective view of the fixture of FIG. 14 a;
- FIG. 15 a is a perspective view of a modular light of the present invention.
- FIG. 15 b is a bottom perspective view of the modular light of FIG. 15 a;
- FIG. 16 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the modular light of FIG. 15 a - b;
- FIG. 17 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the modular light of FIG. 15 a - b;
- FIG. 18 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the modular light of FIG. 15 a - b;
- FIG. 19 a is a top perspective view of another fixture for the modular light of the present invention.
- FIG. 19 b is a bottom perspective view of the fixture of FIG. 19 a.
- the barbecue grill 10 generally comprises a cooking vessel 14 secured to a portable cart 16 , however, any grill support structure 16 , including a stationary support structure may be utilized.
- the cooking vessel 14 comprises an upper member 18 and a lower member 20 .
- the lower member 18 defines a cooking chamber having a cooking grid 22 .
- the cooking grid 22 is situated on the lower member 20 and supports the food to be cooked.
- the upper member or cover 18 is secured to the grill 10 by a hinge. In the closed position, as shown in FIG. 1, the upper member 18 covers the lower member 20 .
- the upper member 18 In an open position, as shown in FIG. 2, the upper member 18 is raised so that the cooking chamber, and specifically the food on the cooking grid 22 , may be exposed. As is understood by those of skill in the art, the upper member 18 need not be hingedly supported to the grill 10 ; the upper member 18 may be removable from the grill 10 . Further, it is understood that the upper member 18 is in the open position in substantially any position other than the closed position.
- a handle 24 extends from the upper member 18 to allow the user to lift and/or remove the upper member 18 from the barbecue grill 10 . Typically, the handle 24 is connected to the upper member 18 with end supports 26 .
- the light assembly 12 of the present invention is shown apart from the grill 10 in FIGS. 4 and 7.
- the light assembly 12 generally has a light housing 28 , an illumination device or light source 30 , a power source 32 , a controller 34 , a tilt switch 36 , and an on/off switch 38 .
- the light 12 is operably connected to the upper member 18 of the barbecue grill 10 .
- the light 12 is connected to the handle 24 of the barbecue grill 10 .
- the light 12 is mounted directly to the handle 24 of the barbecue grill 10 .
- the light housing 28 comprises a first housing member 40 and a second housing member 42 .
- the second housing member 42 may provide qualities of a bracket member.
- the parting line 44 between the first and second housing members 40 , 42 is best shown in the side view of FIG. 6.
- the first housing member 40 houses the light source 30 , the power source 32 , the controller 34 , the tilt sensor 36 and the on/off switch 38 .
- the second housing member 42 generally operates as a securing or clamping member to be connected to the first housing member 40 .
- the light 12 is secured to the barbecue grill 10 by clampingly engaging the second housing member 42 to the first housing member 40 around a portion of the handle 24 of the grill 10 .
- the light 12 is connected to the grill 10 such that the illumination provided by the light source 30 is directed at the cooking grid 22 at substantially every angle of opening of the upper member 18 of the barbecue grill 10 .
- FIGS. 6 and 7. One means by which the light 12 may be secured to the barbecue grill 10 is disclosed in FIGS. 6 and 7.
- the first and second housing members 40 , 42 attach to one another around the handle 24 of the barbecue grill 10 , thus fixedly securing the light 12 to the grill 10 .
- Such may be accomplished with a pressure fit.
- the handle 24 of the barbecue grill 10 has a circular cross-sectional geometry.
- the engaging surfaces 50 , 52 of the first and second housing members 40 , 42 respectively, each have a semi-circular geometry for mating with the handle 24 .
- the engaging surfaces 50 , 52 of the light housing 28 form an aperture 54 through the light housing 28 .
- the aperture 54 through the light housing 28 has a diameter that allows it to provide a pressure fit with the handle 24 .
- at least one of the first and second housing members 40 , 42 may have a securing member (not shown) which is displaced between at least one of the engaging surfaces 50 , 52 of the aperture 54 and the outer surface of the grill handle 24 for assisting in fixedly securing the light housing 28 on the handle 24 and for preventing rotation or other movement of the light housing 28 on the handle 24 .
- the securing member may be connected to one of the engaging surfaces 50 , 52 .
- the securing member may be a foam insert, a gasket, a rubber or plastic member, a softer metal, or any other material which provides the desired effect.
- a circular geometry has been disclosed for the handle and the aperture through the light housing, it is understood that any acceptable geometrical combination for either the handle, the aperture, or both, may be utilized.
- the second housing member 42 has a first end 46 which engages a first mating portion 48 of the first housing member 40 to seat the second housing member 42 on the first housing member 40 . More specifically, the first end 46 of the second housing member 42 is configured to provide a protrusion, and the first mating portion 48 of the first housing member 40 has a lip which engages the protrusion. The protrusion and lip engage one another to properly seat the first end 46 of the second housing member 42 on the first housing member 40 , however, any mating engagement will be operable.
- the second housing member 42 can be rotated such that the second end 56 of the second housing member 42 engages a second mating portion 58 of the first housing member 40 .
- securing devices such as bolts 60 , are inserted through holes 62 in the second housing member 42 and mate with receivers 64 in the first housing member 40 to fixedly secure the second housing member 42 to the first housing member 40 around the handle 24 of the barbecue grill 10 .
- the light 12 is positionally connected to the barbecue grill 10 such that the light source 30 is angled toward the cooking grid 22 when the upper member 18 of the barbecue grill 12 is in the open position 19 . Further, when the upper member 18 of the barbecue grill 12 is in the open position 19 the manual switch 38 is directed toward the operator for accessible use thereof. Finally, because the light 12 is fixed in place to the handle 24 of the grill 10 , when the upper member 18 is in the closed position 21 , as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the light source 30 is directed inwardly.
- the second housing member 42 is not utilized. Instead, the first housing member 40 of the light housing 28 is connected or mounted directly to the handle 24 of the barbecue grill 10 , as opposed to a clamping engagement or other means in combination with the second housing member 42 .
- the first housing member 40 has an engaging surface that engages a mounting surface on the handle 24 of the barbecue grill 10 .
- the mounting surface is an exterior surface of the handle 24 . This may be accomplished with the use of screws, heat resistant adhesive, clamps, or any other mounting means allowable. Because the light assembly 12 is essentially self-contained, the light assembly 12 may be incorporated on substantially any grill. Further, the light assembly 12 may be provided on new barbecue grills, and it may also be utilized as a retrofit assembly for existing barbecue grills.
- the light 12 includes two illumination or light members 66 , 68 also referred to as first and second pods 66 , 68 .
- the illumination members 66 , 68 are separated by a handle portion 50 of the light housing 28 between the two illumination members 66 , 68 .
- the handle portion 50 may have a series of ribs to provide a better grip for raising and lowering the upper member 18 of the barbecue grill 10 .
- the handle portion 50 of the light 12 has a generally circular cross-sectional geometry.
- the pods 66 , 68 protrude distal the handle portion 50 of the light 12 .
- the pods may have a configuration which allows rain to drip off the light 12 rather than pooling thereon.
- each of the light pods 66 , 68 contains a light source 30 , a power source 32 and a controller 34 . Further, one of the pods 66 contains a tilt sensor 36 which senses the displacement of the light 12 to determine whether the light 12 is in the on position or the off position. Additionally, one of the pods 66 (often the same pod as that which has the tilt sensor) has a manual switch 38 which provides an override to the tilt sensor 36 . Since only one tilt sensor 36 and on/off switch 38 is typically utilized, these components are in electrical connection with all of the controllers 34 . While two pods are provided in the preferred embodiment, more or less than two pods may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.
- the light source 30 includes three light emitting diodes (LED) located in each pod, and shining outwardly.
- a reflector 70 is placed within each pod and adjacent the light source 30 to direct the light out of the light housing 28 .
- a cover 72 is placed over the lights 30 to protect the lights from smoke and other debris.
- the cover 72 is a transparent plastic that can easily be wiped clean.
- the power source 32 includes a pair of batteries which are provided in series in a battery tray 74 and placed within a battery compartment 75 to provide electrical connection of the power source to the light sources 30 .
- each of the battery trays 74 within the respective battery compartments 75 are also provided in series to provide approximately 6 volts to the LED light sources 30 .
- each pod has its own power source 32 which is provided in series, however, a single power source may be provided for all of the pods.
- the batteries 32 and battery tray 74 are placed in the compartment 75 within the light housing 28 through an opening in the light housing 28 . Once the battery tray 74 is in place, a sealed cap 76 is utilized to provide a sealed closure for the power source cavity.
- the power source 32 is in electrical communication with the light source 30 , the controller 34 and the switches 36 , 38 .
- the controller 34 of the light assembly 12 includes a circuit board which controls operation of the light 12 .
- there are circuit boards in each pod and each of the circuit boards 34 are printed circuit boards which are electrically connected to the power sources 32 located in that pod.
- the circuit board 34 in each pod is also electrically connected to the light sources 30 .
- each of the controllers 34 in the pods 66 , 68 are also electrically connected to the tilt sensor 36 or automatic toggle switch 36 and the on/off switch 38 .
- only one tilt sensor 36 and on/off switch 38 are utilized, however, additional sensors and switches may be incorporated into the light 12 .
- both the tilt sensor 36 and the on/off switch 38 are located in the first pod 66 .
- the tilt sensor 36 is a device that uses a moving, conductive mechanical material, such as a conductive sphere, within a nickel-tin plated housing to provide an angle dependent switch.
- the tilt sensor 36 is moveable between an open position and a closed position based on the angular position of the light housing 28 connected to the upper member 18 of the grill 10 as the upper member 18 of the grill is opened and closed. As such, when the tilt sensor 36 is in one of the open position or the closed position the tilt sensor 36 provides to have the light source 30 off, and wherein when the tilt sensor 36 is in the other of the one of the open position or the closed position the tilt sensor 36 provides to have the light source 30 illuminated.
- the open position does not require the lid of the grill 12 to be completely extended.
- the switch is in the closed position and is capable of switching up to a 60VAC voltage and a 250 mA current. While a 10 degree and 15 degree angle of opening are identified as examples, the tilt sensor 36 is capable of sensing lesser or greater differential angles for illuminating the light source 30 .
- the maximum contact resistance in the closed position is 30 ohms. In the open position, the switch resistance is greater than 1 Mohm.
- the tilt sensor 36 is Comus tilt sensor, model CW 1300-0.
- the open and closed positions of the tilt sensor 36 may be reversed without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is further understood that while a tilt sensor is disclosed, such is defined as any sensor which is capable of determining whether lid of the barbecue grill is in the closed position and whether it is not in the closed position.
- the on/off switch 38 is a depressable button which provides an override generally for the light assembly 12 , and more specifically for the toggle switch 36 . Regardless of whether a controller 34 is utilized or not, both of the switches 36 , 38 ultimately control or manipulate illumination of the light sources 30 .
- the light 12 may also have a light sensor (not shown) incorporated therein and electrically connected to the controller 34 .
- the light sensor would provide an override such that even if the light were in the on mode, and even if the tilt-sensor sensed that the upper member 18 was in an open position, the light would remain off until the light sensor determined that it was sufficiently dark enough to warrant illumination of the light.
- Another feature of the light 12 includes a timer (not shown). The timer may operate in conjunction with any of the electrical components of the light 12 to turn the light sources 30 off after a certain period of time following the upper member 18 being placed in an open position.
- the method of use of the light 12 is such that if the manual switch 38 has been engaged at any time to place the light in the on mode, the light sources 30 of the light 12 will be illuminated when the tilt sensor 36 determines that the upper member 18 is in an open position. At such time the cooking grid 22 will be adequately illuminated for the grill operator. If at any time the manual switch 38 is engaged to place the light in the off mode, this operation will override a signal by the tilt switch 36 to illuminate the light sources 30 . As such, the light 12 will remain in the off mode, even when the upper member 18 is opened, until the manual switch 38 is engaged to place the light in the on mode.
- the light 12 will only operate when the light 12 is in the on mode (as set by the manual switch 38 ), and the upper member 18 is in an open position. If, however, the light is left to remain in the on mode, opening and closing of the upper member 18 will allow the tilt switch 36 to be the sole control of illumination of the light sources 30 . As is fully understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, such a procedure may be modified by incorporating fewer or more electrically controlling components on the light.
- FIGS. 8 - 19 b Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 8 - 19 b .
- a modular light assembly 112 is provided.
- the modular light assembly 112 generally has a light housing 128 and at least one removable pod assembly 166 .
- the modular light assembly 112 comprises a light housing 128 , a first removable pod assembly 166 and a second removable pod assembly 168 .
- the pods 166 and 168 of the modular light assembly 112 are self-contained and removable for attachment to various housings, as well as for use without a housing 128 . Accordingly, the pods may operate independently. Even though the pods 166 are removable in the following embodiments, the above disclosure is still applicable to the following embodiments.
- the modular light assembly 112 is designed to be attached to any surface or component through securing features. While the embodiment of the light housing 128 of the modular light assembly 112 disclosed in FIGS. 8 - 13 is shown apart from a barbecue grill, it is nevertheless fabricated to be connected to a barbecue grill as described above. In one embodiment the modular light assembly 112 is connected around the handle 24 of the barbecue grill 10 . In another embodiment, the modular light assembly 112 is mounted directly to the handle 24 of the barbecue grill 10 . As explained later, a connector 190 connected to the light housing 128 allows the modular light assembly 122 to be connected to any surface or component.
- the light housing 128 or fixture 128 is fabricated to be connected to the handle 24 of the barbecue grill 10 .
- the light housing 128 may be comprised of a two part component, including a first light housing member 140 and a second light housing member 142 .
- the first and second light housing members 140 , 142 may provide qualities of a bracket member.
- the modular light assembly 112 is connected to the grill such that the illumination provided by the light source 130 , described below, is directed at the cooking grid of the barbecue grill when the upper member of the barbecue grill is open.
- One means by which the light housing 128 may be secured to the barbecue grill 10 is to connect the first and second light housing members 140 , 142 to one another around the handle 24 of the barbecue grill 10 , thus fixedly securing the light housing 128 to the grill 10 . Such may be accomplished with a pressure or clamping fit.
- the handle 24 of the barbecue grill 10 has a circular cross-sectional geometry.
- the engaging surfaces 150 , 152 of the first and second light housing members 140 , 142 respectively, each have a portion thereof with a semi-circular geometry for mating with the handle 24 . In the joined configuration as shown in FIGS.
- the engaging surfaces 150 , 152 of the light housing 128 form an aperture 154 through the light housing 128 .
- the aperture 154 through the light housing 128 has a diameter that allows it to provide a pressure fit with the handle 24 .
- at least one of the first and second light housing members 140 , 142 may have a securing member (not shown) which is displaced between at least one of the engaging surfaces 150 , 152 of the aperture 154 and the outer surface of the grill handle 24 for assisting in fixedly securing the light housing 128 on the handle 24 and for preventing rotation or other movement of the light housing 128 on the handle 24 .
- the securing member may be connected to one of the engaging surfaces 150 , 152 .
- the securing member may be a foam insert, a gasket, a rubber or plastic member, a softer metal, or any other material which provides the desired effect.
- a circular geometry has been disclosed for the handle and the aperture through the light housing, it is understood that any acceptable geometrical combination for either the handle, the aperture, or both, may be utilized.
- the first and second light housing members 140 , 142 are connected to form the light housing 128 through a combination of mating elements and securing devices, however, any connection mechanism is acceptable.
- a protrusion on the first light housing member 140 engages a lip on the second light housing member 142 to mate one portion of the first and second light housing members 140 , 142 .
- the light housing members 140 , 142 can be rotated such that some remaining unengaged portions of the second light housing member 142 engage some remaining unengaged portions of the first light housing member 140 .
- securing devices such as bolts, are inserted through holes 162 in the first light housing member 140 and mate with receivers 164 in the second light housing member 142 to fixedly secure the second light housing member 142 to the first light housing member 140 around the handle 24 of the barbecue grill 10 .
- the first and second pods 166 , 168 may be comprised of first pod housing members 166 a and 168 a , respectively, and second pod housing members 166 b and 168 b , respectively.
- first pod housing members 166 a and 168 a respectively
- second pod housing members 166 b and 168 b respectively.
- the disclosure of the pods will be detailed with respect to the first pod 166 , and it is understood that this disclosure is applicable to any pod assembly.
- the light housing 128 of the modular light assembly 112 has a first mating member 178 .
- the light housing 128 has a plurality of first mating members 178 .
- the removable pods 166 , 168 have a second mating member 180 .
- the first and second mating members 178 , 180 removably connect, respectively, to join the pods 166 , 168 to the light housing 128 .
- the first mating member 178 on the light housing 128 comprises a male mating member 178 depending from the light housing 128 .
- the second mating member 180 on the first and second pods 166 , 168 comprises a mating female mating member 180 .
- the first mating member 178 on the light housing 128 comprises a female mating member
- the second mating member 180 on the pods 166 , 168 should correspondingly comprise a male mating member.
- any type of connection between the light housing member 128 and a pod 166 is possible, and falls within the scope of the present invention.
- the mating members could be any type of mechanical connection, such as velcro, hardware, a different configuration or design of the mating members, etc.
- the design of the mating members 178 , 180 in the preferred embodiment provides for an arcuate member 182 to be the male mating member 178 , and a corresponding arcuate receiver 184 to the female mating member 180 of the modular light assembly 112 .
- the configuration of the mating members 178 , 180 is that of a dovetail configuration. Accordingly, the male mating member comprises a male dovetail member, and the female mating member comprises a mating female dovetail receptor.
- the second mating member 180 of the first removable pod 166 slidingly engages one of the first mating members 178 of the light housing 128 to removably connect the first pod 166 to the light housing 128 .
- the second mating member 180 of the second removable pod 168 slidingly engages another of the first mating members 178 of the light housing 128 to removably connect the second pod 128 to the light housing 128 .
- the pod 166 has a stop 183 .
- the stop 183 depends from the pod 166 adjacent the second mating member 180 such that when the pod 166 is fully seated on the first mating member 178 the pod 166 is prevented from further movement in the engaging direction. Alternately, the stop 183 may be positioned on the light housing 128 adjacent the first mating member 178 .
- Any pod 166 can be attached to any light housing 128 as long as the light housing 128 has a first mating member 178 and the pod 166 has a second mating member 180 . Additionally, the pod 166 can be removed from the light housing 128 at any time, including when the illumination device 130 is illuminated, because in this embodiment the illumination device 130 , power source 132 , controller 134 and switch 138 are separately provided on the pod 166 , and the light housing 128 is merely utilized as a holder for the pod 166 .
- the first mating member 178 of the light housing 128 may be comprised of a first portion 178 a and a second portion 178 b .
- the first portion 178 a of the first mating member 178 depends from the first light housing member 140
- the second portion 178 b of the first mating member 178 depends from the second light housing member 142 . Accordingly, when the first light housing member 140 is connected to the second light housing member 142 , the first and second portions 178 a , 178 b come together to form the first mating member 178 .
- the second mating member 180 of the removable pods 166 may be comprised of a first portion 180 a and a second portion 180 b .
- the first portion 180 a of the second mating member 180 is provided by the profile of the first pod housing member 166 a
- the second portion 180 b of the second mating member 180 is provided by the profile of the second pod housing member 166 b . Accordingly, when the first pod housing member 166 a is connected to the second pod housing member 166 b , the first and second portions 180 a , 180 b come together to form the second mating member 180 .
- each of the removable pods 166 , 168 generally contain their own light source or illumination device 130 , an independent internal power source 132 , controller 134 and switch 138 .
- the pods 166 are generally self-contained light devices, and can be utilized when connected to or disconnected from the light housing 128 .
- the illumination device 130 in each pod 166 of the modular light assembly 112 comprises three light emitting diodes 112 a - 112 c .
- the light emitting diodes LED
- the plurality of LED's of the present invention operate in concert in a semi-overlapping manner to light a region.
- LED's operate on different principles than standard light bulbs and flourescent lights.
- Standard light bulbs use a tungsten filament heated by electrons to produce illumination.
- Flourescent tubes use gas to produce illumination.
- LED's use photons of light produced by layers of alloy crystals when electrons move through them.
- LED's convert electrical input into optical output at a color determined by the exact composition of the material comprising the crystalline layers.
- LED's are at least twice as efficient as an incandescent light bulb. Further, LED's use far less electricity than an average light bulb, and they shine for a far longer time before burning out.
- incandescent light bulbs which convert only about 5-10% of the electrical power supplied to it into light
- flourescent tubes which convert about 20-30% of the electrical power supplied to them as light
- LED's can convert far more of its electrical power into light. Accordingly, for their intended use in the modular light assembly 112 of the present invention, LED's are preferred to standard light bulbs for the above reasons.
- a heat shield 170 which may also operate as a reflector, is located adjacent the LED's of the illumination device 130 .
- the heat shield 170 assists in deflecting heat produced by the grill from entering the cavity of the pod 166 .
- a cover 172 is placed over the lights 130 to protect the lights from smoke and debris.
- the cover 172 is typically a transparent plastic that can be easily wiped clean.
- the internal power source 132 for the pod 166 generally comprises a battery source.
- each pod has its own power source 132 .
- the power source 132 comprises two “AAA” batteries.
- the batteries 132 are provided in a battery tray 174 and placed within the battery compartment 175 of the pod 166 to provide electrical connection of the power source 132 to the illumination device 130 .
- a battery heat shield 173 shown as a layer of heat resistant material on the bottom of the battery tray 174 is also provided.
- a battery cap 176 is utilized to close access to the battery compartment 175 .
- the battery cap 176 is a two-part component.
- the first component contains a gasket member 179 to seal the battery compartment 175 when the battery cap 176 is connected to the pod 166 .
- the gasket member 179 may be connected to an outer portion of the battery tray 174 to provide a seal when the battery tray 174 is inserted into the battery compartment 175 .
- the second component of the battery cap 176 is a locking member 176 a .
- the locking member 176 a has a protrusion 181 which engages the pod 166 upon a twist of the locking member 176 a to lock the battery cap 176 in place.
- the first component of the battery cap 176 having gasket member 179 is inserted into the battery compartment 175 and does not rotate, and the second component of the battery cap 176 rotates about first component and about the pod 166 to secure the battery cap 176 to the pod.
- the pod 166 has a controller 134 which includes a circuit board 134 to control operation of the illumination device 130 of the pod 166 .
- the circuit boards 134 are electrically connected to the illumination device 130 , the power source 132 , the switch 138 , and another other peripheral device, such as a tilt-sensor 36 (described above), light sensor, timer, etc.
- the pods 166 each have a manual switch 138 to manipulate illumination of the illumination device 130 of the pod.
- the manual switch 138 may be a push-button switch, or any other mechanical or electrical switch, including a capacitor type touch-sensitive switch.
- the switch 138 can manipulate illumination of the illumination device 130 when the pod 166 is engaging the light housing 128 , and when the pod 166 is removed from the light housing 128 .
- the pod 166 also incorporates a tilt-sensor 36 .
- the tilt sensor 36 moves between an open position and a closed position based on the position of the pod 166 .
- the tilt sensor 36 is electrically connected to the manual switch 138 and provides an override to the manual switch 138 to turn the illumination device 130 off when the tilt sensor 36 is in an off orientation.
- Any pod 166 that has a second mating member 180 may be attached to any light housing or fixture 128 that has a first mating member 178 .
- Various embodiments of the light housing 128 are disclosed in FIGS. 14 a - 19 b .
- a fixture or light housing 128 a is provided for the modular light assembly 112 .
- the light housing 128 a has a first mating member 178 which is adapted to removably engage a second mating member 180 of a pod 166 .
- FIGS. 15 a - 15 b disclose the pod 166 being removably connected to the light housing 128 a .
- the light housing 128 a also has an adapter 186 .
- the adapter 186 is provided to accept an extending member 188 as shown in FIGS. 16 - 18 .
- Either the extending member 188 or the adapter 186 may be provided to accept a connector 190 as shown in FIGS. 16 - 18 .
- the adapter 186 is a receiving member that has an opening 192 into which the extending member 188 is inserted for securement to the adapter 186 .
- FIGS. 16 - 18 disclose various embodiments of connectors 190 secured to the extending member 188 .
- FIG. 16 discloses the connector 190 as a spring member 194 which can assist in securing the housing 128 a to any surface, including shelving and countertops; FIG.
- FIGS. 19 a and 19 b disclose another light housing 128 b which can be connected to a grill handle 24 .
- this light housing 128 b has a first mating member 178 which is adapted to removably engage a second mating member 180 of a pod 166 .
- One leg 200 of the light housing 128 b operates as a spring member to clamp the light housing 128 b to the grill handle 24 .
Abstract
A modular light is provided. The light has a housing having a first mating member. The first mating member is removably connectable to a second mating member of a light pod. The removable light pod has an illumination device, an independent internal power source located therein, and a manual switch electrically connected to the internal power source to control illumination of the illumination device.
Description
- The present application is a continuation-in-part of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/180,958, filed on Jun. 26, 2002.
- The present invention relates generally to field of lighting, and more specifically to a removable lighting apparatus that may be used with barbecue grills.
- Barbecue grills are often utilized in low lighting environments. However, in low lighting environments it is often difficult to adequately view the cooking surface of the grill and the food being cooked thereon. Therefore, various types of lights have been provided to illuminate the cooking surface of barbecue grills. Such illumination devices are generally grouped into one of two categories: (1) auxiliary lights removably fastened to the grill structure; and, (2) various lights integral with components of the grill structure. However, the current state of prior devices for each of these types of lights have inherent drawbacks.
- 1. Auxiliary Lights Removably Fastened to the Grill Structure:
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,202,640 discloses a grill lighting apparatus comprising a hollow conduit adapted to be mounted to a hollow frame member of a gas grill. A first end of the conduit may be mounted in a sliding-fit relationship within the frame member of the grill. The conduit extends upwardly and includes a second end positioned over the cooking grate of the grill. An illumination assembly is pivotally mounted to the second end of the conduit. Further, a flexible tube extends through the interior space of the conduit and is adapted to carry a combustible fuel, such as propane, from the fuel tank of the grill to the illumination assembly. The illumination assembly includes a mantle which is effective to provide a light when the fuel delivered thereto is ignited under controlled conditions. Having a flame exposed over the cooking area, and in the area of the user, however, may not be desirable.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,875 discloses a barbecue grill light comprising a housing, and a structure for mounting the housing to a side platform of a barbecue grill. An elongated flexible gooseneck shaft is connected to the housing at one end, and an assembly for illuminating the cooking area is affixed to an upper end of the elongated flexible gooseneck shaft. Such a device, however, requires a side platform on the barbecue grill. Further, if the light is positioned over the cooking surface it may become obtrusive to the user when attempting to close the lid of the barbecue grill.
- 2. Lights Integral with Components of the Grill Structure:
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,257,169 discloses a barbecue grill lighting apparatus. The lighting apparatus of the '169 patent contains a cylindrical housing with a bulb located in the housing. The housing is arranged for fixed securement to the upper barbecue grill housing with a pair of flanged wall plates. The housing is positioned adjacent and below the handle of the upper barbecue grill housing. Further, the housing of this lighting apparatus includes a crank handle connected to a generator. When the crank handle is turned the generator, which is in operative communication with rechargeable batteries, effects selective illumination of the bulb in the housing. Since this device is directly below the handle, it may become obtrusive to the user when opening and closing the grill lid. Further, the generator crank is complicated for the user to operate.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,623 discloses a retractable grill light mounted to an upper portion of the front of the lower grill housing and moveable between a first operable position and a second stored position. In the operable position the light is oriented to illuminate the cooking surface of the grill. In the stored position, the top surface of the light is substantially aligned with the cooking surface and the top surface of an auxiliary shelf attached to the grill. This lighting device, however, may not provide adequate lighting to foods placed on the rear of the cooking grate. Further, when the light is mounted in the operable position it is above the front of the cooking grate and may interfere with the user's ability to manipulate the food on the cooking grate.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,079,843 discloses a lighting apparatus protruding from the grill housing adjacent a rear of the grill. The lighting apparatus includes a lighting enclosure having a mounting bracket secured within the grill pit of the grill housing and extending outwardly therefrom, and a substantially transparent front closure means for sufficient sealing a front of the lighting enclosure. A lighting means is positioned within the lighting enclosure for illuminating the grilling surface through the substantially transparent front closure means. Such an apparatus, however, is large and reduces the surface area of the cooking grid.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,132,055 discloses a handle assembly mounted to a barbecue grill lid. The handle assembly includes an integral light positioned to shine upon the cooking surface of the barbecue grill when the barbecue lid is open. The integral barbecue handle/light assembly is preferably mounted by removal of the conventional handle from the barbecue grill lid, and attaching the integral barbecue handle/light and mounting hardware in place of the conventional handle. The integral handle/light is shaped as a light-containing tube having a clear outer housing, and an inner housing or mounting cradle. The inner housing is semi-circular in cross-sectional shape and runs substantially the length of the outer tube. Such a device is difficult to assemble because it requires disassembly of the conventional grill handle prior to the assembly of the grill light. Further, such a device is expensive.
- Accordingly, a simple and inexpensive lighting apparatus for barbecue grills in accordance with the present invention provides an apparatus which eliminates the drawbacks of prior illumination devices.
- The present invention provides a light. In one embodiment, the light is connected to a barbecue grill. The present assembly is relatively inexpensive and is easy to manufacture, assemble and connect to the barbecue grill. Further, while the present assembly can be provided on new barbecue grills, it also can be utilized as a retrofit assembly on existing barbecue grills. Additionally, the present assembly has numerous uses in addition to being utilized with a barbecue grill.
- According to one feature of the present invention, the light assembly generally comprises a housing and an illumination device. In one embodiment the light comprises a housing having an illumination device operably connected to the upper member of the barbecue grill.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, the light for the barbecue grill generally comprises a light housing having a light source and a switch. The light housing may be mounted to a handle on the lid or upper member of the barbecue grill. The light housing may be directly mounted to the handle or upper member, or an additional component may be utilized to mount the light to the handle or upper member. Further, the switch is on the light housing for controlling illumination of the light source.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, the light housing has a first housing member and a second housing member. In this aspect of the invention the light housing may have a parting line dividing the housing into the first and second members. In one embodiment, the first housing member has a light source, and the second housing member is connected to the first housing member. Often, the connection of the second housing member and the first housing member secures the light housing to the barbecue grill. In another embodiment, the first housing member and the second housing member are connected in a clamping engagement to secure the light housing to the handle of the barbecue grill. In such an embodiment, the first member may engage the second member around a portion of the handle of the barbecue grill to provide the securement of the light to the barbecue grill.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, the light has a first illumination member having a first light source and a second illumination member having a second light source depending from the light housing. In one embodiment the first and second illumination members of the light are separated on the light housing by a handle portion of the light housing. Further, the first and second illumination members may depend from the first housing member.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, the light housing is positional connected to the upper member of the barbecue grill such that the illumination device is angled toward the cooking grid in the cooking chamber when the upper member of the barbecue grill is in an open position.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, the light has a toggle switch on the light's housing. The toggle switch manipulates illumination of the illumination device. In one embodiment the toggle switch moves between an open position and a closed position based on the position of the housing connected to the upper member of the barbecue grill.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, the toggle switch is an angle dependent tilt sensor that senses the angle of the light housing as the upper member of the barbecue grill is opened and closed. As the housing moves past a specific differential angle, the tilt sensor advances to an open position.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, the light has a manual switch on the light housing. The manual switch is electrically connected to the toggle switch and the light source. The manual switch provides an override to the toggle switch for manipulating illumination of the illumination device. In one embodiment, the manual switch is on a first of the two pods of the light housing. Further, the switch is electrically connected to a circuit board in the light housing.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, the light for the barbecue grill further includes a power source in electrical communication with the light source and the switch. In one embodiment the power source comprises a plurality of batteries. Moreover, at least one battery is typically located in a battery compartment in the first pod to provide a power source for the light source in the first pod, and at least one battery is located in a battery compartment in the second pod to provide a power source for the light source in the second pod. A battery cover to close each battery compartment is provided for each of the first and second pods.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, the light housing has a first pod having a light source, and a second pod having a light source. The second pod is distal the first light source, and the second pod being separated from the first pod from a handle portion of the light housing.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of operating the light for the barbecue grill is provided. The method comprises the steps of providing a light having a housing, a light source, a power source and a tilt switch in the housing, the housing being mounted to the lid of the barbecue grill; lifting the lid of the barbecue grill to open the lid; having the tilt switch sense the opening of the lid; and, receiving a signal from the tilt switch that the lid is being opened and providing power to the light source to illuminate the light source.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, a modular light having a first housing and a removable first pod is provided. The housing has a first mating member which mates with a second mating member of the removable first pod to removably secure the first pod to the housing.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, the removable pod has an illumination device and an independent internal power source for illuminating the illumination device. The removable pod also has a manual switch electrically connected to the internal power source to control illumination of the illumination device.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, another removable pod is provided. In one embodiment, when multiple removable pods are utilized, the housing has a plurality of first mating members. As such, the second mating member of the first pod removably connects the first pod to one of the plurality of first mating members of the housing to removably secure the first pod to the housing. When a removable second pod is provided the second removable pod has an illumination device and a second mating member. The second mating member of the second pod removably engages one of the plurality of first mating members on the housing to removably secure the second pod to the housing.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, the second pod also has an independent internal power source located within the second pod for illuminating the illumination device of the second pod. Additionally, the second pod has a manual switch electrically connected to the internal power source of the second pod to control illumination of the illumination device of the second pod.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, the mating members of the pods slidingly engage the mating members of the housing to removably connect the pods to the housing. In another embodiment, multiple pods are adapted to mate with a single mating member on the housing. Additionally, the first mating members of the housing may removably engage the second mating members of the pods, and allow for connected securement thereto, without hardware. Accordingly, tools are not needed to connect or remove a pod from the housing.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, the first mating member depending from the housing is one of a male protrusion or a female receiver. And, the second mating member depending from the pod is the other of the male protrusion or female receiver. In one embodiment, the male protrusion and the female receiver engage and mate in a frictional fit to secure the pod to the housing. Additionally, the male protrusion and the female receiver may mate in a tapered engagement to position the pod on the housing.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, the illumination device of the pods comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes. In a preferred embodiment, the light emitting diodes of the illumination device are directionally focused in varying positions.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, the housing of the modular light has a handle portion for grasping by a user. When two pods are connected to the same housing the handle portion of the housing is located between the first pod and the second pod.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, an extension depends from the housing. The extension has a first connector the secure the extension to a surface.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, the housing has a connector to secure the housing to a handle of a barbecue grill for illuminating a grilling surface of the grill when the pod is connected to the housing.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, a modular light is provided that has a housing that is secured to a barbecue grill. Typically, the barbecue grill has an upper member and a lower member defining a cooking chamber having a cooking grid, and the upper member covers the lower member in a closed position. In this configuration, the light comprises a fixture and one or more removable pods. The fixture has a first mating member and is fabricated to be secured to the barbecue grill. The removable pods have an illumination device and a second mating member. The second mating member of the removable pods removably engage the first mating member of the fixture to removably secure the pod to the fixture.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, the removable pods have an internal power source and a switch to independently manipulate illumination of the illumination device of the pod. The illumination device of the pod may be illuminated when the pod is engaging the fixture, and when the pod is removed from the fixture.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, the fixture has a plurality of first mating members. As such, multiple pods can be connected to the fixture. Each of the first mating members can removably engage a second mating member of a pod. In such an embodiment, the second mating member of a first pod removably engages one of the plurality of first mating members on the fixture to removably secure the first pod to the fixture. Similarly, the second mating member of a second pod removably engages one of the plurality of first mating members on the fixture to removably secure the second pod to the fixture. Additional pods may removably engage and be removably secured to the fixture in this manner.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, the fixture is fabricated to be connected to the upper member of the barbecue grill. In one embodiment, the fixture is fabricated to be connected to a handle of the barbecue grill. According to another aspect of the present invention, the fixture has a spring connector portion for connecting the fixture to the handle of the grill. In another embodiment, the fixture is secured directly to the handle of the barbecue grill. In yet another embodiment, the fixture is secured around the handle of the barbecue grill.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, the first mating member depending from the fixture is one of a male protrusion or a female receiver. And, the second mating member depending from the pod is the other of the male protrusion or female receiver. In one embodiment the male protrusion and the female receiver mate in a sliding engagement.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, the pod has an automatic tilt-switch or tilt sensor that moves between an open position and a closed position based on the position of the pod connected to the fixture. The automatic tilt-switch is electrically connected to the manual switch and provides an override to the manual switch to turn the illumination device off when the upper member of the barbecue grill is in a closed position.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, a modular light is provided having a housing and two removable pods removably connected to the housing. The housing has a plurality of first mating members. The first removable pod has an illumination device and a second mating member. The second mating member of the first pod is removably connected to one of the first mating members of the housing to removably secure the first pod to the housing. The first removable pod also has an independent internal power source located within the first pod for illuminating the illumination device of the first pod, and a manual switch electrically connected to the internal power source to control illumination of the illumination device of the first pod. The second removable pod has an illumination device and a second mating member. The second mating member of the second pod is removably connected to another of the first mating members of the housing to removably secure the second pod to the housing. The second removable pod also has an independent internal power source located within the second pod for illuminating the illumination device of the second pod, and a manual switch electrically connected to the internal power source to control illumination of the illumination device of the second pod. In one embodiment, the housing of the modular light is fabricated to be secured to a handle of a barbecue grill.
- Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the following drawings.
- To understand the present invention, it will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the light of the present invention as shown on a barbecue grill;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the light of FIG. 1, as shown in an illumination position;
- FIG. 3 is an elevational side view of the light of FIGS. 1 and 2;
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the light of the present invention;
- FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the internal components of the light of the present invention;
- FIG. 6 is a side view of the light of the present invention;
- FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the light of the present invention;
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a modular light of the present invention;
- FIG. 9 is a top view of pod for the modular light of FIG. 8;
- FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional elevation view about line A-A of FIG. 9;
- FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional elevation view about line B-B of FIG. 9;
- FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional elevation view about line C-C of FIG. 9;
- FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the modular light of FIG. 8;
- FIG. 14a is a top perspective view of one fixture for the modular light of the present invention;
- FIG. 14b is a bottom perspective view of the fixture of FIG. 14a;
- FIG. 15a is a perspective view of a modular light of the present invention;
- FIG. 15b is a bottom perspective view of the modular light of FIG. 15a;
- FIG. 16 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the modular light of FIG. 15a-b;
- FIG. 17 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the modular light of FIG. 15a-b;
- FIG. 18 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the modular light of FIG. 15a-b;
- FIG. 19a is a top perspective view of another fixture for the modular light of the present invention; and,
- FIG. 19b is a bottom perspective view of the fixture of FIG. 19a.
- While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.
- Referring now in detail to the figures, and initially to FIG. 1, there is shown a barbecue grill, generally designated by reference numeral10, having a light 12 that is constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The barbecue grill 10 generally comprises a
cooking vessel 14 secured to aportable cart 16, however, anygrill support structure 16, including a stationary support structure may be utilized. Thecooking vessel 14 comprises anupper member 18 and alower member 20. Thelower member 18 defines a cooking chamber having acooking grid 22. Thecooking grid 22 is situated on thelower member 20 and supports the food to be cooked. The upper member or cover 18 is secured to the grill 10 by a hinge. In the closed position, as shown in FIG. 1, theupper member 18 covers thelower member 20. In an open position, as shown in FIG. 2, theupper member 18 is raised so that the cooking chamber, and specifically the food on thecooking grid 22, may be exposed. As is understood by those of skill in the art, theupper member 18 need not be hingedly supported to the grill 10; theupper member 18 may be removable from the grill 10. Further, it is understood that theupper member 18 is in the open position in substantially any position other than the closed position. Ahandle 24 extends from theupper member 18 to allow the user to lift and/or remove theupper member 18 from the barbecue grill 10. Typically, thehandle 24 is connected to theupper member 18 with end supports 26. - The
light assembly 12 of the present invention is shown apart from the grill 10 in FIGS. 4 and 7. Thelight assembly 12 generally has alight housing 28, an illumination device orlight source 30, apower source 32, acontroller 34, atilt switch 36, and an on/offswitch 38. Typically, the light 12 is operably connected to theupper member 18 of the barbecue grill 10. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, in one embodiment the light 12 is connected to thehandle 24 of the barbecue grill 10. In another embodiment, the light 12 is mounted directly to thehandle 24 of the barbecue grill 10. - As best shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, in one embodiment the
light housing 28 comprises afirst housing member 40 and asecond housing member 42. Thesecond housing member 42 may provide qualities of a bracket member. Theparting line 44 between the first andsecond housing members first housing member 40 houses thelight source 30, thepower source 32, thecontroller 34, thetilt sensor 36 and the on/offswitch 38. Thesecond housing member 42 generally operates as a securing or clamping member to be connected to thefirst housing member 40. In a preferred embodiment, the light 12 is secured to the barbecue grill 10 by clampingly engaging thesecond housing member 42 to thefirst housing member 40 around a portion of thehandle 24 of the grill 10. Further, in a preferred embodiment the light 12 is connected to the grill 10 such that the illumination provided by thelight source 30 is directed at thecooking grid 22 at substantially every angle of opening of theupper member 18 of the barbecue grill 10. - One means by which the light12 may be secured to the barbecue grill 10 is disclosed in FIGS. 6 and 7. As shown, the first and
second housing members handle 24 of the barbecue grill 10, thus fixedly securing the light 12 to the grill 10. Such may be accomplished with a pressure fit. Often, thehandle 24 of the barbecue grill 10 has a circular cross-sectional geometry. As such, the engagingsurfaces second housing members handle 24. In the joined configuration as shown in FIG. 6, the engagingsurfaces light housing 28 form anaperture 54 through thelight housing 28. In a preferred embodiment, theaperture 54 through thelight housing 28 has a diameter that allows it to provide a pressure fit with thehandle 24. As an addition, at least one of the first andsecond housing members surfaces aperture 54 and the outer surface of the grill handle 24 for assisting in fixedly securing thelight housing 28 on thehandle 24 and for preventing rotation or other movement of thelight housing 28 on thehandle 24. The securing member may be connected to one of the engagingsurfaces - In a preferred embodiment, the
second housing member 42 has afirst end 46 which engages afirst mating portion 48 of thefirst housing member 40 to seat thesecond housing member 42 on thefirst housing member 40. More specifically, thefirst end 46 of thesecond housing member 42 is configured to provide a protrusion, and thefirst mating portion 48 of thefirst housing member 40 has a lip which engages the protrusion. The protrusion and lip engage one another to properly seat thefirst end 46 of thesecond housing member 42 on thefirst housing member 40, however, any mating engagement will be operable. When thefirst end 46 of thesecond housing member 42 is properly seated in thefirst mating portion 48 of thefirst housing member 40, thesecond housing member 42 can be rotated such that thesecond end 56 of thesecond housing member 42 engages asecond mating portion 58 of thefirst housing member 40. Finally, securing devices, such as bolts 60, are inserted throughholes 62 in thesecond housing member 42 and mate withreceivers 64 in thefirst housing member 40 to fixedly secure thesecond housing member 42 to thefirst housing member 40 around thehandle 24 of the barbecue grill 10. - As shown in FIGS.2-3, the light 12 is positionally connected to the barbecue grill 10 such that the
light source 30 is angled toward thecooking grid 22 when theupper member 18 of thebarbecue grill 12 is in the open position 19. Further, when theupper member 18 of thebarbecue grill 12 is in the open position 19 themanual switch 38 is directed toward the operator for accessible use thereof. Finally, because the light 12 is fixed in place to thehandle 24 of the grill 10, when theupper member 18 is in the closed position 21, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, thelight source 30 is directed inwardly. - In another embodiment, the
second housing member 42 is not utilized. Instead, thefirst housing member 40 of thelight housing 28 is connected or mounted directly to thehandle 24 of the barbecue grill 10, as opposed to a clamping engagement or other means in combination with thesecond housing member 42. In a preferred embodiment, thefirst housing member 40 has an engaging surface that engages a mounting surface on thehandle 24 of the barbecue grill 10. Typically, the mounting surface is an exterior surface of thehandle 24. This may be accomplished with the use of screws, heat resistant adhesive, clamps, or any other mounting means allowable. Because thelight assembly 12 is essentially self-contained, thelight assembly 12 may be incorporated on substantially any grill. Further, thelight assembly 12 may be provided on new barbecue grills, and it may also be utilized as a retrofit assembly for existing barbecue grills. - As shown in FIGS.4-7, the light 12 includes two illumination or
light members second pods illumination members handle portion 50 of thelight housing 28 between the twoillumination members handle portion 50 may have a series of ribs to provide a better grip for raising and lowering theupper member 18 of the barbecue grill 10. In a preferred embodiment, thehandle portion 50 of the light 12 has a generally circular cross-sectional geometry. Further, as shown in the figures, in the preferred embodiments thepods handle portion 50 of the light 12. Also, the pods may have a configuration which allows rain to drip off the light 12 rather than pooling thereon. - In a preferred embodiment, each of the
light pods light source 30, apower source 32 and acontroller 34. Further, one of thepods 66 contains atilt sensor 36 which senses the displacement of the light 12 to determine whether the light 12 is in the on position or the off position. Additionally, one of the pods 66 (often the same pod as that which has the tilt sensor) has amanual switch 38 which provides an override to thetilt sensor 36. Since only onetilt sensor 36 and on/offswitch 38 is typically utilized, these components are in electrical connection with all of thecontrollers 34. While two pods are provided in the preferred embodiment, more or less than two pods may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention. - In this embodiment, the
light source 30 includes three light emitting diodes (LED) located in each pod, and shining outwardly. Areflector 70 is placed within each pod and adjacent thelight source 30 to direct the light out of thelight housing 28. Further, acover 72 is placed over thelights 30 to protect the lights from smoke and other debris. Thecover 72 is a transparent plastic that can easily be wiped clean. - As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the
power source 32 includes a pair of batteries which are provided in series in abattery tray 74 and placed within abattery compartment 75 to provide electrical connection of the power source to thelight sources 30. In a preferred embodiment, each of thebattery trays 74 within therespective battery compartments 75 are also provided in series to provide approximately 6 volts to theLED light sources 30. As explained above, in a preferred embodiment, each pod has itsown power source 32 which is provided in series, however, a single power source may be provided for all of the pods. Thebatteries 32 andbattery tray 74 are placed in thecompartment 75 within thelight housing 28 through an opening in thelight housing 28. Once thebattery tray 74 is in place, a sealedcap 76 is utilized to provide a sealed closure for the power source cavity. Thepower source 32 is in electrical communication with thelight source 30, thecontroller 34 and theswitches - The
controller 34 of thelight assembly 12 includes a circuit board which controls operation of the light 12. In the preferred embodiment, there are circuit boards in each pod, and each of thecircuit boards 34 are printed circuit boards which are electrically connected to thepower sources 32 located in that pod. Further, in the preferred embodiment, thecircuit board 34 in each pod is also electrically connected to thelight sources 30. Finally, each of thecontrollers 34 in thepods tilt sensor 36 orautomatic toggle switch 36 and the on/offswitch 38. In the preferred embodiment only onetilt sensor 36 and on/offswitch 38 are utilized, however, additional sensors and switches may be incorporated into the light 12. In this embodiment, both thetilt sensor 36 and the on/offswitch 38 are located in thefirst pod 66. - In the preferred embodiment, the
tilt sensor 36 is a device that uses a moving, conductive mechanical material, such as a conductive sphere, within a nickel-tin plated housing to provide an angle dependent switch. Thetilt sensor 36 is moveable between an open position and a closed position based on the angular position of thelight housing 28 connected to theupper member 18 of the grill 10 as theupper member 18 of the grill is opened and closed. As such, when thetilt sensor 36 is in one of the open position or the closed position thetilt sensor 36 provides to have thelight source 30 off, and wherein when thetilt sensor 36 is in the other of the one of the open position or the closed position thetilt sensor 36 provides to have thelight source 30 illuminated. Such is accomplished by a change in the differential angle of thetilt sensor 36. It is understood that the open position does not require the lid of thegrill 12 to be completely extended. When the device is at a differential angle, for example such as greater than 10 degrees, and preferably approximately 15 degrees, the switch is in the closed position and is capable of switching up to a 60VAC voltage and a 250 mA current. While a 10 degree and 15 degree angle of opening are identified as examples, thetilt sensor 36 is capable of sensing lesser or greater differential angles for illuminating thelight source 30. The maximum contact resistance in the closed position is 30 ohms. In the open position, the switch resistance is greater than 1 Mohm. In the preferred embodiment, thetilt sensor 36 is Comus tilt sensor, model CW 1300-0. It is understood that the open and closed positions of thetilt sensor 36 may be reversed without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is further understood that while a tilt sensor is disclosed, such is defined as any sensor which is capable of determining whether lid of the barbecue grill is in the closed position and whether it is not in the closed position. Further, in the preferred embodiment, the on/offswitch 38 is a depressable button which provides an override generally for thelight assembly 12, and more specifically for thetoggle switch 36. Regardless of whether acontroller 34 is utilized or not, both of theswitches light sources 30. - The light12 may also have a light sensor (not shown) incorporated therein and electrically connected to the
controller 34. The light sensor would provide an override such that even if the light were in the on mode, and even if the tilt-sensor sensed that theupper member 18 was in an open position, the light would remain off until the light sensor determined that it was sufficiently dark enough to warrant illumination of the light. Another feature of the light 12 includes a timer (not shown). The timer may operate in conjunction with any of the electrical components of the light 12 to turn thelight sources 30 off after a certain period of time following theupper member 18 being placed in an open position. Each of these features are provided as power saving means. - Typically, the method of use of the light12 is such that if the
manual switch 38 has been engaged at any time to place the light in the on mode, thelight sources 30 of the light 12 will be illuminated when thetilt sensor 36 determines that theupper member 18 is in an open position. At such time thecooking grid 22 will be adequately illuminated for the grill operator. If at any time themanual switch 38 is engaged to place the light in the off mode, this operation will override a signal by thetilt switch 36 to illuminate thelight sources 30. As such, the light 12 will remain in the off mode, even when theupper member 18 is opened, until themanual switch 38 is engaged to place the light in the on mode. Accordingly, the light 12 will only operate when the light 12 is in the on mode (as set by the manual switch 38), and theupper member 18 is in an open position. If, however, the light is left to remain in the on mode, opening and closing of theupper member 18 will allow thetilt switch 36 to be the sole control of illumination of thelight sources 30. As is fully understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, such a procedure may be modified by incorporating fewer or more electrically controlling components on the light. - Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS.8-19 b. In these embodiments, a modular
light assembly 112 is provided. The modularlight assembly 112 generally has alight housing 128 and at least oneremovable pod assembly 166. In the embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 8-13, the modularlight assembly 112 comprises alight housing 128, a firstremovable pod assembly 166 and a secondremovable pod assembly 168. Thepods light assembly 112 are self-contained and removable for attachment to various housings, as well as for use without ahousing 128. Accordingly, the pods may operate independently. Even though thepods 166 are removable in the following embodiments, the above disclosure is still applicable to the following embodiments. - In general, the modular
light assembly 112 is designed to be attached to any surface or component through securing features. While the embodiment of thelight housing 128 of the modularlight assembly 112 disclosed in FIGS. 8-13 is shown apart from a barbecue grill, it is nevertheless fabricated to be connected to a barbecue grill as described above. In one embodiment the modularlight assembly 112 is connected around thehandle 24 of the barbecue grill 10. In another embodiment, the modularlight assembly 112 is mounted directly to thehandle 24 of the barbecue grill 10. As explained later, aconnector 190 connected to thelight housing 128 allows the modular light assembly 122 to be connected to any surface or component. - In one embodiment, when the modular
light assembly 112 is specifically designed to utilized in connection with a barbecue grill, and specifically ahandle 24 of a barbecue grill 10, thelight housing 128 orfixture 128 is fabricated to be connected to thehandle 24 of the barbecue grill 10. This may be accomplished in a variety of ways. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 13, thelight housing 128 may be comprised of a two part component, including a firstlight housing member 140 and a secondlight housing member 142. Somewhat similar, and somewhat different than the prior embodiment, the first and secondlight housing members light housing members light housing 128 to be secured together and essentially clamped around thehandle 24 of a barbecue grill 10. In one embodiment, the modularlight assembly 112 is connected to the grill such that the illumination provided by thelight source 130, described below, is directed at the cooking grid of the barbecue grill when the upper member of the barbecue grill is open. - One means by which the
light housing 128 may be secured to the barbecue grill 10 is to connect the first and secondlight housing members handle 24 of the barbecue grill 10, thus fixedly securing thelight housing 128 to the grill 10. Such may be accomplished with a pressure or clamping fit. Often, thehandle 24 of the barbecue grill 10 has a circular cross-sectional geometry. As such, the engagingsurfaces light housing members handle 24. In the joined configuration as shown in FIGS. 10-12, the engagingsurfaces light housing 128 form anaperture 154 through thelight housing 128. In a preferred embodiment of thislight housing 128, theaperture 154 through thelight housing 128 has a diameter that allows it to provide a pressure fit with thehandle 24. As an addition, at least one of the first and secondlight housing members surfaces aperture 154 and the outer surface of the grill handle 24 for assisting in fixedly securing thelight housing 128 on thehandle 24 and for preventing rotation or other movement of thelight housing 128 on thehandle 24. The securing member may be connected to one of the engagingsurfaces - In one embodiment, the first and second
light housing members light housing 128 through a combination of mating elements and securing devices, however, any connection mechanism is acceptable. A protrusion on the firstlight housing member 140 engages a lip on the secondlight housing member 142 to mate one portion of the first and secondlight housing members light housing members light housing members light housing member 142 engage some remaining unengaged portions of the firstlight housing member 140. Finally, securing devices, such as bolts, are inserted throughholes 162 in the firstlight housing member 140 and mate withreceivers 164 in the secondlight housing member 142 to fixedly secure the secondlight housing member 142 to the firstlight housing member 140 around thehandle 24 of the barbecue grill 10. - Similarly, as shown in FIGS.10-13, the first and
second pods pod housing members 166 b and 168 b, respectively. For ease of explanation, the disclosure of the pods will be detailed with respect to thefirst pod 166, and it is understood that this disclosure is applicable to any pod assembly. - Generally, the
light housing 128 of the modularlight assembly 112 has afirst mating member 178. As shown in FIGS. 8-13, in this embodiment of the modularlight assembly 112 thelight housing 128 has a plurality offirst mating members 178. And, theremovable pods second mating member 180. The first andsecond mating members pods light housing 128. In one embodiment, thefirst mating member 178 on thelight housing 128 comprises amale mating member 178 depending from thelight housing 128. Similarly, in this embodiment, thesecond mating member 180 on the first andsecond pods female mating member 180. Alternatively, if thefirst mating member 178 on thelight housing 128 comprises a female mating member, then thesecond mating member 180 on thepods light housing member 128 and apod 166 is possible, and falls within the scope of the present invention. For example, the mating members could be any type of mechanical connection, such as velcro, hardware, a different configuration or design of the mating members, etc. The design of themating members male mating member 178, and a corresponding arcuate receiver 184 to thefemale mating member 180 of the modularlight assembly 112. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in the figures, the configuration of themating members - In a preferred embodiment, the
second mating member 180 of the firstremovable pod 166 slidingly engages one of thefirst mating members 178 of thelight housing 128 to removably connect thefirst pod 166 to thelight housing 128. Similarly, thesecond mating member 180 of the secondremovable pod 168 slidingly engages another of thefirst mating members 178 of thelight housing 128 to removably connect thesecond pod 128 to thelight housing 128. Additionally, thepod 166 has astop 183. Thestop 183 depends from thepod 166 adjacent thesecond mating member 180 such that when thepod 166 is fully seated on thefirst mating member 178 thepod 166 is prevented from further movement in the engaging direction. Alternately, thestop 183 may be positioned on thelight housing 128 adjacent thefirst mating member 178. - Any
pod 166 can be attached to anylight housing 128 as long as thelight housing 128 has afirst mating member 178 and thepod 166 has asecond mating member 180. Additionally, thepod 166 can be removed from thelight housing 128 at any time, including when theillumination device 130 is illuminated, because in this embodiment theillumination device 130,power source 132,controller 134 and switch 138 are separately provided on thepod 166, and thelight housing 128 is merely utilized as a holder for thepod 166. - As shown in FIGS.8-13, the
first mating member 178 of thelight housing 128 may be comprised of afirst portion 178 a and a second portion 178 b. Thefirst portion 178 a of thefirst mating member 178 depends from the firstlight housing member 140, and the second portion 178 b of thefirst mating member 178 depends from the secondlight housing member 142. Accordingly, when the firstlight housing member 140 is connected to the secondlight housing member 142, the first andsecond portions 178 a, 178 b come together to form thefirst mating member 178. - Similarly, the
second mating member 180 of theremovable pods 166 may be comprised of afirst portion 180 a and a second portion 180 b. Thefirst portion 180 a of thesecond mating member 180 is provided by the profile of the first pod housing member 166 a, and the second portion 180 b of thesecond mating member 180 is provided by the profile of the secondpod housing member 166 b. Accordingly, when the first pod housing member 166 a is connected to the secondpod housing member 166 b, the first andsecond portions 180 a, 180 b come together to form thesecond mating member 180. - As shown in FIGS.10-13, each of the
removable pods illumination device 130, an independentinternal power source 132,controller 134 andswitch 138. Thus, thepods 166 are generally self-contained light devices, and can be utilized when connected to or disconnected from thelight housing 128. - In the preferred embodiment, the
illumination device 130 in eachpod 166 of the modularlight assembly 112 comprises three light emittingdiodes 112 a-112 c. Typically, the light emitting diodes (LED) are directionally focused in varying directions. As such, the plurality of LED's of the present invention operate in concert in a semi-overlapping manner to light a region. LED's operate on different principles than standard light bulbs and flourescent lights. Standard light bulbs use a tungsten filament heated by electrons to produce illumination. Flourescent tubes use gas to produce illumination. Conversely, LED's use photons of light produced by layers of alloy crystals when electrons move through them. Specifically, crystalline layers in the LED's convert electrical input into optical output at a color determined by the exact composition of the material comprising the crystalline layers. LED's are at least twice as efficient as an incandescent light bulb. Further, LED's use far less electricity than an average light bulb, and they shine for a far longer time before burning out. As opposed to incandescent light bulbs, which convert only about 5-10% of the electrical power supplied to it into light, as well as flourescent tubes, which convert about 20-30% of the electrical power supplied to them as light, LED's can convert far more of its electrical power into light. Accordingly, for their intended use in the modularlight assembly 112 of the present invention, LED's are preferred to standard light bulbs for the above reasons. - A
heat shield 170, which may also operate as a reflector, is located adjacent the LED's of theillumination device 130. When the modularlight assembly 112 is used as a light for a barbecue grill 10, theheat shield 170 assists in deflecting heat produced by the grill from entering the cavity of thepod 166. Additionally, acover 172 is placed over thelights 130 to protect the lights from smoke and debris. Thecover 172 is typically a transparent plastic that can be easily wiped clean. - The
internal power source 132 for thepod 166 generally comprises a battery source. In a preferred embodiment, each pod has itsown power source 132. In one embodiment, thepower source 132 comprises two “AAA” batteries. Thebatteries 132 are provided in abattery tray 174 and placed within thebattery compartment 175 of thepod 166 to provide electrical connection of thepower source 132 to theillumination device 130. In a preferred embodiment, abattery heat shield 173, shown as a layer of heat resistant material on the bottom of thebattery tray 174 is also provided. When the first pod housing member 166 a is connected to the secondpod housing member 166 b, an opening is provided in thepod 166 to allow thebattery tray 174 to be inserted intobattery compartment 175 of thepod 166. Finally, abattery cap 176 is utilized to close access to thebattery compartment 175. In a preferred embodiment, thebattery cap 176 is a two-part component. The first component contains agasket member 179 to seal thebattery compartment 175 when thebattery cap 176 is connected to thepod 166. Alternatively, thegasket member 179 may be connected to an outer portion of thebattery tray 174 to provide a seal when thebattery tray 174 is inserted into thebattery compartment 175. The second component of thebattery cap 176 is a locking member 176 a. The locking member 176 a has aprotrusion 181 which engages thepod 166 upon a twist of the locking member 176 a to lock thebattery cap 176 in place. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the first component of thebattery cap 176 havinggasket member 179 is inserted into thebattery compartment 175 and does not rotate, and the second component of thebattery cap 176 rotates about first component and about thepod 166 to secure thebattery cap 176 to the pod. - As shown in FIG. 13, the
pod 166 has acontroller 134 which includes acircuit board 134 to control operation of theillumination device 130 of thepod 166. Thecircuit boards 134 are electrically connected to theillumination device 130, thepower source 132, theswitch 138, and another other peripheral device, such as a tilt-sensor 36 (described above), light sensor, timer, etc. - In the present embodiment of the modular
light assembly 112, thepods 166 each have amanual switch 138 to manipulate illumination of theillumination device 130 of the pod. Themanual switch 138 may be a push-button switch, or any other mechanical or electrical switch, including a capacitor type touch-sensitive switch. Theswitch 138 can manipulate illumination of theillumination device 130 when thepod 166 is engaging thelight housing 128, and when thepod 166 is removed from thelight housing 128. - In a preferred embodiment, the
pod 166 also incorporates a tilt-sensor 36. As explained above, thetilt sensor 36 moves between an open position and a closed position based on the position of thepod 166. Thetilt sensor 36 is electrically connected to themanual switch 138 and provides an override to themanual switch 138 to turn theillumination device 130 off when thetilt sensor 36 is in an off orientation. - Any
pod 166 that has asecond mating member 180 may be attached to any light housing orfixture 128 that has afirst mating member 178. Various embodiments of thelight housing 128 are disclosed in FIGS. 14a-19 b. Specifically, in FIGS. 14a and 14 b, a fixture orlight housing 128 a is provided for the modularlight assembly 112. Thelight housing 128 a has afirst mating member 178 which is adapted to removably engage asecond mating member 180 of apod 166. FIGS. 15a-15 b disclose thepod 166 being removably connected to thelight housing 128 a. Thelight housing 128 a also has anadapter 186. Theadapter 186 is provided to accept an extendingmember 188 as shown in FIGS. 16-18. Either the extendingmember 188 or theadapter 186 may be provided to accept aconnector 190 as shown in FIGS. 16-18. In a preferred embodiment, theadapter 186 is a receiving member that has anopening 192 into which the extendingmember 188 is inserted for securement to theadapter 186. FIGS. 16-18 disclose various embodiments ofconnectors 190 secured to the extendingmember 188. Specifically, FIG. 16 discloses theconnector 190 as aspring member 194 which can assist in securing thehousing 128 a to any surface, including shelving and countertops; FIG. 17 discloses theconnector 190 as aspring clip 196 which can be connected to a railing or tubing; and, FIG. 18 discloses theconnector 190 as a clampingmember 198. Next, FIGS. 19a and 19 b disclose another light housing 128 b which can be connected to agrill handle 24. Like each of thelight housings 128, this light housing 128 b has afirst mating member 178 which is adapted to removably engage asecond mating member 180 of apod 166. Oneleg 200 of the light housing 128 b operates as a spring member to clamp the light housing 128 b to thegrill handle 24. - While the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention, and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying claims.
Claims (30)
1. A light for a barbecue grill, the barbecue grill having an upper member and a lower member defining a cooking chamber having a cooking grid, the upper member covering the lower member in a closed position, the light comprising:
a fixture having a first mating member, the fixture being fabricated to be secured to the barbecue grill;
a removable first pod having an illumination device and a second mating member, the second mating member of the first pod removably engaging the first mating member of the fixture to removably secure the first pod to the fixture.
2. The light of claim 1 , wherein the first pod has a first internal power source and a first switch to independently manipulate illumination of the illumination device of the first pod when the first pod is engaging the fixture, and when the first pod is removed from the fixture.
3. The light of claim 1 , wherein the fixture has a plurality of first mating members, wherein the second mating member of the first pod removably engages one of the plurality of first mating members on the fixture to removably secure the first pod to the fixture, and further comprising a removable second pod having an illumination device and a second mating member, the second mating member of the second pod removably engaging one of the plurality of first mating members on the fixture to removably secure the second pod to the fixture.
4. The light of claim 3 , wherein the first pod has a first internal power source and a first switch to independently manipulate illumination of the illumination device of the first pod, and wherein the second pod has a second internal power source and a second switch to independently manipulate illumination of the illumination device of the second pod.
5. The light of claim 3 , wherein the fixture has a handle portion between the first pod and the second pod.
6. The light of claim 1 , wherein the fixture is fabricated to be connected to the upper member of the barbecue grill.
7. The light of claim 1 , wherein the fixture is fabricated to be connected to a handle of the barbecue grill.
8. The light of claim 7 , wherein the fixture has a spring connector portion for connecting the fixture to the handle of the grill.
9. The light of claim 1 , wherein the illumination device comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes, the light emitting diodes being directionally focused in varying directions.
10. The light of claim 1 , wherein the first mating member depending from the fixture is one of a male protrusion or a female receiver, and wherein the second mating member depending from the pod is the other of the male protrusion or female receiver.
11. The light of claim 10 , wherein the male protrusion and the female receiver mate in a frictional fit to secure the pod to the fixture.
12. The light of claim 10 , wherein one of the male protrusion and the female receiver has a stop to position the pod on the fixture.
13. The light of claim 1 , wherein the pod has a manual switch to manipulate illumination of the illumination device.
14. The light of claim 13 , wherein the pod has an automatic tilt sensor that moves between an open position and a closed position based on the position of the pod connected to the fixture, wherein the automatic tilt sensor is electrically connected to the manual switch and provides an override to the manual switch to turn the illumination device off when the upper member of the barbecue grill is in a closed position.
15. A modular light, comprising:
a housing having a first mating member;
a removable first pod having an illumination device and a second mating member, the second mating member of the first pod removably connecting the first mating member of the housing to removably secure the first pod to the housing, the first pod having an independent internal power source located within the first pod for illuminating the illumination device of the first pod, and the first pod having a manual switch electrically connected to the internal power source to control illumination of the illumination device.
16. The modular light of claim 15 , wherein the second mating member of the first pod slidingly engages the first mating member of the housing to removably connect the first pod to the housing.
17. The modular light of claim 15 , wherein the illumination device comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes.
18. The modular light of claim 17 , wherein the light emitting diodes of the illumination device are directionally focused in varying positions.
19. The modular light of claim 15 , wherein the housing has a plurality of first mating members, wherein the second mating member of the first pod removably engages one of the plurality of first mating members on the housing to removably secure the first pod to the housing, and further comprising a removable second pod having an illumination device and a second mating member, the second mating member of the second pod removably engaging one of the plurality of first mating members on the housing to removably secure the second pod to the housing, the second pod having an independent internal power source located within the second pod for illuminating the illumination device of the second pod, and the second pod having a manual switch electrically connected to the internal power source to control illumination of the illumination device of the second pod.
20. The modular light of claim 19 , wherein housing has a handle portion for grasping by a user, the handle portion located between the first pod and the second pod when first and second pods are removably secured to the housing.
21. The modular light of claim 15 , wherein the illumination device is a plurality of light emitting diodes.
22. The modular light of claim 15 , wherein the first mating member removably engages the second mating member without hardware.
23. The modular light of claim 15 , wherein the housing has a first connector to secure the housing to a barbecue grill.
24. The modular light of claim 15 , wherein the housing has a spring member to secure the housing to a barbecue grill.
25. The modular light of claim 15 , wherein an extension depends from the housing, and wherein the extension has a first connector the secure the extension to a surface.
26. The modular light of claim 15 , wherein the housing has a connector to secure the housing to a handle of a barbecue grill for illuminating a grilling surface of the grill when the pod is connected to the housing.
27. A modular light, comprising:
a housing having a plurality of first mating members;
a removable first pod having an illumination device and a second mating member, the second mating member of the first pod removably connecting to one of the first mating members of the housing to removably secure the first pod to the housing, the first pod having an independent internal power source located within the first pod for illuminating the illumination device of the first pod, and the first pod having a manual switch electrically connected to the internal power source to control illumination of the illumination device of the first pod; and,
a removable second pod having an illumination device and a second mating member, the second mating member of the second pod removably connecting to another of the first mating members of the housing to removably secure the second pod to the housing, the second pod having an independent internal power source located within the second pod for illuminating the illumination device of the second pod, and the second pod having a manual switch electrically connected to the internal power source to control illumination of the illumination device of the second pod.
28. The modular light of claim 27 , wherein the second mating members of the first and second pods slidingly engage the respective first mating members of the housing to independently removably connect the first and second pods to the housing.
29. The modular light of claim 27 , wherein the illumination devices of the first and second pods comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes.
30. The modular light of claim 27 , wherein the housing is fabricated in a two part mating configuration to be removably connected around a portion of a handle of a barbecue grill.
Priority Applications (15)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/603,568 US20040032729A1 (en) | 2002-06-26 | 2003-06-25 | Removable light |
CNB038151448A CN100424411C (en) | 2002-06-26 | 2003-06-26 | Modular light |
BR0312236-0A BR0312236A (en) | 2002-06-26 | 2003-06-26 | Modular light |
MXPA05000111A MXPA05000111A (en) | 2002-06-26 | 2003-06-26 | Modular light. |
CA2648308A CA2648308C (en) | 2002-06-26 | 2003-06-26 | Modular light |
ES03762133T ES2330428T3 (en) | 2002-06-26 | 2003-06-26 | MODULAR LAMP. |
AT03762133T ATE438064T1 (en) | 2002-06-26 | 2003-06-26 | DETACHABLE LAMP |
DE60328604T DE60328604D1 (en) | 2002-06-26 | 2003-06-26 | REMOVABLE LIGHT |
DK03762133T DK1516144T3 (en) | 2002-06-26 | 2003-06-26 | Modular lamp |
AU2003247743A AU2003247743B2 (en) | 2002-06-26 | 2003-06-26 | Modular light |
PT03762133T PT1516144E (en) | 2002-06-26 | 2003-06-26 | Modular light |
PCT/US2003/020316 WO2004003430A2 (en) | 2002-06-26 | 2003-06-26 | Modular light |
CA002491270A CA2491270C (en) | 2002-06-26 | 2003-06-26 | Modular light |
EP03762133A EP1516144B1 (en) | 2002-06-26 | 2003-06-26 | Modular light |
US12/144,338 US20080316731A1 (en) | 2002-06-26 | 2008-06-23 | Grill light with automatic switch |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/180,958 US6851820B2 (en) | 2002-06-26 | 2002-06-26 | Barbecue grill light |
US10/603,568 US20040032729A1 (en) | 2002-06-26 | 2003-06-25 | Removable light |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/180,958 Continuation-In-Part US6851820B2 (en) | 2002-06-26 | 2002-06-26 | Barbecue grill light |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/144,338 Division US20080316731A1 (en) | 2002-06-26 | 2008-06-23 | Grill light with automatic switch |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20040032729A1 true US20040032729A1 (en) | 2004-02-19 |
Family
ID=29779022
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/180,958 Expired - Fee Related US6851820B2 (en) | 2002-06-26 | 2002-06-26 | Barbecue grill light |
US10/603,568 Abandoned US20040032729A1 (en) | 2002-06-26 | 2003-06-25 | Removable light |
US12/144,338 Abandoned US20080316731A1 (en) | 2002-06-26 | 2008-06-23 | Grill light with automatic switch |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/180,958 Expired - Fee Related US6851820B2 (en) | 2002-06-26 | 2002-06-26 | Barbecue grill light |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/144,338 Abandoned US20080316731A1 (en) | 2002-06-26 | 2008-06-23 | Grill light with automatic switch |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (3) | US6851820B2 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE438064T1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2648308C (en) |
DE (1) | DE60328604D1 (en) |
DK (1) | DK1516144T3 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2330428T3 (en) |
PT (1) | PT1516144E (en) |
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US20060260601A1 (en) * | 2005-05-19 | 2006-11-23 | Schedeler & Company, Llc | Method and system for calculating and integrating cooking times into meal planning and preparation |
US20070103907A1 (en) * | 2005-11-09 | 2007-05-10 | Popowich David J | Retractable light assembly for a barbeque |
US20080115777A1 (en) * | 2006-11-16 | 2008-05-22 | Huang-Hsi Hsu | Barbeque with gas jet burner |
US20170067606A1 (en) * | 2008-11-18 | 2017-03-09 | Shenzhen Liown Electronics Company Ltd. | Induction rechargeable electronic candle system |
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US10577822B1 (en) * | 2018-11-08 | 2020-03-03 | Edward G. Singh | Secure strongbox with illumination |
US11333346B1 (en) | 2020-12-02 | 2022-05-17 | Weber-Stephen Products Llc | Handle-integrated cooking surface lighting for lids of grills |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
PT1516144E (en) | 2009-09-23 |
US6851820B2 (en) | 2005-02-08 |
ATE438064T1 (en) | 2009-08-15 |
DE60328604D1 (en) | 2009-09-10 |
DK1516144T3 (en) | 2009-10-05 |
CA2648308C (en) | 2010-05-18 |
ES2330428T3 (en) | 2009-12-10 |
US20040001334A1 (en) | 2004-01-01 |
US20080316731A1 (en) | 2008-12-25 |
CA2648308A1 (en) | 2004-01-08 |
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Owner name: WEBER-STEPHEN PRODUCTS CO., ILLINOIS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:CHOI, DANIEL S.;BRUNO, ADRIAN A.;ALLING, JON;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:014559/0315;SIGNING DATES FROM 20030828 TO 20030908 |
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