Low voltage light fixtures having articulating components for establishing blinding glare zones at selected distances from the fence lines of security fences

Abstract

A light fixture for a security lighting system includes an elongated pipe having a lower pipe section, an upper pipe section, and an articulating joint coupling a lower end of the upper pipe section with an upper end of the lower pipe section for enabling the upper and lower pipe sections to articulate relative to one another. A clamping element is coupled with the lower end of the lower pipe section. A glare shroud is secured to the upper end of the upper pipe section. One or more LEDs are secured to an underside of the glare shroud. Each LED has an optical lens that is configured to pass light from the underside of the glare shroud at a predetermined beam angle of 137-156 degrees.

Claims

1. A light fixture for a security lighting system comprising: an elongated pipe including a lower pipe section and an upper pipe section; an articulating joint coupling a lower end of said upper pipe section with an upper end of said lower pipe section for enabling said upper and lower pipe sections to articulate relative to one another; a clamping element coupled with the lower end of said lower pipe section; a glare shroud secured to the upper end of said upper pipe section; one or more LEDs secured to an underside of said glare shroud, wherein each said LED has an optical lens that is configured to pass light from said underside of said glare shroud at a predetermined beam angle; wherein said light fixture is mounted onto a vertical post of a perimeter fence having a fence line, and wherein a distance from the fence line where a glare zone begins is selected by knowing the predetermined beam angle of the light that is passed from said underside of said glare shroud, adjusting the height off grade of the upper end of said light fixture, and tilting said upper pipe section relative to said lower pipe section.

2. The light fixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predetermined beam angle is 137-156 degrees.

3. The light fixture as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a junction box secured to the lower end of said lower pipe section, wherein said clamping element is secured to said junction box.

4. The light fixture as claimed in claim 3, wherein said underside of said glare shroud comprises a reflective surface that faces toward said junction box.

5. The light fixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein said lower and upper pipe sections are rigid and made of metal.

6. The light fixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein said articulating joint is closer to an upper end of said elongated pipe than a lower end of said elongated pipe.

7. The light fixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein said articulating joint comprises a universal ball joint that enables said upper pipe section to rotate and articulate relative to said lower pipe section.

8. The light fixture as claimed in claim 7, wherein said articulating joint comprises a locking element moveable between an unlocked position in which said upper pipe section is free to rotate and articulate relative to said lower pipe section and a locked position in which said for upper pipe section is prevented from rotating and articulating relative to said lower pipe section.

9. The light fixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more LEDs secured to said underside of said glare shroud comprise at least one LED matrix secured to said underside of said glare shroud.

10. The light fixture as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: electrically conductive wiring connected to said light fixture; a power source coupled with said electrically conductive wiring, wherein said power source produces extra low voltage that does not exceed 50 volts, and wherein said light fixture operates on said extra low voltage that does not exceed 50 volts.

11. The light fixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein said upper pipe section has a length that is adjustable.

12. The light fixture as claimed in claim 11, wherein said upper pipe section comprises a telescoping adjustment tube for adjusting the length of said upper pipe section.

13. A security lighting system comprising: a perimeter fence having vertical posts spaced from one another along a fence line; security lighting fixtures mounted on at least some of said spaced vertical posts; conductive wiring interconnecting said security lighting fixtures; a power source coupled with said conductive wiring, wherein said power source produces extra low voltage that does not exceed 50 volts; each said security lighting fixture comprising an elongated pipe including a lower pipe section and an upper pipe section, an articulating joint coupling a lower end of said upper pipe section with an upper end of said lower pipe section for enabling said upper and lower pipe sections to articulate relative to one another, a glare shroud secured to the upper end of said upper pipe section; one or more LEDs secured to an underside of said glare shroud for projecting light toward a top of said perimeter fence and along said fence line.

14. The light fixture as claimed in claim 13, wherein each said LED has an optical lens that is configured to pass the light at a predetermined beam angle.

15. The light fixture as claimed in claim 14, wherein the predetermined beam angle is 137-156 degrees.

16. The security lighting system as claimed in claim 13, each said light fixture further comprising: a junction box secured to the lower end of said lower pipe section; and a clamping element coupled with said junction box for securing said security lighting fixture to one of said vertical posts, wherein said underside of said glare shroud comprises a reflective surface that faces toward a top of said perimeter fence.

17. A security lighting system comprising: a perimeter fence having vertical posts spaced from one another along a fence line and wire mesh interconnecting said vertical posts; security lighting fixtures mounted on said spaced vertical posts, wherein said security lights are spaced from one another and have upper ends positioned above a top of said perimeter fence; conductive wiring interconnecting said security lighting fixtures; each said security lighting fixture comprising an elongated pipe including a lower pipe section and an upper pipe section, an articulating joint coupling a lower end of said upper pipe section with an upper end of said lower pipe section for enabling said upper and lower pipe sections to articulate relative to one another, a clamping element for securing said security lighting fixture to one of said vertical posts, a glare shroud secured to the upper end of said upper pipe section and defining the upper end of said security lighting fixture; and one or more LEDs secured to an underside of said glare shroud.

18. The security lighting system as claimed in claim 17, wherein each said LED is adapted to generate light having a beam angle, wherein when one of said security light fixtures is mounted onto one of said vertical posts, a distance from the fence line where a blinding glare zone begins is selected by knowing the beam angle of said one or more LEDs and adjusting the height off grade of the upper end of said security light fixture, and wherein the distance from the fence line where the blinding glare zone begins is further selected by tilting said upper pipe section relative to said lower pipe section.

19. The security lighting system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the beam angle is 137-156 degrees.

20. The security lighting system as claimed in claim 17, further comprising a power source coupled with said conductive wiring that produces extra low voltage that does not exceed 50 volts, wherein said security lighting fixtures operate on the extra low voltage that does not exceed 50 volts.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a prior art security lighting system for a perimeter fence,

(2) FIG. 2 shows a side view of a prior art lighting system.

(3) FIG. 3 shows a prior art parking lot lighting system including lights mounted atop light poles.

(4) FIG. 4 shows a prior art security lighting system including light fixtures mounted atop a light pole.

(5) FIG. 5 shows a prior art security lighting system for a perimeter fence.

(6) FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a security lighting system for a perimeter fence, in accordance with one embodiment of the present patent application.

(7) FIG. 7A shows a top plan view of a glare shroud for a security lighting fixture, in accordance with one embodiment.

(8) FIG. 7B shows a side elevation view of the glare shroud shown in FIG. 7A.

(9) FIG. 7C shows a cross sectional view of the glare shroud shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B.

(10) FIG. 8 shows a security lighting fixture mounted onto perimeter fence, in accordance with one embodiment of the present patent application.

(11) FIG. 9A shows a security lighting fixture mounted onto a perimeter fence, the security lighting fixture having an articulating knuckle, in accordance with one embodiment of the present patent application.

(12) FIG. 9B shows a top view of the security lighting fixture and the perimeter fence shown in FIG. 9A.

(13) FIG. 9C shows a side view of the security lighting fixture and the perimeter fence shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B.

(14) FIG. 10 shows a security lighting fixture for a perimeter fence, in accordance with one embodiment of the present patent application.

(15) FIG. 11 shows a partially exploded view of a security lighting fixture for a perimeter fence, in accordance with another embodiment of the present patent application.

(16) FIG. 12A shows a perspective view of the security lighting fixture shown in FIG. 11.

(17) FIG. 12B shows a front elevation view of the security lighting fixture shown in FIG. 12A.

(18) FIG. 12C shows a left side view of the security lighting fixture shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B.

(19) FIG. 12D shows a bottom view of the security lighting fixture shown in FIGS. 12A-12C

(20) FIG. 13 shows a front elevation view of the security lighting fixture of FIGS. 12A-12D, with an upper end of the security lighting fixture articulated relative to a lower end of the security lighting fixture.

(21) FIG. 14A shows a top plan view of a glare shroud for the security lighting fixture shown in FIGS. 12A-12D.

(22) FIG. 14B shows a bottom view of the glare shroud of FIG. 14A.

(23) FIG. 14C shows a side elevation view of the glare shroud shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B.

(24) FIG. 14D shows a cross sectional view of the glare shroud shown in FIG. 14C.

(25) FIG. 14E shows a magnified view of a section of an outer perimeter of the glare shroud shown in FIG. 14D.

(26) FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of a mounting bracket, a clamping element, and securing elements for a security lighting fixture, in accordance with one embodiment of the present patent application.

(27) FIG. 16A shows a top plan view of the mounting bracket and clamping element of FIG. 15 secured to a vertical pole of a perimeter fence, in accordance with one embodiment of the present patent application.

(28) FIG. 16B shows a side view of the mounting bracket, the clamping element and the vertical pole of FIG. 16A.

(29) FIG. 17 shows a first step of a method of securing a security lighting fixture to a vertical pole of a perimeter fence, in accordance with one embodiment of the present patent application.

(30) FIG. 18 shows a second step of a method of securing a security lighting fixture to a vertical pole of a perimeter fence, in accordance with one embodiment of the present patent application.

(31) FIG. 18-1 shows a magnified view of a lower end of the security lighting fixture shown in FIG. 18.

(32) FIG. 19 shows a third step of a method of securing a security lighting fixture to a perimeter fence, in accordance with one embodiment of the present patent application.

(33) FIG. 20 shows a front view of a security lighting fixture mounted to a vertical pole of a perimeter fence, in accordance with one embodiment of the present patent application.

(34) FIG. 21 shows an underside of a glare shroud of a security lighting fixture including a plurality of light emitting diodes mounted to the underside of the glare shroud, in accordance with one embodiment of the present patent application.

(35) FIG. 22A shows a perspective view of light emitting diodes of a security lighting fixture, in accordance with one embodiment of the present patent application.

(36) FIG. 22B shows a top plan view of the light emitting diodes of FIG. 22A.

(37) FIG. 22C shows a side elevation view of the light emitting diodes of FIGS. 22A and 22B.

(38) FIG. 23 shows a schematic view of light beam angles generated by the light emitting diodes shown in FIGS. 21 and 22A-22C, in accordance with one embodiment of the present patent application.

(39) FIG. 24 shows a schematic view of a light pattern generated by a security lighting fixture mounted atop a perimeter fence, in accordance with one embodiment of the present patent application,

(40) FIG. 24-1 shows an inner section of the light pattern shown in FIG. 24.

(41) FIG. 24-2 shows an outer section of the light pattern shown in FIG. 24.

(42) FIG. 25 shows a plot of lux values generated by a security lighting system having spaced security lighting fixtures, in accordance with one embodiment of the present patent application.

(43) FIG. 26 shows a plot of lux values generated by a security light system having spaced security light fixtures, in accordance with one embodiment of the present patent application.

(44) FIG. 27 is a plot of glare zones based upon fixture mounting height off grade, in accordance with one embodiment of the present patent applications.

(45) FIG. 28A shows a perspective view of a glare shroud extender for a security lighting fixture, in accordance with one embodiment of the present patent application.

(46) FIG. 28B shows a cross sectional view of the glare shroud extender shown in FIG. 28A.

(47) FIG. 28C shows another cross sectional view of the glare shroud extender shown in FIG. 28B.

(48) FIG. 28D shows a top plan view of the glare shroud extender shown in FIGS. 28A-28C.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(49) Referring to FIG. 6, in one embodiment, a security lighting system for a perimeter fence preferably includes a security lighting fixture 100 mounted atop a vertical pole 102 of a perimeter fence 104. In one embodiment, the security lighting fixture 100 has a lower end that is mounted onto the vertical pole 102 of the perimeter fence 104. In one embodiment, the lower end of the security lighting fixture 100 preferably includes a junction box 106 that is adapted to contain electrical components and circuitry for providing power to the security lighting fixture and controlling operation of the security lighting fixture. In one embodiment, the lower end of the security lighting fixture 100 preferably includes a front cover 108 that covers the front of the junction box 106. The front cover 108 may be removed for accessing an opening at the front of the junction box 106.

(50) In one embodiment, the security lighting fixture 100 includes a lower pipe section 110 that extends upwardly from the junction box 106. In one embodiment, the lower pipe section extends vertically away from a top surface of the junction box. The security lighting fixture desirably includes an upper pipe section 112 that is located between the lower pipe section 110 and a glare shield 114 that defines an upper end of the security lighting fixture.

(51) The security lighting fixture 100 preferably includes an articulating knuckle 116 or joint that couples an upper end of the lower pipe section 110 with a lower end of the upper pipe section 112. The articulating knuckle 116 enables an on-site installer to change the angle of the upper pipe section relative to the lower pipe section to accommodate for grade changes in the landscape topography in order to align the beam angle of the light generated by the security lighting fixture 100 to better suit the existing grade conditions and/or topography that surrounds the perimeter fence. In many instances, perimeter fences are installed on hillsides with the fence posts installed perfectly level and true at a 90 degree angle when the grade is running up or down hill. In some instances, a perimeter fence may be positioned on a flat grade with the grade on the outside of the perimeter fence going uphill or downhill. By providing an articulating knuckle 116 or articulating joint, the security lighting fixture 100 disclosed in FIG. 6 enables an installer to adjust the orientation of the upper pipe section 112 so that the optics on the underside of the glare shield 114 may be aligned with the existing on-site grade conditions. In one embodiment, the articulating knuckle 116 allows for 360 degree rotation of the glare shroud 114 and angulation adjustment left to right from true 0 degrees to 90 degrees both inside and outside the perimeter fence 104. This adjustability allows the installer to fine tune the orientation of the light pattern emanating from the security lighting fixture so that the light pattern is aligned with the existing grade for fully illuminating the land surface with the beam angle of which the security lighting fixture was designed for. Without the adjustability capability, the light generated by the light fixture may be too bright in some areas and not bright enough in other areas. The lack of adjustability may also cause direct glare to security personnel located in the vicinity of a security light fixture.

(52) In one embodiment, the articulating knuckle 116, positioned between the lower and upper pipe sections 110, 112, preferably enables for very slight and/or minuscule angular lighting adjustments within an adjustment range. Should a situation arise whereby light is required to shine on a wall or other vertical surface, the upper pipe section 112 and the glare shield 114 may be easily rotated a full 90 degrees. This capability allows a light fixture to be attached to a lower pipe section 110 that is not at true and 90 degree plumb to grade, and allows the installer the ability to make slight adjustments so that the security lighting fixture is mounted 90 degrees to grade located at the lower end of the vertical post 102.

(53) In many instances, when a security lighting fixture is placed outside during a rain storm, water droplets, due to capillary action and surface tension, will hang along the outer most bottom edge of the glare shroud 114 (FIG. 6). These hanging rain droplets then come in contact with the optical pattern of the light exiting the security lighting fixture and subsequently create optical prisms and glare points on the security lighting fixture. This glare is undesirable in a security setting and is preferably reduced and eliminated. The water droplets also disrupt the lighting pattern of the security lighting fixture.

(54) Referring to FIG. 7A-7C, in one embodiment, the glare shroud 114 preferably has a perimeter edge 118 that is designed to capture the rain water that would otherwise drain over the outer edge 118 of the glare shroud 114. In one embodiment, rain water is collected atop the glare shroud 114 and directed toward drain holes 120A-120B on the left and right sides of the glare shroud 114, thereby eliminating glare from front or rear facing water droplets so as to allow for better human eye interaction in a nighttime setting.

(55) In one embodiment, the glare shroud 114 desirably includes heat fins 122 that are provided over the top side of the glare shroud 114. The heat fins 122 desirable dissipate heat generated by light emitting diodes secured to an underside 124 of the glare shroud 114. In one embodiment, the heat fins 122 extend along the length of the glare shroud 114 and are aligned with the drain holes 120A, 120B so that the depressions between the heat fins direct the collected rain water toward the drain holes.

(56) Referring to FIG. 7C, in one embodiment, the glare shroud 114 preferably includes a centrally located opening 126 provided at an underside of the glare shroud for mounting the glare shroud to an upper end of the upper pipe section 112 (FIG. 6). The glare shroud 114 includes a tubular shaped mounting ring 128 that surrounds the central opening 126, which is adapted to fit over the upper end of the upper pipe section 112 (FIG. 6). The tubular shaped element 128 includes a radially extending opening 130 for enabling a fastener (e.g., a thumb screw) to be passed therethrough for securing the glare shroud 114 to the upper end of the upper pipe section 112.

(57) Referring to FIG. 8, in one embodiment, the security lighting fixture 100 of FIG. 6 may be secured to a vertical post 102 of a perimeter fence 104. In one embodiment, the security lighting fixture 100 is secured to the upper end of the vertical post 102. In one embodiment, the junction box 106 is mounted to the vertical post 102 using a clamping element and the lower pipe section 110 and upper pipe section 112 project above the upper end of the vertical post 102. The glare shroud 114 is secured to the upper end of the upper pipe section 112. The articulating knuckle 116 is disposed between the upper end of the lower pipe section 110 and the lower end of the upper pipe section 112. As describes herein the articulating knuckle 116 desirably enables the upper pipe section 112 to be articulated and/or angulated relative to the lower pipe section 110 for controlling the orientation of the light beam emitted from the underside of the glare shroud 114.

(58) Referring to FIG. 9A, in one embodiment, a security lighting fixture 100 has a lower end mounted onto a vertical post 102 of a perimeter fence 104. The perimeter fence 104 surrounds an area that is being secured to define an inside region located inside the perimeter fence 104 and an outside region located outside the perimeter fence 104. In one embodiment, the articulating knuckle 116 enables the upper pipe section 112 to be rotated relative to the lower pipe section and articulated through an infinite range of different angles relative to the lower pipe section 110. In one embodiment, the range of rotation is 360 degrees and the range of articulation is 40 degrees off plumb. The articulating knuckle preferably includes a locking element for locking the upper pipe section at a selected rotation and/or angle relative to the lower pipe section. FIG. 9A shows the security lighting fixture 100 in a first position 125A in which the longitudinal axis of the upper pipe section 112 is vertically aligned (i.e., plumb) with the longitudinal axis of the lower pipe section 110. FIG. 9A shows the security lighting fixture 100 in a second position 125B in which the upper pipe section 112 is tilted inwardly (i.e., articulated) toward the inside region so that the longitudinal axis of the upper pipe section 112 defines an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the lower pipe section 110. In the second position 125B, the security lighting fixture 100 has been adjusted to provide more light outside the perimeter fence 104 and less light inside the perimeter fence. The second position 125B may be useful when the grade outside the fence slopes up and away from the fence. The security lighting fixture 100 has a third position 125C in which the upper pipe section 112 is tilted outwardly (i.e., articulated) toward the outside of the perimeter fence 104 so that the upper pipe section 112 defines an angle with the lower pipe section 110. The third position 125C may be useful when the grade outside the fence slopes down and away from the fence. Although FIG. 9A shows only three positions for the upper pipe section 112 relative to the lower pipe section 110, the security lighting fixture may be articulated through an infinite range of angles between 90 degrees to the left and 90 degrees to the right (i.e., a 180 degree range of articulation). The upper pipe section may also be rotated 360 degrees relative to the lower pipe section.

(59) In one embodiment, the glare shroud 114 secured to the upper end of the upper pipe section 112 and the upper pipe section may be rotated 360° about the longitudinal axis of the upper pipe section 112. The glare shroud 114 and the upper pipe section may be rotated to adjust the security lighting fixture 110 to the topography (e.g., grade slopes up, grade slopes down) surrounding the perimeter fence 104.

(60) FIG. 9B shows the security lighting fixture 100 adjusted into the three positions 125A, 125B, and 125C referenced herein. In the first position 125A, the upper pipe section is in vertical alignment (i.e., plumb) with the lower pipe section. In the second position 125B, the upper pipe section is tilted toward the inside region surrounded by the perimeter fence 104 so that the longitudinal axis of the upper pipe section defines an angle with the longitudinal axis of the lower pipe section. In the third position 125C, the upper pipe section is tilted outwardly into the outside region so that the longitudinal axis of the upper pipe section defines an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the lower pipe section. Although only three positions are shown in FIG. 9B, in other embodiments, the upper pipe section may be rotated a full 180 degrees relative to the lower pipe section from a 90 degree angle extending toward the outside region to an opposite 90 degree angle extending toward the inside region.

(61) In one embodiment, each of the upper pipe sections of the security lighting fixtures mounted on a perimeter fence may be rotated and/or angulated to a unique orientation relative to the lower pipe section associated therewith to reflect the topography that lies around that particular security lighting fixture. Thus, unique adjustments of rotation and angulation may be made from fixture to fixture as an installer moves along a fence line to customize each light fixture to match the topography that surrounds that particular light fixture.

(62) FIG. 9C shows how the upper pipe section 112 may be adjusted, rotated, angulated and/or articulated relative to the lower pipe section 110 based upon the topography or grade that surrounds the perimeter fence 104. In FIG. 9C, the security lighting fixture 100 is secured to the vertical post 102 of the perimeter fence 104. In one embodiment, the junction box 106 of the security lighting fixture 100 is secured to an upper end of the vertical post 102 using a clamping element 124. In one embodiment, when the grade is flat, the upper pipe section 112 is placed in vertical alignment with the lower pipe section 110 so that both the upper and lower pipe sections 112, 110 extend along a common longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, when the grade extends up and away from the perimeter fence, the upper pipe section 112 is tilted toward the inside region defined by the perimeter fence 104 so that the upper pipe section 112 defines an angle with the longitudinal axis of the lower pipe section 110. In one embodiment, when the grade extends down and away from the perimeter fence, the upper pipe section 112 is moved to the third position 125C whereby the upper pipe section 112 tilts outwardly into the outside region defined by the perimeter fence 104. In the third position 1250, the upper pipe section 112 has a longitudinal axis that defines an angle with the longitudinal axis of the lower pipe section 110. In one embodiment, the glare shroud 114 may be rotated 360° about the longitudinal axis of the upper pipe section 112 for making further optical adjustments to the security lighting fixture 100. In one embodiment, the glare shroud 114 and the upper pipe section 112 rotate together and may be rotated 360° about the longitudinal axis of the lower pipe section 110 for making further optical adjustments to the security lighting fixture 100.

(63) Referring to FIG. 10, in one embodiment, a contractor installing a perimeter security lighting system atop a perimeter fence may be required to retain the ability to fine tune a design by increasing the beam spread of the light or decreasing the beam spread of the light. The contractor may also need the ability to adjust for glare generated by the security lighting fixture. In order to accomplish the above-noted goals, the security lighting fixture shown in FIG. 10 includes a telescoping structure that enables a contractor to adjust the height of the light fixture above an upper end of a vertical post of a perimeter fence. In one embodiment, the security lighting fixture has a telescoping height adjustment element 230 so that the height of the glare shroud 214 relative to a junction box 206 may be adjusted.

(64) In one embodiment, a security lighting fixture 200 includes a lower end having a junction box 206 that contains electrical components for providing power to and/or controlling the security lighting fixture. In one embodiment, the security lighting fixture 200 includes a clamping element 224 that is coupled with the junction box 206 for mounting the security lighting fixture onto a post (e.g., a vertical post) of a perimeter fence.

(65) In one embodiment, the security lighting fixture 200 includes a lower pipe section 210 having a lower end secured to the junction box 206. The security lighting fixture 200 includes an upper pipe section 212 that is secured to an upper end of the lower pipe section 210 via an articulating knuckle 216. The articulating knuckle 216 desirably enables the upper pipe section 212 to be angulated relative to the longitudinal axis of the lower pipe section 210. In one embodiment, the upper pipe section 212 has a height adjustment feature including a telescoping adjustment tube 230 that enables first and second upper pipe sections 212A, 212B to slide and telescope relative to the telescoping adjustment tube 230. As a result, the length of the upper pipe section 212, comprising the first upper pip section 212A, the telescoping adjustment tube 230, and the second upper pipe section 212B may be adjusted so that the glare shroud 214 is at a preferred height above the junction box 206 of the security lighting fixture 200. The security lighting fixture 200 preferably includes fastening elements such as thumb screws 232A, 232B that enable an installer to fix the length of the upper pipe section 212 after a desired length adjustment has been made. In one embodiment, the light beam generated by the light fixture increase as the light fixture is positioned closer to the ground and decreases as the light fixture is positioned further away from the ground.

(66) Referring to FIG. 11, in one embodiment, a security lighting fixture 300 preferably includes a junction box 306 adapted to receive electronic components (e.g., a circuit board, a microprocessor, conductive wiring), a lower pipe section 310 that extends upwardly from the junction box 306, and an upper pipe section 312 having a lower end coupled with the lower pipe section 310 via a universal ball joint 316 that preferably enables the longitudinal axis of the upper pipe section 312 to be angulated in all directions relative to the longitudinal axis of the lower pipe section 310. In one embodiment, a glare shroud 314 is secured to an upper end of the upper pipe section 312.

(67) In one embodiment, the security lighting fixture 300 desirably includes a front cover plate 334 that covers a front opening of the junction box 306 and a bottom cover plate 336 that covers a bottom opening of the junction box 306. The security lighting fixture 300 desirably includes a mounting bracket 338 that is utilized to secure the security lighting fixture 300 to a vertical post of a perimeter fence. In one embodiment, a security lighting system desirably includes a plurality of security lighting fixtures whereby during a first installation stage a plurality of mounting brackets of the respective security lighting fixtures are secured to the posts of a perimeter fence followed by a second installation stage during which the junction boxes of the respective security lighting fixtures are hung onto the previously mounted mounting brackets.

(68) In one embodiment, the security lighting fixture 300 desirably includes a front cover plate thumb screw 340 for securing the front cover plate 334 over the front opening of the junction box 306. In one embodiment, the security lighting fixture 300 preferably includes a bottom cover plate screw 342 for securing the bottom cover plate 336 to a rear wall of the junction box 306 for covering an opening at the bottom of the junction box.

(69) In one embodiment, the security lighting fixture 300 desirably includes mounting screws 344A, 344B, and 346 for mounting the junction box 306 to the mounting bracket 338. In one embodiment, between the first and second stages discussed above, the mounting screws 344A, 344B are attached to the front face of the mounting bracket 338 so that the junction box 306 may be hung onto the mounting bracket.

(70) FIGS. 12A-12D show the security lighting fixture 300 of FIG. 11 after it has been fully assembled, in accordance with one embodiment of the present patent application. The security lighting fixture 300 preferably includes the junction box 306 having the front cover plate 334 secured over the front opening of the junction box. The front cover plate thumb screw 340 is utilized to secure the front cover plate 334 to the front of the junction box 306. The security lighting fixture 300 desirably includes the mounting bracket 338 that is secured to a rear wall of the junction box 306. A U-shaped clamping element 350 is coupled with the mounting bracket 338 for preferably securing the security lighting fixture 300 to a vertical post of a perimeter fence.

(71) In one embodiment, the security lighting fixture 300 preferably includes the lower pipe section 310 that is coupled to the upper pipe section 312 via a universal ball joint 316 that enables the longitudinal axis of the upper pipe section 312 to be angulated through an infinite range of angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the lower pipe section 310. The light fixture 300 includes the glare shroud 314 that is secured to the upper end of the upper pipe section 312. The glare shroud 314 preferably includes heat fins 322 that project from a top side of the glare shroud and drainage slots 320A, 320B provide at the ends of the outer perimeter 318 of the glare shroud 314. As will be described in more detail herein, an underside of the glare shroud 314 desirably contains a plurality of light emitting diodes having optics that generate light that extends outwardly from the glare shroud 314 at predetermined beam spread angles for providing light on both sides of a perimeter fence.

(72) The universal ball joint 316 allows for both front to back, and left to right adjustment of the fixture head at any angulation from 0 degrees to 50 degrees off 90 degrees. The articulating feature enables an on-site installer to adjust and modify for grade changes in the landscape topography in order to align the beam spread angle of the security lighting fixture to better match the existing grade conditions and correct glare to better suit the end users requirement for where they want the blinding glare zone to commence. In many instances, perimeter fences are installed on hillsides with the fence posts installed perfectly level and true at a 90 degree angle when the grade is running up or down hill. In some installations, the fence will reside on a flat grade with the grade on the outside of the fence going uphill or downhill. By allowing the installer to adjust the 90 degree plane of the lighting fixture's mounting pipe this allows the optics to align with the existing on site grade condition or as required by the customer. In one embodiment, the articulation is accomplished by way of the ball and socket adjustment knuckle capable of three hundred sixty degree rotation of the fixture head and angulation adjustment left to right from true 0° to 50° both inside and outside the perimeter fence. The articulating structure enables the installer to fine tune the light pattern on site so the light pattern is aligned with the existing grade fully illuminating the land surface with the beam angle the fixture was designed for, otherwise light would be too hot in some areas and too low in other areas and also cause glare to those on site security personnel. Moreover, the universal ball joint preferably allows for very slight, even miniscule angular lighting adjustments to a full 50 degree adjustment range. This feature allows the security lighting fixture to be attached to a fence post that is not at true and 90 degree plumb to grade, and allows the installer the ability to make slight adjustments so the light fixture head is mounted 90 degree grade to accommodate poorly or improperly installed fence posts.

(73) Referring to FIG. 12B, in one embodiment, the security lighting fixture 300 has a height H.sub.1 of about 25-30 inches and more preferably about 28.33 inches. In one embodiment, the lower pipe section 310 has a height H.sub.2 of about 15-20 inches and more preferably about 16.07 inches. In one embodiment, the upper pipe section 312 has a height H.sub.3 of about 4-7 inches and more preferably about 5.39 inches. In one embodiment, the universal ball joint 316 has a height H.sub.4 of about 1-1.50 inches and more preferably about 1.26 inches. In one embodiment, the junction box 306 has a height H.sub.5 of about 2.3 inches and more preferably about 2.75 inches. In one embodiment, the front cover plate 334 has a height H.sub.6 of about 3.4 inches and more preferably about 3.48 inches. In one embodiment, the glare shroud 314 has a length L.sub.1 of about 9-10 inches and more preferably about 9.48 inches.

(74) Referring to FIG. 12C, in one embodiment, the glare shroud 314 has a width W.sub.1 of about 5.5-6.5 inches and more preferably about 5.94 inches. In one embodiment, the glare shroud 314 has a height H.sub.7 of about 1.0-1.5 inches and more preferably about 1.27 inches. In one embodiment, the distance between the top surface of the junction box 306 and the underside of the glare shroud 314 defines a height H.sub.8 of about 20-25 inches and more preferably about 23.93 inches. In one embodiment, the rear end of the junction box 306 defines a height H.sub.9 of about 2.5-3.0 inches and more preferably about 2.80 inches.

(75) Referring to FIG. 12D, in one embodiment, the mounting bracket 338 has a rear face 339 having a V-shape for abutting against an outer surface of a round fence post. The free ends of the U-shaped clamping element pass through the mounting bracket 338 and are secured using nuts for securing the mounting bracket to the fence post. The mounting bracket may also be modified to fit square, I beam, and other fence post configurations.

(76) Referring to FIG. 13, in one embodiment, the universal ball joint 316 located between the lower pipe section 310 and the upper pipe section 312 enables the upper pipe section 312 to be angulated in all directions relative to the longitudinal axis of the lower pipe section 310. As a result, the upper pipe section 312 and the glare shroud 314 may be oriented at an infinite number of angles and positions relative to the lower pipe section 310. In one embodiment, the universal ball joint 316 also enables the upper pipe section 312 and the glare shroud 314 to be rotated 360 degrees about the longitudinal axis of the lower pipe section 310. Although the present application is not limited by any particular theory of operation, it is believed that the provision of the universal ball joint 316 enables the security lighting fixture 300 to be adjusted to an infinite number of topographies for customizing the light beam angle generated by the light fixture so that the light beam angle matches the area topography.

(77) Referring to FIG. 14A, in one embodiment, the glare shroud 314 preferably includes an outer perimeter edge 318 that extends about the outer perimeter of the glare shroud. The outer perimeter 318 defines a gutter that desirably collects rain water and directs the rain water toward drainage slots 320A, 320B provided at the ends of the glare shroud 314. In one embodiment, the drainage slots 320A, 320B have a width W.sub.2 of about 0.50-0.75 inches or more preferably about 0.65 inches, and a depth D.sub.1 of about 0.40-0.60 inches and more preferably about 0.51 inches.

(78) Referring to FIGS. 14A and 14B, in one embodiment, the glare shroud 314 has a length L.sub.2 of about 9-10 inches and more preferably about 9.70 inches, and a width W.sub.3 of about 5-7 inches and more preferably about 6.17 inches.

(79) Referring to FIG. 14C, in one embodiment, the glare shroud 314 has a height H.sub.10 extending from the upper ends of the heat fins 322 to the lower end of the outer perimeter 318 of about 1.00-1.50 inches and more preferably about 1.29 inches.

(80) Referring to FIGS. 14D and 14E, in one embodiment, the outer perimeter 318 of the glare shroud 314 defines a gutter 360 having a width W.sub.4 of about 0.4-0.5 inches and more preferably about 0.48 inches. In one embodiment, the gutter 360 has a width W.sub.5 of about 0.25 inches and a depth D.sub.2 of about 0.10 inches.

(81) Referring to FIG. 15, in one embodiment, the mounting bracket 338 and the U-shaped clamping element 350 are utilized for securing the security lighting fixture 300 (FIGS. 12A-12D) to a vertical post of a perimeter fence.

(82) Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16A-16B, in one embodiment, the V-shaped rear face of the mounting bracket 338 is abutted against a vertical post 102 and free ends 352, 354 of the U-shaped clamping element 350 are passed through openings in the mounting bracket 338. The free ends 352, 354 of the clamping element 350 are preferably threaded for receiving internally threaded nuts. In one embodiment, washers and internally threaded nuts are passed over the free ends 352, 354 of the coupling element 350 and the nuts are tightened for firmly securing the mounting bracket 338 to the vertical post 102, whereby the post is located between the rear face of the mounting bracket and the U-shaped clamping element.

(83) FIG. 17 shows the mounting bracket 338 being positioned adjacent the vertical post 102. Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, the free ends 352, 354 of the clamping element 350 are passed through openings in the mounting bracket 338 and internally threaded nuts are passed over the free ends 352, 354 of the U-shaped clamping element for securing the mounting bracket 338 to the vertical post 102. In one embodiment, the junction box 306 at the lower end of the light fixture 300 may be hung onto the mounting bracket 338 for securing the security lighting fixture 300 to the vertical post 102.

(84) Referring to FIGS. 17, 18 and 18-1, in one embodiment, threaded fasteners 344A, 344B are partially threaded into openings formed in the mounting bracket 338. The threaded fasteners 344A, 344B are desirably not fully tightened so that a portion of the threaded shaft of the threaded fasteners extends inwardly from the front face of the mounting bracket 338.

(85) Referring to FIG. 18-1, in one embodiment, the rear wall of the junction box 306 has a lower edge with spaced slots 355A, 355B that are adapted to receive the portions of the threaded shafts of the threaded fasteners 344A, 344B that are exposed and extend inwardly from the front face of the mounting bracket 338. The spaced slots 355A, 355B may be referred to as “Mouse Holes” because they have an arcuate shape and the appearance of mouse holes formed in a wall adjacent a floor. The “Mouse Holes” allow the junction box to be hung onto the threaded fasteners 344A, 344B for initial assembly of the light fixture with the mounting bracket 338. As a result, the junction box 306 may be hung onto the partially tightened threaded fasteners 344A, 344B for initially coupling the junction box 306 with the mounting bracket 338. As a result, an initial moveable coupling is formed between the junction box 306 and the mounting bracket 338. If an installer is satisfied that the junction box 306 has been properly coupled and aligned with the mounting bracket 338, the installer may tighten the threaded fasteners 344A, 344B. A third threaded fastener 346 may also be passed through the rear wall of the junction box 306 and into an opening in the front face of the mounting bracket 338 for further securing the junction box 306 to the mounting bracket 338.

(86) Referring to FIG. 19, in one embodiment, after the junction box 306 has been secured to the mounting bracket 338, the lower pipe section 310 of the security lighting fixture 300 preferably extends upwardly from an upper end of the junction box 306. The upper pipe section 312 preferably extends above the lower pipe section 310 and is coupled with the lower pipe section 310 via the universal ball joint 316. The glare shroud 314 is secured to the upper end of the upper pipe section 312.

(87) In one embodiment, electrical power is provided to the security lighting fixture 300 by stringing conductive wire 370 along the length of the perimeter fence 104. In one embodiment, the bottom cover plate 336 may be lowered for passing the conductive wires into the junction box 306. A magnified view of a portion of FIG. 19 shows the conductive wires 370 nested in slots located between the bottom plate 336 and the side walls of the junction box 306.

(88) Referring to FIG. 20, after the security lighting fixture 300 has been mounted on the vertical post 102 and connected with the conductive wires 370 for providing power to the lighting fixture, the front cover plate 334 may be positioned over the front opening of the junction box and held in place using a fastening element 340 such as a thumb screw.

(89) Referring to FIG. 21, in one embodiment, a security lighting fixture 300 desirably includes light emitting diodes (LEDs) secured to an underside of the glare shroud 314. The LEDs are controlled by the electronics provided in the junction box. In one embodiment, the light emitting diodes preferably include a first LED matrix 372 secured on one side of the upper pipe section 312 and a second LED matrix 374 secured on an opposite side of the upper pipe section 312. As will be described in more detail herein, the first and second matrices 372, 374 desirably includes optical lenses for propagating the light angle beams.

(90) Referring to FIGS. 22A-22C, in one embodiment, the first LED matrix 372 preferably includes a 2×2 matrix of LEDs 376A-376D, each covered by a respective optic or lens 378A-378D that projects light generated by the LEDs at a predetermined light beam angle of between about 137 degrees and 156 degrees. The optic lenses 378A-378D preferably control how the light escapes from the first LED matrix 372 for controlling the angle at which the light projects from the underside of the glare shroud 314 (FIG. 21).

(91) In one embodiment, a security lighting system includes a plurality of security light fixtures that are mounted onto a perimeter fence, whereby each security light fixture uses precision optical beam angles to deliver as even and as wide a light coverage area as possible along the perimeter fence line. By using precision optics, an installer can control the beam angles by mounting the security light fixtures at varying fence heights (e.g., 7′, 8′, 9′, 10′, 11′, 12′ fences). In one embodiment, the precision optics may be used to create “No Glare Zones.” By selecting the correct beam angle depending on the mounting height of the light fixture and the fence height, security personnel can operate in the “No Glare Zone” of the lighting, which gives them a tactical advantage by being able to see inside and outside the fence line with their vision not impacted by the direct glare of the fixture. Once an intruder approaches the fence line, as shown in FIG. 24, depending upon the height of the individual, blinding glare produced by the light fixture will start at roughly 25 feet (7 meters) from the fence line. This “Glare Zone” is designed to disable the intruder who will become blinded and unable to assess the approaching security guards and the physical surroundings within the glare zone area. In one embodiment, the “Glare Zone” is designed to occur both inside and outside the fence line. The legacy prior art security lights shown above in FIGS. 1-5 simply cannot deliver this type of target glare, which is a precision designed feature of the security lighting fixtures disclosed herein and is specific to the mounting height of the light fixture and the optical beam angle of the light.

(92) One specific embodiment of this targeted glare feature is the use of a precision optical beam pattern of between 137 degrees and 156 degrees depending upon the specific mounting height of the perimeter security lighting fixture to deliver the targeted glare.

(93) Referring to FIG. 23, in one embodiment, an installer may control the angle at which the light projects from the security lighting fixture by modifying the height of the glare shroud off grade and/or by modifying the optic lenses covering the light emitting diodes. An installer may also modify the angle at which the light is emitted from the glare shroud by adjusting the angle of the upper pipe section relative to the lower pipe section and/or rotating the glare shroud relative to the longitudinal axis of the lower pipe section.

(94) Referring to FIG. 23, in one embodiment, when a security lighting fixture is mounted atop an 8 foot fence, the optic lenses generate a light pattern defining an angle of 153 degrees. In one embodiment, when a security lighting fixture is mounted atop a 9 foot fence, the optic lenses generate a light pattern defining an angle of 149 degrees. In one embodiment, when a security lighting fixture is mounted atop a 10 foot fence, the optic lenses generate a light pattern defining an angle of 146 degrees.

(95) In one embodiment, when a security lighting fixture is mounted atop an 11 foot fence, the optic lenses generate a light pattern having an angle of 143 degrees. In one embodiment, when a security lighting fixture is mounted atop a 12 foot fence, the optic lenses generate a light pattern defining an angle of about 140 degrees. In one embodiment, when a security lighting fixture is mounted atop a 13 foot fence, the optic lenses generate a light pattern defining any angle of about 137 degrees. Thus, an installer can control the light beam angle by knowing the light beam spread generated by a particular optical lens and adjusting the height of the light fixture off grade to attain a desired angle at which the light is emitted from the security lighting fixture.

(96) Referring to FIG. 24, in one embodiment, a security lighting fixture 300 is mounted atop a perimeter fence 304 having a height H.sub.11 of 8 feet. The glare shield 314 is positioned above the top of the perimeter fence 304 and has a height that is about 9′6″ above grade. The security lighting fixture 300 contains a plurality of light emitting diodes covered by optic lenses as shown in FIG. 21 for generating light from the underside of the glare shroud 314. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 24, the light pattern extends away from the glare shroud 314 at an angle of 150 degrees on both the inside and the outside of the fence. As shown in the scale provided at the bottom of FIG. 24, the light level directly below the security lighting fixture 300 is greater than the light level further away from the light fixture. As a result, the light level diminishes at a known rate as distance from the fence line increases.

(97) In one embodiment, the angle at which the light moves away from the security lighting fixture 300 may be utilized to provide a “Glare Zone” in which an intruder would be subjected to blinding glare from the light fixture 300. An installer may utilize information related to the height of the light fixture and the angle at which the light is emitted from the light fixture to establish the blinding “Glare Zone” at a desired location. The location of the “Glare Zone” may be adjusted to accommodate local topography and grade by articulating the upper pipe section of a security lighting fixture. As shown in FIG. 24, with the glare shroud 314 at a height of 9′6″ above grade, the blinding glare zone for an intruder 380 having a human eye of a height of 5′2″ to 5′7″ off grade would begin at distance of about 25 feet from the fence line. If the light fixture were positioned at height of 10′6″ above grade, the blinding glare zone for the intruder 380 would begin at a distance of 31 feet from the fence line. If the height of the glare shroud of the light fixture were 11′6″ above grade, the blinding glare zone would begin at a distance of 38 feet from the fence line. Moreover, if the glare shroud 314 of the light fixture 300 were positioned 12′6″ above grade, the blinding glare zone would begin at a distance of 45 feet from the fence line.

(98) FIG. 24 shows a flat grade. If the grade sloped uphill away from the outside of the fence, an installer may adjust the angle of the upper pipe section relative to the lower pipe section to position the beginning of the blinding glare zone at a preferred distance from the fence line. In one embodiment, if the grade sloped down and away from the outside of the perimeter fence 304, then the upper pipe section would be tilted toward the outside of the perimeter fence. If the grade outside the fence sloped upwardly, the upper pipe section would be angled inwardly toward the inside of the fence.

(99) Thus, the security lighting system disclosed in the present patent application enables an installer to select and dial-in a distance from the fence line where the blinding glare zone will begin. In addition, by utilizing lower light levels than are used with conventional security lighting systems, security personnel may see better into the light and not suffer from blinding glare that typically occurs with using excessively bright legacy security lights (e.g., the lights shown in FIGS. 1-5).

(100) FIG. 24 also shows how the light level diminishes as the distance from the fence line increases. Directly below the fence line, the security lighting fixture 300 generates horizontal light at 17.9 lux. At a distance of about 10 feet from the fence line, the recorded light level is 9 lux. At the beginning of the blinding glare zone, the light level is about 6 lux, which is sufficient for security cameras to identify an intruder's face. As noted herein, any light level above 5.0 lux has been shown to provide an ability to identify an intruder's face. At 50 feet from the fence line, the light level is still above 2 lux, which is a sufficient light level for detecting the presence of an intruder.

(101) The light pattern shown in FIG. 24 shows only one-half of the light pattern generated by the light fixture. A similar light pattern is directed to the left of the page for providing light inside the perimeter fence 304.

(102) FIG. 25 shows a security lighting system having three security lighting fixtures 300A-300C mounted atop a perimeter fence 304. FIG. 25 shows only three security lighting fixtures, however, it is contemplated that a security lighting system for a perimeter fence may include 50, 100, 200 or more security lighting fixtures for providing security lighting around the perimeter of the fence. In the embodiment of FIG. 25, the security lighting fixtures are desirably spaced about 30 feet from one another along the perimeter fence 304. FIG. 25 shows the lux distribution of the security lights at different distances from the epicenter of the lights. In FIG. 25, each square represents a distance of 14′×10′. Directly below the security lights, at the fence line, the light level is about 13 lux. About 20 feet away from the security lights 300A-300C, the light level is about 7 lux. The lights generate a lux level of about 5 lux at a distance of about 33 feet from the security lights. A level of 4 lux is measured about 40 feet away from the perimeter fence 304, and a level of 3.2 lux is measured at a distance of about 47 feet from the perimeter fence 304. A light level of 2.4 lux is measured approximately 50 feet away from the perimeter fence. Thus, the graph of FIG. 25 shows that the light intensity is greatest directly below the light fixtures and diminishes as the distance increases from the fence line of the perimeter fence 304.

(103) FIG. 26 shows the light pattern for five security lighting fixtures mounted atop a perimeter fence. Although five security lighting fixtures 400A-400E are shown, other security lighting systems disclosed herein may include 50, 100, 200, or more security lighting fixtures mounted atop a perimeter fence. The light level directly below the light fixtures 400A-400E, provided on each side of the perimeter fence, is about 24.79 lux. As shown in FIG. 26, the light pattern is generally symmetrical on both the outside and the inside of the perimeter fence. At about 38 feet away from the perimeter fence, the light level has diminished to about 6.1975 lux. At about 82 feet away on both sides of the perimeter fence, the light level has diminished to about 0.2074 lux.

(104) FIG. 27 is a chart showing where the blinding glare zone begins when a security lighting fixture is positioned at a particular height above grade. In one embodiment, the top of the security lighting fixture is located 9′6″ above grade and the blinding “Glare Zone” begins 25 feet from the fence line. In one embodiment, the security lighting fixture is located 10′6″ above grade and the blinding “Glare Zone” begins at 31 feet from the fence line. In one embodiment, the security lighting fixture is located 10′6″ above grade and the blinding “Glare Zone” begins at a distance of 38 feet from the fence line. In one embodiment, the security lighting fixture is located 12′6″ above grade and the blinding “Glare Zone” begins at a distance of 45 feet from the fence line.

(105) In the event the adjustment of the fixture requires a significant adjustment off 90 degrees to project the light pattern down a steep embankment outside a fence line, which would result in unwanted glare on the inside of the fence, a security lighting fixture may be fitted with a glare shroud extender that may be attached to the light fixture for extending the length of the glare shroud of the fixture and adjusted on site to eliminate the glare. In one embodiment, the glare shroud extender may be made of polymers or rubber.

(106) Referring to FIG. 28A, in one embodiment, a glare shroud extender 425 may be secured over an outer perimeter 318 of a glare shroud 314 of a security lighting fixture 300 (FIG. 12A). The glare shroud extender 425 preferably has an oval shape with a central opening 430 adapted to receive the glare shroud 314 (FIG. 12A). The central opening 340 preferably enables the heat fins 322 on the glare shroud 314 to project therethrough for removing heat from the LEDs located on the underside of the glare shroud (FIG. 12).

(107) Referring to FIGS. 28B and 28C, in one embodiment, the glare shroud extender 425 preferably includes an interior groove 435 that extends around the inside perimeter of the glare shroud extender adjacent an upper end thereof. The inner groove 435 is adapted to receive the outer perimeter 318 of the glare shroud 314 for securing the glare shroud extender to the outer perimeter of the glare shroud.

(108) Referring to FIG. 28C, in one embodiment, the glare shroud extender 425 has a height H.sub.12 of about 1.00-1.50 inches and more preferably about 1.22 inches. In one embodiment, the glare shroud extender 425 has a lower outwardly extending flange 440 having a thickness T.sub.1 of about 0.10-0.20 inches and more preferably about 0.15 inches.

(109) Referring to FIG. 28D, in one embodiment, the glare shroud extender 425 has a length L.sub.3 of about 10.5-11.5 inches and more preferably about 10.93 inches. In one embodiment, the glare shroud extender 425 has straight lateral sections having a length L.sub.4 of about 3-4 inches and more preferably about 3.61 inches. The glare shroud extender 425 has an inner radius at the curve R.sub.1 of about 2.44 inches and an outer radius on the outside of the curve R.sub.2 of about 3.66 inches.

(110) In one embodiment, the perimeter security lights disclosed herein are designed to operate off a low voltage transformer, which can be controlled using a switch, photocell, timer or a signal from a third party intrusion detection system such as a microwave, motion sensor, ground sensor, vibration sensor, infrared, camera analytics, or lasers. In one embodiment, a secured area is dark until an intrusion is detected. Once the intrusion is detected, the system turns the lights on at 100% brightness. In one embodiment, the system has a Temporary Bright light zone feature. The operator may set the standard nighttime operating lumen level at about 40% to 50% of the maximum which would operate every night at a run time determined by the end user. Once an event is conveyed to the transformer that there is an intrusion or breach of the fence by using a dry contact or a voltage signal from the intrusion detection system the transformer may be programmed to activate the lights for a set time at 100% of the lumen value with the hope of deterring the intruder and preventing the breach and also notifying security that this zone is under attack. The higher lumen level run time setting that would activate during an intrusion event would be field adjustable by the end user from one second to twelve hours.

(111) In one embodiment, control of a light fixture or grouping of light fixtures may be activated from the transformer via a dry contact closure signal delivered by wire or wireless signal to the low voltage transformer. One embodiment of the control of the transformer that operates the fixtures specifically turns on or off the lights on the secondary side of the transformer not on the primary side of the transformer. When control of a transformer is commenced during a rapid on off cycling a transformer, be it EI or toroidal style, can cause an occurrence referred to as “in-rush surge” which can inadvertently cause the transformer to trick the primary side electrical panel magnetic circuit breaker into detecting an overload or short which will then trip the primary breaker and render the lighting system inoperable. In one embodiment, the system specifically controls the on off control of the lights on the secondary low voltage side of the transformer not the high voltage primary side thus eliminating the possibility of nuisance tripping the primary breaker at the electrical panel supplying power to the transformer and thus controlling the lights.

(112) In one embodiment, a Wi-Fi enabled chip is integrated into each perimeter security light which will allow computers, smart phones and other devices such as intrusion detection systems, security guards, etc. to connect each individual perimeter security light or group of perimeter security lights to the internet or communicate with one another wirelessly along the fence line allowing preprogrammed actions or manually activated actions to occur when specific events happen on the perimeter fence line that are detected by other third party intrusion detection systems, these actions may include strobing, flashing, changing colors, activation on, activation off, dimming, brightening, audio, switching light sources to infrared and a host of other preprogrammed events. The integration of a Wi-Fi chip may involve controlling a single fixture or grouping of fixtures along the perimeter where the event occurred. Such Wi-Fi enabled devices may be integrated with voice activated commands and smart phone applications.

(113) In one embodiment, a perimeter security lighting fixture may employ the use of an accelerometer motion center integrated with the light fixture to detect anyone cutting, climbing and/or lifting a fence, which could be used as a way of activating the lighting response as set by the owner. This detection chip preferably allows preprogrammed actions or manually activated actions to occur when specific events happen on the perimeter fence line. These actions may include strobing, flashing, changing colors, activation on, activation off, dimming, brightening, audio, switching light sources to infrared and a host of other preprogrammed events etc. This intrusion detection feature along with the integration of a Wi-Fi chip may involve controlling a single fixture or grouping of fixtures along the perimeter where the event occurred. Such enabled devices can integrate with voice activated commands and notification and smart phone applications.

(114) The human eye is perhaps the most vital of organs used by criminals to carry out their unscrupulous acts. One feature of this invention is the total disruption of the human eye's operation at night when the criminal attempts to breach a secure perimeter fence line. The human eye will take upwards of one half hour to one hour to completely adjust to low moon light conditions. In other settings where artificial light is operating, the time required for the eye to adjust to the partially illuminated setting could take anywhere from five to fifteen minutes. The point here is that the human eye adjusts without any input from the human. The human eye functions independently of the person.

(115) One feature of this perimeter security lighting system is the ability to integrate with other third party perimeter intrusion detection systems such as lasers, microwave, camera analytics, motion sensors and activate when an intrusion happens. One feature of this system is the ability to turn the lighting system on for an adjustable duration (e.g., two seconds to two minutes) and then turn the light off for an adjustable duration (e.g., two seconds to two minutes). The objective is to cause total disorientation of the human eye function and thus thwart the attack. The cycling from bright to dark takes advantage of the natural time it takes for the rods and cones of a human eye to reset to either the darkness or the brightness and adjust to the present light condition. This cycling from dark to bright disorients and disables the perpetrator as the receptors of the eye become bleached, whereupon the perpetrator will become confused, disoriented and/or unable to operate effectively. In addition to the disorientation of the blinking on and off of the light, the activity of the light cycling in the darkness will also bring attention to the area where the breach is occurring notifying security guards and police.

(116) Zone Warning Areas. By integrating the perimeter security lighting system with an intrusion detection system the end users may map out on the exterior of any secure fence line zones that might look something like this: Zone #1-45 feet from the fence. Zone #2-30 feet from the fence. Zone #3-15 feet from the fence.

(117) At the breach of each zone the perimeter security lights may be activated to perform a certain way completely adjustable by the end user. Below is a example of one setting among the infinite settings available to the end user:

(118) Zone #1 being the outer-most zone, a system may be programmed to flash the lights for two seconds every five seconds for one minute. This gives the perpetrator warning that they have been detected and should retreat or perhaps they mistakenly wandered into the area and should consider leaving.

(119) Zone #2. The perpetrator has been warned in Zone #1 and now the lights go on at full power to clearly identify the perpetrator. The perpetrator has now entered a secure zone.

(120) Zone #3, The perpetrator is now attempting to breach the perimeter and the lights will cycle from full brightness for five seconds to total darkness for five seconds for the next half hour then return to full on for two hours then reset to total darkness.

(121) In one embodiment, an operator may set their own run programs to coincide with their desired lighting of the perimeter fence line (e.g., on or off at night and cycle times and zone lighting settings).

(122) In one embodiment, an owner may also set simple flashing and/or strobing lights in any zone to deter intrusion.

(123) In one embodiment, the system has an operating range from 12 volts to 50 volts AC, and from 12 volts to 50 Volts DC. In one embodiment, the system has an operating range from 12-25 volts AC or 12-25 Volts DC.

(124) Breakaway Bracket. In one embodiment, should an intruder try to use a lighting fixture attached atop a fence post as a hand hold to scale the fence, the light fixture may have a breakaway bracket or a pipe section that would yield under greater human weight of 75 lbs. or greater, thus denying the intruder a hand hold to use when scaling the fence.

(125) In one embodiment, the beam spread of a light fixture may be any radius desired from full 360 degrees to narrow spot lighting configuration, which will allow mounting the fixture head on a wall and projecting out from the wall so as not to create hot spots at the fixture or on the wall where the fixture is mounted.

(126) In one embodiment, communication of sensors mounted in the security light fixtures may be accomplished via a simple hard wire communication or via Wi-Fi communication by radio or signal over power wire.

(127) In one embodiment, the mounting of the light fixture may take place in two stages, During a first stage, a metal threaded “U” bracket wraps around the fence post be it square, round, rectangular, or “I” beam style and a mating fixture mounting bracket nests against the upright post that the light fixture is being attached to. The mounting bracket preferably accepts the U bracket, which may then screw down and compress against the outer diameter of the upright fence post. The mounting bracket has two bottom threaded holes that accept two screw heads that nest in “Mouse Holes” formed in the base of the junction box of the light fixtures for easy attachment of the “Mouse Holes” of the fixture body base (e.g., the junction box), which provides an installer with an easy way of attaching the light fixture with one hand. Once the light fixture is attached on the two base mouse holes, a third pan head screw may be inserted in the center of the junction box. Before all the screws are tightened, the installer may level the light fixture as the play on the three screws allows a final adjustment to level the fixture 5%+ or − off 90° to accommodate slight variations in the bracket and post.

(128) Lightning and Fences. Lightning poses a problem for all outdoor lighting fixtures and especially any fixtures mounted to a fence line as the fence may become a conductor of electricity and a path to ground for a lighting strike. In one embodiment, the perimeter security light has a quick connect easily removable low voltage drive circuit that receives electricity from the transformer and delivers DC current to the LED's. The LED driver preferably takes the low voltage power and rectifies the AC power to DC power to drive the LEDs. Not integrating the component as part of the fixture body and making the component removable should damage occur due to lightning damage greatly enhances the user experience should damage to the driver occur during operation caused by lightning and power surges in the power wire.

(129) It is contemplated that any of the security lighting systems and light fixtures disclosed herein may incorporate the technology disclosed in any one of commonly owned U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,845,124; 9,360,197; 9,593,832; 9,648,688; and 9,777,909, and U.S. Published Patent Application Nos. 2014/010831; 2014/0376228, and 2018/0023788, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

(130) While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, which is only limited by the scope of the claims that follow. For example, the present invention contemplates that any of the features shown in any of the embodiments described herein, or incorporated by reference herein, may be incorporated with any of the features shown in any of the other embodiments described herein, or incorporated by reference herein, and still fall within the scope of the present invention.