POOL LIGHTING ASSEMBLY WITH COILED CABLE
20250354682 ยท 2025-11-20
Assignee
Inventors
Cpc classification
F21S8/024
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F21V27/00
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
International classification
F21V27/00
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
E04H4/14
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
F21S8/02
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
Abstract
A pool system includes an underwater lighting assembly installed below a water line of a swimming pool or spa. A method of installing the lighting system in the swimming pool or spa includes guiding a lighting assembly cable through a conduit outlet of a wall fitting, into conduit, and up to a location of a pool transformer. The method includes coupling a lighting assembly with the wall fitting. The lighting assembly is connected to the lighting assembly cable, and a portion of the lighting assembly extends into the conduit. Guiding the lighting assembly cable includes positioning a pre-wound section of the lighting assembly cable with a plurality of turns within the conduit.
Claims
1. A method of installing a lighting system in a swimming pool or spa, the method comprising: guiding a lighting assembly cable through a conduit outlet of a wall fitting, into conduit, and up to a location of a pool transformer, wherein the wall fitting is below a water line within a swimming pool or spa; and coupling a lighting assembly with the wall fitting, wherein the lighting assembly is connected to the lighting assembly cable, and wherein a portion of the lighting assembly extends into the conduit, wherein guiding the lighting assembly cable comprises positioning a pre-wound section of the lighting assembly cable comprising a plurality of turns within the conduit.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein guiding the pre-wound section into the conduit may include partially compressing the pre-wound section.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the pre-wound portion is movable between a contracted state and an extended state, wherein a length of the pre-wound portion in the extended state is greater than the length of the pre-wound portion in the contracted state, wherein the pre-wound portion is configured to be in the contracted state when unloaded or in an absence of a force, and wherein guiding the pre-wound section into the conduit comprises moving the pre-wound portion from the extended state to the contracted state.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein coupling a lighting assembly with the wall fitting comprises coupling the lighting assembly at least 4 inches below the water line of the swimming pool or spa.
5. A method of servicing a lighting system of a swimming pool or spa, the method comprising: uncoupling a lighting assembly from a wall fitting below a water line within the swimming pool or spa; and applying a force pulling the lighting assembly from the wall fitting into the swimming pool or spa, wherein applying the force comprises extending a pre-wound lighting assembly cable comprising a plurality of turns and connected to the lighting assembly from a contracted state to an extended state, wherein the lighting assembly cable is configured to return to the contracted state in an absence of the force.
6. An underwater pool lighting system comprising: a lighting assembly comprising at least one light source; and a lighting assembly cable connected to the lighting assembly, wherein the lighting assembly cable comprises a straight portion and a pre-wound portion, wherein the pre-wound portion comprises a plurality of turns.
7. The underwater pool lighting system of claim 6, wherein the pre-wound portion is movable between a contracted state and an extended state, wherein a length of the pre-wound portion in the extended state is greater than the length of the pre-wound portion in the contracted state, and wherein the pre-wound portion is configured to be in the contracted state when unloaded or in an absence of a force.
8. The underwater pool lighting system of claim 6, wherein the pre-wound portion is movable between a contracted state and an extended state, wherein the plurality of turns comprise a first transverse dimension in the contracted state and a second transverse dimension in the extended state, wherein the first transverse dimension is greater than the second transverse dimension, and wherein the pre-wound portion is configured to retract to the contracted state when unloaded.
9. The underwater pool lighting system of claim 8, wherein, in the contracted state, the plurality of turns have a same transverse dimension.
10. The underwater pool lighting system of claim 6, wherein the pre-wound portion is movable between a contracted state and an extended state, wherein the plurality of turns comprise a first transverse dimension in the contracted state and a second transverse dimension in the extended state, wherein the first transverse dimension is greater than the second transverse dimension, wherein, in the contracted state, the first transverse dimension of the pre-wound portion is less than or equal to 1.5 inches.
11. The underwater pool lighting system of claim 6, wherein a length of the pre-wound portion is at least 7 inches.
12. The underwater pool lighting system of claim 6, further comprising: a wall fitting; and conduit, wherein at least the pre-wound portion of the lighting assembly cable is within the conduit.
13. The underwater pool lighting system of claim 12, wherein the conduit is a first conduit having a first diameter, wherein the underwater pool lighting system further comprises a second conduit for receiving a straight portion of the lighting assembly cable, wherein an inner diameter of the second conduit is less than an inner diameter of the first conduit.
14. The underwater pool lighting system of claim 13, wherein the inner diameter of the first conduit is 1.5 inches and wherein the inner diameter of the second conduit is 1 inch.
15. The underwater pool lighting system of claim 6, wherein the lighting assembly cable comprises a cable connector at an end of the lighting assembly cable, and wherein the cable connector is configured to engage the lighting assembly such that the lighting assembly is detachable from the lighting assembly cable.
16. The underwater pool lighting system of claim 15, wherein the lighting assembly comprising a lighting assembly connector configured to engage the cable connector.
17. The underwater pool lighting system of claim 16, wherein the lighting assembly connector is spaced apart from a housing of the lighting assembly.
18. The underwater pool lighting system of claim 16, wherein the lighting assembly connector is spaced apart from a housing of the lighting assembly by a cable.
19. The underwater pool lighting system of claim 16, wherein the lighting assembly connector is on a housing of the lighting assembly.
20. The underwater pool lighting system of claim 6, wherein the lighting assembly is a nicheless lighting assembly.
21. A swimming pool or spa comprising the underwater pool lighting system of claim 6, wherein the lighting assembly is at least 4 inches below a water line of the swimming pool or spa.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The features and components of the following figures are illustrated to emphasize the general principles of the present disclosure. Corresponding features and components throughout the figures can be designated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistency and clarity.
[0015]
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[0017]
[0018]
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[0020]
[0021]
[0022]
[0023]
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] Described herein are systems and methods for providing underwater lighting in a swimming pool or spa. In certain embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may allow for improved access to a lighting assembly for installation, servicing, and/or removal without requiring draining of the pool to reduce a water level. In various embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may allow for extension of a lighting assembly and lighting assembly cable without necessarily requiring above-ground slack in the lighting assembly cable. The systems and methods described herein may be suitable for various underwater lighting systems, and may be particularly suitable for nicheless lighting systems. The systems and methods described herein additionally or alternatively may provide improved installation and/or positioning of a lighting assembly with a lighting assembly cable that is biased toward or into a wall or niche for niched lighting systems or toward or into a conduit for nicheless lighting systems.
[0025] In various embodiments, the systems and methods described herein including a lighting assembly and a lighting assembly cable. The lighting assembly cable includes a pre-wound section with a plurality of turns. The pre-wound section may be adjustable between a contracted state, in which the pre-wound section has a first length, and an extended state, in which the pre-wound section has a second length greater than the first length. The pre-wound section may be biased into the contracted state and/or have a natural or unloaded state in which the pre-wound section is contracted. In some embodiments, the lighting assembly cable includes one or more straight or unwound sections. In certain embodiments, the pre-wound section may have a maximum transverse dimension (e.g., a diameter) such that the lighting assembly cable is positionable within conduit of the swimming pool or spa for nicheless lighting systems. In certain embodiments, the maximum transverse dimension may be less than or equal to 1.5 inches.
[0026] The systems and methods described herein may improve the efficiency of installing, servicing, and/or removing of the lighting assembly from an underwater location within a swimming pool or spa compared to traditional approaches. Optionally, the improved installation, servicing, and/or removal may be realized without requiring additional components. Various other benefits and advantages may be realized with the systems, devices, and methods provided herein, and the aforementioned advantages should not be considered limiting.
[0027]
[0028] As illustrated in
[0029] In the embodiment illustrated in
[0030] The conduit 11 may be provided at various locations as desired, and in certain embodiments, the conduit 11 is provided at a minimum distance 40 relative to a water level 42. In some embodiments, the minimum distance 40 may be at least 4 inches from the water level 42; however, in other embodiments, the minimum distance 40 may be other distances as desired.
[0031] In certain embodiments, the nicheless lighting assembly 21 generally includes a housing 26, a lens 28, and a connector 30 for engaging the lighting assembly cable 22. A light source, such as one or more light emitting diodes, may be provided within the housing 26 such that light may be emitted through the lens 28 and into the pool 12. Optionally, the nicheless lighting assembly 21 includes other components such as but not limited to a heat spreader, printed circuit board(s), gasket, potting material, combinations thereof, and/or other components as desired. Optionally, the nicheless lighting assembly 21 includes a wall mount or fitting 32 for holding the nicheless lighting assembly 21 in place on the surface 14 of the pool 12. In other embodiments, the wall fitting 32 may be omitted, and the nicheless lighting assembly 21 may be mounted directly into the surface 14 of the pool 12. As mentioned, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the lighting assembly 21 may be exposed to and/or in contact with water of the pool 12 when the lighting assembly 21 is installed in the pool 12. As a non-limiting example, at least a portion of the lens 28 and/or the wall fitting 32 may be exposed to and/or in contact with water of the pool 12.
[0032] In other embodiments, the nicheless lighting assembly 21 may have fewer or additional components as desired, and in other embodiments may have other constructions compared to that of the nicheless lighting assembly 21. As non-limiting examples, the nicheless lighting assembly 21 may be similar to those described in U.S. Pat. No. 11,035,564 to Arpin et al., (Arpin), issued on Jun. 15, 2021, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,971,760 to Archer et al. (Archer), issued on Dec. 6, 2005, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.
[0033] As illustrated in
[0034] The lighting assembly cable 22 connects the lighting assembly 20 with the control circuitry 24 and extends at least partially through the conduit 11. The lighting assembly cable 22 may be various types of wiring or cabling as desired, such as but not limited to electrical cabling, optical cabling, etc. As illustrated in
[0035] As best illustrated in
[0036] The pre-wound section 44 includes a plurality of turns 48, the number of which should not be considered limiting. The pre-wound section 44 includes the turns 48 pre-formed or pre-defined such that the turns 48 are automatically provided and/or are present in a natural or unloaded state of the lighting assembly cable 22. Reference to the sections 46 being straight or unwound does not mean that the sections 46 must be straight, and instead only refers to sections of the lighting assembly cable 22 in which turns 48 are not pre-formed, pre-defined, and/or automatically present in a natural or unloaded state.
[0037] The turns 48 may have various shapes as desired. In some embodiments, and as best illustrated in
[0038] In various embodiments, the pre-wound section 44 is adjustable (represented by arrow 50 in
[0039] In some embodiments, the first transverse dimension is greater than the second transverse dimension, and the second length is greater than the first length. In some embodiments, the first transverse dimension is less than the inner transverse dimension of the first conduit 11A. A s a non-limiting example, the first transverse dimension of the pre-wound section 44 in the contracted state is less than 1.5 inches. In one non-limiting example, the first transverse dimension may be greater than or equal to 0.5 inches to less than 1.5 inches. Optionally, and as best illustrated in
[0040] In certain embodiments, the first length of the pre-wound section 44 in the contracted state is less than the length of the first conduit 11A, although in other embodiments the first length may be any length as desired. In non-limiting examples, the first length may at least 4 inches, such as at least 7 inches, such as at least 10 inches. The second length of the pre-wound section 44 in the extended state may be sufficient such that end 36 (and thus the lighting assembly 20) may be positioned above the water level 42 without having to drain and lower the water level in the pool 12. Optionally, the second length is at least 4 inches.
[0041] In certain embodiments, the contracted state of the pre-wound section 44 may be the natural state of the pre-wound section 44 and the pre-wound section 44 is biased/tensioned to return, retract, or otherwise be in the contracted state when unloaded or in an absence of a force. As a non-limiting example, after the pre-wound section 44 has been moved to the extended state (e.g., due to a user pulling on the lighting assembly 20), the pre-wound section 44 may automatically return and retract back to the contracted state upon being released by the user.
[0042] The lighting assembly cable 22 with the pre-wound section 44 may facilitate installation, servicing, and/or removal of the lighting assembly 20 in the pool system 10. The lighting assembly cable 22 with the pre-wound section 44 may also avoid a need for above-ground slack, which may be unsightly and/or be a safety hazard. In other embodiments, the pre-wound section 44 may be utilized in conjunction with above-ground slack.
[0043] In various embodiments, the pre-wound section 44 may facilitate installation by guiding the light assembly 20 into the conduit 11A and/or close proximity to the wall fitting 32 while the opposing end 34 is guided through the conduit 11. As an example, a method of installing the lighting system 18 may include guiding the end 34 of the lighting assembly cable 22 through an outlet of the conduit 11, into the conduit 11, and up to the location of the control circuitry 24. Optionally, the method includes connecting the lighting assembly 20 with the lighting assembly cable 22 before the end 36 of the lighting assembly cable 22 is submerged (e.g., due to pulling on the lighting assembly cable 22). Guiding the lighting assembly cable 22 through the conduit 11 includes positioning the pre-wound section 44 within the first conduit 11A. In certain embodiments, the pre-wound section 44 may provide a stop and abut the second conduit 11B, although it need not in other embodiments. In certain embodiments, the pre-wound section 44 biased toward its contracted state facilitates positioning of the lighting assembly 20 at least partially within the conduit 11A and/or on the surface 14. Optionally, guiding the pre-wound section 44 into the conduit 11A may include partially compressing the pre-wound section 44.
[0044] The pre-wound section 44 may facilitate servicing and/or removal of the lighting assembly 20 by allowing for removal of the lighting assembly 20 above the water level 42 without requiring a lowering of the water level 42 and/or without disconnecting the lighting assembly cable 22 from the control circuitry 24. In certain embodiments, the pre-wound section 44 may allow for servicing and/or removal of the lighting assembly 20 while maintaining the minimum distance 40. As a non-limiting example, a method of servicing and/or removing the lighting assembly 20 from the pool 12 may include uncoupling the lighting assembly 20 from the wall fitting 32 and/or the surface 14. In embodiments wherein the pre-wound section 44 is partially compressed when installed, uncoupling the lighting assembly 20 allows for expansion or extension of the pre-wound section 44, which may apply a force at least partially ejecting or otherwise positioning the lighting assembly 20 relative to the surface 14. The method includes applying a force pulling the lighting assembly 20 from the wall fitting 32 and/or the surface 14 into the pool 12. In various embodiments, applying the force includes causing the pre-wound section 44 to adjust from the contracted state to the extended state, which in turn allows for the end 36 and/or the lighting assembly 18 to be positioned above the water. Optionally, upon a removal of the force, the pre-wound section 44 automatically returns to the contracted state.
[0045] Various other benefits and advantages may be realized with the systems, devices, and methods provided herein, and the aforementioned advantages should not be considered limiting.
[0046] Exemplary concepts or combinations of features of the invention may include: [0047] A. A method of installing a lighting system in a swimming pool or spa, the method comprising: [0048] i. guiding a lighting assembly cable through a conduit outlet of a wall fitting, into conduit, and up to a location of a pool transformer, wherein the wall fitting is below a water line within a swimming pool or spa; and [0049] ii. coupling a lighting assembly with the wall fitting, wherein the lighting assembly is connected to the lighting assembly cable, and wherein a portion of the lighting assembly extends into the conduit, [0050] iii. wherein guiding the lighting assembly cable comprises positioning a pre-wound section of the lighting assembly cable comprising a plurality of turns within the conduit. [0051] B. A method of servicing a lighting system of a swimming pool or spa, the method comprising: [0052] i. uncoupling a lighting assembly from a wall fitting below a water line within the swimming pool or spa; and [0053] ii. applying a force pulling the lighting assembly from the wall fitting into the swimming pool or spa, wherein applying the force comprises extending a pre-wound lighting assembly cable comprising a plurality of turns and connected to the lighting assembly from a contracted state to an extended state, wherein the lighting assembly cable is configured to return to the contracted state in an absence of the force. [0054] C. An underwater pool lighting system comprising: [0055] i. a lighting assembly comprising at least one light source; and [0056] ii. a lighting assembly cable connected to the lighting assembly, wherein the lighting assembly cable comprises a straight portion and a pre-wound portion, wherein the pre-wound portion comprises a plurality of turns. [0057] D. An underwater pool lighting system comprising: [0058] i. a lighting assembly comprising at least one light source; and [0059] ii. a lighting assembly cable connected to the lighting assembly, wherein the lighting assembly cable comprises a pre-wound portion comprising a plurality of turns, wherein the pre-wound portion is movable between a contracted state and an extended state, wherein a length of the pre-wound portion in the extended state is greater than the length of the pre-wound portion in the contracted state, and wherein the pre-wound portion is configured to be in the contracted state when unloaded or in an absence of a force. [0060] E. An underwater pool lighting system comprising: [0061] i. a lighting assembly comprising at least one light source; and [0062] ii. a lighting assembly cable connected to the lighting assembly, wherein the lighting assembly cable comprises a pre-wound portion comprising a plurality of turns, wherein the pre-wound portion is movable between a contracted state and an extended state, wherein the plurality of turns comprise a first transverse dimension in the contracted state and a second transverse dimension in the extended state, wherein the first transverse dimension is greater than the second transverse dimension, and wherein the pre-wound portion is configured to retract to the contracted state when unloaded. [0063] F. The method or underwater pool lighting system of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein guiding the pre-wound section into the conduit may include partially compressing the pre-wound section. [0064] G. The method or underwater pool lighting system of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein, in the contracted state, the plurality of turns have a same transverse dimension. [0065] H. The method or underwater pool lighting system of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein a pitch between adjacent turns of the plurality of turns is substantially the same. [0066] I. The underwater pool lighting system of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the plurality of turns are circular, triangular, or rectangular. [0067] J. The underwater pool lighting system of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the lighting assembly cable is an electrical cable. [0068] K. The method or underwater pool lighting system of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the lighting assembly cable is an optical cable. [0069] L. The method or underwater pool lighting system of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein, in the contracted state, the transverse dimension of the pre-wound portion is less than or equal to 1.5 inches. [0070] M. The method or underwater pool lighting system of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein, in the contracted state, the transverse dimension of the pre-wound portion is from greater than or equal to 0.5 inches to less than or equal to 1.5 inches. [0071] N. The method or underwater pool lighting system of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein a length of the pre-wound portion is at least 7 inches. [0072] O. The method or underwater pool lighting system of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein a length of the pre-wound portion is at least 10 inches. [0073] P. The method or underwater pool lighting system of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, further comprising: [0074] i. a wall fitting; and [0075] ii. conduit, wherein at least the pre-wound portion of the lighting assembly cable is within the conduit. [0076] Q. The method or underwater pool lighting system of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the conduit is a first conduit having a first diameter, wherein the underwater pool lighting system further comprises a second conduit for receiving a straight portion of the lighting assembly cable, wherein an inner diameter of the second conduit is less than an inner diameter of the first conduit. [0077] R. The method or underwater pool lighting system of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the inner diameter of the first conduit is 1.5 inches and wherein the inner diameter of the second conduit is 1 inch. [0078] S. The method or underwater pool lighting system of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the lighting assembly is a nicheless lighting assembly. [0079] T. A swimming pool or spa comprising the underwater pool lighting system of any preceding or subsequent statements or combination of statements, wherein the lighting assembly is at least 4 inches below a water line of the swimming pool or spa. [0080] U. The method or underwater pool lighting system of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the lighting assembly cable comprises a cable connector at an end of the lighting assembly cable, and wherein the cable connector is configured to engage the lighting assembly such that the lighting assembly is detachable from the lighting assembly cable. [0081] V. The method or underwater pool lighting system of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the lighting assembly comprising a lighting assembly connector configured to engage the cable connector. [0082] W. The method or underwater pool lighting system of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the lighting assembly connector is spaced apart from a housing of the lighting assembly. [0083] X. The method or underwater pool lighting system of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the lighting assembly connector is spaced apart from a housing of the lighting assembly by a cable. [0084] Y. The method or underwater pool lighting system of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the lighting assembly connector is on a housing of the lighting assembly. [0085] Z. An underwater pool lighting system comprising: [0086] i. a lighting assembly comprising at least one light source; and [0087] ii. a lighting assembly cable connected to the lighting assembly, wherein the lighting assembly cable comprises a straight portion and a pre-wound portion, wherein the pre-wound portion comprises a plurality of turns, and wherein the lighting assembly cable further comprises a cable connector connecting the lighting assembly cable to the lighting assembly.
[0088] These examples are not intended to be mutually exclusive, exhaustive, or restrictive in any way, and the invention is not limited to these example embodiments but rather encompasses all possible modifications and variations within the scope of any claims ultimately drafted and issued in connection with the invention (and their equivalents). For avoidance of doubt, any combination of features not physically impossible or expressly identified as non-combinable herein may be within the scope of the invention. Further, although applicant has described devices and techniques for use principally with swimming pools or spas, persons skilled in the relevant field will recognize that the present invention conceivably could be employed in connection with other water containing vessels and in other manners, particularly but not limited to underwater installations. Finally, references to pools and swimming pools herein may also refer to spas or other water containing vessels used for recreation, training, or therapy.
[0089] The subject matter of embodiments is described herein with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described. Directional references such as up, down, top, bottom, left, right, front, and back, among others, are intended to refer to the orientation as illustrated and described in the figure (or figures) to which the components and directions are referencing. Throughout this disclosure, a reference numeral with a letter refers to a specific instance of an element and the reference numeral without an accompanying letter refers to the element generically or collectively. Thus, as an example (not shown in the drawings), device 12A refers to an instance of a device class, which may be referred to collectively as devices 12 and any one of which may be referred to generically as a device 12. In the figures and the description, like numerals are intended to represent like elements. As used herein, the meaning of a, an, and the includes singular and plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0090] The above-described aspects are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. M any variations and modifications can be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims that follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the described invention, nor the claims that follow.