(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2005/0279403 A1
`
`
` Kube (43) Pub. Date: Dec. 22, 2005
`
`US 20050279403A1
`
`(54) ARCHITECTURAL AND LANDSCAPE
`DEVICES HAVING SOLAR LIGHTS
`
`(52) US. Cl.
`
`........................... 136/291; 136/244; 136/251
`
`(76)
`
`Inventor:
`
`Steve Michael Kube, Charlotte, NC
`(US)
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Correspondence Address:
`.
`Steve M- Kube.
`2233 East Prov1dence Drive
`Charlotte, NC 28270 (US)
`.
`(21) Appl. No"
`(22) Filed'
`.
`
`10/869’784
`Jun. 16 2004
`’
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.7 ..................................................... H01L 31/00
`
`Solar powered lighting fixtures are combined with a variety
`of landscape and architectural accent objects,
`including
`windsocks, wind chimes, and other wind sensitive art
`objects. The combinations thus provide extended viewing of
`the objects as well as providing unique ways of illuminating
`and viewing the objects. The articles of manufacture provide
`new ways of marking and otherwise adorning and illumi-
`nating spaces with a variety of architectural and landscaping
`art objects and wind driven devices while also providing a
`way to immediately perceive the relative strength and direc-
`tion of Wind in an environment from a distance.
`
`
`
`Jiawei et al. Exhibit 1012 Page 1
`
`Jiawei et al. Exhibit 1012 Page 1
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 22, 2005 Sheet 1 0f 2
`
`US 2005/0279403 A1
`
`100
`
`110
`
`120
`
`165
`
`FIG.4
`
`FIG.1
`
`140
`
`150
`
`130
`
`II 220
`
`200
`
`130 140
`
`FIG.2
`
`210
`
`165
`
`180
`
`FIG.6
`
`185
`
`170
`
`FIG.3
`
`“6'5
`
`Jiawei et al. Exhibit 1012 Page 2
`
`Jiawei et al. Exhibit 1012 Page 2
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 22, 2005 Sheet 2 0f 2
`
`US 2005/0279403 A1
`
`
`
`FIG. 11
`
`Jiawei et al. Exhibit 1012 Page 3
`
`Jiawei et al. Exhibit 1012 Page 3
`
`

`

`US 2005/0279403 A1
`
`Dec. 22, 2005
`
`ARCHITECTURAL AND LANDSCAPE DEVICES
`HAVING SOLAR LIGHTS
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0001] The invention relates to solar powered landscape
`and architectural lighting used in combination with wind
`driven landscape and architectural accents such as wind-
`socks, wind chimes, and or other substantially ornamental
`objects.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`lighting has
`landscape and architectural
`[0002] Solar
`become quite popular. Solar light fixtures of this nature have
`been around for many years, are low cost, and available at
`many thousands of retail locations. Essentially these devices
`have a solar cell for collecting solar energy and converting
`it
`to electrical energy, which is stored in one or more
`rechargeable batteries, and an LED, or other suitable light
`source,
`that
`is lit after dark. They also have electronic
`circuitry to control the charging of the batteries and to switch
`the light on at night. Usually these devices are positioned
`close to the ground to illuminate a walkway or path, or to
`delineate or mark boundaries such as the edges of drive-
`ways, etc. One major advantage of these lights is that they
`need no wiring to install them. Being free of leads, we can
`do interesting things with them that can’t as easily be done
`with wired lighting.
`
`[0003] Until recently most of these solar light fixtures
`have used yellow LED’s however; recently bright white
`LED’s have been introduced into the fixtures. Also, fluo-
`rescent bulbs are now being driven by solar landscape
`lighting fixtures. With brighter light sources we can do more
`with these solar light fixtures. One example is to install the
`solar light fixture into the mouth of a decorative windsock
`and have the light illuminate the windsock at night. Another
`example is to suspend wind chimes under a hanging solar
`light fixture to illuminate the wind chimes at night. Also we
`can suspend other wind driven ornamental devices, or art
`objects, such as “wind devas”, under a hanging solar light
`fixture. “Wind Devas” can be seen at www.winddeva.com.
`
`[0004] We can suspend a windsock with solar light fixture
`from a rigid or flexible flagpole for example, which positions
`the solar fixture away from a house, beyond the shadow of
`the eaves, where it can collect solar energy. Hanging wind-
`socks from flagpoles like this is normal procedure. We
`intend to point out the need for positioning it in the sun when
`a solar light is included in the windsock. We can suspend the
`windsock however we want to, but we want to put it in bright
`sunlight, and where it can gather solar energy as well as
`blow freely in the wind. Suspending it from a flexible rod,
`such as a fiberglass rod, the windsock and solar light will be
`free to move more dynamically in a wind, bouncing and
`dancing as it were, in a breeze.
`
`[0005] There are many examples of ‘windsocks’ suitable
`for these purposes. A search on the internet will provide
`many examples that can be adapted to be illuminated at night
`using a solar light fixture. Many of them are very dynamic,
`designed to spin in the wind, with streamers, etc. for added
`effect. One url to nice examples of windsocks and spinners
`follows:
`
`http://wvwv.aboveitallkites.com/merch/list.sht-
`[0006]
`ml?cat=windsocks
`
`[0007] For over 50 windsock variations see:
`
`[0008]
`
`http://www.obflag.com/windsocks.html
`
`[0009] Note that we are not speaking of strictly utilitarian
`windsocks as might be found at an airfield for example. We
`are speaking of utilitarian as well as decorative windsocks
`that encompass a very wide array of designs and effects.
`Note that we do bring in a utilitarian effect of illuminating
`the windsock at night, with a solar light, so it can be viewed
`readily from a distance, even though it is night and the
`surroundings are dark. The illuminated windsock also lights
`up a surrounding space to some degree. Additionally, illu—
`minating the windsock from inside produces a novel form of
`lighting, wherein we introduce the pleasing display of the
`light swinging, swaying, spinning and otherwise moving in
`the breeze at night. Even when there is no breeze, the light
`produced can be quite pleasing. The utilitarian effect of
`being able to discern wind direction and relative strength of
`the wind is present, as is the utilitarian effect of providing a
`dynamic lighting fixture which is quite pleasing. The deco-
`rative aspects are provided by designs, colors, materials, etc.
`
`[0010] The solar light fixture can be concealed inside the
`mouth of a windsock for example, or it can be prominently
`located ‘above’ or outside the windsock.
`
`[0011] Solar light fixtures normally used for landscape or
`architectural lighting are built to last many years. However,
`the windsocks may wear and fade in relatively short order.
`Therefore we want to allow for easily replacing the wind-
`sock. Replacing the windsock on the solar lighting fixture
`allows us to introduce another new way of decorating a
`space, as with changing the display according to seasons,
`holidays, etc. The user can change the lighting effect by
`simply changing the windsock. For example; bright colors
`can be used in the summer, subdued earth tones in autumn,
`a ghostly shape and design can be used during Halloween,
`etc. There is no need to let the sock wear out to change it for
`various seasons, holidays, and other occasions.
`
`[0012] Additionally, we can provide windsocks and other
`objects to be illuminated with the solar light fixture to show
`off team colors, mascots, logos, patriotic colors and themes,
`affection for particular animals, plants, etc.
`
`[0013] While most windsocks are made of fabrics, we can
`utilize films such as colorful polyester film, and or multi-
`layer films to give various lighting effects for example. This
`could include holographic diffraction grating films, polariz-
`ing films, etc.
`
`[0014] We can also provide molded plastic objects to be lit
`with the solar light fixture. Example; a lightweight plastic
`pumpkin or jack-o-lantern, or a plastic snowman could be
`fabricated to be used with these fixtures.
`
`[0015] There are many methods of detachably connecting
`a windsock to a solar light fixture that can be worked out by
`anyone having ordinary skill in the arts. A simple groove
`around the periphery of the light fixture that the windsock
`would span, and a rubber band to tightly grip the sock to the
`fixture around that groove is one example. A velcro type
`attachment means is another. Similarly, snaps, buttons,
`hooks and eyes, clips, etc. can be used to detachably connect
`windsocks and other accent items to solar lighting fixtures.
`We could also sew into the windsock an elastic band for
`
`holding it to a fixture.
`
`Jiawei et al. Exhibit 1012 Page 4
`
`Jiawei et al. Exhibit 1012 Page 4
`
`

`

`US 2005/0279403 A1
`
`Dec. 22, 2005
`
`[0016] Another use for these solar light fixtures is to
`provide ‘fabric’ light shades to be used with them. The shade
`is simple decorative cloth that may or may not be on a rigid
`wire or wire-like frame. The solar light fixture fits inside or
`above the shade and the fixture with shade gets suspended.
`This is not unlike Japanese Lanterns, which are made of
`paper. We want cloth or other material more suited to
`outdoor spaces subject to exterior weather and other condi-
`tions. Additionally, we can provide a solar light fixture to
`which a user wraps a piece of suitable fabric around to act
`as a lampshade. A simple decorative ‘silk’ scarf can be
`utilized for this purpose.
`
`[0017] Solar light fixtures with cloth shades can be sus-
`pended from above, as from the eaves of a house, or on a line
`hung across a distance for this purpose, or mounted on a
`stand for example. The stand can be short or tall, in the
`ground, or on a railing, the side of a building, etc. Ideally the
`cloth will be loose fitting and able to flutter or wave
`somewhat in a breeze. Fringe or streamers may help in this
`matter.
`
`[0018] One item of note here is that ordinarily solar light
`fixtures are typically hard plastic and or metal items. They
`are very functional, but sometimes lack a romantic, or
`aesthetic appeal. The simple flickering of a candle is often
`much more appealing than the steady, purposeful glare of the
`solar light counterpart. Adding a cloth shade that is able to
`sway, swing, or otherwise move in a breeze, would give a
`more appealing light in many instances. It can add a warmth
`or a softer feel that hard plastic or metal cannot.
`
`[0019] Fabric shades or lamps can also be changed accord-
`ing to seasons, holidays, etc. Flashy colors, subdued colors,
`or even hand-painted silks can be used. Applique techniques
`for decorating the fabric are also useful. Figurines can be
`used here as well, such as ghostly figures for Halloween
`decorations. Snowmen for winter decor. Heart shaped
`shades for Valentines. Shamrocks for St. Patrick’s Day, etc
`
`[0020] Combining Solar Light Fixtures with Wind
`Chimes;
`
`[0021] Wind chimes are very popular landscape decora-
`tions, and or architectural accent items. These can benefit
`from adding a solar light fixture so they can be seen at night.
`Particularly those made with glass, crystal, and other trans-
`lucent, or see through materials are striking when lit at night.
`The light shining directly on them can be quite pleasing. Cut
`glass and crystal can refract and reflect interesting patterns,
`such as rainbows. Colored glass is also very interesting in
`these direct lighting situations. Simple translucent colored
`beads can be arranged in pleasing ways to be illuminated by
`these lights. Again, a search on the internet for glass wind
`chimes will show many examples of these objects that can
`be combined with a solar light fixture to great appealing
`effect.
`
`[0022] Adding a fabric lampshade to a solar light fixture
`with wind chimes provides a dynamic light and though the
`fabric may conceal the wind chimes to some degree, the
`sounds made are not obstructed and the light inside the
`lampshade can be more dynamic when shadows and reflec-
`tions from the wind chimes are scattered onto the cloth.
`
`[0023] Some very nice examples of wind chimes that
`would be nicely illuminated with solar lights can be seen at
`the following url:
`
`http://www.anjian.com.au/productpages/wind-
`[0024]
`chimes/windchimes2.html
`
`[0025] With these “Light & Wind Chime” fixtures in
`particular, and with solar lights and windsocks as well, we
`can introduce other color LEDs. Bright white will work just
`fine, but also interesting will be blue, green, red, yellow, etc.
`Super-bright varieties having water-clear lenses are most
`attractive. However, we can simply use white light sources
`and alter the coloration with the colors of the fabrics used
`with them.
`
`[0026] Additionally, we can provide solar powered light
`fixtures having sparkling dangling items that move in the
`breeze. Like wind chimes, but without the sounds, these
`items hanging from threads or other suspension means,
`below the solar light, will refract, reflect, and scatter the light
`hitting them. Again, glass, crystal and other see through
`materials will work best. Some objects made of translucent
`plastics will work very nicely.
`
`[0027] We can also use opaque objects that will cast
`shadows on lampshades when moving in a breeze. Similarly,
`reflective objects can be used to cast flecks of light around
`the interior of the lampshade.
`
`[0028] To concentrate the solar light under some of the
`above mentioned fixtures we can provide a set of mirrors, for
`example one under the dangling parts to bounce the light
`passing by back up to the light fixture. We can provide
`another mirror under the top of the fixture to bounce the light
`back down. The top mirror will have a hole in it to allow the
`light source, the LED, to protrude through it. These mirrors
`can be slightly concave to help focus the light.
`
`[0029] While most solar landscape lights have only one
`solar cell and one LED, we can provide fixtures having more
`than one solar cell and or more than one LED, thus creating
`a more powerful light, which in turn can illuminate larger
`and or more objects. These components may be incorporated
`into a single fixture, or in multiple fixtures within a single
`article of manufacture, such as by stacking them, spaced
`apart a distance, and having separate parts of the entire light
`assembly lit up by the different fixtures.
`
`[0030] Fanatics, such as sports fanatics, often are willing
`to spend significant amounts of money to display their team
`spirit. This can drive the development and manufacturing of
`larger, more powerful, although more expensive solar light
`fixtures. This can also be true of patriotic fervor. Patriots are
`most likely willing to pay for bigger, brighter solar-lighted
`“windsocks” having patriotic themes, such as the US flag for
`example.
`
`[0031] For examples of college and professional
`windsocks see the following url:
`
`team
`
`[0032]
`
`http://www.universalshopping.com/flags.html
`
`[0033] The variations on how the above-described solar
`light fixtures utilizing wind powered effects can be used is
`virtually unlimited. Ideally, the basic solar light fixture will
`be able to be used in a very wide array of effects with a wide
`array of purposes. This allows the manufacturer to combine
`the fixture with each of those effects, and sell larger volumes
`of the fixtures. Such volume sales help the manufacturer
`recuperate design, development, marketing, and associated
`costs quickly. It also allows the products to be introduced
`into a wider array of uses more quickly.
`
`Jiawei et al. Exhibit 1012 Page 5
`
`Jiawei et al. Exhibit 1012 Page 5
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`

`

`US 2005/0279403 A1
`
`Dec. 22, 2005
`
`[0034] More powerful solar energy fixtures will allow
`other uses of these renewable energy devices to be devel-
`oped. It is impossible to predict what they will eventually
`used with. The fixtures themselves can take on added
`
`circuitry to provide additional effects. Multi-colored lights
`can be switched on and off for example. Other electronic
`enhancements can be added as well. Sound effects can be
`
`introduced, along with a proximity or motion sensor, and
`having circuitry to generate sounds as a person approaches
`the fixture. Ghostly sounds for Halloween, a Christmas
`Carol, greetings effects, etc. All without use of hard wiring.
`The inducement to introduce such added effects can be
`greater sales of interesting solar powered products such as
`those outlined herein.
`
`[0035] One aspect of the described inventions is we have
`brought solar landscape lights up from the ground level, or
`just above ground level, to eye level and above. There are
`solar “candles” that are meant to be positioned on tables, but
`these are not of the same order as the present inventions. The
`solar candles emit a steady-driven static light, whereas the
`present inventions are quite dynamic.
`
`[0036] While we have focused on the use of LED’s in our
`inventions we can also incorporate other light sources, such
`as solar powered fluorescent lights for example. These, as
`well as any other suitable light source can be utilized in the
`present inventions.
`
`[0037] There are many variations of windsock, some hav-
`ing streamers of cloth to wave in a breeze, some have
`spinners that catch the wind and cause the windsock or
`portions of it to spin in the breeze. We can even cause
`different portions of the windsock to spin in opposite direc-
`tions, and we can utilize multiple solar lights with these in
`a variety of combinations.
`
`[0038] One nice aspect of the present inventions is they
`are suited to both high volume mass production for mass
`market distribution and sales, as well as to low volume,
`unique or one of a kind artistic production. We can fashion
`these to appeal to a very wide audience. Low cost units as
`well as higher value artistic pieces. The solar light fixtures
`can be of limited variations in design, while the accent items
`they are attached to can be unlimited in variation or design.
`
`[0039] A solar light fixture for use with a windsock can
`substantially fill the mouth of a windsock, thus blocking
`wind from entering there. Or it can be substantially smaller
`than the mouth of the windsock, or have provisions for
`allowing air and wind to pass into the mouth of the wind-
`sock.
`
`[0040] A windsock can be custom printed with a street
`number for example in order to display an address that may
`not normally be visible at night. Another option would be to
`put the name of the user on the windsock for prominent
`display. This can assist in finding a specific residence at
`night for example.
`
`[0041] Windsocks may or may not have
`attached to them.
`
`streamers
`
`[0042] There is a wide variety of landscape and architec-
`tural ornaments currently being produced that can benefit
`from being combined with a solar lighting fixture. Perhaps
`of primary interest of these are the ones designed to be
`suspended from above, and to move in the wind. These can
`
`be positioned under the solar light fixture and illuminated at
`night,
`thus extending the time they can be viewed and
`enjoyed.
`
`OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
`
`the objects and advantages of the
`[0043] Accordingly,
`present invention include providing solar powered land-
`scape and architectural light fixtures that
`
`4. Combine the solar lights with windsocks,
`[0044]
`making the windsocks visible at night and producing
`additional pleasing effects.
`
`5. Combine the solar lights with wind chimes,
`[0045]
`making the wind chimes and or the fixture visible at
`night and producing additional pleasing effects.
`
`6. Combine solar lights with various landscape
`[0046]
`and architectural accent objects so they, and or the
`fixtures are visible at night to produce additional pleas-
`ing effects.
`
`7. Combine solar landscape and architectural
`[0047]
`lighting with fabric and other shade materials to soften
`the effects of the light being produced, making them
`more inviting and or romantic.
`
`landscape and architectural
`8. Provide solar
`[0048]
`lighting that the user is able to readily alter to better suit
`seasonal, holiday, and special occasion decor.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`In accordance with the present invention a solar
`[0049]
`powered landscape light & architectural accent device com-
`prises a solar powered light fixture having one or more solar
`cells for converting sunlight
`into electrical energy and
`storing that energy in one or more batteries, along with the
`necessary associated circuitry to control charging of the
`batteries during the day and turning on the light source at
`night. It further comprises one or more of the following;
`
`9. A windsock situated to be illuminated by
`[0050]
`the solar light fixture at night.
`
`4. Wind chimes situated to be illuminated
`[0051]
`by the solar light fixture at night.
`
`[0052] One or more wind catching spinners that
`cause one or more parts of the fixture assembly
`to rotate in a wind.
`
`[0053] One or more ornamental objects sus-
`pended below the light fixture, situated to be
`illuminated by the solar light fixture at night,
`and free to move in a breeze.
`
`[0054] One or more mirrors to reflect and focus
`light onto objects suspended below a solar
`powered light fixture and free to move in a
`breeze.
`
`10. A cloth lampshade to subdue the light of
`[0055]
`the solar light fixture wherein the fixture, and or the
`lampshade is able to sway or otherwise move with
`some degree of freedom in a breeze.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0056] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the top of a
`suspended solar light fixture.
`
`Jiawei et al. Exhibit 1012 Page 6
`
`Jiawei et al. Exhibit 1012 Page 6
`
`

`

`US 2005/0279403 A1
`
`Dec. 22, 2005
`
`[0057] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bottom of a
`solar light fixture.
`
`[0058] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a wind catching
`spinner.
`
`[0059] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a detachable
`windsock fastening band.
`
`[0060]
`
`FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a windsock
`
`[0061] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a combination solar
`light fixture and windsock.
`
`[0062] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a solar light fixture
`having provisions for allowing wind to pass through it,
`balancing pins, and an arc shaped hanger.
`
`[0063] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a tube shaped
`lampshade having integral elastic band.
`
`[0064] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a suspended solar
`light fixture in combination with a set of suspended orna-
`mental objects and having a mirror suspended below to
`reflect
`light back up towards the suspended ornamental
`objects.
`
`[0065] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a set of ornamen-
`tal objects suspended from a ring that is to be detachably
`connected to a solar light fixture.
`
`[0066] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of wind chimes
`suspended from a ring that is to be detachably connected to
`a solar light fixture.
`
`[0067] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a combination
`solar powered lighting fixture and wind chime set.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`
`[0068] A preferred embodiment of the present invention
`will be described more fully hereinafter. However,
`the
`invention should not be construed as being limited to the
`embodiments described herein. Rather, it is intended that the
`invention be construed broadly to encompass any and all
`embodiments of combined solar light fixtures and wind
`driven landscape and architectural accents and devices hav-
`ing the features or equivalents thereof, disclosed herein
`which are within the skill of an ordinary person in the
`relevant art.
`In the description,
`like reference numerals
`designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several
`figures. It is to be also understood that such terms as “inner”,
`“outer”, “upper” and “lower” are used in the description for
`purposes of locating one element relative to another and are
`not to be construed as limiting terms. Additionally, it should
`be understood that the illustrations provided in the figures
`are for the purpose of describing the invention, and are not
`intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner.
`Also, various combinations of the elements of this invention
`can be used to create solar powered landscape and archi-
`tectural accents and devices. It is to be understood that the
`
`exclusion of one or more elements is desirable when prac-
`tical and the inclusion of one or more elements is desirable
`when the inclusion enhances the desired characteristics of
`the devices.
`
`In the broadest sense, the solar powered landscape
`[0069]
`and architectural accents and devices of the present inven-
`
`tion comprise a solar powered light fixture and a substan-
`tially wind driven landscape and or architectural accent and
`or device.
`
`[0070] FIG. 1 shows a substantially cylindrically shaped
`solar light fixture 130, having a solar cell 120, a groove 140
`for securing a windsock or lampshade thereto. The solar
`light fixture 130 being suspended from lines 110 comprised
`of string, fishing line, lightweight chain, etc, that are con-
`nected to spinner 100, commonly used with fishing lures,
`which allows the fixture to freely rotate. While fixture 130
`is shown as cylindrical, it may comprise any suitable general
`shape, such as square, octagonal, etc.
`
`[0071] FIG. 2 shows the bottom of solar light fixture 130,
`having lamp 150 located substantially in the center thereof.
`Not shown but located in the housing of solar light fixture
`130 is the batteries and associated solar light fixture cir-
`cuitry. Lamp 150 could comprise an LED, fluorescent bulb,
`or other suitable light source.
`
`[0072] FIG. 3 shows a wind catching spinner having a
`ring shaped mount and or windsock or lampshade grip 165,
`with wind cups 175. Wind cup openings 180 are arranged
`and aligned to substantially catch a wind and wind cup backs
`185 are designed to substantially pierce wind. The wind cups
`175 are attached to ring shaped mount 165 via wind cup
`connectors 170. Wind cups 175 are shown as substantially
`bowl shaped but can be of any shape suitable for catching
`the wind and causing a fixture of the present invention to
`rotate in the wind. While three wind cups 175 are shown, any
`suitable number can be used. While the wind catching
`spinner is shown as a one-piece unit, the various parts can
`be discrete and assembled as needed to a fixture 130.
`
`[0073] FIG. 4 shows a ring shaped windsock and or
`lampshade grip 165. Grip 165 can be as simple as a rubber
`band or any other suitable material for gripping a windsock
`200 and holding it securely to a solar light fixture 130 around
`groove 140. In one preferred embodiment grip 165 is a
`substantially resilient ring of material that can be stretched
`or otherwise deformed into position, such as rubber.
`In
`another preferred embodiment ring 165 comprises a strip of
`material having hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro, to
`detachably hold a windsock and or lampshade to fixture 130.
`
`[0074] FIG. 5 shows a windsock having main body 200,
`streamers 210, and elastic band 220. The material of main
`body 200 and streamers 210 are of a suitable fabric such as
`rip stop nylon typically used in making kites. Alternately
`these parts can be made of a suitable plastic film such as
`polyester or other film or film combinations. Optimally,
`materials used to manufacture windsock FIG. 5 will be able
`
`to transmit a portion of the light emitted from solar light
`fixture 130 to enhance visibility of windsock FIG. 5. Elastic
`band 220 is stitched into the material of main body 200 and
`has sufficient strength to hold windsock FIG. 5 onto a solar
`light fixture FIG. 1 even in a strong wind, yet will be elastic
`enough to be easily removed by a user.
`
`[0075] FIG. 6 shows an assembled combination solar light
`fixture 130, with a windsock having main body 200 and
`steamers 210 attached thereto and secured with wind catch-
`
`ing spinner mount and windsock grip 165. Spinner cups 175
`are arranged to catch a wind and cause the fixture to rotate,
`and showing streamers 210 moving in a breeze (not shown).
`[0076] FIG. 7 shows a substantially cylindrically shaped
`solar light fixture 130, having passages 135 to allow air to
`
`Jiawei et al. Exhibit 1012 Page 7
`
`Jiawei et al. Exhibit 1012 Page 7
`
`

`

`US 2005/0279403 A1
`
`Dec. 22, 2005
`
`pass through, arc shaped hanger 145, and balancing hanger
`pins 160. Balancing pins 160 may be integrally formed with
`fixture 130 or they may be detachably connected as with
`mating threaded members on pins 150 and fixture 130.
`Balancing pins 160 are situated on opposite sides of fixture
`130 and substantially on or near a center of balance of fixture
`130 such that a slight wind pushing on a windsock, (not
`shown), attached to fixture 130 would cause fixture 130 to
`tilt substantially into a the wind. Arc shaped hanger 145 may
`be plastic, metal or other suitable material to hold fixture 130
`and any attached objects such as a windsock, and allow it to
`tilt on balancing pins 150. Small arc on top of arc shaped
`hanger 145 is located substantially in the center of arc 145
`and serves to center a hanging device such as spinner 100
`attached thereto.
`
`[0077] FIG. 8 shows a tubular shaped lampshade 250.
`Lampshade 250 can comprise any suitable material such as
`fabrics, plastics and plastic films, or combinations thereof.
`While lampshade 250 is shown as tubular, other general
`shapes may be used, such as funnel or cone shapes. Also,
`while the surface of lampshade 250 is shown as smooth it
`can also be pleated or corrugated in form for example, to
`give other effects. Another option is to form lampshade 250
`over a wire-form to provide specific or general shapes such
`as star shapes in the material. The top rim of lampshade 250
`can be substantially different in shape from the bottom rim
`of lampshade 250. Additionally, fringe, short streamers, or
`other adornments may be incorporated into lampshade 250.
`Colorful printed materials for example may also be used.
`Additionally, a user could simply attach a silk scarf, (not
`shown), for example, to a solar light fixture FIG. 1 or FIG.
`7, to substitute for lampshade FIG. 8 by wrapping it in a
`general tube shape around light fixture FIG. 1 or FIG. 7 and
`stretching band FIG. 4 over the scarf and holding it to the
`fixture FIG. 1 or FIG. 7.
`
`[0078] FIG. 9 shows a combination solar light fixture 130
`and a set of suspended ornamental objects 320 that are
`suspended by lines 310, and a mirror 340 suspended by lines
`330. Additionally, a lampshade 250 is shown, attached to
`solar light fixture 130 and secured thereto by windsock and
`or lampshade grip 165. Ornamental objects 320 can be of
`any suitable size or shape and may be made of any suitable
`material to present an attractive display when moving in a
`breeze for example, or when idle. Additionally, another
`mirror, (not shown), may be positioned under solar light
`fixture 130 to further reflect light bouncing up to it from
`mirror 340, and return it downward to more effectively
`concentrate the light on the suspended objects 320.
`
`[0079] FIG. 10 shows a set of suspended ornamental
`objects 320 suspended by lines 310 to suspension ring 300,
`having suspension ring to solar light fixture clips 350 to
`detachably connect suspension ring 300 to a solar light
`fixture. Suspension ring 300 may be comprised of plastic,
`metal, or any other suitable material for detachably connect-
`ing it to a solar light fixture 130 and to hold suspended
`objects 320 in position. While ornamental objects 320 are
`shown having regular facets, any suitable ornamental object
`may be used depending upon the effect desired.
`
`430 which is in turn connected to wind chime clapper 420,
`which is suspended via clapper suspension line 430 passing
`through it from wind catcher 440 to suspension ring 300.
`While wind chimes 410 are shown as tubular shaped, they
`may be of any suitable shape as can currently be found used
`in wind chimes. The material of wind chimes 410 may or
`may not be able to transmit light. Similarly, clapper 420 and
`wind catcher 440 may or may not be made using a material
`capable of transmitting light, such as translucent plastics,
`glass, crystal, etc. They too can be of any suitable shape to
`serve their respective purposes.
`
`[0081] FIG. 12 shows a combination solar light fixture
`130 and wind chimes 410, having flat cloth lampshade 260
`partially wrapped around fixture 130 and wind chimes 410.
`Lampshade 260 extends below fixture 130 and blocks the
`viewer from seeing a harsh bare bulb or LED 150, and can
`serve to add illumination to an area when material of
`lampshade 260 is able to transmit some light. Additionally,
`when wind chimes 410 move in a breeze they can serve to
`cast shadows and or reflections and or refracted light onto
`the interior of lampshade 260 to provide a more interesting
`lighting fixture. While FIG. 12 shows a complete set of wind
`chimes able to sound a variety of tones, a single chime 410
`can be used with a single solar light fixture 130 so that only
`a single tone is produced. In this instance a number of
`combination solar light fixture 130 and wind chime 410 can
`be brought together in a space to provide a complete set of
`wind chimes, with each individual fixture producing a single
`tone. One tone for one fixture, another tone for another
`fixture and so on.
`
`[0082] Operation
`
`Just as there are several