초록 ▼

A terrain light fixture has a hollow body that is normally sunk within the ground, and a movable member disposed to telescope between a position retracted within the body and substantially flush with the ground surface and a position extended above the ground surface. The moveable member carries a l

A terrain light fixture has a hollow body that is normally sunk within the ground, and a movable member disposed to telescope between a position retracted within the body and substantially flush with the ground surface and a position extended above the ground surface. The moveable member carries a light source, typically a 12 v.d.c. high intensity light bulb, that is energized in the extended position of the moveable member. The motive force to move the member is provided by an electrical lift mechanism, preferably either an electric motor or a shape-memory alloy. The motor-based lift mechanism operates equivalently to the power antenna of an automobile. The shape-memory alloy is typically configured as a spring. The application of electrical energization to both the light source and to the lift mechanism is preferably enabled by a switch that is responsive to sensed ambient light conditions. The energizing power may be external, or may be provided by an internal battery which is rechargeable from a solar array.

대표청구항 ▼

A retractable light fixture comprising: a hollow body having an opening; a movable member disposed within the body\s opening and adapted to slide through the opening between a first position substantially retracted into said body and a second position at least partially extended out of said body; a

A retractable light fixture comprising: a hollow body having an opening; a movable member disposed within the body\s opening and adapted to slide through the opening between a first position substantially retracted into said body and a second position at least partially extended out of said body; a light source means within the body for providing light illumination external to the light fixture when the moveable member is in its second position; a shape-memory alloy, connected between the hollow body and the moveable member, responsive to electrical power to electrically resistively heat so as to produce a force for moving the moveable member between at least one of its first and its second positions and the other such position; and a switch responsive to an electrical signal for switching electrical power to the shape-memory alloy.