Illuminated stepping stone

Abstract

The present invention provides an illuminated stepping stone including a block having a top surface. At least one rod is embedded within the block, the rod having a first end and a second end, the rod being positioned such that the second end is visible from the top surface. A light source is located within the block and placed close enough to the first end to illuminate the first end. When electricity is supplied to illuminate the light source, the second end of the rod will also be illuminated. The block is preferably cement and the rods are preferably acrylic. The light source is preferably a bright, long-lasting, and energy efficient LED. In the preferred embodiment, the light source of a first stone may be connected to the light source of a second stone, thereby allowing several stones to be connected in series or in parallel.

Description

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH: [0001] N / A. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention generally relates to illuminated landscaping products and more particularly to an illuminated stepping stone. PRIORITY [0003] The applicant claims priority from a Provisional Patent Application filed on Jun. 14, 2005, under Application No. 60 / 690,447. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0004] The prior art includes illuminated stepping stones, bricks, and other products for landscaping and paving applications. However, the prior art objects that are intended primarily for landscaping often utilize a hollow brick or stone which affects the amount of weight the stone is able to support. Some of the prior art objects have a transparent surface so that the light within the device is visible from the top, but this surface may often be obscured by dirt, leaves, or other common debris when used in an outdoor setting, thus reducing the amount of visible light and making the object less attractive. Further...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] The present invention provides an illuminated stepping stone including a block having a top surface. At least one rod is embedded within the block, the rod having a first end and a second end, the rod being positioned such that the second end is visible from the top surface. A light source is located within the block and placed close enough to the first end to illuminate the first end. When electricity is supplied to illuminate the light source, the second end of the rod will also be illuminated. The block is preferably cement and the rods are preferably acrylic. The light source is preferably a bright, long-lasting, and energy efficient LED. In the preferred embodiment, the light source of a first stone may be connected to the light source of a second stone, thereby allowing several stones to be connected in series or in parallel.

[0007] When the block is formed of cement or a similar material, with the acrylic rods embedded therein, the stepping stone is as strong and durable as a standard stone, and yet provides attractive lighting. Pieces of acrylic material may be inlaid into the top surface of the stone in physical contact with the second end of a rod so that the acrylic on the surface will also be illuminated. The block may be of virtually any shape. The top surface may have grooves or raised portions to create an attractive pattern or to provide traction.

[0008] The light source may be secured within the block via screws, for example, to allow it to be removed for maintenance. The light source may be connected to a timer, switch, photovoltaic sensor, motion detector, pressure sensor, or sound sensor to illuminate and extinguish the lighted stones according to predetermined conditions. The light source may contain a voltage transformer or regulator or additional circuitry to improve functioning of the stone.

Problems solved by technology

However, the prior art objects that are intended primarily for landscaping often utilize a hollow brick or stone which affects the amount of weight the stone is able to support.

Some of the prior art objects have a transparent surface so that the light within the device is visible from the top, but this surface may often be obscured by dirt, leaves, or other common debris when used in an outdoor setting, thus reducing the amount of visible light and making the object less attractive.

Furthermore, prior art light sources require more power in order for the light to be clearly visible.

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