WO2003025629A2

WO2003025629A2 - Fiber optic light system

Info

Publication number: WO2003025629A2
Application number: PCT/US2002/029188
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel J. Kellogg; Kenneth A. Peterson; Christopher Bragg
Original assignee: Polaris Pool Systems, Inc.
Priority date: 2001-09-19
Filing date: 2002-09-13
Publication date: 2003-03-27
Also published as: AU2002341661A1; WO2003025629A3

Abstract

A fiber optic light system (10) for illumination use in a swimming pool or spa environment or the like (14). The light system includes a light source unit (12) positioned at a suitable dry site for delivering a relatively intense light signal to the input end of one or more optical fibers (18,20), wherein this light source unit may include a color wheel (58) for controllably varying the color of said light signal. A support manifold (36) includes a retainer disk (54) for substantially aligning the input ends of the optical fibers (18,20) with the light signal for optimizing light input thereto. The output ends of the optical fibers are captured within a sealed lens (26) assembly mounted at a submerged or underwater location such as within a pool or spa wall.(24). This lens assembly (26) includes multiple lens segments (26,94) for distributing the light in a controlled manner within the swimming pool or spa.

Description

FIBER OPTIC LIGHT SYSTEM

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to fiber optic lighting systems for transmitting a light signal from a light source to one or more locations in and around a swimming pool or spa or the like. More particularly, this invention relates to an improved fiber optic light system including means for improved light input to the input ends of one or more optical fibers, and means for improved distribution of light from the output end of the one or more optical fibers mounted at a submerged or underwater location.

Modern swimming pool and spa installations commonly incorporate a lighting system which normally includes at least one light source mounted at a submerged or underwater location to illuminate the body of water. Such underwater light sources typically comprise a relatively high intensity lamp mounted within a sealed fixture adapted for installation on or within a pool or spa wall at a selected underwater location. The sealed fixture is designed to safeguard the electrical components of the lighting system against contact with the pool water. However, occasional failure of the lamp can be anticipated in the course of normal operation, whereupon it has been necessary to partially drain the pool or spa in order to expose the sealed fixture for lamp access and replacement. In addition, deterioration of fixture seal structures can occur over time, particularly in the presence of the chemically treated pool water, to permit undesired water ingress into the fixture and resultant premature lamp failure. While modern ground fault interrupter safety devices are normally provided in the electrical circuit to protect pool users against electrical shock, it is still necessary to partially drain the pool water to access the fixture for repair or replacement of the lam and related seal structure.

Fiber optic systems have been proposed for use in a swimming pool or spa lighting environment, for purposes of overcoming some of these problems and disadvantages. More particularly, such fiber optic systems generally comprise a relatively high intensity light source mounted at a dry site located outside the pool or spa, for inputting a light signal to the input end of an optical fiber. The optical fiber is installed with its output end within a fixture mounted at a selected submerged or underwater location, typically in association with an overlying lens, for delivering the light signal into the body of water. Such optical fiber systems beneficially thus separate the light source and related electrical components from the pool or spa water, and thereby facilitate periodic replacement of the light source and/or repair to electrical components. Moreover, one or more underwater-mounted optical fibers can be associated with additional optical fibers which may be mounted above-water, such as at the pool perimeter, to provide an enhanced lighting effect. Color means such as a color wheel can be associated with the light source to provide a selected color, or varying colors, if desired. For examples of fiber optic lighting systems designed for use in a pool or spa environment, see U.S. Patents 5,825,954; 4,782,430; and 6,002,216. See also U.S. Patent 5,528,714.

Such optical fiber lighting systems, however, have generally provided a relatively low intensity light in a swimming pool or spa environment, particularly in comparison with conventional sealed lamp fixtures designed for underwater installation. This light intensity problem is in part due to inefficient coupling of the input ends of one or more optical fibers to an otherwise suitable high intensity light source. In addition, the output end of the optical fiber inherently provides a relatively focused light beam having a relatively narrow divergence angle of about 60° or less, whereby the light beam emanating from the fiber output end is minimally scattered to provide low level and frequently inadequate lighting in the immediate vicinity of the underwater-mounted fixture. Although overlying lenses have been configured to provide improved light scatter at the fixture, such lenses have sacrificed the intensity and projected distance of the resultant light beam with the result that an opposite pool wall is insufficiently illuminated. The present invention provides an improved fiber optic light system for use in a swimming pool or spa environment of the like, including improved means for substantially maximizing the light energy delivered from a light source to the input end of one or more optical fibers, together with improved lens means at the output end of an optical fiber for providing balanced light distribution which may beneficially include both near-range and far-range underwater illumination.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention, an improved fiber optic light system is provided for improved illumination in a swimming pool or spa environment or the like. The light system includes a light source unit for including means for supporting one or more optical fibers for substantially optimized or maximized delivery of light energy to the input ends of the fibers. In addition, the light system includes a sealed lens assembly at an output end of at least one of the optical fibers, wherein the lens assembly is adapted for submerged or underwater mounting within a swimming pool or the like. The lens assembly includes a contoured lens for projecting a light beam with controlled distribution, such as a central and relatively focused light beam of substantial intensity for far-range illumination while concurrently scattering a portion of the light through a wide distribution angle for near-range illumination.

In a preferred form, the light source unit comprises a compact housing having a relatively high intensity light source or lamp mounted therein, wherein the light source unit is adapted for installation at a convenient dry location outside and typically adjacent to a swimming pool or spa. The light source, when energized, provides a relatively high intensity light output which is preferably focused by a reflector to provide a light beam having a relatively small focal diameter, such as about 35 mm. This light source beam is aimed at the input end of one or more optical fibers mounted within a support manifold having a retainer disk seated therein for supporting and retaining the fiber input ends in substantial coaxial alignment with the light source beam for substantially optimized light input to the fibers. The light source unit may additionally include color means such as a color wheel interposed between the light source and the fiber input ends for controllably varying the color of the light signal inputted to the fibers.

The sealed lens assembly supports the output end of one of the optical fibers in alignment with an overlying lens. The lens is mounted over the fiber output end in a manner preventing water ingress into contact with the fiber. In one preferred form, the lens includes a domed or convex and transparent central lens segment for projecting a central and relatively focused light beam of substantial intensity into the water of the swimming pool or spa. In addition, the lens has a textured or roughened peripheral segment of generally annular shape which diffuses and scatters a portion of the light through a wide distribution angle for high angle illumination in the immediate vicinity of the sealed lens assembly. As a result, in said one preferred form, the lens assembly distributes the light in a balanced manner for substantial far-range and near-range underwater illumination. In an alternative preferred form, the lens has a forward or outboard face of relatively shallow convex curvature, and in inboard face defined by a generally concentric array of Fresnel rings for diffusing and scattering the light to achieve relatively wide angle, short range illumination for use in the vicinity of an underwater step or the like in a pool or spa.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a fragmented , partially exploded, and somewhat schematic view of a fiber optic light system embodying the novel features of the invention, for use in providing underwater illumination in a swimming pool environment or the like;

FIGURE 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a light source unit for inputting light to the input end of one or more optical fibers;

FIGURE 3 is a vertical sectional view taken generally on the line 3-3 of FIG. 1 ;

FIGURE 4 is an exploded perspective view of a manifold housing for supporting the input end of one or more optical fibers within the light source unit;

FIGURE 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a sealed lens assembly at an output end of an optical fiber for controlled distribution of light within a swimming pool or the like, and including a lens in accordance with one preferred form of the invention;

FIGURE 6 is a fragmented sectional view similar to a portion of FIG. 1 , and illustrating further construction and mounting details of the sealed lens assembly and related lens of FIG. 5;

FIGURE 7 is an outboard perspective view of an alternative lens for use with the sealed lens assembly shown in FIGS. 1 and 5-6;

FIGURE 8 is an outboard plan view of the alternative lens of FIG. 7;

FIGURE 9 is a transverse sectional view taken generally on the line 9-9 of FIG. 8; and

FIGURE 10 is an inboard perspective view of the alternative lens of FIGS. 7-9. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in the exemplary drawings, a fiber optic light system referred to generally in FIGURE 1 by the reference numeral 10 is provided for illuminating a swimming pool or spa or the like. The fiber optic light system 10 generally comprises a light source unit 12 mounted at a convenient dry or protected location outside the pool or spa water 14, such as at a location adjacent to the conventional water filtration equipment (not shown). The light source unit 12 includes a light source or lamp 16 (FIG. 2) for inputting a relatively high intensity light signal to the input end or ends of one or more optical fibers, with two optical fibers 18 and 20 being shown by way of example in the illustrative drawings (FIGS. 1 and 4). At least one of these optical fibers, such as the optical fiber 18, has an output end mounted within a sealed lens assembly 22 mounted within a wall 24 of the pool or spa at a selected submerged wet site or underwater location. This sealed lens assembly 22 includes a lens 26 specially configured to provide predetermined illumination, such as a balanced far-range and near-range illumination in accordance with one preferred embodiment.

The light source unit 12 comprises a relatively compact housing having a size and shape for installation at a convenient dry-site location adjacent or proximate to the swimming pool, it being understood that the term "swimming pool" as used herein encompasses traditional in-the- ground swimming pools, above-ground swimming pools, spas and hot tubs and the like. As shown best in FIGS. 2 and 3, this housing includes an upper housing shell 28 adapted for mounting onto a lower housing base 30 to protectively encase and enclose the operative components of the light source unit 12. In this regard, these operative components include the relatively high intensity discharge light source or lamp 16, such as a metal halide lamp, which includes or incorporates a suitable reflector 31 (FIG. 3) for aiming and focusing the generated light signal along a predetermined path or axis. A power module 32 is normally provided for powering the light source 16 and an associated cooling fan 34 to prevent component overheating. In a preferred form, the generated light signal is focused to a relatively narrow focal diameter typically on the order of about 35 mm. Alternative high intensity lamps may be used, such as an incandescent lamp or a quartz halogen lamp.

The optical fibers 18 and 20 as shown in the accompanying drawings have their input ends mounted and retained within a support manifold 36 in general alignment with the focused light signal. More particularly, as shown in FIGS. 2-4, this support manifold 36 comprises an elongated hollow sleeve 38 having a size and shape for slide-fit reception into and through a hollow support cylinder 46 formed to extend through a support wall 44 on the housing base 30, with a radially outwardly enlarged annular shoulder 40 (FIG. 4) formed near a lower end of the sleeve 38 for abutting the lower end of the support cylinder 46. An upper end of the hollow sleeve 38 is externally threaded for receiving a threaded lock ring 48 having an inwardly radiating flange 50 formed thereon. Importantly, when the lock ring 48 is fastened onto the upper end of the sleeve 38, the ring flange 50 bears against a peripheral rim 52 of an apertured retainer disk 54 to capture and seat the retainer disk 54 against the upper end of the sleeve 38. In addition, an axial end of the lock ring 48 disposed opposite the flange 50 bears against an upper end of the support cylinder 46 for securing, in cooperation with the lower shoulder 40, the sleeve 38 thereto. A strain fitting 42 is slidably mounted over the fibers 18, 20, such as a strain fitting of the type shown and described in U.S. Patents 4,900,068 and 5,405,172, which are incorporated by reference herein.

The retainer disk 54 has a contoured aperture 56 formed therein for capturing and retaining the input ends of the optical fibers used in the light system 10, as shown best in FIG. 4. In the case of a light system using the two optical fibers 18 and 20 (as shown in FIG. 4) having different diametric sizes, such as approximate 14 mm and 7 mm diameters, respectively, the disk aperture 56 has a contoured teardrop shape to closely circumscribe and retain the fibers 18, 20 in side-by-side parallel abutting relation. An alternative geometry for the disk aperture 56 may be used for capturing and retaining the input ends of a different number of optical fibers. In any case, the retainer disk 54 locks the fiber input ends in substantial coaxial alignment with the focused light signal generated by the lamp 16, with each fiber 18, 20 having its input end portion retained on an axis extending substantially parallel to the generated light signal. In addition, the retainer disk 54 locks the fiber input ends at a position which is substantially centered within the focused light signal. That is, in the illustrative example wherein the two fibers 18, 20 have respective diametric sizes of about 14 mm and 7 mm, the retainer disk 54 supports the multiple fibers 18, 20 having a combined diametric size of about 21 mm (less than the focal diameter of the focused light signal) in a bundle substantially centered within the approximate 35 mm diameter field or path of the focused light signal. In a single fiber embodiment (not shown), the input end portion of the optical fiber would be supported by the retainer disk within the field of the focused light signal, and substantially coaxial therewith. With this arrangement, the transmission of light energy from the lamp 16 to the input ends of the optical fibers 18, 20 is substantially optimized or maximized.

Color means may also be provided in the light system 10. FIG. 2 shows a multi-segmented color wheel 58 (three wheel segments being illustrated) mounted for interposition of a wheel segment thereof between the overlying lamp 16 and the underlying support manifold 36 having the optical fiber input ends retained therein. The color wheel 58 can be rotatably driven in a continuous or irregular manner to rotate differently colored segments thereof into intercepting relation with the generated light signal to provide color thereto. The general construction and operation of such color wheels is known in the art.

The optical fibers 18 and 20 extend from the light source unit 12 to suitable locations in and around the swimming pool or spa to provide a desired lighting effect. In this regard, FIG. 1 shows the larger optical fiber 18 coupled to the sealed lens assembly 22, whereas the smaller optical fiber 20 may be coupled to a selected alternative light output device (not shown) such as selected pool or spa perimeter lighting elements.

The sealed lens assembly 22 is designed for submerged or underwater mounting within a wall 24 of the pool or spa, in lieu of a conventional sealed high intensity lamp fixture of the type used commonly in the prior art. In accordance with one primary aspect of the present invention, the sealed lens assembly 22 incorporates the contoured lens 26 of special design to achieve, in accordance with one preferred embodiment, substantial and relatively balanced distribution of the light signal into the body of water 14 within the pool or spa. More particularly, the contoured lens 26 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5-6 is configured to produce a central and relatively high intensity beam of light projected into the water 14 for providing significant far-range illumination projected, for example, onto an opposite wall (not shown) of the pool or spa. In addition, the contoured lens 26 distributes or scatters a portion of the light signal through a wide angle in the immediate vicinity of the lens to provide substantial near-range illumination. Accordingly, the lens 26 provides a balance of far-range and near-range illumination within the body of water 14, whereby the lens assembly 22 comprises an effective replacement for a conventional sealed high intensity lamp fixture.

The sealed lens assembly 22 is shown best in FIGS. 1 and 5-6. As shown, the lens assembly 22 comprises an externally threaded and generally cylindrical lens body 60 having a size and shape for thread-in mounting into an internally threaded fitting 62 mounted within a passage 64 formed in the wall 24 of the pool or spa. An outboard end of the lens body 60 is radially enlarged to define an axially outwardly presented shoulder 66 (FIG. 5) which merges in turn with an axially outwardly extending peripheral collar 68. A lens adapter 70 is slide-fit mounted into the lens body 60, and includes an outer flange 72 having a size and shape for seated engagement with the lens body shoulder 66. An O-ring seal 74 or the like is captured and retained between the lens adapter flange 72 and the lens body shoulder 66 to prevent ingress of water therebetween. This lens adapter 70 further includes a central transparent lens plate 76 of generally circular shape, together with an internally threaded skirt 78 projecting coaxially from the lens plate periphery in surrounding relation with the output end of the optical fiber 18 (FIG. 1). A cylindrical strain fitting 80 is slidably mounted over the fiber 18 and has a threaded outboard end 82 for threaded coupling with the lens plate skirt 78. An inboard end 84 of the strain fitting 80 includes radially pliant legs adapted for radially inward compression upon thread-on mounting of a compression nut 86 (FIGS. 1 and 6) for bindingly engaging and retaining the optical fiber 18 with its output end in substantial abutted contact with an inboard face of the lens plate 76. In this regard, the strain fitting 80 and associated compression nut 86 may be constructed according to the connector devices shown and described in U.S. Patents 4,900,068 and 5,405,172, which are incorporated by reference herein.

The contoured lens 26 fits over the lens adapter 70, and is conveniently formed from a suitable molded transparent plastic material such as acrylic or the like. In this regard, the lens 26 has a generally bulbular or hemispherical shape to include a radially enlarged base rim 88 having a size and shape for matingly overlying and engaging the outer flange 72 on the lens adapter 70. To achieve a water-tight connection therebetween, the lens base rim 88 is connected to the adapter flange 72, as by a permanent sonic weld or suitable adhesive attachment or the like. The lens base rim 88 includes a pair of radially outwardly projecting tabs 90 at diametrically opposed positions for engaging and seating within L- shaped undercut channels 92 formed in the collar 68 of the lens body 60, whereby the lens 26 and related components assembled therewith can be quickly and easily mounted within or removed from the lens body 60 with a simple part-turn twist-lock motion.

In the preferred form as shown, the lens 26 includes a transparent central segment 94 having a convex internal and external geometry (FIG. 1) to provide a relatively narrow and focused beam of light from the output end of the optical fiber 18. That is, the energy contained in the light signal passes from the output end of the fiber 18 with a typically limited divergence angle of about 60°. The convex central segment 94 of the lens 26 functions to focus a substantial portion of this light energy to provide a relatively intense central beam which is projected by the lens 26 with a relatively narrow focal angle for far-range illumination within the pool or spa water 14, including desirable illumination of an opposing pool or spa wall.

In addition, the contoured lens 26 includes a textured peripheral segment 96 formed generally adjacent the base rim 88, wherein this textured peripheral segment comprises a partially translucent region formed by a surface treatment of discontinuities or roughened texture formed on the exterior surface of the lens in a generally annular pattern. This textured segment 96 beneficially scatters a portion of the light signal emanating from the fiber output end through a relatively wide distribution angle approaching 90° to provide effective near-range illumination in the immediate vicinity of the lens 26.

The combination of the far-range and near-range illumination provided by the contoured lens 26 produces a desirable balanced illumination within the pool or spa water 14. With this arrangement, the sealed lens assembly 22 can be used in substitution for a conventional sealed high intensity lamp fixture.

FIGS. 7-9 illustrate an alternative preferred embodiment of a transparent lens 26' for use in the sealed lens assembly 22, as described above. In this embodiment, the modified contoured lens 26' is again conveniently formed from a suitable molded plastic of the like with a size and shape to fit over and assemble with the lens adapter 70. The modified lens 26' has a forward or outboard face 98 of relatively smooth texture surface finish and a relatively shallow convex curvature, as viewed best in FIG. 9, in combination with a rear or inboard face 100 defined by a generally concentrically formed plurality of V-shaped ridges 102 defining a concentric array of small Fresnel lenses, as shown best in FIGS. 9 and 10. This lens structure is circumscribed by a radially enlarged base rim 88' having a pair of radially outwardly projecting tabs 90' at diametrically opposed positions. With this configuration, the modified lens 26' shown in FIGS. 7-9 is adapted for incorporation into the sealed lens assembly, which is in turn quickly and easily mounted within or removed from the lens body 60 in the same manner as previously described with respect to the embodiment of FIGS 1 and 5-6.

The modified lens 26' is designed distributing light from the fiber 18 over a broad or relatively wide angle of distribution. In this regard, the modified lens 26' is particularly useful in applications where relatively short-range illumination is essential, such as at or near a submerged step or bench-type seat or the like in a pool or spa.

A variety of further modifications and improvements in and to the fiber optic light system of the present invention will be apparent to those persons skilled in the art. In this regard, it will be recognized and appreciated by those skilled in the art that the support manifold 36 including the retainer disk 54 at the light input ends of the fibers 18, 20 can be used in combination with the sealed lens assembly 22 at the light output end of one or more of the fibers, as shown and described herein, or alternately that the support manifold 36 and the lens assembly 22 can be used independently. Accordingly, no limitation on the invention is intended by way of the foregoing description and accompanying drawings, except as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A fiber optic light system for swimming pool use, comprising: a light source unit for mounting at a dry site location, said light source unit including a lamp, means for focusing light generated by said lamp to provide a focused light signal having a relatively narrow focal diameter, and means for supporting a light input end of at least one optical fiber in substantial alignment with said light signal for transmission of light energy from said lamp into said at least one fiber; and a sealed lens assembly for mounting at a wet site location, said sealed lens assembly including a generally cylindrical lens body for receiving and supporting a light output end of said at least one optical fiber, a lens having selected optical characteristics for distributing light from said light output end of said at least one optical fiber, and means for removably and sealingly mounting said lens on said lens body to extend over said light output end of said at least one optical fiber.

2. The fiber optic light system of claim 1 wherein said relatively narrow focal diameter is about 35 mm.

3. The fiber optic light system of claim 1 wherein said supporting means supports and retains said light input end of said at least one optical fiber within the field of said focused light signal, and with an input end portion of said at least one optical fiber extending substantially in parallel relation with said focused light signal.

4. The fiber optic light system of claim 1 wherein said supporting means supports and retains said light input end of said at least one optical fiber within the field of said focused light signal, and with an input end portion of said at least one optical fiber extending substantially in coaxial relation with said focused light signal.

5. The fiber optic light system of claim 1 wherein said at least one optical fiber comprises a plurality of optical fibers, said supporting means supporting and retaining a light input end of each of said plurality of optical fibers within the field of said focused light signal, and with an input end portion of each of said plurality of optical fibers extending substantially in parallel relation with said focused light signal.

6. The fiber optic light system of claim 1 wherein said supporting means comprises a retainer sleeve having an input end portion of said at least one optical fiber supported therein to extend substantially in parallel relation to said focused light signal, and a retainer disk having an aperture formed therein for receiving and retaining the light input end of said at least one optical fiber within the field of said focused light signal.

7. The fiber optic light system of claim 6 further including a strain relief fitting for removably mounting the input end portion of said at least one optical fiber within said retainer sleeve.

8. The fiber optic light system of claim 6 wherein said at least one fiber comprises a plurality of optical fibers, said retainer disk aperture having a contoured shape for receiving and retaining the light input ends of said plurality of optical fibers in a bundle disposed within the field of said focused light signal.

9. The fiber optic light system of claim 1 further including means for selectively and controllably varying the color of said focused light signal.

10. The fiber optic light system of claim 8 wherein said color varying means comprises a color wheel interposed between said lamp and the input end of said at least one optical fiber.

11. The fiber optic light system of claim 1 including means for mounting said lens body into a pool wall at a submerged location.

12. The fiber optic light system of claim 11 wherein said lens body mounting means comprises an internally threaded fitting installed into a submerged opening in a pool wall.

13. The fiber optic light system of claim 1 wherein said lens has a generally bulbular shape defining a substantially transparent central segment having a convex internal and external geometry for substantially focusing a portion of the light from said light output end of said at least one optical fiber for far-range illumination within the pool, and a textured peripheral segment for substantially scattering a portion of the light from said light output end of said at least one optical fiber for relatively wide angle near-range illumination within the pool.

14. The fiber optic light system of claim 1 wherein said lens has a relatively shallow convex and substantially smooth-surfaced external geometry, and an internal geometry defined by a generally concentric array of generally V-shaped ridges defining a concentric array of small Fresnel lenses for substantially scattering light from said light output end of said at least one optical fiber for relatively wide angle near-range illumination within the pool.

15. The fiber optic light system of claim 1 wherein said lens and said lens body further include interengageable quarter-turn fastener means for removably mounting said lens onto said body.

16. The fiber optic light system of claim 1 further including a lens adapter having a transparent lens plate extending over the light output end of said at least one optical fiber, and a generally annular shoulder for seated reception of a radially enlarged base rim on said lens.

17. The fiber optic light system of claim 16 wherein said lens adapter further includes a generally cylindrical skirt for receiving and supporting the light output end of said at least one optical fiber, and further comprising a strain relief fitting for removably connecting an output end portion of said at least one optical fiber to said lens adapter.

18. The fiber optic light system of claim 16 further including a seal ring interposed between said lens body and said lens adapter, when said lens is mounted on said lens body, to prevent water ingress therebetween.

19. The fiber optic light system of claim 16 including seal means between said lens base rim and said lens adapter to prevent water ingress therebetween.

20. The fiber optic light system of claim 19 wherein said seal means comprises a sealed permanent attachment of said lens base rim to said lens adapter shoulder.

21. A light source unit for mounting at a dry site location in a fiber optic light system for swimming pool use, said light source unit comprising: a housing; a lamp mounted within said housing; means within said housing for focusing light generated by said lamp to provide a focused light signal having a relatively narrow focal diameter; and means within said housing for supporting a light input end of at least one optical fiber in substantial alignment with said light signal for transmission of light energy from said lamp into said at least one fiber.

22. The light source unit of claim 21 wherein said relatively narrow focal diameter is about 35 mm.

23. The light source unit of claim 21 wherein said supporting means supports and retains said light input end of said at least one optical fiber within the field of said focused light signal, and with an input end portion of said at least one optical fiber extending substantially in parallel relation with said focused light signal.

24. The light source unit of claim 21 wherein said supporting means supports and retains said light input end of said at least one optical fiber within the field of said focused light signal, and with an input end portion of said at least one optical fiber extending substantially in coaxial relation with said focused light signal.

25. The light source unit of claim 21 wherein said at least one optical fiber comprises a plurality of optical fibers, said supporting means supporting and retaining a light input end of each of said plurality of optical fibers within the field of said focused light signal, and with an input end portion of each of said plurality of optical fibers extending substantially in parallel relation with said focused light signal.

26. The light source unit of claim 21 wherein said supporting means comprises a retainer sleeve having an input end portion of said at least one optical fiber supported therein to extend substantially in parallel relation to said focused light signal, and a retainer disk having an aperture formed therein for receiving and retaining the light input end of said at least one optical fiber within the field of said focused light signal.

27. The light source unit of claim 26 further including a strain relief fitting for removably mounting the input end portion of said at least one optical fiber within said retainer sleeve.

28. The light source unit of claim 26 wherein said at least one optical fiber comprises a plurality of optical fibers, said retainer disk aperture having a contoured shape for receiving and retaining the light input ends of said plurality of optical fibers in a bundle disposed within the field of said focused light signal.

29. The light source unit of claim 21 further including means forselectively and controllably varying the color of said focused light signal.

30. The light source unit of claim 29 wherein said color varying means comprises a color wheel interposed between said lamp and the input end of said at least one optical fiber.

31. The light source unit of claim 21 wherein said focusing means comprises a reflector.

32. A sealed lens assembly for mounting at a wet site location in a fiber optic light system for swimming pool use, said sealed lens assembly comprising: a generally cylindrical lens body for receiving and supporting a light output end of said at least one optical fiber; a lens having selected optical characteristics for distributing light from said light output end of said at least one optical fiber; and means for removably and sealingly mounting said lens on said lens body to extend over said light output end of said at least one optical fiber.

33. The sealed lens assembly of claim 32 further including means for mounting said lens body into a pool wall at a submerged location.

34. The sealed lens assembly of claim 33 wherein said lens body mounting means comprises an internally threaded fitting installed into a submerged opening in a pool wall.

35. The sealed lens assembly of claim 32 wherein said lens has a generally bulbular shape defining a substantially transparent central segment having a convex internal and external geometry for substantially focusing a portion of the light from said light output end of said at least one optical fiber for far-range illumination within the pool, and a textured peripheral segment for substantially scattering a portion of the light from said light output end of said at least one optical fiber for relatively wide angle near-range illumination within the pool.

36. The sealed lens assembly of claim 32 wherein said lens has a relatively shallow convex and substantially smooth-surfaced external geometry, and an internal geometry defined by a generally concentric array of generally V-shaped ridges defining a concentric array of small Fresnel lenses for substantially scattering light from said light output end of said at least one optical fiber for relatively wide angle near-range illumination within the pool.

37. The sealed lens assembly of claim 32 wherein said lens and said lens body further include interengageable quarter-turn fastener means for removably mounting said lens onto said body.

38. The sealed lens assembly of claim 32 further including a lens adapter having a transparent lens plate extending over the light output end of said at least one optical fiber, and a generally annular shoulder for seated reception of a radially enlarged base rim on said lens.

39. The sealed lens assembly of claim 38 wherein said lens adapter further includes a generally cylindrical skirt for receiving and supporting the light output end of said at least one optical fiber, and further comprising a strain relief fitting for removably connecting an output end portion of said at least one optical fiber to said lens adapter.

40. The sealed lens assembly of claim 38 further including a seal ring interposed between said lens body and said lens adapter, when said lens is mounted on said lens body, to prevent water ingress therebetween.

41. The sealed lens assembly of claim 38 including seal means between said lens base rim and said lens adapter to prevent water ingress therebetween.

42. The sealed lens assembly of claim 41 wherein said seal means comprises a sealed permanent attachment of said lens base rim to said lens adapter shoulder.