AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR AN INNOVATION PATENT Name of Applicant: DesignLite Pty Ltd of 1-19 Macquarie Drive, Thomastown, Victoria 3074, Australia Actual Inventors: Michael John Bryant and Joseph Montalto Address for Service: DAVIES COLLISON CAVE, Patent Attorneys, of I Nicholson Street, Melbourne 3000, Victoria 3000, Australia Invention Title: LED Light Tube The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: TITLE LED LIGHT TUBE FIELD OF THE INVENTION 5 The present invention relates to lighting assemblies for use in outdoor environments. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a LED light tube. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION 10 Most light fixtures for outdoor applications such as fascia/roof line edging and display signage utilise fluorescent light tubes as the light source. However, fluorescent lighting presents some drawbacks including high energy costs for operating fluorescent lights and frequent replacement as a result of ballast transformer failure, Further, fluorescent 15 lighting is limited to emitting light which is white in colour. Thus, the options for achieving different visual effects in outdoor applications are limited. In recent times, light emitting diode (LED) lighting has become increasing popular due to its Increased energy efficiency and variety of 20 colour options. The LED light tubes can have a similar end terminal to a fluorescent light tube such that they can be used as a replacement for standard fluorescent tubes. However, it may be unsafe to utilise these existing LED light tubes for outdoor applications as the electrical connection to the LED light tube would be exposed to the external 25 environment.
C:4RtbDCCoTh2l756I1.DOC-1 1/22/2010 2 In this specification, the terms "comprises", "comprising" or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed. 5 It is desired to address or ameliorate one or more disadvantages or limitations associated with the prior art, or to at least provide a useful alternative. SUMMARY In accordance with the present invention there is provided a lighting assembly for use in an outdoor environment comprising: 10 a transparent tube; at least one LED light strip within the tube; and sealing means at the ends of the tube configured to substantially seal the tube against water. The present invention also provides sealing means for an LED light tube 15 comprising: a jacket attached to an end of the LED light tube including a neck portion for receiving an electrical wiring for connection to the at least one LED light strip. Generally, embodiments of the present invention relate to a LED light tube for outdoor use. 20 Embodiments of the present invention provide a LED light tube comprising: a transparent tube having an end cap at each end; at least one LED light strip within the tube in electrical communication with the respective end cap at each end of the tube; and C:\UPorblOCC\TRtAI31756 I.DOC.i i/22/2011 3 at least one jacket member releasably attached to either end of the transparent tube to provide a waterproof seal for an electrical connection to the LED light tube. Suitably, the jacket member comprises a cowl and boot assembly, the boot comprising a neck portion for receiving an electrical wiring from an external power source. 5 Preferably, the end caps comprise pin-type electrical terminals having a pair. of prongs fabricated from a conductive material to provide electrical communication from the electrical power source to the LED light tube. Preferably, two or more LED light strips are arranged to emit light from the tube in different directions. 10 Embodiments of the present invention provide a jacket member for an LED light tube comprising: a cowl and boot assembly releasably attached to an end of the LED light tube, wherein the boot comprises a neck portion for receiving an electrical wiring to be connected to the end of the LED light tube. 15 Further features and forms of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to embodiments of the present invention with reference to the 20 accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to identical elements. The drawings are provided by way of example only, wherein: 4 Fig 1 is perspective view of a LED light tube according to embodiments of the present invention; Fig 2 is a perspective view of a first end of the LED light tube of Fig I showing a jacket member according to embodiments of the present 5 invention; Fig 3 is a perspective view of the first end of the LED light tube of Fig 1 comprising two LED light strips; and Fig 4 is a perspective view of the LED light tube mounted to a roof line edging according to embodiments of the present Invention. 10 Skilled addressees will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the relative dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be distorted to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention. 15 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to a Light Emitting Diode (LED) light tube. The LED light tube of the present invention is designed to replace fluorescent tubes currently 20 being used to illuminate outdoor fascia and awning applications. However, it should be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention can also be used to provide a lighting assembly for use in a variety of outdoor applications, such as fascia or roof line edging and display signage and the.like. It will be appreciated that variations need to be made as required. 25 Referring to FIG 1, the LED light tube 100 is provided in 5 accordance with embodiments of the present invention. According to some embodiments of the invention,.the LED light tube 100 is an elongate tube comprising at least one LED light strip 130 having a plurality of LEDs 131. Preferably, the LED light tube 100 is cylindrical in shape. However, it 5 is acknowledged that other shapes and styles can also be adopted in various lengths to suit different light arrangements and assemblies. As illustrated in Fig 1, the LED light tube 100 comprises a transparent tube 110 which can be made of any suitable materials such as plastic, polycarbonate or the like. In an alternative embodiment, it is envisaged 10 that the tube 110 can be made of a material which is semi-transparent or any other suitable type of material which allows light to be emitted through the material. The LED light tube 100 comprises a first end 101 for connection to a first end 101 or position on a facia or roof edging and a second end 102 15 for connection to a second opposing end or position on the facia or roof edging. At least one Jacket member 140 is releasably attached to either end 101, 102 of the tube 110. According to some embodiments, an end cap 120 is provided at each end 101, 102 of the tube 110. The end caps 120 are received over the opposing open ends 101, 102 of the tube 110 20 and provide a closure for each end 101, 102 of the tube 110. The end caps 120 can also house additional electrical components (not illustrated) for the LED light tube 100 such as fuses, capacitors and the like. Preferably, the end caps 120 comprise pin-type electrical terminals 121. The electrical terminals 121 comprise a pair of prongs 122 which are 25 fabricated from a conductive material to provide electrical communication 6 from an external electrical power source to the LED light tube 100. According to some embodiments, the LED light tube 100 comprises at least one jacket member 140. Preferably, the LED light tube comprises 5 a pair of jacket members 140 wherein each jacket member 140 is located at opposing ends 101, 102 of the tube 110. The jacket members 140 are positioned over the each end 101, 102 of the tube 110 to cover the end caps 120 and first and second end 101, 102 of the tube 110. The jacket members 140 are preferably made of a silicon material. However, It is 10 envisaged that any other suitable waterproof material may also be utilised. The jacket members 140 provide a waterproof seal for the electrical connection to the LED light tube 100 such that the LED light tube is suitable for use in outdoor applications. Referring now to Fig 2, an embodiment of the jacket member 140 is 15 shown attached to a first end 101 of the LED light tube 100. The jacket member 140 is in the form of a cowl 141 and boot 142 assembly. The silicon cowl 141 is attached to the end 101 of the tube 110 to cover the connection between the transparent tube 110 and the end cap 120. The silicon boot 142 is releasably attached to the end cap 120 to cover the 20 two-pin electrical terminal 121 and end cap 120. The silicon boot 142 Is slightly smaller in diameter than the cowl 141 so that it can be secured with the cowl 141 to provide a seal for the jacket member 140. The silicon boot 142 extends beyond the end of the LED light tube 100 so that additional space is provided-for receiving an electrical wiring or the like to 25 be connected to the LED light tube 100. As illustrated in Fig 2, the silicon 7 boot 142 comprises a neck portion 144 through which the electrical wiring can be passed. According to some embodiments, the LED light tube 100 comprises the at least one LED light strip 130. The LED light strip 130 Is positioned 5 within the tube 110 having a first end in electrical communication with the respective end cap 120 at the first end 101 of the tube 110 and a second end in electrical communication with the respective end cap 120 at the second end 102 of the tube. Preferably, the LED light strip 130 comprises a base 132 having the plurality of LEDs 131 mounted thereto such that 10 they are evenly spaced along the length of the LED light strip 130. According to some embodiments, as illustrated in Fig 3, the LED light tube 100 comprises two LED light strips 130. Preferably, the LED light strips 130 are positioned within the tube so that the base of each LED light strip 130 in contact with each other and the plurality of LEDs 131 are 15 facing opposing directions. Accordingly, light will be emitted outwardly from the tube 110 in opposing directions. Alternatively, a single LED light strip 130 can be utilised with the plurality of LEDs mounted on either side of the base 132. It is envisaged that the number of LEDs employed will vary depending on the Intended lighting application. 20 In a further embodiment, it is envisaged that multiple LED light strips 130 can be utilised and should be suitably positioned with the tube 110 so that the plurality of LEDs 131 are facing opposing directions to emit light from the tube 110 in opposing directions, It will be acknowledged that additional circuitry for the LED light strips 130 will be required for example, 25 capacitors, resistors, diodes and the like.
8 Preferably, the LED light tube 100 can have one of the following colour combinations: e White LEDs one side and Red LEDs on opposite side . White LEDs on both sides 5 e Red LEDs on both sides However, it is envisaged that any other suitable LED colours may also be employed to suit different light applications. In a further embodiment, a single LED strip could be configured to contain LEDs of multiple colours in varying arrangements. 10 Referring now to Fig 4, the LED light tube 100 is shown mounted to a roof edging. As illustrated, the LED light tube 100 is mounted via at least one mounting bracket 170. However, is it envisaged that any other suitable mounting or securing member can also be utilised. In use, LED light tube 100 is mounted to the roof edging or fascia or the like and the 15 electrical wiring 150 contained within the roof edging or fascia is connected to at least one end 101, 102 of the LED light tube 100 to provide power for the LED light tube 100. The wiring 160 is passed through the jacket member 140 and connected to the respective end cap 120. The jacket member 140 is secured over the end cap 120 to provide a 20 waterproof seal for the electrical connection to the LED light tube 100. Hence, the LED light tube 100 of the present invention thus provides a solution to the aforementioned problems of the prior art by providing a LED light tube 100 which is suitable for use in lighting applications in any outdoor environment. The LED light tube 100 can be 9 rapidly, easily and intuitively fitted and/or retrofitted into existing fluorescent tube fixtures and can be easily removed for replacement. The LED light tube 100 also provides a light source foremitting light in different directions to suit specific outdoor applications such as lighting for a roof 5 fascia or awning application or the like. The jacket member 140 can also be conveniently retrofitted to other suitable existing LED light tubes. Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Persons skilled in the relevant art may realize 10 variations from the specific embodiments that will nonetheless fall within the scope of the invention. 15 20 25