CA2990556A1 - Light emitting diode fixture and light emitting diode lighting system - Google Patents
Light emitting diode fixture and light emitting diode lighting system Download PDFInfo
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- CA2990556A1 CA2990556A1 CA2990556A CA2990556A CA2990556A1 CA 2990556 A1 CA2990556 A1 CA 2990556A1 CA 2990556 A CA2990556 A CA 2990556A CA 2990556 A CA2990556 A CA 2990556A CA 2990556 A1 CA2990556 A1 CA 2990556A1
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- Prior art keywords
- led light
- led
- wire
- housing
- fixture
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S2/00—Systems of lighting devices, not provided for in main groups F21S4/00 - F21S10/00 or F21S19/00, e.g. of modular construction
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S8/00—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation
- F21S8/04—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation intended only for mounting on a ceiling or the like overhead structures
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S9/00—Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply
- F21S9/02—Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply the power supply being a battery or accumulator
- F21S9/03—Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply the power supply being a battery or accumulator rechargeable by exposure to light
- F21S9/032—Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply the power supply being a battery or accumulator rechargeable by exposure to light the solar unit being separate from the lighting unit
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V23/00—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices
- F21V23/001—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being electrical wires or cables
- F21V23/002—Arrangements of cables or conductors inside a lighting device, e.g. means for guiding along parts of the housing or in a pivoting arm
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
- F21Y2115/00—Light-generating elements of semiconductor light sources
- F21Y2115/10—Light-emitting diodes [LED]
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Sustainable Development (AREA)
- Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
Abstract
A light emitting diode (LED) light fixture for use with a solar panel is provided, the fixture comprising a spool; a front; a base; and a sidewall extending between the front and the base, the spool centrally located in the housing, defining a central core and extending upward from the front to the base and terminating with a plate, the central core housing an LED housing which is thermally coupled to the spool, the front for retaining an LED lens holder, the base including a flange, the flange and the plate defining an annular opening, the flange including a plurality of slots extending from the annular opening radially outward, and the plate and an inner surface of the sidewall defining an annular groove that is continuous with the annular opening. An LED light system is also provided.
Description
LIGHT EMITTING DIODE FIXTURE AND LIGHT EMITTING DIODE LIGHTING SYSTEM
FIELD
The present technology is directed to a light emitting diode (LED) fixture for use in off-grid buildings. More specifically, it is a system of LED fixtures each with a spool for adjusting the length and position of an electrical wire extending between the LEDs.
BACKGROUND
LEDs are well suited to lighting off-grid buildings where batteries or solar power or other alternative power sources are used to power them. This is because they have a low power requirement and are long-lived.
Standard wiring for lighting involves routing the wiring from the power source, to light receptacles on one or more circuits, with the wires being striped and attached with connectors at each receptacle. This requires an electrician should an electrical permit be required. A
further challenge arises in off-grid buildings. Unlike standard construction, off-grid buildings frequently lack framing, insulation and drywall.
Hence, there is no space such as joist cavities, stud cavities or an attic in which to hide the wiring.
Strings of incandescent and LED lights are used for outdoor decoration. These strings do not require an electrician to install. An example of such a string is disclosed in United States Patent Application 20090190359. The light emitting diode (LED) light string system includes a plurality of lamp systems. Each lamp system includes a single LED, a base, and a globe to cover the LED. The LED light string system appears similar to the conventional incandescent light string system, but instead illuminates via LEDs. Each LED is covered by the globe similar to those available in incandescent systems, which provides refraction of the illuminated LED to produce an LED light string that has the look of a conventional incandescent light string. These strings are decorative and would not be suitable for lighting an interior of a building. The wire extending between each light is not contained in any manner, and droops between the attachment points for each light.
Rewindable cable systems are known, for example, United States Patent Application 20120312651 discloses a rewindable electrical cable extension device includes a housing having first and second exit ports, and a cable having first and second ends defining opposing extremities of first and second contiguous cable sections having a common junction anchored to a rotating spool. The first end protrudes through the first exit port, and the second end is fixedly mounted in association with the second exit port.
The first cable section is wound on a spool that is configured to rotate within the housing. The second cable section is wound in an opposite direction to the first section so that pulling on the first end unwinds and extracts the first cable section from the housing and uncoils the second cable section within the housing without rotating the second end of the cable. This would be bulky and cannot be integrated into individual lights.
United States Patent Application 20100072013 discloses a retractable electrical cord reel for an appliance wherein the cord reel is not internally-housed within the appliance. The retractable cord reel comprises reel housing, electrical plug, electrical cord, a spool assembly, which includes a spring, for winding and unwinding the electrical cord, a latching system, and contact rings or shafts to electrically connect the plug to the electrical cord. The contact rings are connected to floating contacts, which are in turn connected to the electrical plug. The contact rings are further connected to the electrical cord, thus connecting the electrical plug to the electrical cord. This would be bulky and cannot be integrated into individual lights.
What is needed is a lighting system that can retain excess wiring and that allows for the wiring to be adjusted in length during installation. It would be preferable if it was provided as a ready to install system that did not require an electrician for the installation. It would be preferable if the position of the wire between lights in the system could also be controlled. It would be still preferable if the excess wire could be retained in the housing of each light. It would be also preferable if the wire could be routed from the housing to the next housing to position the wire in a suitable position.
SUMMARY
The present technology is a lighting system that can retain excess wiring and that allows for the wiring to be adjusted in length during installation. It does not require an electrician for installation. The position of the wire between lights in the system can also be controlled. The excess wire is retained in the housing of each light. The wire could be routed from the housing to the next housing to position the wire in a suitable position.
In one embodiment, a light emitting diode (LED) light fixture is provided, the fixture comprising a spool; a front; a base; and a sidewall extending between the front and the base, the spool located in the housing, defining a central core and extending upward from the front to the base and terminating with a plate, the
FIELD
The present technology is directed to a light emitting diode (LED) fixture for use in off-grid buildings. More specifically, it is a system of LED fixtures each with a spool for adjusting the length and position of an electrical wire extending between the LEDs.
BACKGROUND
LEDs are well suited to lighting off-grid buildings where batteries or solar power or other alternative power sources are used to power them. This is because they have a low power requirement and are long-lived.
Standard wiring for lighting involves routing the wiring from the power source, to light receptacles on one or more circuits, with the wires being striped and attached with connectors at each receptacle. This requires an electrician should an electrical permit be required. A
further challenge arises in off-grid buildings. Unlike standard construction, off-grid buildings frequently lack framing, insulation and drywall.
Hence, there is no space such as joist cavities, stud cavities or an attic in which to hide the wiring.
Strings of incandescent and LED lights are used for outdoor decoration. These strings do not require an electrician to install. An example of such a string is disclosed in United States Patent Application 20090190359. The light emitting diode (LED) light string system includes a plurality of lamp systems. Each lamp system includes a single LED, a base, and a globe to cover the LED. The LED light string system appears similar to the conventional incandescent light string system, but instead illuminates via LEDs. Each LED is covered by the globe similar to those available in incandescent systems, which provides refraction of the illuminated LED to produce an LED light string that has the look of a conventional incandescent light string. These strings are decorative and would not be suitable for lighting an interior of a building. The wire extending between each light is not contained in any manner, and droops between the attachment points for each light.
Rewindable cable systems are known, for example, United States Patent Application 20120312651 discloses a rewindable electrical cable extension device includes a housing having first and second exit ports, and a cable having first and second ends defining opposing extremities of first and second contiguous cable sections having a common junction anchored to a rotating spool. The first end protrudes through the first exit port, and the second end is fixedly mounted in association with the second exit port.
The first cable section is wound on a spool that is configured to rotate within the housing. The second cable section is wound in an opposite direction to the first section so that pulling on the first end unwinds and extracts the first cable section from the housing and uncoils the second cable section within the housing without rotating the second end of the cable. This would be bulky and cannot be integrated into individual lights.
United States Patent Application 20100072013 discloses a retractable electrical cord reel for an appliance wherein the cord reel is not internally-housed within the appliance. The retractable cord reel comprises reel housing, electrical plug, electrical cord, a spool assembly, which includes a spring, for winding and unwinding the electrical cord, a latching system, and contact rings or shafts to electrically connect the plug to the electrical cord. The contact rings are connected to floating contacts, which are in turn connected to the electrical plug. The contact rings are further connected to the electrical cord, thus connecting the electrical plug to the electrical cord. This would be bulky and cannot be integrated into individual lights.
What is needed is a lighting system that can retain excess wiring and that allows for the wiring to be adjusted in length during installation. It would be preferable if it was provided as a ready to install system that did not require an electrician for the installation. It would be preferable if the position of the wire between lights in the system could also be controlled. It would be still preferable if the excess wire could be retained in the housing of each light. It would be also preferable if the wire could be routed from the housing to the next housing to position the wire in a suitable position.
SUMMARY
The present technology is a lighting system that can retain excess wiring and that allows for the wiring to be adjusted in length during installation. It does not require an electrician for installation. The position of the wire between lights in the system can also be controlled. The excess wire is retained in the housing of each light. The wire could be routed from the housing to the next housing to position the wire in a suitable position.
In one embodiment, a light emitting diode (LED) light fixture is provided, the fixture comprising a spool; a front; a base; and a sidewall extending between the front and the base, the spool located in the housing, defining a central core and extending upward from the front to the base and terminating with a plate, the
2 central core housing an LED housing, the front for retaining an LED lens holder, the base including a flange, the flange and the plate defining an annular opening, and the plate and an inner surface of the sidewall defining an annular groove that is continuous with the annular opening.
In the fixture, the flange may include a plurality of slots extending from the annular opening radially outward.
In the fixture, the LED housing may be thermally coupled to the spool.
In the fixture, the LED housing may retain a printed circuit board, with at least one LED thereon.
In the fixture, the annular groove may be wider than the annular opening.
In the fixture, the plate may have a wider diameter than does the spool.
In the fixture, the flange may include a plurality of mounting apertures each for accepting a screw.
In the fixture, the flange may include at least one first half of a mating pair.
In another embodiment, an LED light system is provided, the system consisting of a wire and at least two LED light fixtures electrically connected to one another with the wire, each LED light fixture comprising a spool; a front; a base; and a sidewall extending between the front and the base, the spool located in the housing, defining a central core and extending upward from the front to the base and terminating with a plate, the central core housing an LED housing, the LED housing retaining a printed circuit board with at least one LED thereon, the front for retaining an LED lens holder, the base including a flange, the flange and the plate defining an annular opening, the flange including a plurality of slots extending from the annular opening radially outward, and the plate and an inner surface of the sidewall defining an annular groove that is continuous with the annular opening, wherein the wire is connected to the printed circuit board.
In the LED lighting system, a length of the wire may be wound around the spool.
In the fixture, the flange may include a plurality of slots extending from the annular opening radially outward.
In the fixture, the LED housing may be thermally coupled to the spool.
In the fixture, the LED housing may retain a printed circuit board, with at least one LED thereon.
In the fixture, the annular groove may be wider than the annular opening.
In the fixture, the plate may have a wider diameter than does the spool.
In the fixture, the flange may include a plurality of mounting apertures each for accepting a screw.
In the fixture, the flange may include at least one first half of a mating pair.
In another embodiment, an LED light system is provided, the system consisting of a wire and at least two LED light fixtures electrically connected to one another with the wire, each LED light fixture comprising a spool; a front; a base; and a sidewall extending between the front and the base, the spool located in the housing, defining a central core and extending upward from the front to the base and terminating with a plate, the central core housing an LED housing, the LED housing retaining a printed circuit board with at least one LED thereon, the front for retaining an LED lens holder, the base including a flange, the flange and the plate defining an annular opening, the flange including a plurality of slots extending from the annular opening radially outward, and the plate and an inner surface of the sidewall defining an annular groove that is continuous with the annular opening, wherein the wire is connected to the printed circuit board.
In the LED lighting system, a length of the wire may be wound around the spool.
3 In the LED lighting system, the flange may include a plurality of slots extending from the annular opening radially outward.
In the LED lighting system, the LED housing may be thermally coupled to the spool.
In the LED lighting system, the wire may extend from the annular opening through one of plurality of slots.
In the LED lighting system, the plate may have a wider diameter than does the spool.
In the LED lighting system, the flange may include a plurality of mounting apertures each for accepting a screw.
In another embodiment, a method of installing an LED light system is provided, the method comprising:
selecting an LED light system, the LED light system consisting of a wire and at least two LED light fixtures electrically connected to one another with the wire; attaching a first LED
light fixture of the LED light system to a first substrate; positioning a second LED light fixture; winding an excess of wire on a spool within the second LED light fixture; and affixing the second LED light fixture to the first substrate or a second substrate.
The method may further comprise routing the wire through a slot in the first LED light fixture prior to attaching the first LED light fixture to the substrate.
The method may further comprise routing the wire through a first slot in the second LED light fixture prior to attaching the second LED light fixture to the first substrate or the second substrate.
The method may further comprise routing the wire through a second slot in the second LED light fixture prior to attaching the second LED light fixture to the first substrate or the second substrate.
In the method, in the second LED light fixture, the wire may be routed through the second slot at an angle other than 180 degrees relative to the first slot.
In the method, at least one substrate may be a ceiling.
In the LED lighting system, the LED housing may be thermally coupled to the spool.
In the LED lighting system, the wire may extend from the annular opening through one of plurality of slots.
In the LED lighting system, the plate may have a wider diameter than does the spool.
In the LED lighting system, the flange may include a plurality of mounting apertures each for accepting a screw.
In another embodiment, a method of installing an LED light system is provided, the method comprising:
selecting an LED light system, the LED light system consisting of a wire and at least two LED light fixtures electrically connected to one another with the wire; attaching a first LED
light fixture of the LED light system to a first substrate; positioning a second LED light fixture; winding an excess of wire on a spool within the second LED light fixture; and affixing the second LED light fixture to the first substrate or a second substrate.
The method may further comprise routing the wire through a slot in the first LED light fixture prior to attaching the first LED light fixture to the substrate.
The method may further comprise routing the wire through a first slot in the second LED light fixture prior to attaching the second LED light fixture to the first substrate or the second substrate.
The method may further comprise routing the wire through a second slot in the second LED light fixture prior to attaching the second LED light fixture to the first substrate or the second substrate.
In the method, in the second LED light fixture, the wire may be routed through the second slot at an angle other than 180 degrees relative to the first slot.
In the method, at least one substrate may be a ceiling.
4 In the method, the first and the second substrate may be the ceiling.
In another embodiment, a method of installing an LED light system is provided, the method comprising:
selecting an LED light system, the LED light system consisting of a wire and at least two LED light fixtures electrically connected to one another with the wire, each LED light fixture comprising a spool, a front, a base, and a sidewall extending between the front and the base, the spool located in the housing, defining a central core and extending upward from the front to the base and terminating with a plate, the central core housing an LED housing the LED housing retaining a printed circuit board with at least one LED
thereon, the front for retaining an LED lens holder, the base including a flange, the flange and the plate defining an annular opening, the flange including a plurality of slots extending from the annular opening radially outward, and the plate and an inner surface of the sidewall defining an annular groove that is continuous with the annular opening, wherein the wire is connected to the printed circuit board; attaching a first LED light fixture of the LED light system to a substrate; positioning a second LED light fixture; winding an excess of wire on a spool within the light fixture; and affixing the second LED light fixture to the substrate.
The method may further comprise routing the wire through a slot in the first LED light fixture prior to attaching the first LED light fixture to the substrate.
The method may further comprise routing the wire through a first slot in the second LED light fixture prior to attaching the second LED light fixture to the first substrate or the second substrate.
The method may further comprise routing the wire through a second slot in the second LED light fixture prior to attaching the second LED light fixture to the first substrate or the second substrate.
In the method, in the second LED light fixture, the wire may be routed through the second slot at an angle other than 180 degrees relative to the first slot.
In the method, at least one substrate may be a ceiling.
In the method, the first and the second substrate may be the ceiling.
In yet another embodiment, a light emitting diode (LED) light fixture is provided, the fixture comprising a spool; a housing, the housing including a front, a base, and a first and a second sidewall extending between the front and the base, the spool located in the housing and extending upward from the base, the spool including a plate at an upper end; an LED housing located in the housing; and an LED lens holder located at the front, the lens holder aligned with the LED housing.
FIGURES
Figure 1 is a side view schematic of a prior art string of LED lights.
Figure 2 is a face view schematic of the LED light system of the present technology.
Figure 3 is a perspective sectional view of an LED light fixture of the system of the present technology.
Figure 4 is a top view of the LED light fixture of Figure 3.
Figure 5 is a bottom view of the LED light fixture of Figure 3.
Figure 6 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of Figure 3.
DESCRIPTION
Except as otherwise expressly provided, the following rules of interpretation apply to this specification (written description and claims): (a) all words used herein shall be construed to be of such gender or number (singular or plural) as the circumstances require; (b) the singular terms "a", "an", and "the", as used in the specification and the appended claims include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise; (c) the antecedent term "about" applied to a recited range or value denotes an approximation within the deviation in the range or value known or expected in the art from the measurements method; (d) the words "herein", "hereby", "hereof", "hereto", "hereinbefore", and "hereinafter", and words of similar import, refer to this specification in its entirety and not to any particular paragraph, claim or other subdivision, unless otherwise specified;
(e) descriptive headings are for convenience only and shall not control or affect the meaning or construction of any part of the specification; and (f) "or" and "any" are not exclusive and "include" and "including" are not limiting.
Further, the terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted.
Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. Where a specific range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range, is included therein. All smaller sub ranges are also included. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges are also included therein, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the relevant art. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used, the acceptable methods and materials are now described.
As shown in Figure 1, a prior art string of LED lights has an electrical wire extending between and in electrical communication with the LED lights. The electrical wire droops between the attachment points of the lights, unless the lights are located that it is pulled taut.
As shown in Figure 2, an LED light system, generally referred to as 10 has a series of LED light fixtures 12 and an electrical wire 14 extending between and in electrical communication with each LED light fixture 12. The electrical wire 14 is taut between the LED light fixtures 12, even though the LED light fixtures 12 are not evenly spaced. Further, the electrical wire 14 can change direction by as much as 180 degrees while still remaining taut. The LED light system 10 is part of a solar lighting system, generally referred to as 16. It includes a solar panel 18, a battery 19, charge controller 21, and LED Driver 23.
As shown in Figure 3, an LED light fixture 12 includes a base, generally referred to as 22, a front generally referred to as 24, and a sidewall 26. The base 22 has a flange 30 with slots 32 extending radially from an annular opening 35 to the ambient.
Mounting apertures 36 are spaced around the base 22 through the keys 38 of the flange 30. They are sized to accept mounting screws. A plate 40 is recessed below the flange 30 and is supported by and attached to or continuous with a spool 42. The plate 40 and spool 42 form a step 44 as the plate 40 has a larger diameter than does the spool 42. An annular groove 34, which is continuous with the annular opening 35, is therefore L-shaped and is defined by an inner surface 50 f the sidewall 26, the inner surface 52 of the front 24, the outer surface 54 of the spool 42 and the lower surface 56 of the plate 40. The step assists in directing and retaining the wire 14 on the spool 42.
The spool 42, which is centrally located, defines a hollow core 58 in which the LED housing 60 is located.
The LED housing 60 is thermally coupled to the spool 42, which also function as a heatsink. It is continuous with or retained by the front 24. Within the LED housing 60 is a metal printed circuit board (PCB) 62, which is in electrical communication with the LED 64 and the wire 14. The PCB
62 is preferably a star-shaped PCB 62. The LED housing 60 retains or includes a lens holder 66, which retains the lens 68. An 0-ring fits between the lens holder 66 and the housing 60.
A top view of the LED light fixture 12 is shown in Figure 4. The arrangement of the keys 38, mounting apertures 36 and slots 32 and the annular opening 35 is apparent.
A bottom view of the LED light fixture 12 is shown in Figure 5.
The system 10 is part of a solar lighting system 16 for interior lighting of small structures that do not have power. The system 16 consists of a small solar panel 18, a charge controller 21, battery 19, and LED driver 23 that are mounted to the outside of the structure and the LED system 10 with low voltage LED light fixtures 12 that are mounted on the ceiling. The installer does not have to make any wiring connections between the light fixtures as there is a single wire 14 with all the lights 12 connected to one another.
As the system 10 is installed on different sized structures with different ceiling configurations, the distance between each light fixture 12 varies. The result is that there is a need to be 'extra' wire 14 between each fixture 12. Thus, in order to avoid having to cut the excess wire and then reconnect the light fixture 12, the extra wiring 14 needs to be stored.
The user unwinds the amount of wire 14 between fixtures 12, then locates the fixture in the desired location. Once at that location, the user rotates the fixture 12 to tighten the wire 14 between the fixture 12 they are mounting and the previous light fixture 12. The wire 14 is wound around the spool 42. Once the wire 14 is taut, it drops into a selected slot 34 on the flange 30 to position the wiring 14 towards the previous light fixture 12. The user then screws the light fixture 12 into the ceiling. The design allows the fixture 12 to be turned in any orientation which allows just the right amount of wire tension to eliminate noticeable droop in the wiring between fixtures 12.
In an alternative embodiment, the flange is provided with a first half of a mating pair and the ceiling is provided with a second half of a mating pair, the mating pair being a hook and loop type closure, for example Velcro .
In an alternative embodiment, the flange is provided with a first half of a mating pair and the ceiling is provided with a second half of a mating pair.
In an alternative embodiment, the flange is attached to a substrate with a removable adhesive putty.
In another alternative embodiment, the flange is glued to a substrate.
In another alternative embodiment shown in Figure 6, the fixture, generally referred to as 100, has a housing 102 that is a rectangular shape, which includes but is not limited to a square. The wire 104 is routed through a first aperture 106 at a first side 108 and a second aperture 110 at a second side 112.
The spool 114, which includes a plate 116, is housed in the housing 102. The LED housing 118 is housed in the housing 102, but is not housed within the spool 114. The wire is wound around the spool 114 and is attached to the LED printed circuit board as described above.
While example embodiments have been described in connection with what is presently considered to be an example of a possible most practical and/or suitable embodiment, it is to be understood that the descriptions are not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the example embodiment. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific example embodiments specifically described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed in the scope of the claims, if appended hereto or subsequently filed.
In another embodiment, a method of installing an LED light system is provided, the method comprising:
selecting an LED light system, the LED light system consisting of a wire and at least two LED light fixtures electrically connected to one another with the wire, each LED light fixture comprising a spool, a front, a base, and a sidewall extending between the front and the base, the spool located in the housing, defining a central core and extending upward from the front to the base and terminating with a plate, the central core housing an LED housing the LED housing retaining a printed circuit board with at least one LED
thereon, the front for retaining an LED lens holder, the base including a flange, the flange and the plate defining an annular opening, the flange including a plurality of slots extending from the annular opening radially outward, and the plate and an inner surface of the sidewall defining an annular groove that is continuous with the annular opening, wherein the wire is connected to the printed circuit board; attaching a first LED light fixture of the LED light system to a substrate; positioning a second LED light fixture; winding an excess of wire on a spool within the light fixture; and affixing the second LED light fixture to the substrate.
The method may further comprise routing the wire through a slot in the first LED light fixture prior to attaching the first LED light fixture to the substrate.
The method may further comprise routing the wire through a first slot in the second LED light fixture prior to attaching the second LED light fixture to the first substrate or the second substrate.
The method may further comprise routing the wire through a second slot in the second LED light fixture prior to attaching the second LED light fixture to the first substrate or the second substrate.
In the method, in the second LED light fixture, the wire may be routed through the second slot at an angle other than 180 degrees relative to the first slot.
In the method, at least one substrate may be a ceiling.
In the method, the first and the second substrate may be the ceiling.
In yet another embodiment, a light emitting diode (LED) light fixture is provided, the fixture comprising a spool; a housing, the housing including a front, a base, and a first and a second sidewall extending between the front and the base, the spool located in the housing and extending upward from the base, the spool including a plate at an upper end; an LED housing located in the housing; and an LED lens holder located at the front, the lens holder aligned with the LED housing.
FIGURES
Figure 1 is a side view schematic of a prior art string of LED lights.
Figure 2 is a face view schematic of the LED light system of the present technology.
Figure 3 is a perspective sectional view of an LED light fixture of the system of the present technology.
Figure 4 is a top view of the LED light fixture of Figure 3.
Figure 5 is a bottom view of the LED light fixture of Figure 3.
Figure 6 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of Figure 3.
DESCRIPTION
Except as otherwise expressly provided, the following rules of interpretation apply to this specification (written description and claims): (a) all words used herein shall be construed to be of such gender or number (singular or plural) as the circumstances require; (b) the singular terms "a", "an", and "the", as used in the specification and the appended claims include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise; (c) the antecedent term "about" applied to a recited range or value denotes an approximation within the deviation in the range or value known or expected in the art from the measurements method; (d) the words "herein", "hereby", "hereof", "hereto", "hereinbefore", and "hereinafter", and words of similar import, refer to this specification in its entirety and not to any particular paragraph, claim or other subdivision, unless otherwise specified;
(e) descriptive headings are for convenience only and shall not control or affect the meaning or construction of any part of the specification; and (f) "or" and "any" are not exclusive and "include" and "including" are not limiting.
Further, the terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted.
Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. Where a specific range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range, is included therein. All smaller sub ranges are also included. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges are also included therein, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the relevant art. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used, the acceptable methods and materials are now described.
As shown in Figure 1, a prior art string of LED lights has an electrical wire extending between and in electrical communication with the LED lights. The electrical wire droops between the attachment points of the lights, unless the lights are located that it is pulled taut.
As shown in Figure 2, an LED light system, generally referred to as 10 has a series of LED light fixtures 12 and an electrical wire 14 extending between and in electrical communication with each LED light fixture 12. The electrical wire 14 is taut between the LED light fixtures 12, even though the LED light fixtures 12 are not evenly spaced. Further, the electrical wire 14 can change direction by as much as 180 degrees while still remaining taut. The LED light system 10 is part of a solar lighting system, generally referred to as 16. It includes a solar panel 18, a battery 19, charge controller 21, and LED Driver 23.
As shown in Figure 3, an LED light fixture 12 includes a base, generally referred to as 22, a front generally referred to as 24, and a sidewall 26. The base 22 has a flange 30 with slots 32 extending radially from an annular opening 35 to the ambient.
Mounting apertures 36 are spaced around the base 22 through the keys 38 of the flange 30. They are sized to accept mounting screws. A plate 40 is recessed below the flange 30 and is supported by and attached to or continuous with a spool 42. The plate 40 and spool 42 form a step 44 as the plate 40 has a larger diameter than does the spool 42. An annular groove 34, which is continuous with the annular opening 35, is therefore L-shaped and is defined by an inner surface 50 f the sidewall 26, the inner surface 52 of the front 24, the outer surface 54 of the spool 42 and the lower surface 56 of the plate 40. The step assists in directing and retaining the wire 14 on the spool 42.
The spool 42, which is centrally located, defines a hollow core 58 in which the LED housing 60 is located.
The LED housing 60 is thermally coupled to the spool 42, which also function as a heatsink. It is continuous with or retained by the front 24. Within the LED housing 60 is a metal printed circuit board (PCB) 62, which is in electrical communication with the LED 64 and the wire 14. The PCB
62 is preferably a star-shaped PCB 62. The LED housing 60 retains or includes a lens holder 66, which retains the lens 68. An 0-ring fits between the lens holder 66 and the housing 60.
A top view of the LED light fixture 12 is shown in Figure 4. The arrangement of the keys 38, mounting apertures 36 and slots 32 and the annular opening 35 is apparent.
A bottom view of the LED light fixture 12 is shown in Figure 5.
The system 10 is part of a solar lighting system 16 for interior lighting of small structures that do not have power. The system 16 consists of a small solar panel 18, a charge controller 21, battery 19, and LED driver 23 that are mounted to the outside of the structure and the LED system 10 with low voltage LED light fixtures 12 that are mounted on the ceiling. The installer does not have to make any wiring connections between the light fixtures as there is a single wire 14 with all the lights 12 connected to one another.
As the system 10 is installed on different sized structures with different ceiling configurations, the distance between each light fixture 12 varies. The result is that there is a need to be 'extra' wire 14 between each fixture 12. Thus, in order to avoid having to cut the excess wire and then reconnect the light fixture 12, the extra wiring 14 needs to be stored.
The user unwinds the amount of wire 14 between fixtures 12, then locates the fixture in the desired location. Once at that location, the user rotates the fixture 12 to tighten the wire 14 between the fixture 12 they are mounting and the previous light fixture 12. The wire 14 is wound around the spool 42. Once the wire 14 is taut, it drops into a selected slot 34 on the flange 30 to position the wiring 14 towards the previous light fixture 12. The user then screws the light fixture 12 into the ceiling. The design allows the fixture 12 to be turned in any orientation which allows just the right amount of wire tension to eliminate noticeable droop in the wiring between fixtures 12.
In an alternative embodiment, the flange is provided with a first half of a mating pair and the ceiling is provided with a second half of a mating pair, the mating pair being a hook and loop type closure, for example Velcro .
In an alternative embodiment, the flange is provided with a first half of a mating pair and the ceiling is provided with a second half of a mating pair.
In an alternative embodiment, the flange is attached to a substrate with a removable adhesive putty.
In another alternative embodiment, the flange is glued to a substrate.
In another alternative embodiment shown in Figure 6, the fixture, generally referred to as 100, has a housing 102 that is a rectangular shape, which includes but is not limited to a square. The wire 104 is routed through a first aperture 106 at a first side 108 and a second aperture 110 at a second side 112.
The spool 114, which includes a plate 116, is housed in the housing 102. The LED housing 118 is housed in the housing 102, but is not housed within the spool 114. The wire is wound around the spool 114 and is attached to the LED printed circuit board as described above.
While example embodiments have been described in connection with what is presently considered to be an example of a possible most practical and/or suitable embodiment, it is to be understood that the descriptions are not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the example embodiment. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific example embodiments specifically described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed in the scope of the claims, if appended hereto or subsequently filed.
Claims (29)
1. A light emitting diode (LED) light fixture, the fixture comprising a spool; a front; a base; and a sidewall extending between the front and the base, the spool located in the housing, defining a central core and extending upward from the front to the base and terminating with a plate, the central core housing an LED housing, the front for retaining an LED lens holder, the base including a flange, the flange and the plate defining an annular openingõ and the plate and an inner surface of the sidewall defining an annular groove that is continuous with the annular opening.
2. The fixture of claim 1, wherein the flange includes a plurality of slots extending from the annular opening radially outward.
3. The fixture of claim 1 or 2, wherein the LED housing retains a printed circuit board, with at least one LED thereon.
4. The fixture of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the annular groove is wider than the annular opening.
5. The fixture of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plate has a wider diameter than does the spool.
6. The fixture of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the flange includes a plurality of mounting apertures each for accepting a screw.
7. The fixture of any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the flange includes at least one first half of a mating pair.
8. The fixture of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the LED housing is thermally coupled to the spool.
9. An LED light system, the system consisting of a wire and at least two LED light fixtures electrically connected to one another with the wire, each LED light fixture comprising a spool; a front; a base; and a sidewall extending between the front and the base, the spool located in the housing, defining a central core and extending upward from the front to the base and terminating with a plate, the central core housing an LED housing, the LED housing retaining a printed circuit board with at least one LED thereon, the front for retaining an LED lens holder, the base including a flange, the flange and the plate defining an annular openingõ and the plate and an inner surface of the sidewall defining an annular groove that is continuous with the annular opening, wherein the wire is connected to the printed circuit board.
10. The LED light system of claim 9, wherein a length of the wire is wound around the spool.
11. The LED light system of claim 9 or 10, wherein the wire extends from the annular opening through one of plurality of slots.
12. The LED light system of any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the plate has a wider diameter than does the spool.
13. The LED light system of any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the flange includes a plurality of slots extending from the annular opening radially outward
14. The LED light system of any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the flange includes a plurality of mounting apertures each for accepting a screw.
15. A method of installing an LED light system, the method comprising:
selecting an LED light system, the LED light system consisting of a wire and at least two LED light fixtures electrically connected to one another with the wire; attaching a first LED light fixture of the LED light system to a first substrate;
positioning a second LED light fixture; winding an excess of wire on a spool within the second LED light fixture; and affixing the second LED light fixture to the first substrate or a second substrate.
selecting an LED light system, the LED light system consisting of a wire and at least two LED light fixtures electrically connected to one another with the wire; attaching a first LED light fixture of the LED light system to a first substrate;
positioning a second LED light fixture; winding an excess of wire on a spool within the second LED light fixture; and affixing the second LED light fixture to the first substrate or a second substrate.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising routing the wire through a slot in the first LED light fixture prior to attaching the first LED light fixture to the substrate.
17. The method of claim 15 or 16, further comprising routing the wire through a first slot in the second LED light fixture prior to attaching the second LED light fixture to the first substrate or the second substrate.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising routing the wire through a second slot in the second LED light fixture prior to attaching the second LED light fixture to the first substrate or the second substrate.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein, in the second LED light fixture, the wire is routed through the second slot at an angle other than 180 degrees relative to the first slot.
20. The method of any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein at least one substrate is a ceiling.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the first and the second substrate are the ceiling.
22. A method of installing an LED light system, the method comprising:
selecting an LED light system, the LED light system consisting of a wire and at least two LED light fixtures electrically connected to one another with the wire, each LED light fixture comprising a spool, a front, a base, and a sidewall extending between the front and the base, the spool located in the housing, defining a central core and extending upward from the front to the base and terminating with a plate, the central core housing an LED housing, the LED housing retaining a printed circuit board with at least one LED
thereon, the front for retaining an LED lens holder, the base including a flange, the flange and the plate defining an annular opening, the flange including a plurality of slots extending from the annular opening radially outward, and the plate and an inner surface of the sidewall defining an annular groove that is continuous with the annular opening, wherein the wire is connected to the printed circuit board; attaching a first LED light fixture of the LED light system to a substrate; positioning a second LED light fixture;
winding an excess of wire on a spool within the light fixture; and affixing the second LED light fixture to the substrate.
selecting an LED light system, the LED light system consisting of a wire and at least two LED light fixtures electrically connected to one another with the wire, each LED light fixture comprising a spool, a front, a base, and a sidewall extending between the front and the base, the spool located in the housing, defining a central core and extending upward from the front to the base and terminating with a plate, the central core housing an LED housing, the LED housing retaining a printed circuit board with at least one LED
thereon, the front for retaining an LED lens holder, the base including a flange, the flange and the plate defining an annular opening, the flange including a plurality of slots extending from the annular opening radially outward, and the plate and an inner surface of the sidewall defining an annular groove that is continuous with the annular opening, wherein the wire is connected to the printed circuit board; attaching a first LED light fixture of the LED light system to a substrate; positioning a second LED light fixture;
winding an excess of wire on a spool within the light fixture; and affixing the second LED light fixture to the substrate.
23. The method of claim 22, further comprising routing the wire through a selected slot in the first LED light fixture prior to attaching the first LED light fixture to the substrate.
24. The method of claim 22 or 23, further comprising routing the wire through a selected first slot in the second LED light fixture prior to attaching the second LED light fixture to the first substrate or the second substrate.
25. The method of claim 24, further comprising routing the wire through a selected second slot in the second LED light fixture prior to attaching the second LED light fixture to the first substrate or the second substrate.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein, in the second LED light fixture, the wire is routed through the selected second slot at an angle other than 180 degrees relative to the first slot.
27. The method of any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein at least one substrate is a ceiling.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein the first and the second substrate are the ceiling.
29. A light emitting diode (LED) light fixture, the fixture comprising a spool; a housing, the housing including a front, a base, and a first and a second sidewall extending between the front and the base, the spool located in the housing and extending upward from the base, the spool including a plate at an upper end; an LED housing located in the housing; and an LED lens holder located at the front, the lens holder aligned with the LED housing.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2990556A CA2990556A1 (en) | 2017-12-27 | 2017-12-27 | Light emitting diode fixture and light emitting diode lighting system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2990556A CA2990556A1 (en) | 2017-12-27 | 2017-12-27 | Light emitting diode fixture and light emitting diode lighting system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2990556A1 true CA2990556A1 (en) | 2019-06-27 |
Family
ID=67057465
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2990556A Abandoned CA2990556A1 (en) | 2017-12-27 | 2017-12-27 | Light emitting diode fixture and light emitting diode lighting system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2990556A1 (en) |
-
2017
- 2017-12-27 CA CA2990556A patent/CA2990556A1/en not_active Abandoned
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