Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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1
STRIP LIGHTING
Field of Invention
rw
This invention relates to light sources and to lighting systems, and has a
particularly advantageous application to the decorative illumination of
structures end
stntctural elements. The invention is especially effective when employed with
LEDs as
light sources, although it is emphasised. that broader applications arc
encompassed. i
IS
Background Art
British patent publication 2102933 discloses a lighting display configuration
invade up of multiple transparent polycarbonate or plastics tubes linlted by
socket units
with several differently oriented recesses to seat the tubes. Each of the
tubes contains an
. 20 array of light bulbs, filament lamps or light emitting diodes {LEa). The
application
illustrates a free standing framework of the tubes and linking Socket units.
A known lighting product in strip form bas a linear array of well-spaced LED
chips in a close-fitting coloured plastics tube of rectangular cross-section.
The tube is a
25 little less than I cm in width and each LED chip is visible from the
exterior both when not
activated and as an individual point of light. The product is used to provide
low light
level safety lighting, eg., as a front edge "night light" marker for steps and
stairways, and
thus the rectangular tube is a protective carrier housing for the low light
level LED
mar)cer ~Iamps.
Another known product has small incandescent light bulbs embedded at intervals
in an axial plane in a solid cylinder of plastics material. The bulbs are
arranged as series
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sets in parallel, electrically connected across a pair of longitudinally
extending wires also
embedded in the cylinder. Fach bulb stands out individually when the device is
activated.
so that the cylinder of plastics material effectively serves as a carrier
forming a chain of
spaced incandescent bulbs.
-
Summary of the Invention
The present applicant has appreciated that a light tube structure in which
multiple
light emitting diodes are arranged within an elongated translucent tube,
provides a wide
variety of opportunities for novel strip lightnng of structures such as
playgrounds and the
walls and roofs of commercial premises including restaurants. This opportunity
is further
t
enhanced by the recent availability of light emitting diodes of substantially
enhanced
lurxunance relative to conventional devices. and of rnulti-colour LED devices.
In one respect, the invention is concerned with the decoration or highlighting
of
1S features of structures. In another respect, the invention provides for the
Fixing of
translucent housings containing spaced LEDs on wall or frame surfaces of a
wide variety
of structures,
The invention provides a strip lighting device which includes:
an elongate housing that is at least partially translucent;
a multiplicity of light sources arranged at intervals within said housing; and
means to diffuse. disperse or scatter light from said light sources whereby on
activation of the light sources, a visible optical effect is produced when the
housing is
viewed from the outside.
Z$
In a particular application, the invention is directed to a structure having
one or
more features highlighted or decprated by one or more of the above-described
strip
lighting devices.
Preferably. the highlighted yr decorated feature of the structure is a corner
or
edge, for example an edge of a roof, a window or a door, or a corner between
respective
wall or .roof sections. A particularly effective application is to a gable or
ridge line of a
':
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building roof. The strip lighting devices) may be mounted along the edge or
corner, or
adjacent to but offset from the edge or comer.
The housing of the strip lighting device may be substantially white, but is
preferably a e9lour other than white_ in one application of the invention. the
structure is a
commercial building and the color of the or each housing is chosen to match or
complement the colours) of identification or trade mark signage displayed on
the
building.
I4 The highlighted or decorated feature may alternatively be, e.g.. a post, a
rail or a
",
" border.
There may be mounting means that includes a mounting rail adapted to be
fastened to said surface, and cooperable means on the strip and the housing
for effecting a
snap or sliding engagement of the housing to the strap so that the housing is
generally
parallel. vo, and preferably overlies, the strip.
The light sources are preferably light emitting diodes or other low voltage or
semi-conductor devices.
The invention further provides, in a third aspect, a housing assembly for
scrip
_:
lighting, including:
an elongate housing at least partly but preferably substantially wholly of a
translucent material;
~5 a mounting rail; and
co-operable longitudinally extending formations on the rsil and the
housing for effecting a snap or sliding engagement of the housing to the rail
so
that the housing is generally parallel to, and preferably overlies, the strip.
~r
34 The snap or sliding engagement may be achieved between loztgittudinally
extending rib means on one of the components, preferably the strip, and
complementary
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4
groove moans on the other. There may be opposed longitudinal undercut
formations in
the groove means.
The strip conveniently includes a substantially planar roar engagement with
the
respective surface to which it is fastened.
Preferably, in all of the aforementioned aspects of the invention, the outer
or front
face of the elongate hollow housing its def ned by a cransverxely darned or
convex
seg3uent.
Preferably, in all the aforementioned aspects of the invention, the interior
of the
housing is provided with support means for one or more webs or strips
extend~x~g
longitudinally of the housing. One such web or strip may be a support web for
the light
sources and for the electrical connections to these light sources, and may
thereby
incorporate ribbon cable. A suitable support web is printed circuit board
(pCB) laminate.
The web or strip may be transversely oriented at any angle, eg. parallel to or
normal to
the baclcil~g surface. or othetvvise. The light sources may be on either face
or side of the
support web or strip, or on both faces or sides.
Connector zneatls is preferably provided to physically couple a pair of the
elongate housings whereby the housings may be relatively longitudinally
displaced in
situ, eg. by. thermal expansion or building subsidence, without being
uncoupled_ Where
the light sources are provided on a plurality of support webs or strips having
electrically
conductive surface elements and extending longitudinally of the housings,
connectors are
pr,cferably also provided for pairwi_ee electrically and physically coupling
the support
webs or strips whereby the webs or strips may also be reiatively
longitudinally displaced
in situ without being uncoupled, either physically or electrically. It is
particularly
advantageous to provide for such displacement Moth between housings and
between
support verbs or strips carried by an array of the housings.
A further Said strip or web may be an optical refractor or diffuser, atranged~
in
front of or behind the light sources as appropriate.
4 f
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In all aspects of the invention the housing may be hollow and/or Dray define a
passageway in which the light sources are disposed_ Alternatively, the housing
may be
substantially a solid, eg_ moulding about the pre-positioned light Sources, or
with cavities
5 tv receive the light sourccs_
Where the elongate housing is hollow. it is preferably a plastics (e.g.
polycarbonate) extrusion of substantially uniform cross-section, and is
preferably
translucent but not transparent. A translucent and also transparent housing
may be
preferred in some embodiments. The housing can be substantially rigid. A
suitable form
~:
' of the flexible tubular segment is a collapsible pleated web or concertina
structure.
Presently, the base strip, flexible tube segments and coupling means are also
at
least partly provided in translucent material_
The means to diffuse, disperse or scatter may include e.g., a body portion of
the
housing. 'and/or light diffuser means in the passageway-
The invention, in a further aspect, provides a connector for physically
coupling a
ZO pair of generally tubular components, including: .
''" an integral moulded body which defines a pair of generally tubular
portions slidably engageable with the respective said tubular components so
that their interiors are in communication within the connector:
whezcin said integral moulded body further defines a relatively thin
wall portion between said generally tubular portions, said thin waU portion
being resiliently deformable to compensate for relative variations in the
relative
positions of the generally tubular portions.
'~he material of the body is preferably silicone rubber or similar.
4
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In a still further aspect of the invention, there i5 provided a connector
~fror
electrically and physically coupling a pair or more of support suips having
electrically
conductive surface elements including:
an integral moulded body with features which define spaced generally
parallel channels or passages open at their outer ends to receive respective
end fingers of the rrspcctive said strips, whezeby the strips are aligned and
generally eo-planar:
cicctricaily conductive contact means in sand elxattnels or passages for
engaging complementary contacts on said strips when said fingers anc received
in
tl~e channels or fingers;
means carried by said body electrically connecting each of the contact
means for one snip carried by said body with one or more of the contact means
for the other strip; and
resiliently defotmable means on said body for latching said body to
XS each of said suips_
Preferably, each of the electrically connecting means is provided contacts as
an
integral electrically conductive strip - more preferably, the strip is of
appropriately
conductive material, eg, phosphor-bronze or other alloy, mounted to be
resiliently
deflected by said fingers. .
Preferably, the spaced channels are arranged along opposire sides of the
integral
moulded body, and open laterally from the body- In an ezxabodiment, these
channels are
provided in elongate side portions linked by a central crossrpicce in an I or
H
conftgurauon.
The resiliently deformable latch means is preferably provided as a pair of
dcfleccablc tongue portions with lugs. which tongue portions is defined by
slits in a web
portion o~f the integral moulded body, e.g. bridging said elongate side
portions of the
body. r
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In. still further aspects, the invention rcspectivcly provides (i) a strip
lighting
system including mulriple scrip lighting devices as described above, and (ii)
a set of
components for such a system including rnuhiple such strip lighting devices,
flexible tube
segments, and suitable coupling means such as, eg., connectors according to
the sixth
$ and/or seventh gspects of the invention.
Brief Description of the Drawings
The invention will ztow be further described, by way of example only. with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure I is a perspective view of a simple arrangement of a strip lighting
system
incorporating multiple light source enclosures according to an embodiment of
the
invention, depicted on the wall of a restaurant or other premises;
Figure 2 is an end element depicting a light tube segment and mounting rail
ready
for engagement?
Figure 3 illustrates an advantageous application of tlae snip lightiun~g
systezzt to tk~e
illumination of the rovf lines of a building, according to an embodiment of
the firs; aspect
of the invention;
Figure 4 illustrates an application of the invention to the framing of a
display
signage unit;
Figure 5 is a fragmentary cross-section of part of the unit of Figure 4:
Figure 6 is a perspective view of a form of connector for coupling two light
tube
segments;
Figure 7 is a fragzttentary cross-sectional view of the connector of Figure 6
in situ:
Figure 8 is an isometric view of a connector for coupling the cable ribbon
support
strips, being an embodiment of the sixth aspect of the invention.:
Figure 9 is a side elevational sketch of the connector shown in Figure 8, with
support strips inserted into position;
Figure 10 shows an end poztion of a support strip slit to co-operate with the
connc~bbr of Figure $;
Figure 11 is an axial cross-section of an end-insert
Figure 12 is a cross-section on the line 12-12 in Figure 11;
Figure 13 is an outer end-elevation of the end-insert;
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Figure 14 is an axial cross-sectio» of a flexible tube segment for linking
light t~ubc
segments where they are not aligned;
Figures 15 and 16 are an end-elevation and an axial cross-section of a locking
nng;
Figure_17 is a cross,saction on tine line 17-17 in Figure 16;
Figure 18 is a ;fxagmentazy cross-section illustrating the assembly of a pair
of
substantially rigid light tube segments to an intervening flexible light tube
segment of the
form shown in Figure la;
Figure 19 and 20 depict twv views of an end plug;
Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view showing termination of a light tube
segtnez~t
by an end plug:
Figure 22 depicts, in section, an elbow;
Figure 23 shows an alternative form of end-cap;
Figures 24 and 25 illustrate, in isometric and cross-sectional views, a
further
alternative arrangement for interconnaccing two of the tube segments end to
end; and
Figure 26 is a sectioned isot'netric view of a modified tube and rail
assembly.
Preferred Ennbodiments
Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2_ the illustrated stzip lighting system 10
includes several light source enclosures I2 each having an elongate hollow
housing 14 of
a translucent material. Housings 14 are hereinafter referred to as light tube
segments. .
These segments 14 are straight and substantially rigid. and are linked by
flexible
segments 16, Light tube segments 14 define respective internal passageways 13
in which
multiple light sour~ccs in the form of light emitting diodes (LED) 8 are
arranged at
ZS intervals on ribbon cable support strips 9, eg printed circuit board (PCB)
laminates.
Thcsc laminates may be of either substantially rigid or flexible type. The
LEDs arc
preferably of the surface mounted type. The electrical conductor cables
printed on these
strips are electrically connected to an external power soureeJeontrollcr via
junction boxes
20 and uptight cable enclosures 22. The PCB laxninat~e or other support strip
may include
local or extended layering or coating to provide an optical effect! eg.
reflection, in
cooperation with the LEDs.
ni
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Light rube segments 14 are fixed to respective surfaces 5 of a structure 6 so
that
they each extend along and adjacent the surface, by base strips in the form of
mountiag
rails 30 onto which the tube segments 14 can be releasably snap fitted. The
mounting
rails 30 are in turn fined unto the surfaces 5 by screws or the like hidden by
tbc attached
S tube segments.
Other cotn~ponents of the illustrated scrip lighting system include end
inserts 40
for providing mbe segments 1a with end coupling foz~roataozts. end plugs 50
(Fi.gure 4) for
terminating the light tube segments other than at junction boxes, and locking
means 60
for disengagably coupling inserts 40 to the flexible tube segments 16 or to
the end plugs
~--.
50.
Each substantially rigid ligGt tube segment 14 comprises an extrusion of
uniform
cross-section in a plastics matczi.al selected so that it is translucent in a
manner whereby
to diffuse, disperse or scatter the light emitted by the interior LEDs, so
that the tube
appears to glow when viewed from the outside. In this way, an extended strip
or line of
Iight is ;provided, ie. the tube appears to glow over a substantially
continuous zone
extending over its length and encompassiz~.g tlae contained light souTCes. The
translucent
material is preferably such that the LEDs are not visible to the eye when not
activated
?.0 and viewed from outside the housing, and are substantially not
distinguishable when
activated aztd viewed from outside the housing_
A suitable material is a polycarbonate polymer composition with appropriate
colour pigment and a titanium dioxide whitening agent to determine the optical
?,5 dispersion and degxee of translucence of opaqueness. The colour may be
chosen to match
a eoiour of the LEDs, oT may be any other colour, yr white or colourless. The
colour is
preferably UV stabilised Tn an alternative embodiment, the material of the
extrusion may
contain dispersed light scattering elements such as rzxetal shavi~ags or.
chips, or dust., that
arc effective to diffuse, disperse or scatter the omitted light and so cause a
sparkling
:r
30 effect. In a still further variation of the tube segment, diffusion,
dispersal or scattering of
the LED light may be facilitated by the presence of fine grooves. ribs or
other surface
variations in the extruded segment. The extrusion material may include a
component
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which is optically activated by electromagnetic radiation such as the sun's
light or other
radiation sa that the emitted colour. pattern or other optical characteristic
may be altered.
A cross-section of the extrusion is illustrated in Figure 2. It includes a
semi-
5 circular or semi-annular outside portion 23, generally straight side wall
poztions 2~a,24.b,
and a slightly flared thin-wall base structure 25 in which a pair of hollow
Longitudinally
extending ribs 27a define a central groove yr channel 2?. Channel 27 has
shallow
undercuts 28a,28b along each side defined behind rounded sidge portions
29a,29b.
10 The interiors of side wall portions 24a,24b of light tube segment 14 are
provided
with a number, typically ~our as illustrated, of longitudinally extending ribs
I9a that are
evenly spaced to define intervening grooves 19b. These grooves are provided
for
mounting ribbon cable strips 9, or optical diffuser or reflector strips or
other accessories.
This will be discussed further below.
Each mounting rail 30 is a3so an elongate extrusion of uniform cross-section
formed in a material similar to light tube segments I4. It has a main base web
31 with
two integral outstanding ribs 32a,32b of shallow V configuration in cross-
section. The
lateral outside profile of this snip As tktereby a close match with the side
profiles of
channel 27, including a V-groove 34a, 34b matching ridge portions 29a,29b and
a rib
formation 35a,35b matching undercuts 28a.28b.
The mounting rail 30 is dimensioned to be an interference fit in channel 27.
The
hollow thin-wall form of tube segment base structure 25 and the arrangement of
ribs
32a,32b on mounting rail 30 allow both components to flex and deform so that
the tube
segments 14 can be demountably attached to the mounting rails by pressing the
tube
segments onto the mounting rails in the direction of the arrow 80 in Figure 3.
'fb.e ribs
32a,32b flex inwardly towards each other snd the hollow flanges 26a,26b of the
tube flex
apart to allow the rib formations 35a,35b to snap past ridges 29a,29b into
undercuts
'T
28a,28b. In this way, the light tube segment can be mountrxl tv a surface such
as a wall
surface by first fixing the mounting rails in place against. the wall with
fasteners, 100
driven through the main web 31 of the rail. and then snapping the tube segment
into
a
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place. Mounting rails 30 have a smooth flat rear fact 33 for engaging the wall
or odter
surface on which the rail is mounted, and the fasteners are hidden from view
in the
assembled configuration. The mounting rails may include provision to support
electrical
conductors in particular applications. If it is desired at any time to
rearrange or dismantle
the strip lightitag, tube segment 14 can be grasped and pulled off the
mounting rails by
inverting thv snap action. To facilitate the snap-fit, there may be a
longitndlnal slit izt the
centre of channel 2?, at the position indicated in Figure 2 at 127.
It will be appreciated that the illustrated system i5 adaptable to provide
configurations of strip lighting which match or complement a structure or
provide a
f-,,
r
'v particular shape, eg. a recognisable shape. An advantageous application is
illustrated in
Figure 3. A building 150, eg, a commercial premises such as a restaurant,
includes a rbof
152 with peripheral edges 153 and corners such as ridge line 154 or gables
156. Certain
of these edges and corners are fitted with light tube segments 14 to form a
strip lightung
sy$tem for the roof_ 'The strip lighting system thus highlights and decorates
the respective
features of the roof. The colour of the tube scgrncnts may be chosen to
complement the
colour scheme of the building and/or to match the colours) of identification
or trade
mark signage displayed on the building. It will of course be understood that
the strip
lighting system may be applied with similar affect to other building lines,
bath internal
and external.
- With good choice of LED characteristics, colour and spacing, the effect of
the
strip lighting system on the building as Illustrated in Figure 3 is to enhance
the profile of
the roof line without creating glare, and without being unduly ostentatious.
The light has
2S a. zi.chness ~rithout excessive brightness. Undesirable dark spots are
eliminated or
reduced. Major electrical switchboard adjustments are avoided. and the
inventive system
does not include the inconvenience, high maintenance and fragility of neon
tubes. Fixings
are concealed aztd easy to install. aztd protrudiuag structure, which might
attract birds, is
avoided.~'Very long continuous lines of light can be achieved, whereas neon
tubes z~equire
.r
regular interruption by discharge boxes.
w
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In a variation, mounting rails 30 may have an integral leg or rib, eg. T, L,
oi' X
section, for elevating the rail from an edge or surface. Twin rail extrusions
may be
provided. These variations may assist in eg. positioning tube segments 14 as
framing for
surface mounted fcaturzs. Figure 4 illustrates the application of the strip
lighting to a _
promotional display sign, and Figure 5 is a sectional view showing the T-
section, leg 129
of mouztting tall 30. This highlights the application of the invention to
shopfitting
,generally. Other applications include playgrounds cg. to highlight posts or
rails, and
children's locations in general. In alternative applications, the mounting
rail may be frtc-
standing.
Figures 6 and 7 depict an embodiment 100 of connector for coupling a pair of
tube segments 14 to form a longer strip of light for applications such as
tb.at depicte~ in
Figure 3. This connector is simple in form yet effective in adjusting for
relative
movement between the tube segments, eg. due to thermal expansion yr
coatractidns.
la Connector 100 is an integral generally tubular moulding in liquid silicone
rubber which
consists of a pair oft substaxatiall.y identical seeker portions 102, 103
linked by a relatively
thin walled centre portion 104. Each socket portion 102, 103 has an internal
profile to
closely match the external profile of tube segments 14 so that each is
slidably engagcablc
with and about an end of a zespective tube segment 14 so that the interiors of
the tube
segments are in communication within connector 100.
At their inner ends, each socket portion 102, 103 has an internal flange 106
that
defines a peripheral groove 107 to receive and sealingly grip the end 14a of
the tube
segment. Centre portion 104, bridging the two flanges 106, is sufficiently
thin to be able
2S to accommodate or compensate far relative movement of the tube ,segments
without
uncoupling of the tube segments, by resiliently buckling, stretching or
otherwise
deforming. Further compensation is provided by sliding movetnen.t of the tube
segments
longitudinally of groove 107. The material of the connector should be chosen
to facilitate
and optiniisc this role. Lzquid silitcone zubber (L5R) is especially suitable,
because of its
d
excellent elastic memory in deformation, its ability to sealingly grasp tlae
tube segments,
and its overall durability_ The moulding thus acMeves a substantially
waterproof coupling
r
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with structural integrity, able to compensate for ttlenrzlal expaztsion axxd
otlZer
displacement between the tube segments 14.
Figures 8 and 9 illustrate an embodiment 110 of connector for clcctrically and
physically intgrlinlcing ribbon cable support strips (typically PCB laminates)
9 within
tube segmencs 14, or within a coupling between them.
Again connector 110 is an integral rttoulding in a suitable material. The
moulding
defines s solid body comprising spaced parallel elongate side portions 112,
113 linked by
a central cross-piece I14 in an I or H configuration. The bights within this
body are
":
closed by generally rectangular web portions 116. 117. Along the outside of
side portions
I12. 113 are respective channels 1I8, open laterally of the connector. Each
channel is
divided by a centre block lug 120. Mounted against top and bottom of each
channel is a
respective spring metal strip 122 (eg. of phosphor bronze, not shown in Fig S)
shaped to
pass over lug 120 and under intermediate lugs 124, and retained by slots 126
in end ribc
128_ The ends of eklaoneis 118 are open. between ribs 128, to receive
respective end
fingers x,40, 142 of PCB laminates 9 (Figure 10). These fingers force contact
strips 122
resiliently apart, so ensuring electrical contact witb contacts 144 oz~ the
top aztd bottozza
faces of the strip fingers.
.
The PCB Iazniztates 9 are latched to the connector by engagement of lugs 132
in
matching apertures 145 (Figure 10) in the latninates_ Lugs 132 are provided on
resiliently deflectable tongue$ 130 defined in the open. edges of web portions
11 b, 117 by
slots 134. Lugs 132 have an inclined outer strike face 135 by which the strip
forces the
tonguellug pair aside, and a steep inner face 136 which provides the latching
function.
Tongues 130 can be deflected ztaaraually to uncouple the components.
Connector 110 would typically include a formation (net shown) to prevent
coupling except in a correct relative strip orientation. Connector 110 is also
preferably
r
such as to allow relative longitudinal displacement of the respective
laminates, eg.
between limits determined by co-operatiztg abutments without their being
uncoppled
either physically or electrically. Connector 110 is preferably designed and
coloured to
a
t
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mi.nurrnise disFUption to the unifomaity of the light pattern ezztiaed by the
connected tltbe
segments.
A set of the various components described and illustrated herein play be
delivered
to a site and mounted to a structure or set of walls in the manner described.
Connectors
11.0 would be used to bridge the diode mounting strips via the interiors of
the flexible
tube segments 16, and electrical power would be delivered to the diodes via
upright cable
enclosures 22 and junction boxes 20 (Figure 1) to which at, least some of the
tube
segments 14 would be attached. Advantageously, the lightlevels of multiple
tabc
segments could be controlled at a central point to achieve balance, or to
obtain particular
r:.
effects. In another alternative arrangement. each tube segment or respective
subgroups of
tube segments may have a separate brightness control, eg. a current level
adjustir~ent
device mounted in the tube segment or adjacent mounting rail.
It will be appreciated that the light emitting diodes may be of any suitable
type,
e.g. the three-colour diode sets now available, but it is desirable to avoid
excessive
variations in outputs between diodes for a given current, and to seek long
life LED
products- The LEDs could be si.znply activated to provide constant and
unifortn
illumination, or could be managed in a variable sequence by programmed logic
circuits
either internal or external to the illustrated configura~ion_ By similar
means, random and
variable patterns, colour and hue variations and colour changes can bs
achieved.
~.,.:.
Because the connectors 100 allow a degree of relative longitudinal movement
between adjacent coupled tube segments 14, and the connectors 110 ptrform a
similar
function between adjacent coupled PCB laminates 9, the system is able to
simultaneously
compensate for or accommodate such dual movement. cg. due to thermal
expansion. or
building subsidence, both externally in the array of tube segments 14 and
internally in the
contained array of PCB laminates. Provision for such compensation is
advantageous in
most "rcdl-world" applications of the inventive concepts.
As already noted, light tube segments 14 may be fitted with end inserts 410 to
allow them to be connected to other fittings. A typical such insert is
illustrated in Figure
wr
4
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11 to 13. It is an integral moulding in a suitable p)astic5 material.
preferably that used foz
segments 14 and 4Z and mounting rails 30. The insert essentially includes
three axially
successive portions, i.e. a plug portion 42, an end flange 44 and a connector
portion 46.
Plug portion 42 is precisely matched to make an interference fit into eit6cr
of the open
5 ends of a ligbt tube segment 14 and thus has an external profile
complementary to the
internal profile of tube segments 14. The interior of the insert is provided
with a
peripheral shallow shoulder a9a at the transition between plug portion 42 and
flange
portion 44. and with a longitudinally extending convex rib 29b at the top
interior of plug
portion 42. These features are for locating and keying electrical cable ribbon
connectors
10 as and if required.
End flange 44 is a lateral enlargement about the whole of plug portion 42 and
has
an external profi)c which closely matches that of cash tube segment 14. It may
thus also
be snapped onto a base strip 30 if needed at an intermediate position on tha
base strip. i
Cwnnector portion 46 is a generally tubular coaxial extension from flange 44
having two additional features at its outer axial end : an external flange .47
and a
peripherally extending frustoconical enlargement 48 of the internal bone 4.5,
Tbis
enlargement is to provide an O-ring seat, as will be further explained. The
flange 47
locates a locking ring 60.
An assembled tube segment 14 for installation would be fitted with at least an
array of light emitting diodes 8 mounted on a suitable cable ribbon support
strip 9.
Typically, this strip would be mouated in a lower pair of grooves 19b. Jf
desired for
2S particular effects, a suitable diffuser strip may be mounted in another of
the groove pairs,
or a refractor strip may be mounted in a still further pair, typical)y between
the light
emitting diodes and the diffuser strip relative to the curved front of the
tube. Once these
arc in place. they can be retained by fitting inserts 40 to either or both
ends of the tube
and fixing them in place with a suitable adhesive or contact cement at the
interface
r
between plug portion d2 at the internal surface of the tube. Other fixing and
closure
arrangements are of course possible.
b i
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The orientation of the plane of strip 9 may be varied in other embodiments.
For
example, this plane may be normal to surface 5 in Figure 2. Moreover, LEDs 8
may be
on either or both surfaces of strip 9.
$ A flexible tube segment 16 is shown in situ in Figure I and dciailed in
Figures 14
and 18_ Flexible tutee segment 16 is a thin wailed moulding of a translucent
material
similar to that of tube segments I4. The general structuc~t is of a corrugated
or pleated
configuration by virtue of which the segment is highly flexible and able to be
compressed
concertina - fashion, bent along its axis through 90° or xxzoze. The
segment is provided
with end portions 84 which include a tapered spigot 85 and a pair of
diametrically ..
opposite arcuate lugs 86 which are set back from tapered end portion 85 so
that a very
shallow reversely-facing annular shoulder 88 at the inner end of spigot
portion $5 def~nes
an O-ring seat 89 between it and lugs 86.
1S A further component for effecting coupling of the flexible tubular segments
16 to
tlae xi.gid tube segments 14 is integrally moulded locking ring 60 (Figures 1
S to 17). This
essentially consists of a bayonet socket ring 62 and a snap fit half ring 64
with an
undercut 65. The. outer surface of the ring has integral grip..enhancement
ribs 63.
Bayonet Socket ring 62 has diametrically opposite arcuate recesses 66 that are
matched to
24 receive lugs 86 of flexible tube segments I6. The snap fit half ring 64 is
slightly larger
tkta.zx sezzti-circular, subtending at its outer rim about 250° and
extending between
defotznable wings b7a,b7b.
With reference nvw to Figure 18, which depicts in cross-section an assembly of
a
ZS flexible tube segment 16 with tube segments 14, the locking ring 60 is
applied to the
body of insert 40 behind Mange 47 : the wings 67a,67b deform apart so that the
locking
ring snaps about the body of the insert and is then retained by engagez~o~ent
of flange 47
behind undercut 65. The end formation 84 of a flexible tube segment 16, with
the O-ring
90 in seat 89, is thezt intz~oduced into the locking zing by passing Iugs 86
through recesses
.r
30 66. On twisting of either component, the O-ring 90 held in seat 89 is
clamped against
~rustoconical end surface 4$, thereby clamping all of the compon~nis together
to form the
Y
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I7
assembly shown in Figure I8. The joint is preferably liquid tight and/or gas
tight,
especially if the system is intended for outdoor installation.
Instead of coupling a tube segrrzcnt 14 to another tube segment 16, the former
may
be terzninated_ by means of end plug 50 (Figure 19 to Z 1 ). End plug 50 has
an end
formative 51 similar tv end portion 84 of flexible tube segment 16, including
a spigot
portion 55, shoulder 58 and O-ring seat 59. However, in this case, the
interior is closed
by a tzazf.sverse membrane 52 fl.usla with tlxe spigot end of the plug, and
the component is
completed by an external flange 54. Assembly to an end insert 40 using a
locking ring
60, and clamping an O-ring 90, is similar to that described above for the
flexible tube
segment and is depicted in Figure x9.
End inserts 40 can also be employed to couple a pair of tube segments to the
respective ends of a tubular elbow component 220 (Figures 4, 22) dcfzning a
seicated
angle bend between the two segments. Thic component may be rigid or flexible.
and may
conveniently also be formed in the aforementioned liquid silicone rubber
(LSR).
An alternative to end plug 50 is depicted in Figure 23, and coxtsists of a LSR
end
cap 250 that fits onto end insert 40 and may include a port 252 for a cable
254 or other
accessory. This allows an effective watertight seal around the cable. .
An alternative coupling arrangement is shown in Figures 24 and 25. Here, the
tube segments 14 are closed by polycarbonate end caps 200 with ports 201 for
conductor
pins 202. These pins 202 are held in a liquid silicone rubber coupler 204
shaped, like
conzzector 100, to the profile of the tube segments. Coupler 204 has central
bosses 206
that retain the conductor pins 202 and project into and scat ports 201.
Coupler 204
embraces and grasps the respective end caps 200.
The illustrated embodiments - with the enclosed tubes 14, 16, separate
mounting
r
rails 30 and various forms Qi: coupling - provide a strip lighting system in
which the
LED's are protected in an environment which is able to be sealed agaizzst
moisture
incursion, but is easily installed and dismantled. The installation may thus
be
v.
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18
substantially permanent or only temporary. Tubes may be readily dctachcd
individually
for service of the electrical componentary. eg replacenaextt of failed diodes.
The component bodies - tube segments 14,16, mounting rails 30, external
connectors 11D, end inserts 40, locking ring 60, and end plugs 50 - may be
provided in a
single uni.forr.~. colour, or in any other colour configuration. By forming
all of tlae
components in tz-anslucent optically diffusive material, advaro.tageous
continuity of the
scrip lighting can be aehievsd. Variations of intensity are easily obtained
with choice of
material and internal LED conf guxation or control. In zn alternative
arrangement, the
tube segments 14 and the mounting rails 30 may be extruded in quite diffbrent
coloured
y
m.atezials. 1n a still further variation, illustrated in Figure 26, the tube
segments 14 rnay be
separable into base 14a and cap 14b portions of different colours and/or
materials.
br
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