Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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LED LIGHT BAR ASSEMBLY
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an LED (light
emitting diode) light bar assembly of miniature size and
comprised essentially of an elongated casing in which are
removably retained one or more elongated LED modules with
the assembly being connectable to a support structure by at
least one end connector. Preferably, but not exclusively,
the light bar assembly is used in articles of furniture to
provide a source of lighting which can easily be concealed.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Lighting systems used in articles of furniture
such as display cases for jewelers, kitchen cabinets,
gazebos and like applications where it is important to
conceal the lights, utilize two common sources of lighting,
namely fluorescent and halogen light sources. However,
these light sources have many disadvantages when used in
these applications. For example, when using fluorescent
lighting, such usually requires additional wiring to bring
in the standard 110 volt A.C. supply. It is also necessary
when using fluorescent lamps to install a lamp housing
provided with supports which secure to opposed ends of the
lamp and which are connected to the electrical supply
through a ballast. The wiring is concealed in the casing.
With these constraints, it is often difficult to conceal
fluorescent lamps.
(0003] Another disadvantage of fluorescent lamps is
that although they come in different lengths, the shorter
the lamp, the lower is the lumen. It is therefore difficult
to use these lamps when a certain lumen is required and the
mounting space is restricted. Also, if two or more tubes
are used, then dark spots will result between the zones
between the fluorescent tubes. These dark spots are the
result of the size of the housings whereby when installed
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end-to-end, there will be dark spots between each of the
fluorescent tubes due to the spacing therebetween.
[0004) Another type of lighting used in such
applications is halogen lighting which also has
disadvantages but different from those of fluorescent tubes.
The major disadvantage of halogen lamps is that they
generate heat. Accordingly, if these lamps are used in a
constrained space, this heat needs to be taken into
consideration as it could be damaging. However, the
lighting produced by halogen lights is excellent.
[00051 Another disadvantage of halogen lamps is that
they have a relatively short life. If these lamps are used
in display cases, the heat can damage the articles being
displayed. It is estimated that ninety percent (90%) of the
power of these halogen lamps is transformed into heat.
Accordingly, these inconveniences limit the application of
these lamps and they are mostly utilized in encapsulated
housings mounted in ceilings of building structures and
exposed to open spaces. These encapsulated halogen lamps
can be used in furniture cabinets provided that there are no
products exposed to the lighting within ten inches thereof
as the heat generated thereby will often cause discoloration
of the articles. They are also not recommended for use in
enclosed display cases for jewelers as this heat will affect
the lubricants in watches, for example. Also because these
lamps need to be periodically changed, they cause an
inconvenience. Still further, due to their sizes, they are
difficult to conceal.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0006] It is a feature of the present invention to
provide a lighting system for use in the above-mentioned
applications and which does not generate intense heat and
which provides a strong intensity of illumination.
[0007] Another feature of the present invention is to
provide an LED (light emitting diode) light bar assembly
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which is miniature in size and which can easily be
concealed.
(0008] Another feature of the present invention is to
provide an LED (light emitting diode) light bar assembly
which is easy to assemble and secure and wherein the light
bulbs have a long life.
[0009] Another feature of the present invention is to
provide an LED (light emitting diode) light bar assembly
which is aesthetically pleasing, which has flexibility in
that it can be provided in different lengths and which can
be utilized in enclosed areas such as display cases.
[00010] Another feature of the present invention is to
provide an LED (light emitting diode) light bar assembly
wherein the wiring and the supply of the light bar assembly
is not visible.
(00011] Another feature of the present invention is to
provide an LED (light emitting diode) light bar assembly
which is easy to orient to direct the light beam at a
desired location.
[00012] Another feature of the present invention is to
provide an LED (light emitting diode) light bar assembly
which incorporates a heat sink or cooling system.
[00013] According to the above features, from a broad
aspect, the present invention provides an LED light emitting
diode) light bar assembly comprised of an elongated casing
having an elongated cavity of U-shape cross-section which
defines a base wall, opposed side walls and an elongated
open end between the side walls. One or more elongated heat
sink LED modules each having two or more LEDs and electrical
component parts thereof are retained in each of the modules.
The LEDs are exposed in a spaced-apart relationship in a
common wall of the modules. The casing is configured to
removably receive and retain one or more of the modules
therein in end-to-end relationship. The casing defines in
combination with the one or more modules, at least one
internal channel for the passage of wiring which is non-
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visible exteriorly of the module. At least one end
connector is detachably securable to an end of the casing
for securing the casing to a support structure. The
connector has an internal passage for receiving wiring from
the modules retained in the casing. The modules are each
provided with cavities at opposed ends thereof and leading
to the side walls for the passage of electrical wires. The
modules are. retained in end-to-end relationship in the
casing cavity with the wires disposed in the internal
channels. The end connector has a hollow connecting hub
dimensioned and configured for frictional sliding fit at a
connecting end in a space adjacent a free end of the casing
cavity. The wires are received and concealed in the hollow
connecting hub which constitutes the internal passage.
Connecting means is further provided for securing the
connector to the support structure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[000141 A preferred embodiment of the present invention
will now be described with reference to the accompanying
drawings in which:
[00015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an elongated
heat sink LED module;
[000161 FIG. 2 is a cross-section view illustrating
the assembly of an LED modules in an elongated casing;
[00017) FIG. 3 is an exploded view, partly fragmented,
showing the component parts of the assembly with the wiring
of the modules and an end connector;
[00018] FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmented perspective
view showing two modules connected end-to-end;
[000191 FIG. 5 is a section view showing the LED light
bar assembly of the present invention secured in a support
structure comprised of two vertical wall boards;
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[00020] FIG. 6 is a schematic section view showing the
construction of a display case incorporating therein the
miniature LED light bar assembly of the present invention
and wherein the light bar can also be cooled by generating
an air current therethrough;
[00021] FIG. 7A is a fragmented schematic view showing
an interior wall board of the display case of Figure 6 in an
engaged position; and
[00022] FIG. 7B is a view similar to Figure 7A showing
the interior wall board in a disengaged position whereby to
remove the light bar assembly.
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DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[00023] Referring now to the drawings and more
particularly to Figures 1 to 5, there is shown generally at
in Figure 3, the LED (light emitting diode) light bar
assembly of the present invention. It is constituted by an
elongated casing 11 which may be extruded from aluminum
material or which may be formed of plastics, either extruded
or molded, and in which there is slidingly retained one or
more elongated heat sink LED modules 12, as shown in Figure
1. The light bar assembly also comprises at least one end
connector 13 which is detachably securable to an end of the
casing 11 for securing the casing to a support structure 14,
such as illustrated in Figure 5, although it can be secured
to various other types of support structures.
[00024] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the elongated
casing 11 has an elongated cavity 11' which is substantially
U-shaped in cross-section and defines a base wall 15,
opposed side walls 16 and 16' and an elongated open end 17.
The side walls 16 and 16' are inwardly curved side walls for
reason as will be described later. The outer appearance of
the casing may have different shapes.
[00025] The modules 12 are substantially rectangular or
square in cross-section and define opposed parallel flat
side walls 18 and 18', a bottom wall 19 and a top wall 20.
Two or more LEDs, herein four LEDs 21 project in cavities 22
provided in the bottom wall 19. Electrical connections or
component parts to these LEDs are concealed within the
modules 12 and such does not form part of the present
invention. These LEDs are white light lamps which are
exposed in a spaced apart relationship in this bottom wall
19.
[00026] As shown in Figure 2, the modules 12 are
disposed in sliding fit within the casing 11 and cavity 11'
and because the side walls 16 and 16' of the casing are
curved side walls, they define a pair of internal channels
23 and 23' to accommodate the passage of the wiring 24 which
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connects to the LEDs of each module retained within the
casing 11. Accordingly, this wiring 24 is not visible from
the exterior of the light bar assembly 10.
[00027] As also shown in Figure 2, the top wall 20 of
the modules is a flat top wall and is disposed in contact
with the flat inner surface 15' of the base wall 15 to
provide for heat conduction therewith. Accordingly, heat is
dissipated through the casing 11. As well, heat is
dissipated through the channels and the connectors, and the
exposed bottom wall 19, as will be described later. It is
also conceivable that all of the wiring could be run through
a single one of the channels and that the inner face of one
of the side walls 16 or 16' have a flat surface in contact
with a side wall of the module to provide improved thermal
conductivity therewith.
[00028] As shown in Figure 4, each of the modules,
herein modules 12 and 12', are provided with cavities 25 and
25', respectively, at their opposed ends and through their
side walls 18 and 18' for the passage of electrical wires 24
as better illustrated in Figure 3, when these modules are
connected in end-to-end facial contact in the casing 11.
[00029] Referring now more specifically to Figures 3 and
5, there is shown the construction of the end connector 12.
As hereinshown the end connector has a hollow connecting hub
30 which is dimensioned and configured for frictional
sliding friction fit at a connecting end 30' thereof (see
Figure 5) into a space 31 of the cavity 11', adjacent a free
end of the casing 15. The wire bundle 24', as shown in
these Figures, is received and concealed in the hollow
connecting hub 30 which hub constitutes an internal passage
for such wiring. A connecting means in the form of a
transverse connecting flange 32 formed integral with the hub
at a free end thereof is provided for securing the connector
to support means such as a vertical wall, etc. The
connecting flange 32 is provided with holes 33 whereby to
receive fasteners 34 therein to achieve this fastening.
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[00030] As shown in Figure 5, the support structure is
herein constituted by a vertical wall board 40 or board
section with the connecting flange 32 secured to an internal
surface 41 of the wall board 40 and with the hollow
connecting hub 30 extending through a mounting hole 42 in
the board 40 and protruding from the opposed surface 43 of
the board 40 whereby to expose the connecting end 30'
thereof for connection within a free end section of the
casing 11. As hereinshown, the wire bundle 24' extends
through the hollow hub 30 and behind the internal surface 41
of the vertical wall board. Of course, this vertical wall
board can be a kitchen cabinet with the light bar assembly
extending therefrom. The wires would then run in one of
the cupboards of the cabinet where a transformer can be
concealed. There are several other ways in which this light
bar can be connected. The connector 30 may be provided at
one end only of the assembly 10 with the other end being
fitted with a plug (not shown) with the bars supported
freely from a support wall such as the vertical wall board
40. Alternatively, the assembly may be suspended, if it is
a long assembly, by wires extending from a ceiling or from
any wall above the elongated light bar assembly which may be
several feet in length. The miniature casing of the present
invention is approximately k4 inch in cross-section.
[00031] With further reference to Figures 5, 6, 7A and
7B, there will be described the specific application or use
of the light bar assembly. As hereinshown, the vertical
wall board 40 is that as used in the construction of a
display case 50 as illustrated in Figure 6. A second
exterior wall board 51 is provided and against which the
wall board 40 is secured. A channel 52 is routed in this
second exterior wall board 51 adjacent to the hub of the
connector 13 for the passage of the wire bundle 24'
therethrough. As hereinshown, the flange 32 of the
connector is also mounted in a routed cavity 53 so that it
is flush with the inner surface 51' of the second wall board
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51. Accordingly, the wiring is concealed in a composite
wall panel of the display case 50.
[00032] As shown in Figure 6, the display case has a
bottom wall 54 and a glass top wall 55 and front wall (the
latter not being shown herein). One end of the light bar
assembly 10 is supported by the connector 13 and the other
end may be supported by a support disc 56 which is secured
to the opposed vertical wall 57 by means of a screw fastener
58.
[00033) The vertical wall board 40, or board section, as
hereinshown has a flat bottom wall 59 which is provided with
one or more support threaded bolts 60 which provide for
vertical wedging displacement of the wall board 40. It also
provides for the removal of the vertical wall board or
section and the light bar assembly 10. Such is illustrated
in Figures 7A and 7B. As shown in Figure 7A, when the
threaded bolt 60 is threaded outwardly, it wedges the wall
board 40 or section upwardly in the direction of arrow 61
placing it in the position as illustrated in Figure 6. When
the bolt 60 is threaded in, as illustrated in Figure 7B, the
vertical wall board 40 or board section can be lowered a
limited amount sufficient to cause it to tilt outwardly in
the direction of arrow 62 to disengage the light bar
assembly. Of course, in doing so it is necessary to pull on
the wire bundle 24'.
[00034] Alternatively, the vertical wall board 40 or
board section may extend to the base wall 54 and an exterior
board piece 63 inserted adjacent the connector 13 in the
exterior wall 51 may be removable whereby to provide access
to the connector 13 for the removal thereof. These
illustrated attachments of the connector only illustrate a
few examples of attachment and many other configurations of
connections are possible and it is not intended to restrict
the present invention to the attachments as herein
illustrated.
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(00035] Another important advantage of the connector 13
is that it permits for the casing and its LED modules to be
rotated about the support axis of these connectors whereby
to orient the light beams of the LED or the bottom wall 19
of the modules at a specific angle. This is particularly
useful when the light bar is used in a display case, as
illustrated in Figure 6 or in other applications where it is
required to orient the light beam at a specific angle or to
change the angle of the light beam from time-to-time
depending on its intended use.
[00036) With further reference to Figure 6 there is also
shown that an air cooling current could be directed through
the light bar assembly by providing a concealed fan 70 with
a conduit 71 extending to the open end 32' of the connector
13 or to the channel 52 formed in the support wall 51. The
other end of the assembly may have a hole 72 whereby to
evacuate air as illustrated by arrow 73. Accordingly, this
small fan would generate a continuous airflow through the
channels 23 and 23' and thereby continuously cooling the
modules 12 and the casing 11. Because the system of the
present invention is a modular system, this may be desirable
when the light bar assembly is of a very long length and
used in a restricted space. It is also pointed out that the
connectors 13 may be provided at opposed ends of the casing
and each be connected in a terminal box which is hung from a
ceiling by a tube and in which one of the tubes would
accommodate the wire bundle. Accordingly, the assembly can
be either connected to a wall or suspended from a ceiling
depending on the application thereof.
[00037] It is within the ambit of the present invention
to cover any obvious modifications of the preferred
embodiment described herein, provided such modifications
fall within the scope of the appended claims.
