Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02700924 2010-03-26
Magnetically Attached Luminaire
The invention relates to a luminaire, a frame for the luminaire and lighting
systems
comprised of luminaires and frames and more particularly to lighting systems
having
insertable and removable light modules such that the quantity, direction
and/or
characteristics of the light emitted from the system may readily be varied.
Until now luminaires, particularly lamps have been held mechanically and
contacted
electronically in the lighting system with clamps or mounts, for example. This
is
unfavorable, however, because the mechanical mounting by comparison requires
too
much installation space and moreover, the resolution and refastening of the
luminaire is
costly for a large number of lighting luminaires.
In modern lighting systems, it is desirable to have a great deal of
flexibility in the user's
ability to control the quantity, direction and characteristics of the light
emitted from the
system. In theater settings, one is accustomed to observing a number of light
fixtures
capable of directing light of varying intensities, color and other
characteristics onto the
stage. In commercial settings, adjustable reflector lamps and track lights are
frequently
employed to illuminate merchandise displays. In office and residential
settings, track
lights are typically used to direct light to a particular work area or for
visual effect. While
these systems are flexible, they have disadvantages. One disadvantage is that
they are
relatively large in the sense that the light fixtures are conspicuous. In many
applications,
such as in a display case for jewelry or other fine wares, it is desirable for
the lighting
system to be as inconspicuous as possible. In applications where the
appearance of the
lighting system itself contributes to its overall aesthetics, there are
additional design and
production costs. Another disadvantage is that while these systems are
flexible, they
may be cumbersome to adjust for different lighting requirements. In many
cases, the
light fixtures are relatively heavy. To move, add or remove a light fixture
with a
mechanical connector, a tool may be required and, in some cases, a new
electrical
connection may be required. Even where the light fixture may be rotatably
mounted, the
base of the light fixture typically is moveable only in a single dimension.
Lastly, there is
the disadvantage that these systems are relatively costly.
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U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,509, issued on October 13, 1992, to Wulfman et al.,
describes a
low-voltage track lighting system wherein the light fixture is mounted on the
track by
means of magnetic force, and electrical power is conveyed from the track to
the fixture
by means of physical contacts between the electrical leads of the track and
fixture.
Wulfman et al. teaches a conventional track-lighting system, i.e., a number of
light
fixtures movably mounted on a linear track. The light fixtures of Wulfman et
al. are
mounted on a triangular bracket. Electrical power is transmitted from the
bracket to the
housing of the fixture by means of electrical contacts located on two sides of
the
triangular bracket and two sides of the matching angular recess of the
housing. The
track and light fixtures of Wulfman et al. are purely functional in design,
i.e., to provide
and direct light.
It is an object of the invention to obviate the deficiencies of the prior art.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide the possibility of
a simple and
space saving installation of luminaires.
Another object of the invention is to enhance lighting systems and a user's
ability to
control lighting systems.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a lighting system that can
employ
incandescent, halogen, LED and fluorescent light sources.
A further object of the invention is to provide a lighting system capable of
being
fabricated into numerous three-dimensional solid shapes, e.g.,
parallelepipeds, spheres,
polyhedra.
These objects are accomplished with a lurinaire, a frame and lighting systems
according to the respective independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the
invention
are particularly taken from the dependent claims.
In one aspect of the invention, the luminaire, e.g. a lamp, is equipped with
at least one
magnetically attached electrical terminal. As a result, the terminal can be
easily
attached to a corresponding magnetic or magnetizable electrical contact and is
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removable and space saving.
In the general case, only one electrical terminal must be magnetically
attached while a
second terminal of the luminaire can be pushed, for example using pressure
force, onto
a corresponding electrical contact, whereby the pressure force will also be
effected by
the magnetic attraction of the other contact. However, it is preferable that
the luminaire
is equipped with at least two, ideally two exactly, magnetically attached
electrical
terminals.
Preferably, the single electrical terminal is permanently magnetic, i.e. the
electrical
terminal has at least permanently magnetic areas, which generate sufficient
magnetic
strength for attachment of the luminaire.
Preferably, a contact surface of the electrical terminal is a portion of the
magnet.
Particularly preferable is an electrical terminal with a base that provides
the contact
surface and is made of an electrically conductive, permanently magnetic
material.
The at least one electrical terminal has a flat contact for minimizing contact
resistance
and maintaining a fixed attachment.
The luminaire may have one or more individual light sources, e.g. one or more
spotlights and/or one or more floodlights.
It is especially preferable that at least one of the individual light sources
is a LED,
particularly a white LED, e.g. a conversion LED.
However, it may also be preferable if the luminaire has LEDs of at least two
colors,
especially if the LEDs of at least two colors are selectively controlled.
It is especially preferable that a white mixed light is producible using the
LEDs of at
least two different colors. For this purpose, at least three LEDs are
preferable in red,
green and blue.
The luminaire, however, may include at least one halogen lamp as an individual
light
source.
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It may be preferable to arrange the luminaire in several ways if a soluble or
non-soluble
adapter is insertable between the at least one electrical terminal and the at
least one
light source, particularly between the at least one electrical terminal and a
luminaire
housing. The adapter may be designed particularly for spacing and local
alignment of
the luminaire and include, for example, flexible electrical connection lines,
e.g. a 'swan
neck', swivel, spacer, etc.
A luminaire with a flexible intermediate piece located between the terminals
and the at
least one individual light source is preferred for the alignment of the beam
direction, so
that the beam direction of the at least one individual light source is
adjustable by
bending. The flexible intermediate piece is preferably part of an adapter. The
flexible
intermediate piece may, for example, have separate flexible terminal legs or
wires,
possibly even a swan neck. Rotating elements may be introduced as an
alternative, e.g.
using joints.
The luminaire preferably has a reflector for the alignment of the emitted
light.
The at least one individual light source may be covered with a transparent or
translucent
element for protection of the luminaire. Translucent elements also increase
the intensity
and color homogeneity.
A luminaire that is encapsulated up to the terminals is preferable, especially
for use as a
bulk material. Preferably, the luminaire then has small dimensions, e.g. a
maximum
expansion between 1 mm and 1 cm.
A luminaire with an essentially spherical contour is preferable for simple
contacting,
preferably with a level or concave partial surface, whereby a contact surface
of the at
least one electrical terminal lies in the area of the level or concave partial
surface.
In order to avoid failures, it is preferable that the terminal of the
luminaire has at least
two electrical terminals of opposed magnetic polarity. As a result, the
terminals can be
magnetically distinguished, thereby providing the inherent possibility of
avoiding faulty
connections.
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It can be advantageous, particularly for the simple arrangement of the
luminaire, if this
is operable with DC voltage.
It also possible to operate the luminaire using AC voltage as an alternative.
The luminaire can also have a control for controlling the associated at least
one
individual light source in order to govern the emitting properties of the
luminaire.
In particular, the control can have a dimming function that when activated
minimizes the
luminosity of at least one luminaire.
Using the control, groups of LEDs of the same color in the luminaire in
particular, an
LED cluster for example, may be selectively controllable for changing the
luminescent
color of the luminaire. The luminaire can then have a variable color
characteristic.
The luminaire can also have receiving means communicatively coupled with the
control
for receiving control signals. As a result, remote control of the luminaire is
possible.
The receiving means may in particular be a radio antenna and/or IR sensor.
Particularly, the control can be selectively addressable so that a luminaire
or a group of
luminaires, e.g. of the same color, is individually controllable.
The frame is provided with at least one first group of electrical contacts and
a second
group of electrical contacts. An electrical potential can be applied between
at least one
contact of the first group and at least one contact of the second group. Each
contact is
designed as a support surface for supporting a magnetic terminal element.
The frame can be particularly designed as a base plate with a lateral
dimensioning of no
more than 1 m, e.g. as a rigid or flexible square plate with dimensions of 40
cm x 40 cm.
The terminal element can particularly correspond to an electrical terminal of
the
luminaire described above.
In one arrangement, DC voltage is applicable between at least two groups or
their
associated contacts.
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In an alternative arrangement, AC voltage is applicable between at least two
groups or
their associated contacts.
In a further arrangement, the electrical contacts are divided into two groups
and
arranged in a checkerboard pattern with an alternating configuration of the
contacts in
both groups.
In yet another alternative or additional arrangement, the electrical contacts
are divided
into two groups and arranged in a ring pattern with an alternating
configuration of the
contacts in both groups.
In yet another alternative or additional arrangement, the electrical contacts
are divided
into two groups and arranged in a striped pattern with an alternating
configuration of the
contacts in both groups.
In yet another alternative or additional arrangement, the electrical contacts
are divided
into two groups and arranged in a grid pattern, such that the grid constitutes
a contact of
the first group and the contacts of the second group, the surfaces of which
are enclosed
by the grid.
In still another arrangement, the frame is provided with multiple pairs of
contacts,
whereby a contact of each pair belongs to the first group and a contact of
each pair
belongs to the second group. The pairs are preferably arranged in a regular
pattern on
the frame.
The frame is preferably provided with multiple pairs of contacts, whereby an
equal,
electrical potential is not necessarily applicable between the contacts of a
pair.
In one arrangement, the form of the contacts differs between at least two
pairs, whereby
contact pairs with different characteristics or different luminaires can be
easily
distinguished visually.
The frame can particularly be provided with at least three sets or types of
one or more
pairs in each case with contacts of different forms between the sets. As a
result, contact
pairs for LED lamps with different primary colors, e.g. red, green blue can be
provided in
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particular, whereby the sets are particularly independently controllable.
Additional sets
for additional colors, such as white or amber are realizable as well as for
other
luminaires, such as halogen lamps.
In general, a frame can be provided with a contact pattern such as this or
others,
namely a certain contact pattern or, for example, multiple juxtaposed contact
patterns.
A frame is preferred on which the contacts are arranged on a common surface,
e.g. a
particularly flexible, or alternatively rigid, base plate. Contacts can be
arranged on a flat
surface in particular.
The contacts may also be designed in each case as electrically conductive
cords or
wires, particularly metal mesh. Large-surface mounting possibilities for
luminaires result
without large-surface mounting to a wall, ceiling etc. Therefore, a 'starry
sky', for
example, is easily achievable with an adhesive layer of cords. The cords can
also be
magnetic, even with varying designs of magnetic polarity.
The frame contacts can be magnetizable. However, it is preferable in order to
avoid
faulty connections that the contacts are magnetic; it is especially preferable
that the
magnetic polarity correlates with a group membership, particularly with a
connection to
the supply connection. The contacts can be either permanently magnetic or
temporarily
magnetic, e.g. using an electromagnet.
The frame is preferably expandable in at least one direction, particularly by
connecting
to an additional frame, particularly of the same type. The connected frames
preferably
require only one common power supply and/or control. For this purpose, the
frame can
be equipped with a connection means, particularly a locking means or plug
device that
enables a mechanical and electrical connection with the appropriate counter
connection
means of a second frame. The frame is provided preferably on one side with a
connection means and on the opposite side a counter connection means.
In a further aspect of the invention, the lighting system is provided with at
least one
Iuminaire and at least one frame, whereby at least one electrical terminal of
the
luminaire is magnetically attached to a contact on the frame and an additional
electrical
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terminal of the luminaire is connected with an additional contact on the
frame, whereby
an electrical potential is applicable between these two contacts on the frame.
The
luminaire terminal, the frame contact, or both can be magnetic.
In one arrangement, an electrical terminal of the luminaire magnetically
attaches to a
contact on the frame and an additional electrical terminal of the luminaire
magnetically
attaches to an additional contact on the frame, whereby an electrical
potential is
applicable between these two contacts on the frame.
The lighting system is also preferably provided with at least one illuminant
as described
above and at least one frame as described above.
In order to avoid faulty connections, associated luminaire terminals and
contacts on the
frame contacts are preferably provided with a reverse magnetic polarity in
each case on
their contact surfaces.
For the simple and flexible control of different luminaires, different sets of
frame
contacts are preferably provided for different types of luminaires,
particularly if different
sets of frame contacts are provided for luminaires illuminated with a
different color.
The lighting system can also be designed in such a way that the frame contacts
of a set
and the terminals of a luminaire provided for this purpose are formed in such
a way that
a contacting of terminals and contacts not intended for each other is avoided.
These objects are accomplished, by yet another aspect of the invention, by
provision of
a lighting system with removable light modules. The frame has a substantially
flat
surface and includes a magnetic material and first and second electrically
conductive
channels. The removable light module includes a light source mounted on a
base. The
base has a substantially flat surface and includes a magnetic material and
first and
second electrically conductive paths. The light source has first and second
lead-in wires
electrically connected to the first and second electrically conductive paths
of the base.
The light module is mounted on the frame with the substantially flat surface
of the
module's base facing the substantially flat surface of the frame such that the
light
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module is securely mounted on the frame by means of a magnetic attractive
force
acting between the magnetic material of the module and the magnetic material
of the
frame and such that the magnetic attractive force permits the light module to
be
manually removed from the frame.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
luminaire with
one or more individual light sources and with at least two magnetically
attachable
electrical terminals, and with at least one LED that is one or both of white
and colored
as an individual light source, wherein the luminaire is encapsulated at least
up to the
at least two electrical terminals, and with a bendable intermediate piece
between the
terminals and the at least one individual light source such that the beam
direction of
the at least one individual light source is adjustable by bending, wherein the
luminaire
further comprises a frame with at least a first group of electrical contacts
and a
second group of electrical contacts, whereby an electrical potential is
applicable
between at least one contact of the first group and at least one contact of
the second
group, each of the contacts of the first group and the second group designed
as a
support surface for the support of the at least two magnetically attachable
electrical
terminals, wherein the first group and the second group are arranged in a grid
pattern, whereby the grid constitutes a contact of the first group and the
contacts of
the second group, the surfaces of which are enclosed by the grid, such that
one of
the at least two electrical terminals is magnetically attached to a frame
contact of the
first group and the other of the at least two electrical terminals is
magnetically
attached to a frame contact of the second group, so that an electrical
potential is
applicable therebetween and a portion of each of the at least two electrical
terminals
has a respective opposing magnetic polarity compared to its respective frame
contact, whereby the attached at least two electrical terminals and
corresponding
frame contents are formed so as to have a matching shape that permits magnetic
attachment only with each other.
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According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
lighting
system with removable light modules comprising: (a) a frame having a
substantially
flat surface, said frame including a magnetic material and first and second
electrically
conductive channels mounted on said surface; (b) a light module comprising a
light
source mounted on a base, said base having a substantially flat surface, said
base
including a magnetic material and first and second electrically conductive
paths, said
light source having first and second lead-in wires electrically connected to
said first
and second electrically conductive paths of said base; and (c) said light
module being
mounted on said frame with said substantially flat surface of said light
module facing
said substantially flat surface of said frame and said first path of said
light module
being in electrical contact with said first channel of said frame and
electrically isolated
from said second channel and said second path of said light module being in
electrical contact with said second channel of said frame and electrically
isolated from
said first channel such that said light module is securely mounted on said
frame by
means of a magnetic attractive force acting between said magnetic material of
said
light module and said magnetic material of said frame and such that said
magnetic
attractive force permits said light module to be manually removed from said
frame;
and wherein said light module includes first and second LEDs, said first LED
having a
different polarity from said second LED.
According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided
a lighting
system with removable light modules comprising: (a) a frame having a
substantially
flat surface, said frame including an electrically conductive magnetic
material and an
electrically conductive channel mounted on said surface, said electrically
conductive
channel being electrically isolated from said frame; (b) a light module
comprising a
light source mounted on a base, said base having a substantially flat surface,
said
base including a magnetic material and first and second electrically
conductive paths,
said light source having first and second lead-in wires electrically connected
to said
first and second electrically conductive paths of said base; and (c) said
light module
being mounted on said frame with said substantially flat surface of said light
module
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- 9b -
facing said substantially flat surface of said frame and said first path of
said light
module being in electrical contact with said frame and electrically isolated
from said
channel of said frame and said second path of said light module being in
electrical
contact with said channel of said frame and electrically isolated from said
frame such
that said light module is securely mounted on said frame by means of a
magnetic
attractive force acting between said magnetic material of said light module
and said
magnetic material of said frame and such that said magnetic attractive force
permits
said light module to be manually removed from said frame; and wherein said
light
module includes first and second LEDs, said first LED having a different
polarity from
said second LED.
The invention is described in detail using schematic execution examples in the
following figures. In doing so, similar or identical elements can be provided
with the
same reference symbol for better clarity.
FIG 1 is a side sectional view of a lighting system comprised of a luminaire
and
frame;
FIG 2 is a side sectional view of a wide section of the lighting system with
multiple
luminaires;
FIG 3 is a side sectional view of a lighting system, now encapsulated;
FIG 4 is a diagonal view of the lighting system from FIG 1;
FIG 5 is the top view of an additional luminaire frame;
FIG 6 is the top view of yet another luminaire frame;
FIG 7 is the top view of yet another luminaire frame;
FIG 8 is the top view of yet another luminaire frame;
FIG 9 is the top view of yet another luminaire frame;
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FIG 10 is a pictorial view of a lighting system according to an additional
embodiment
of the invention;
FIG 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the lighting system from FIG. 10
taken
along line 2-2;
FIG 12 is a sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the invention;
FIG 13 is a sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a light module;
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FIG 14 is a pictorial view of a frame for a lighting system;
FIG 15 is a view of a circular frame for a lighting system;
FIG 16A is a pictorial view of a spherical frame for a lighting system;
FIG 16B is a view of a spherical frame for a lighting system with a portion of
the
spherical surface cut away;
FIGs 17A and 18A are isometric views of three-dimensional frames for a
lighting system
in the shapes of an icosahedron and a dodecahedron, respectively; FIG 17B is a
view of
one triangular face of FIG 17A and FIG 18B is a view of one pentagonal face of
FIG
18A;
FIG 19 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a lighting
system with
means for aligning the light module on the frame;
FIG 20 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the lighting system
with
means for insuring proper alignment and electrical polarity of the light
module on the
frame;
FIG 21 is a pictorial view of an embodiment of the invention mounted in a
display case;
FIG 22 is a side sectional view of a lighting system 1 comprised of a LED
luminaire 2
and a frame, only part of which is shown, in the form of a base plate.
The LED luminaire 2 is provided with a white illuminating LED 4 as the light
source,
mounted on a housing 5 and laterally surrounded by a reflector 6 for beam
guidance.
Mechanically flexible contact posts 8, each provided with a permanently
magnetic base
9, lead out of the housing 5 to supply the LED 4 and a control circuit 7 for
the LED 4
located in the housing 5 with power. The bases 9 serve for the electrical
contacting and
detachable mounting of the LED luminaire. The unit surrounding the housing 5
(with
control 7), the LED 4 and the reflector 6 can also be referred to as LED
module 2a.
The level frame 3 comprises electrical contacts 11, 12 embedded in a frame
material 10
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with an exposed surface 13; therefore, they serve as electrical contact
surfaces and
support surfaces for the bases 9. The displayed contacts 11, 12 have a
differing
electrical polarity so that electrical power is tapped from the luminaire 2
over said
contacts 11, 12 for operation of the LED 4.
The contacts 13 are designed in function as support surfaces 13 so that the
magnetic
bases 9 are able to attach to them flatly. For this purposes, contacts 11,12
comprise a
permanently magnetic material, which has a magnetic polarity on contact
surface 13
opposed to the magnetic polarity of the associated base 9. The contacts 11,12
exhibit
opposing magnetic polarity regarding their contact surface 13 for alignment of
the LED
luminaire 2. Therefore, with a DC supply to the contacts 11,12, a positive
electrical
potential of the left contact 11 can be connected with a positive magnetic
polarity at its
surface 13 and a lower electrical potential of the right contact 12 (e.g.
ground) can be
connected with a negative magnetic polarity at its surface 13. Accordingly, a
base 9,
which is to be connected to a positive electrical potential, has a negative
magnetic
polarity on its contact surface; and a base 9, which is to be connected to a
negative
electrical potential, has a positive magnetic polarity on its contact surface.
A correct
electrical polarity can thus be ensured, particularly with DC operation of the
LED
luminaire 6, because in the case of incorrect orientation of the LED luminaire
2, its
bases 9 and the contacts 11,12 repel each other and only attract with correct
orientation. The magnetic polarity is marked with the symbols '+' and '-'.
Alternatively,
the contacts of frame 3 or the bases 9 comprise a ferromagnetic material,
particularly a
ferrous material such as steel.
Contacting the LED luminaire 2 is thus especially easy and space saving.
The reflector 6 can be covered with a transparent cover 14 for protection of
the LED 4.
The control circuit 7 can be laid out as a driver for the LED 4, particularly
in AC
operation of the contacts 11,12. The control circuit 7 can also have different
additional
functions, for example a dimming function that when activated specifically
minimizes the
luminosity of the LED 4. An additional possible function is the ability to
change the
luminescent color of the luminaire using color variable luminaires, e.g. using
a LED
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color cluster comprising LEDs of various colors individually controllable.
The control circuit 7 has receiving means 15 with a radio antenna for
receiving
wirelessly transmitted radio control signals for activating the different
functions. The
receiving means 15 is communicatively coupled with the control circuit 7 so
that the
control circuit 7 can convert the control signals.
The control 7 is also selectively addressable, i.e. it converts commands that
exhibit an
appropriate identification code and does not convert commands lacking an
appropriate
identification code. LED luminaires 2 or groups of LED luminaires 2 with the
same
identification code can thus be specifically controlled. In this way,
particularly groups
with LEDs or luminaires of the same color can be selectively controlled, for
example, in
order to change the system's color impression, e.g. by turning on and/or
turning off
luminaires of a certain color.
FIG 2 shows the frame 3 in a wider view, in comparison to the view in FIG 1,
with six
contacts 11,12. The six contacts 11,12 are connected to a DC voltage source in
such a
way that they form a first group of contacts 11, which are connected to a
positive
terminal of the DC voltage source, as well as a second group of contacts 12,
which are
connected to a negative terminal of the DC voltage source. Each LED luminaire
attaches magnetically with its terminals to a pair of contacts from the first
group and the
second group. The LED luminaires 2 are thus electrically connected in
parallel.
A control circuit - not displayed here - for control of the luminaire 2
connected with the
frame 3 can be connected with the frame 3. As a result, a dimming function
that
supplies all contacts or a selected subset of contacts with less power can be
alternatively or additionally provided over said control circuit. The
provision of a dimming
function on the frame instead of on the luminaires is advantageous because
dimming
using a single control circuit is realizable and therefore especially cost-
effective. In the
tendency to reduce expenses, it is advantageous to realize as many functions
over a
single control circuit on the frame 3 as possible instead of over control
circuits 7 on the
luminaire. The controls 7 can work selectively in that only control signals
are converted
that are intended for the specific luminaire. In this way the luminosity of
one of the
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luminaires 2 displayed may be dimmed to a data signal provisioned with a
certain
identification code while none of the other luminaires 2 react to the dimming
command.
The control signals can be transferred, e.g. with a modulation of the frame
signal.
Therefore, the control preferably has a corresponding data download function,
e.g. a
decoder.
Alternatively, the contacts 11,12 can also be connected differently. A
different type of
power supply can also be used, e.g. an AC voltage source. In general, the
frame can be
equipped with a suitable power supply unit, e.g. with a transformer for
converting from
mains voltage into a supply voltage by using a rectifier if applicable.
FIG 3 displays the LED luminaire 2 from FIG 1 encapsulated in an encapsulating
material 17, casting in particular.
The encapsulation 17 comprises a substantially spherical contour with a level
underside. The contact surfaces 18 of the LED luminaire 2 bases 9 are exposed,
i.e. the
contact surface 18 of the respective electrical terminal 9 is exposed in the
area of the
level underside.
Encapsulation of the luminaire 2 in this way is advantageous because it can
also be
applied on the frame as a bulk material if the luminaire has a low extension.
By way of
the round basic form, the luminaire 2 can roll on the frame until it sits on
the level
underside where it is held in place on the frame by the magnetic adhesive
force. This is
particularly advantageous if the magnetic polarity of the contact surfaces 18
of the
bases is different and correlates with an associated magnetic polarity of the
associated
frame contact, as described in the example. It is hereby ensured that the
bases 9 only
attach to suitable frame contacts, e.g. connected with different voltage
source terminals
(DC or AC).
Alternatively, the shape of the encapsulation is not limited and can be, for
example,
block-shaped, discoidal or cylindrical and is achieved by casting. An
encapsulation can
also be achieved by using capsule shells, although their composition is
complex in
comparison.
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FIG 4 shows LED luminaire 2 and how it is attached to a frame 19 that has two
groups
of contacts 20,21 between which a potential is applicable. The shape of the
single
contact 20 of the first group is grid-like, while the rectangular contacts 21
of the other
group of the other potential are arranged in the spaces of the first contact
20. Of course,
a rectangular shape is not mandatory; the contact 20 from the first group can
in fact be
diamond-shaped etc. In other words, the electrical contacts 20,21 are divided
into two
groups and arranged in a grid pattern, such that the grid constitutes a
contact of the first
group and the contacts of the second group, the surfaces of which are enclosed
by the
grid, whereby an electrical potential is applicable between contacts 20,21 of
different
groups.
The LED luminaire 2 displays the contact posts 8 in a bent state in which the
beam
direction of the luminaire 2 has been individually aligned by bending. As an
alternative
to the two contact posts, a swan neck with a thin, bendable pipe, for example,
can be
used, which carries/receives the electrical leads.
FIG 5 displays a frame 22 with concentric, circular contacts 23,24, each of
which
belongs to one of two groups with a potential difference between them, whereby
contacts 23,24 of different groups alternate, i.e. an electrical potential is
applicable
between two juxtaposed contacts. In other words, the electrical contacts 23,
24 are
divided into two groups and arranged in a ring pattern with an alternating
configuration
of the contacts 23,24 in both groups, whereby an electrical potential is
applicable
between contacts 23,24 of different groups.
FIG 6 displays a frame 25 with juxtaposed, stripe-shaped contacts 26,27, each
of which
belongs to one of two groups with a potential difference between them, whereby
contacts 23,24 of different groups alternate, i.e. an electrical potential is
applicable
between two juxtaposed contacts. In other words, the electrical contacts 26,27
are
divided into two groups and arranged in a striped pattern with an alternating
configuration of the contacts 26,27 in both groups, whereby an electrical
potential is
applicable between contacts 26,27 of different groups.
FIG 7 displays a frame 28 with juxtaposed square contacts 26,27 in both
directions,
CA 02700924 2010-03-26
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each of which belongs to one of two groups with a potential difference between
them,
whereby contacts 26,27 of different groups alternate, i.e. an electrical
potential is
applicable between two expanded, juxtaposed contacts 29,30. In other words,
the
electrical contacts 29,30 are divided into two groups and arranged in a
checkerboard
pattern with an alternating configuration of the contacts 29,30 in both
groups.
FIG 8 displays a frame 31 with multiple pairs of contacts 32,33 between which
an
electrical potential is applicable. In other words, each pair has a contact 32
of a first
group and a contact 33 of a second group, whereby an electrical potential is
applicable
between cross-group contacts. This configuration has the advantage of high
flexibility in
the control of contacts 32,33, because each pair of contacts 32,33 is easily
recognizable
and can have an individual power connection in extreme cases, e.g. a constant
current
source. The associated LED luminaire can therefore do without its own control.
FIG 9 displays a frame 34 with multiple pairs of differently shaped contacts
35,36, 37,38
and 39,40. In other words, three pair groups are arranged on the frame 34 in a
similar
basic pattern, whereby the contacts 35,36, 37,38 and 39,40 of each pair group
have the
same shape and differ from group to group. Therefore, different types of
luminaires may
be employed, which can then be controlled and/or powered, particularly group-
specific.
In this way, the contacts of a first pair group, e.g. with the rectangular
contacts 35,36,
may connect to a different power source with a higher supply voltage than the
second
pair group with the triangular contacts 37,38. The third pair group with the
round
contacts 39,40 may also be controlled differently and/or powered by a
different source.
Alternatively or additionally, the contacts of a pair group may be adjusted to
the
terminals of luminaires of similar beam characteristics, e.g. to LED laps of
the same
color. The luminosity of a color can then be individually set using group-
selective control
of contacts 35 through 40. In order to exclude an incorrect assignment of
luminaires to
contact pairs, the contact surfaces of the contacts and the associated
terminals may be
shaped in such a way that they only fit with each other.
For purposes herein, the following definitions apply. A "removable light
module" means
a light module that may be mounted on, removed from, or relocated on the frame
CA 02700924 2010-03-26
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manually without use of tools or need for permanent manipulated electrical
connects,
such as a connection made with a screw, splice, wire nut, etc. The term
"magnetic
material" means a material that is either a permanent magnet or a material
that is
strongly attracted by a permanent magnet. A phrase stating that an article is
mounted
on a surface of an object includes an arrangement wherein the article is
mounted within
the object such that a surface of the article comprises or coincides with a
portion of the
surface of the object. The term "LED" means light-emitting diode, and the term
"LED"
may include a current-limiting resistor electrically connected in series with
the light-
emitting diode. The term "low voltage" means about twenty-four volts or less;
the term
"high voltage" means a voltage other than low voltage. The term "electrical
polarity" or
"polarity" means the direction in which a direct current flows, and the term
"opposite
polarity" or "different polarity" means the direction to that in which a
direct current flows.
Referring now to the drawings with greater particularity, it should be noted
that the
orientation of the invention and emitted light shown in the drawings are by
way of
example and not limitation. In many applications, the light will be emitted
substantially
downward. FIG 10 shows lighting system 1010 comprising a frame 1012 and a
removable light module 1014. Frame 1012 may be formed entirely from a magnetic
material, such as iron, or from a non-magnetic material, such as plastic, with
one or
more pieces of magnetic material embedded in it. In embodiments where the
frame is
electrically conductive, dielectric coating 1016 (shown in more detail in FIG
11) may be
used to insulate electrically conductive paths 1018 and 1020 from each other
and from
base 1026 of the frame. Electrically conductive channels 1018 and 1020 are
thin
electrically conductive stripes, e.g. copper foil. Terminals 1022 and 1024
provide means
for connecting the lighting system 1010 to an external source of electrical
power.
Where the frame is electrically conductive, the frame may serve as one of the
electrically conductive channels, e.g. ground, particularly in low-voltage
applications.
Light module 1014 has light source 1028 mounted on base 1030. The light source
1028
has lead-in wires 1036 and 1038 connected to electrically conductive paths 32
and 34
that make physical and electrical contact with channels 1029 and 1018,
respectively, of
frame 1012. In various aspects of the invention, light source 28 will be
replaceably
CA 02700924 2010-03-26
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mounted on the base such that the light source, e.g. a light bulb, may be
replaced at its
end of life.
As discussed above, dielectric coating 31 (shown in more detail in FIG 11) may
be used
to insulate electrically conductive paths 1032 and 1034 from each other and
from base
1030 of the frame. Electrically conductive paths 1032 and 1034 are formed from
thin
electrically conductive material, e.g. copper foil. Base 1030 may be formed
entirely from
a magnetic material, such as iron, or from a non-magnetic material, such as
plastic, with
one or more pieces of magnetic material embedded in it. The magnetic material
of
frame 1012 may be a permanent magnet that attracts the magnetic material of
base
1030 or, conversely, the magnetic material of base 1030 may be a permanent
magnet
that will attract the magnetic material of from 1012. In either case, the
magnetic
attraction between light module 1014 and frame 1012 must be of sufficient
strength to
hold module 1014 securely on frame 1012 while still permitting the module to
be
mounted on, removed from, or relocated on frame 1012 manually without use of
tools or
need for permanent electrical connections.
A flexible circuit including channels 1018 and 1020 may serve as frame 1012.
The flex
circuit with pressure-sensitive thermally conductive adhesive may be applied
to any
magnetic substrate material without dielectric treatment. The dielectric
strength will be
provided by the flex circuit material. This type of frame is particularly well
suited for
mounting under a sheet metal shelf of cabinet or the like or on a flex
magnetic strip.
FIG 11 is an enlarged sectional view of lighting system 1010. FIG 11
illustrates the
electrical circuit of lighting system 1010.
Systems 1010. As seen in FIG 1, electrical power from an external source is
supplied
across electrically conductive channels 1018 and 1020. FIG 11 shows channel
1018 in
electrical contact with electrically conductive path 34, and channel 1020 in
electrical
contact with electrically conductive path 1032. Paths 1032 and 1034 connect to
lead-in
wires 1036 and 1038, respectively, of light source 1028. Dielectric coating
1031, e.g., an
electronic grade porcelain enamel, electrically insulates paths 1032 and 1034
from each
other and base 1030. Any number of conventional dielectric or resistive
coating
CA 02700924 2010-03-26
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materials, such as, for example, porcelain enamel, glass, ceramic, organ
electrically
insulating materials, or glass/ceramic coatings, may be used in connection
with the
present invention. A dielectric coating may not be required with the use of
magnets
having high electrical resistance, e.g. ceramic magnets. However, such magnets
must
also have adequate thermal conductivity for their heat-sinking function as
will be
discussed below. To avoid the possibility of shorting the frame channels,
width w
(shown in FIG 11) between frame channels 1018 and 1020 should be wide enough
to
prevent either path 1032 or path 1034 from simultaneously touching both
channels even
if module 1014 is twisted on frame 1012.
Referring now to FIG 12, there is shown a lighting system 50 that has channels
1018
and 1020 located within electrically insulated grooves 1052 and 1054 of frame
1062.
Surface 1060 of frame 1062 may include dielectric coating 1016 outside grooves
1052
and 1054 to prevent electrical contact of paths 1032 or 1034 with frame 1062.
Dielectric
material 1056 and 1058 can be formed from any suitable non-conductive material
that
may be the same as, or different from, the material of dielectric coating
1016. As
discussed above, dielectric material 1056 and 1058 may not be required when
paths
1032 and 1034 are electrically isolated from each other by virtue of the non-
conductivity
of the frame material surrounding grooves 1052 and 1054.
In the embodiments shown in FIGs 1-3, light source 28 preferably is a LED. LED
might
modules are typically light, compact, and relatively rugged and inexpensive.
LED
embodiments of the invention are particularly well suited for display where
the physical
lighting systems are intended to be as compact and inconspicuous as possible.
The
frame may be thin, e.g., a thin piece of steel, with the dielectric coating
located only
below the electrical contacts. The lighting modules may have a lower profile
such that
the overall lighting system is ideal for display applications. The frame may
be formed in
or by a surface of a structure, such as a shelf, display, case top, underside
of a cabinet,
etc. In a case where a frame has insufficient interior volume, a portion or
all of the
electrical-support and/or control devices may be located remotely.
The optimum voltage for driving a circuit with a plurality of LED light
sources will depend
CA 02700924 2010-03-26
-19-
on the number of light sources, their characteristics and arrangement in the
circuit, and
other circuit components. The current may be direct or alternating depending
on the
application. With an LED light source, the electrical power applied across
terminals
1022 and 1024 of FIGs 1-3 is preferably about five volts direct current but,
as will be
discussed below, alternating current may be desired in some LED applications.
With
tungsten-halogen lamps, such as MR-16 lamps frequently employed in track
lighting,
the voltage applied across terminals 1022 and 1024 is preferably about twelve
volts. In
either of these low-voltage embodiments, there is no danger of electrical
shock resulting
from exposed electrical channels 1018 and 1020.
However, other types of light sources, such as incandescent, tungsten-halogen,
and
fluorescent lamps, are within the scope of the invention. A step-down
transformer may
be used to reduce the voltage applied across terminals 1022 and 1024 where
required,
e.g., traditional tungsten-halogen track lighting. In high-voltage
embodiments, the
lighting system may be mounted in a housing with a light-transmissive cover
preventing
access to exposed channels 1018 and 1020, preferably with a kill switch that
automatically shuts off the power across channels 1018 and 1020 when the cover
is
open.
Particularly in LED applications, magnetic base 1030 and frame 1026 are sized
to
function as a heat sink that conducts sufficient heat away from light module
1028 to
satisfy the module's thermal operating requirements. More particularly, the
magnet
serves as a thermal path for heat transfer to the substrate portion of the
frame. The
substrate is the effective heat sink.
A wide variety of LEDs in all colors suitable for use in accordance with the
invention is
available from Osram Opto Semiconductors Inc., 2650 San Tomas Expressway,
Suite
200, Santa Clara, CA 95051. LEDs from the DRAGON family are particularly well
suited.
Referring to FIG 13, an alternate embodiment of a light source is shown. Light
source
1080 of FIG 13 may be suited for light source 28 of FIG 1 by electronically
connecting
lead-in wires 1082 and 1084 to channelsl018 and 1020, respectively. Light
source 1080
CA 02700924 2010-03-26
-20-
includes cylindrical sleeve 1086 having central axis A-A.
Reflector 1088, also with central axis A-A, is mounted within sleeve 1086.
Reflector
1088 may be parabolic, as shown in FIG 13, or some other shape in order to
obtain a
desired beam pattern. Reflector 1088 typically has light-reflective coating 89
on its
inside surface. Lens 1090 may be removably mounted on sleeve 1086 by suitable
means, e.g., by thread 1092 such that the lens 1090 may be screwed into sleeve
1086
in front of light LED 1096 or by being pushed into two spade posts. As is well
known in
the art, lens 1090 may be shaped, patterned, and/or coated to produce various
characteristics of light emitted from light source 1080. Further, lens 1090
may be
colored to match or be different from the color of the light emitted from
light source
1080. Lens 1090 may be opaque or semi-opaque everywhere except for the outline
of
an alphanumeric character or some other symbol such that light source 1080
projects
the image of such character or symbol when the light source is lit. Because
lens 1090 is
replaceable, the character or effect of the light emitted from light source
1080 may be
changed by replacing lens 1090 with a different lens. In FIG 13, light source
1080
employs LED 1096 as the light-generating device, but a different light-
generating source
may be employed. In an alternate embodiment of the invention (not shown in the
drawings), reflector 1088 may be movably mounted on the light module such that
the
direction of the emitted beam may be adjusted without relocating the light
module on the
frame. See, for examples, U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,509, issued on October 13, 1992,
to
Wulfman et al. mentioned above and U.S. Pat. No. 4,719,549, issued on January
12,
1988 to Apel.
FIG 14 is a pictorial view of a frame 1100 for use with one ore more light
modules in
accordance with various aspects of the invention.
Frame 1100 differs from frame 1012 of FIG 10 in that there is a plurality of
pairs of
electrically conductive channels on which one or more light modules may be
magnetically mounted. In the drawing, channels 1102 and 1104 form a first
channel
pair, channels 1106 and 1108, a second pair, and channels 1110 and 1112, a
third pair.
If desired, additional pairs of channels may be added to frame 1100. Each
channel may
CA 02700924 2010-03-26
-21-
be formed from a thin electrically conductive material and mounted on body
1101
covered with a dielectric coating as shown in FIG 11, or each channel may be
mounted
in an insulated groove in body 1101 as shown in FIG 12. Terminals 1114 and
1116 may
be connected to an external source of electrical power. The electrically
conductive
channels, and/or channel pairs, may be fabricated by printed circuit board
techniques.
In an embodiment such as shown in FIG 14, there is the advantage that a
plurality of
light modules may be mounted on the frame substantially in the form of an
array, i.e., an
arrangement of rows and columns in the x- and y- directions.
Frame 1100 may have a variety of embodiments and applications. In a vertical
orientation as depicted in FIG 14, frame 1100 may be used as a fixture for
signage.
Light modules with alphanumeric lenses may be mounted on frame 1100 so as to
display a message. When mounted horizontally with the channels facing down
under a
counter or in a display case, the frame accommodates a flexible arrangement of
light
modules, positionable in both x- and y- directions, to direct light onto a
particular work
area or areas, or to highlight certain merchandise, perhaps with different
light
intensities, colors, or aesthetic effects.
FIG 21 illustrates an embodiment of the invention mounted in display case
1300.
Display case 1300 has lighting system 1303 mounted on the underside of top
shelf
1302. Objects 1310 situated on shelf 1312 are objects to be displayed through
glass
front 1314. Light modules 1306 are mounted on frame 1304 so as to illuminate
objects
1310 favorably. There is a good deal of flexibility in the positioning of
modules 1306. As
discussed with reference to FIG 13, the modules may be mounted in various
positions
in both the x- and y- directions of the horizontal shelf. As described with
reference to
FIG 13, reflectors 1308 are adjustably mounted on modules 1306 such that light
beams
1316 may be directed to illuminate objects 1310 at a desired angle, and
various
characteristics of the emitted light may be obtained by choice of lenses (if
any) used on
reflectors 1308. An additional lighting system 1303 may be mounted on the
underside of
shelf 1312 if objects placed on shelf 1316 are desired to be illuminated.
Returning to FIG 14, frame 1100 may be employed as a multiple track-lighting
fixture
CA 02700924 2010-03-26
-22-
mounted on a ceiling or wall. Frame 1100, preferably with a diffusive and
protective
cover, may be used as a ceiling light fixture. In rooms with suspended
ceilings, frame
1100 may be adapted to fit into the ceiling grid in place of a ceiling panel.
Moreover,
several frames 1100, of the same or different sizes, may be used together as
building
blocks or components to construct a two- or three-dimensional lighting system,
e.g., a
two-dimensional system in the shape of the letter "E", or a three-dimensional
system in
the shape of a cube or parallelepiped, or combinations of same, with light
modules
mounted on some or all faces.
A frame need not be rectangular. FIG 15 shows an elevational view of a
circular frame
1120 based on the same wiring and insulating principles as frame 1100. In FIG
15, a
single line, rather than a double line as in FIG 14 represents each
electrically conductive
channel, to illustrate the electrical circuit more clearly. The drawing shows
three pairs of
channels, 1122 and 1124, 1126 and 1128, and 1130 and 1132, that are
essentially
arranged on concentric circles on dielectric surface 1134 or frame 1120. When
terminals 1134 and 1136 are energized with suitable electrical power, one or
more light
modules may be operatively mounted on one or more channel pairs. In a
variation of the
embodiment of FIG 15, a single pair of channels is arranged in a spiral on the
circular
frame rather than in a pattern of concentric circles. It is within the scope
of the invention
to modify frame 1120 and the channels on its surface by stretching their
circular shapes
into various other shapes, such as an oval, crescent, etc.
Aspects of the invention are applicable also to three dimensions. FIG 16A
depicts a
view of spherical frame 1140 based on the same wiring and insulating
principles as
frame 1100 from FIG 14. As in FIG 15, the electrically conductive channels in
FIG 16A
are shown as single lines. Channel pair 1142 comprises channels 1142A and
11426;
likewise, channel pairs 1144, 1146, 1148 and 1150 are each comprised of two
channels. In this embodiment, the electrical circuit is located entirely on
the dielectric
surface 1141 of sphere 1140. Channel pairs 1142, 1144, 1146, 1148 and 1150 are
substantially latitudinal circles of sphere 1141.The circuit may be energized
by
connecting terminals 1152 and 1154 to a suitable power source.
CA 02700924 2010-03-26
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In order to mount light modules on spherical frame 1140, the frame surface
must be
substantially flat. The term "substantially flat" as used herein with respect
to a frame
surface means that the frame surface either is flat or has a radius of
curvature large
enough to permit light modules to be mounted on the frame surface by magnetic
attraction without slippage or rocking. The distance between channels of each
channel
pair should be small enough so that reliable electrical and thermal contact
occurs
between the channels and corresponding paths of a mounted light module. To
facilitate
reliable electrical and thermal contact between frame channels and the
corresponding
paths of a mounted light module, the surface of the light module may be curved
to
match or accommodate the curvature of the frame. The term "substantially flat"
as used
herein with respect to a module surface means that the module surface may be
either
flat or curved such that the module may be mounted on the frame surface by
magnetic
attraction without slippage or rocking, although the curvatures of the frame
and module
surfaces need not be identical. Further, the frame channels may be raised from
the
surface of the frame, as shown in FIG 11 and/or the module's paths may be
raised from
the body of the module. Additionally, the module may include spring contacts,
typically
formed from beryllium copper, that may be shaped to conform to the curvature
of the
frame. Spring contacts will enhance heat transfer away from the module and
improve
module stability particularly where the path/channel contacts between the
module and
frame are narrow. By using a judicious combination of the aforementioned
techniques, a
light module may be designed such that it can be magnetically mounted securely
on a
frame even when the surface of the frame is curved.
While FIG 16A depicts a spherical frame, the same principles apply to a
cylindrical or
conical frame and other curved three-dimensional frames. Particularly in three
dimensional embodiments of the invention, it may be advantageous to conserve
weight
by employing a frame comprising non-magnetic material, such as plastic, with
pieces of
magnetic material imbedded in the frame or adhered on the inside of the frame.
In such
embodiments, however, the ground of the imbedded magnetic material must be
large
enough to satisfy the heat-sinking function and, as is the case in all
embodiments of the
invention utilizing the heat-sinking ability of the magnetic materials, the
size of the
contact areas between the frame and module must be sufficient to permit
adequate heat
CA 02700924 2010-03-26
-24-
transfer from the module to the frame.
FIG 16B shows the same spherical frame 1140 except that the channel pairs
1142,
1144, 1146, 1148 and 1150 are full latitudinal circles on dielectric surface
1141 of
sphere 1140. In this embodiment, terminals 1152 and 1154 protrude into the
interior of
frame 1140. Looking through the break-away in the drawing, terminal 1152 is
electrically
connected to the first channel of each channel pair as illustrated by
connecting wires
1156, 1158 and 1160. Terminal 1154 is electrically connected to the second
channel of
each channel pair as illustrated by connecting wires 1162, 1164 and 1166.
Additional
connecting wires to the remaining channels are omitted in FIG 16B for clarity.
It is within
the scope of the invention to modify frame 1140 by stretching it into various
other
shapes, such as an ellipsoid, etc. In a variation of the embodiment of FIG
16A, a single
pair of channels forms a spiral over the surface of sphere 1141, running
essentially from
the north pole to the south pole.
The embodiments of FIGs 16A and 16B are typically used in lighting systems
hung from
a ceiling or mounted on a pole-type base. For a lighting system mounted
directly on a
horizontal or vertical surface, half of frame 140, i.e., a hemisphere, may be
employed
using the same principles illustrated in FIGs 16A and 16B.
FIG 16B illustrates the concept that electrical power may be supplied to the
frame
channels from inside the frame of the lighting system. Various electrical
control devices,
such as ballasts, dimmers, transformers, power supplies, inverters, drivers,
controllers,
etc., may also be located within the body of the frame such that the lighting
system may
be connected directly to a standard power source, say, 110 volts, alternating
current.
Moreover, such control devices may each service one or more light modules,
such as
one ballast servicing four or eight fluorescent light modules. This feature of
the invention
may be employed with three-dimensional frames, e.g. a cube, sphere, or
polyhedron,
and it may also be utilized with two-dimensional frames, such as those
depicted in FIGs
1, 5, and 6, by extending the electrical channels to the inside of the frame
bodies rather
than directly to external terminals as shown in the drawings.
In further aspects of the invention, FIGs 17A and 18A illustrate additional
examples of
CA 02700924 2010-03-26
-25-
embodiments of three-dimensional frames. FIG 17A illustrates an icosahedron
frame
1180 having twenty equal faces 1182, each face being an equilateral triangle
as shown
in FIG 17B. Terminal 1181, comprising dual electrically isolated wires,
extends inside
the body of frame 1180 and provides means for supplying electrical power to
light
modules from within frame 1180.
FIG 9A illustrates a dodecahedron frame 1190 having twelve equal faces 1192,
each
face being an equilateral pentagon as shown in FIG 18B. Terminal 1191,
comprising
dual electrically isolated wires, extends inside the body of frame 1190 and
provides
means for supplying electrical power to light modules from within frame 1190.
As shown
in the drawings, electrically conductive channels 1184 and 1186 may be
centrally
located on dielectric-coated pentagonal face 1182, and likewise for
electrically
conductive channels 1194 and 1196 on dielectric-coated pentagonal face 1192,
although the orientation of these channels within the triangular or pentagonal
faces is
not critical. Faces 1182 and 1192 comprise magnetic material so that a light
module
may be mounted on each face. Channels 1184 and 1186 are electrically isolated
from
each other and from face 1182, and likewise for channels 1194 and 1196 from
face
1192. Channels 1184 and 1186 pass through face 1182 and are connected to
terminal
1181 such that electrical power may be supplied from inside the body of the
icosahedron frame 1180 such that electrical power may be supplied from inside
the
body of icosahedron frame 1180 in the same way as shown in FIG 16B, and
likewise for
channels 1194 and 1196 from inside dodecahedron frame 1190.
Additional solid shapes for frames in accordance with various aspects of the
invention,
such as cylinders, cones, prisms, combinations and frustums of various solids,
etc., may
be constructed by one with skill in the art using the same principles as
described above.
These additional embodiments are within the scope of the invention.
As described in the foregoing examples, numerous embodiments and variations of
the
frame structure are possible and practical. In all of these embodiments, it is
important
that the electrical paths of the light module be properly positioned on the
electrical
channels of the frame so that the light module can be reliably powered.
CA 02700924 2010-03-26
-26-
Pictorials or graphics may be employed to provide guidance as to the proper
orientation
of modules on the frame. FIG 19 shows the lighting system of FIG 2 with
addition of
ridges 206, 208 and 210 and receiving groove 212. Assuming, for the moment,
that
ridge 1210 and groove 1212 are omitted, ridges 1206 and 1208 insure that light
module
1200 is properly aligned electrically when mounted on frame 1204 except,
possibly, for
electrical polarity. With ridge 1210 positioned within groove 1212, proper
polarity is
assured because the ridge and groove, both located to the right of center-line
B-B in the
drawing, are not centered on frame 1204. Note, ridge 1210 and groove 1212 may
not
always be necessary or desired as, for example, where the light module 1200 is
powered by alternating current.
In a direct-current embodiment where light source 1214 is an LED and ridge
1210 and
groove 1212 have been omitted, a user would realize that the light module was
mounted with improper polarity by virtue of the fact that the LED did not
light when
energized, whereupon the user would remount the light module with the polarity
reversed. Alternatively, the light module may include two LEDs, each lighting
with
opposite polarity, so whatever the polarity of the module one LED would light.
A light
module with two LEDs of opposite polarity will function with alternating
current. Another
dual-LED alternative is where each LED emits different colored light, say, the
first LED
emitting white light and the second, with opposite polarity, emitting red
light. The emitted
red light might signal the user that the light module is mounted with the
wrong polarity,
or it may be a design feature of the light module that it can emit different
colored light
depending on its polarity position on the frame or depending on the polarity
supplied to
the lighting system.
Additional signaling options, such as blinking, could be achieved by pulsing
the power
supplied to the lighting system. A single light module may be comprised of two
groups
of LEDs with one group responding to a first applied polarity and the second
group
responding to the opposite applied polarity or, alternatively, a lighting
system may
employ two groups of light modules, one group of modules responding to a first
polarity
and the second group of modules responding to the opposite applied polarity.
CA 02700924 2010-03-26
-27-
FIG 20 shows the lighting system of FIG 12 with the addition of ridge 222 on
frame 1226
and matching groove 1224 in light module 1228. Ridge 1222 is asymmetrical,
having
one vertical side (left side of the drawing) and one slanted side (right side
of the
drawing), and likewise for matching groove 1224. Mounting module 1228 on frame
1226
with ridge 1222 properly positioned within groove 1224 insures reliable
electrical
contracts and proper polarity, irrespective of whether or not the groove is
centered with
respect to center-line C-C. There are numerous other possible arrangements of
ridges,
grooves, and/or other means in accordance with various aspects of the
invention for
insuring the light module will be mounted on the frame with reliable
electrical contacts
between the module and frame and, where appropriate, proper electrical
polarity.
In each of the foregoing embodiments of the invention, there is the capability
for a
variable number of light modules to be electrically connected in parallel on a
frame
connected to an external power supply or driver circuit. Because the light
modules may
be added or removed from the frame at any time, the power supply must be
capable of
regulating the supply current such that an appropriate current will be
provided to each
light module. Such regulated power supplies are known in the art. See, for
example,
United States Patent No. 6,577,512, issued June 10, 2003, to Tripathi et al.,
which
describes a power supply for a variable number of LEDs wired in series or in
parallel.
In an embodiment employing a variable number of LED light modules connected in
parallel, the driver circuit may need the ability to detect the number of
light modules
mounted on the frame in real time. A resistor added in parallel with the LED
on each
module will facilitate the driver circuit's ability to detect the number of
LED light modules
mounted at any time. By periodically detecting the equivalent resistance of
the mounted
LED modules, the driver circuit would regulate the supply current accordingly.
Referring again to the above-mentioned Wulfman et al. patent, the present
invention
may be employed in low- or high-voltage applications with LED, incandescent,
halogen,
or fluorescent light sources, whereas Wulfman et al. teaches only a low-
voltage halogen
system. A frame of the present invention may be adapted to support light
modules in
one, two, or three dimensions, whereas the Wulfman et al. housings are
constrained to
CA 02700924 2010-03-26
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a linear track. An advantage of the present invention not taught by Wulfman et
al. is the
feature that the magnetic materials in the frame and light module serve the
dual
purpose of mounting and heat-sinking in LED embodiments.
In applications where it is desirable to have the lighting system be as
inconspicuous as
possible such as an under-counter system for lighting merchandise, the bracket
and
fixtures of Wulfman et al. will occupy significantly more space and be more
conspicuous
than a lighting system in accordance with the invention, particularly in an
embodiment
employing LED light sources. There are further advantages. The present
invention may
be employed in signage or signaling applications. Lighting systems in
accordance with
the present invention may be used as components or building blocks in larger
lighting
systems. Lighting systems in accordance with the present invention may be
fabricated
with three-dimensional frames that have an aesthetic appearance even when the
lighting system is not illuminated. The present invention has a far wider
variety of
applications than the lighting system of Wulfman et al. and provides a user
with
enhanced ability to control the quantity, direction, and characteristics of
the emitted
light.
While there have been shown what are at present considered to be the preferred
embodiments of the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art
that various
changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope
of the
invention as defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, it should be
understood that
the invention has been described by way of illustration and not limitation.
Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the execution examples.
Halogen
lamps can be employed alternative or in addition to LEDs. OELDs are a
possibility when
it comes to LEDs, particularly flat OLED illuminants. The contact posts 8
added during
or after manufacture. If the latter, they can be in the form of an adapter
piece that is at
least attachable to the module and includes bases to which they can also be
attached
afterward.
The adapter pieces can thus be designed as a post-purchase piece, while the
bases
can be connected directly to the housing of a base lamp, for example.
