Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CA 02675331 2009-08-12
1 Patent
Attorney Docket No.: 2N07.1-012
LED CANDELABRA FIXTURE AND LAMP
Cross-Reference to Related Application
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisional
Patent
Application Serial No. 12/392,597, filed February 25, 2009, which claims the
benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/031,944, filed February 27, 2008,
the entireties
of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
Technical Field
[0002] The present invention relates generally to electric lighting, and more
particularly to an LED candelabra or chandelier-type lamp or light bulb, and a
fixture for
receiving one or more such lamps.
Background of the Invention
[0003] Traditional incandescent lamps or light bulbs have been found to suffer
from
a variety of shortcomings, including inefficient use of energy and limited
lifespan. Other
types of lamps, such as compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and light emitting
diode (LED)
lighting are taking the place of incandescent lamps in certain applications.
These newer
forms of lighting, however, often present their own challenges. For example,
challenges
related to LED lighting applications include the dissipation of heat, and the
space
requirements of electronic driver circuitry for LED lights.
[0004] Thus it can be seen that needs exist for continuing improvements to
lighting
components, fixtures and systems. It is to the provision of an improved lamp,
and to
lighting fixtures, systems and methods related thereto, meeting these and
other needs that
the present invention is primarily directed.
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Summary of the Invention
[0005] In example forms, the present invention is an LED lamp for use in
connection
with candelabra and/or chandelier type lighting fixtures. In one aspect, the
lamp of the
present invention includes an LED light source, a candle base housing the
electronic driver
circuitry for the LED light source, and a transparent or light-transmissive
envelope aff ixed
to the candle base and surrounding the LED light source.
[0006] In another aspect, the invention is chandelier or candelabra light
fixture
comprising one or more sockets for receiving an LED lamp as described above.
[0007] These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will
be
understood with reference to the drawing figures and detailed description
herein, and will
be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly
pointed out in
the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description
and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description
of the invention
are exemplary and explanatory of preferred embodiments of the invention, and
are not
restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0008] FIGURE 1 shows an LED candelabra-type lamp or bulb, and a portion of a
fixture for receiving such a lamp or bulb, according to example forms of the
present
invention.
[0009] FIGURE 2 shows a chandelier-type lighting fixture incorporating a
plurality of
LED candelabra lamps according to another example form of the present
invention.
[0010] FIGURE 3 shows a cross sectional view of an embodiment of an LED
subassembly according to an example form of the present invention.
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[0011] FIGURE 4 shows an isolated embodiment of a candle tube for use with the
LED Assembly in FIGURE 3.
[0012] FIGURE 5 shows an isolated embodiment of a base for use with the LED
Assembly in FIGURE 3 and the candle tube in FIGURE 4.
[0013] FIGURE 6 shows an isolated embodiment of a decorative envelope for use
with the LED assembly in FIGURE 3.
[0014] FIGURE 7 shows a side view of an example embodiment of an optic and LED
assembly.
[0015] FIGURE 8 shows a top planar view of the embodiment in FIGURE 7.
[0016] FIGURE 9 shows an alternate embodiment of an optic and LED assembly.
[0017] FIGURES 10-13 show an assembly sequence for a lamp according to an
example form of the invention.
[0018] FIGURE 14 shows example alternate embodiments of lamp bases for use in
connection with a lamp according to example forms of the invention.
[0019] FIGURE 15 shows example alternate embodiments of decorative envelopes
for use in connection with a lamp according to example forms of the invention.
[0020] FIGURE 16 shows a wall sconce fixture embodiment incorporating lamps
according to an example form of the invention.
Detailed Description of Example Embodiments
[0021] The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to
the
following detailed description of the invention taken in connection with the
accompanying
drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood
that this
invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or
parameters
described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the
purpose of
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describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended
to be
limiting of the claimed invention. Also, as used in the specification
including the appended
claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural, and
reference to a
particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the
context clearly
dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" or
"approximately"
one particular value and/or to "about" or "approximately" another particular
value. When
such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular
value
and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as
approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that
the particular
value forms another embodiment.
[0022] With reference now to the drawing figures, Fig. 1 shows an LED lamp or
bulb
according to an example form of the present invention. The lamp 10 includes a
light
emitting diode (LED) light source 12. The LED 12 may take the form of any of a
variety of
LEDs of various wattages, designs, Kelvin temperatures, colors, multicolor
packages, light
output color, and/or various other design characteristics. The term LED, when
used herein,
can refer to a single LED diode, a mounted single LED, a multi-chip LED
package, or an
LED array of multiple LEDs incorporated into a single package with or without
a primary
optic. The lamp 10 further comprises a candle base 14, housing internal driver
circuitry
components 16 for powering the LED 12. The candle base 14 further includes two
or more
electronic contacts 18 extending from its lower end for delivering electricity
to the driver
circuitry components 16. A transparent, translucent or otherwise light
transmitting
envelope 20 of glass, plastic, or other material preferably surrounds the LED
12, and is
affixed at an upper end of the candle base 14. In the depicted embodiments,
the candle
base 14 is generally cylindrical, having a diameter and a height of at least
one to two times
the diameter, and has a white, cream, beige, or other exterior color; and the
transparent
envelope 20 is preferably tapered to a point at its distal end, whereby the
lamp 10 generally
presents the appearance of a candle and/or of a traditional incandescent
candelabra or
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chandelier-type lamp. In other embodiments, candle bases of differing geometry
and/or
appearance are provided, for example geometric prism shapes (a three
dimensional polyhedron with a polygon such as a square or a octagon as a face
and
rectangles as sides), spherical candles, tapered cylindrical candles, any of
the above
referenced shapes altered to create the appearance of wax melted by the heat
of a candle
flame, any of the above referenced shapes with decorative "fluting" or
grooves, or any of
the above referenced shapes contained in glass to give the appearance of a
candle contained in a votive or other light transmitting vessel.
[0023] In example forms, the candle base 14 of the lamp 10 comprises a small
electrical contact base, comprising the contacts 18 and having a size and
shape
compatible with any of various standard lighting fixture connections, such as
E12, GU10,
Ba15 contact configurations. As seen in Fig. 2, one or more lamps 10 according
to the
present invention may be used in connection with a light fixture 30, such as a
chandelier,
wall sconce, post light, outdoor lantern or the like, which commonly utilize
candelabra or
chandelier-type lamps having the appearance of traditional candles. In example
forms, the
candle base 14 sits in a cup-shaped member 32 that is part of the fixture 30,
or
alternatively maybe part of the lamp 10. The fixture optionally includes a
socket or contact
points that are recessed in the cup 32 for removably receiving a portion of
each lamp base
and its electrical contacts. The candle base 14 and/or the cup-shaped member
32 of the
fixture optionally comprise one or more fins or heat sink members formed of
metal or other
heat-transmissive materials, to assist in dissipating heat from the LED 12
and/or from the
driver circuitry components 16.
[0024] The invention further includes a light fixture 30 for receiving and
delivering
energy to one or more lamps 10 as described. The fixture includes at least one
socket
configured to receive the candle base 14 of the lamp(s). In the depicted
embodiment, the
fixture is a multi-lamp, hanging chandelier type of fixture, but the invention
also includes
fixtures including wall-mounted, floor or table-standing lamp, hanging, single
or multi-bulb,
sconce, pendant, or other lighting furniture and other fixture types. The at
least one socket
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of the fixture preferably includes two or more electronic terminals or
contacts for delivering
electrical energy to corresponding contacts of the lamp(s). Optionally, the
LED driver
circuitry components are housed in the fixture, rather than the lamp bases.
The fixture
preferably further comprises one or more wires or other conduits for
delivering electricity
from a remote source to the lamps, and optionally comprises a switch, sensor
or other
control means for turning the light on and off, and/or for adjusting the
intensity of the light
delivered. The fixture optionally also may include one or more diffusers or
shades for
assisting in distributing or focusing the light output.
[0025] An example LED subassembly 40 is shown in Fig. 3. The LED assembly 40
converts power from the incoming voltage and current into a voltage and
current
appropriate for an LED, and transports the light to the appropriate location
within a
decorative envelope. As shown, an LED emitter 46 contains an LED package 44
with a
primary optic. The LED emitter 46 projects light upwardly through a light
transporter 42
toward a secondary optic 48. This process can be completed by a variety of
methods used
to move the light from an LED to an appropriate Light Center Length in an
envelope. The
example LED assembly 40 has retainers 50 for the threading of decorative
envelopes
described below or other facilitating method of securing the envelope to the
LED assembly
40. An LED driver 52 converts incoming voltage and current into the
appropriate
characteristics for operating the LED package 44. Input terminals 54 are
secured to the
LED driver 52 to introduce power into the LED driver 52. Wire leads 56 carry
power to the
input terminals 54. Connectors 58 electrically connect the wire leads 56 to a
base such as
base 14 in Fig. 1.
[0026] The LED assembly 40 is placed into a candle tube 60 as shown in Fig. 4.
The candle tube 60 can be a metal, ceramic or plastic shell, or can be formed
of other
materials, and can be a variety of colors, sizes and shapes. The candle tube
60 has an
open top and bottom and a hollow center. The LED assembly 40 may produce a
large
amount of heat and the candle tube 60 releases heat produced by the LED
assembly 40.
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The candle tube 60 releases heat through radiation, convection or conduction,
and
optionally includes fluting, ridges, fins, projections, recesses or other
surface features to
increase surface area and enhance heat dissipation therefrom. In example form,
the
projecting surface features can take the form of simulated wax dripping down
the side of
the simulated candle body. The LED assembly 40 is placed in the candle tube 60
ensuring
the wire leads 56 go in first and hang out from the bottom of the candle tube
60. A rim 43
of the LED assembly 40 (shown in Fig. 3) ensures proper placement within the
candle tube
60, and friction, compression, a retaining ring, gasket, connector, coupling,
adhesive, or
other means of attachment secures the LED assembly 40 within the candle tube
60.
[0027] As shown in Fig. 5, the base 61 secures to the bottom of the candle
tube 60.
The base 61 can fit around the candle tube 60 or insert into the bottom of the
candle tube
60 using friction, adhesive, notching/threading or other like method of
securing. The
excess wiring 56 is pushed up into the candle the 60. The base 61 has
terminals 62 which
receive the connectors 58 attached to the wire leads 56. There are connections
64
between the terminals 62 and the base 61. The connections 64 can be GU-10, but
alternatively can be any base type such as El 1, E12, E14, E26, E27, BA1 5D,
or any other
like base.
[0028] An example of a decorative envelope 66 is shown in Fig. 6. The
decorative
envelope 66 has an open bottom that is placed over the LED optic 42 (Fig. 3)
and secured
to the LED assembly 40 using friction or adhesive, notching/threading or other
like method
of securing. The envelope 66 alternatively has threads 68 which screw onto the
retainers
50 in the LED subassembly. The decorative envelope is translucent,
transparent, or
otherwise light-transmissive.
[0029] Figures 7 and 8 shows an alternate embodiment of an LED assembly 40,
according to the present invention. The LED assembly 40 has at least one high
power
LED package 44 and at least one low power color surface mount diode (SMD)
package 47.
In the depicted embodiment, three low power color SMD secondary LED packages
47 are
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arranged in triangular form about a single high power LED package. Optionally,
the low
power color SMDs are spaced at equal distances from one another around a
centrally-
located high power LED package. The primary LED package 44 emits a higher-
intensity
light of a first color (for example white light), and the secondary LED
package(s) emit(s) a
lower intensity light of one or more different colors (for example, yellow,
red, orange, and/or
blue). The lower intensity secondary light of different colors blends with the
primary light to
produce a light having desired color, brightness or other characteristics. For
example, a
white primary light may be provided for brightness, and secondary light of
yellow, red,
orange, and/or blue blended with the primary light to produce a light source
having the
color of a natural candle flame. Optionally, the secondary and/or primary LED
packages
are flickered on and off, and/or their relative intensities are varied, in a
controlled manner,
to produce a flickering effect similar to that of a real candle flame. One or
more electronic
controllers, microprocessors, or the like are optionally included for
controlling the operation
of the secondary and/or primary LED packages.
[0030] Fig. 9 shows another embodiment of an LED assembly 40, having a single
LED package with a primary optic 70. The assembly 40 includes a light
transporter 42 for
transporting light to a secondary optic 48, and a PCB board or other form of
control circuitry
46. The LED assembly 40 can operate independently or in tandem with one or
more
additional LED assemblies or other light sources. Onboard or remote control
circuitry is
optionally provided for generating a flickering effect or other desired light
properties.
[0031] Fig. 10 shows an assembly view of the envelope 66, candle tube 60, LED
assembly 40 and base 61 separated from each other. Figures 11 - 13 show an
assembly
sequence. Figure 11 shows the envelope 66 inserted and secured within the LED
assembly 40. Figure 12 shows the LED assembly 40 inserted and secured within
the
candle tube 60 with the wire leads 56 and connectors 58 extending out of the
bottom of the
candle tube 60. Figure 13 shows the base 61 inserted and secured into the
bottom of the
candle tube 60. The assembly can be is disassembled by reversing the stages
described
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in Fig. 10-13. As used herein, an LED assembly includes at least one LED, and
optionally
includes driver, light transporter, heat transfer, electrical coupling,
housing, and/or other
associated components.
[0032] Fig. 14 shows a variety of optional base configurations that can be
used as
the base 61 of the LED lamp. Examples shown are the E26, El 2, El 1, El 7,
BA22D, El 4,
BA15D, BA15S, BA9S, GU10 and G9 base formats. Figure 15 shows a variety of
optional
envelope configurations 66 suitable for use in connection with the lamp of the
present
invention, although other envelope configurations are within the scope of the
invention.
Examples shown are the flame tip (clear or frost), C15 spun glass shape,
diamond torpedo
shape, clear prismatic decorative shape, flame shape (clear or amber) or
torpedo shape
(clear or frost). Additionally, candle tubes of different lengths, diameters,
and/or colors
can be provided as optional off-the-shelf components. The provision of
different bases
and/or envelopes that are compatible with different candle tubes in a
universal fit manner
allows a supplier, distributor, service technician or end user to customize
the lamp by
assembling selected components into a desired combination.
[0033] Figure 16 shows an alternate embodiment of a lighting fixture 82, in
the form
of a wall sconce 82, including one or more lamps 80, as described herein.
Optionally, the
lamps 80 are removably affixed within a socket or other coupling of the
fixture or
permanently affixed to the body of the fixture 82. Additionally, the body of
the fixture 82
can be in thermally conductive contact with the driver circuitry of the lamp,
to allow heat
from the driver circuitry to dissipate through and from the fixture body,
effectively using the
surface area of at least a portion of the fixture body as a radiator to cool
the lamp.
[0034] While the invention has been described with reference to preferred and
example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a
variety of
modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention,
as defined by
the following claims.
