U.S. patent application number 15/093256 was filed with the patent office on 2017-10-12 for light-emitting diode (led) light sets.
The applicant listed for this patent is Geoffrey Herbert Harris. Invention is credited to Geoffrey Herbert Harris.
Application Number | 20170295622 15/093256 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59981304 |
Filed Date | 2017-10-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170295622 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Harris; Geoffrey Herbert |
October 12, 2017 |
LIGHT-EMITTING DIODE (LED) LIGHT SETS
Abstract
Apparatuses and systems are provided for changing the spectrum
of light emission from a light-emitting diode (LED) light set. The
LED light set may include LEDs, each of which having at least a
first LED chip and a second LED chip configured to emit light at
differing wavelengths. The first and second LED chips may be
connected in series with opposite polarities. Responsive to
receiving a power flow in a first direction from a power terminal,
the first LED chip may emit light of a first color while the second
LED chip may remain powered off. Responsive to receiving the power
flow in a second direction opposite the first direction from the
power source, the second LED chip may emit light of a second color
different than the first color while the first LED chip may remain
powered off.
Inventors: |
Harris; Geoffrey Herbert;
(Chicago, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Harris; Geoffrey Herbert |
Chicago |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
59981304 |
Appl. No.: |
15/093256 |
Filed: |
April 7, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21V 23/001 20130101;
F21Y 2115/10 20160801; F21W 2121/00 20130101; Y02B 20/42 20130101;
H01L 33/502 20130101; F21Y 2113/17 20160801; F21V 23/06 20130101;
H01L 33/30 20130101; H05B 47/16 20200101; Y02B 20/40 20130101; H01L
33/62 20130101; F21W 2121/04 20130101; F21S 4/10 20160101; H05B
45/20 20200101 |
International
Class: |
H05B 33/08 20060101
H05B033/08; F21V 23/00 20060101 F21V023/00; F21V 23/06 20060101
F21V023/06; H05B 37/02 20060101 H05B037/02 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: a power terminal configured to produce
a power flow through a wire in either a first direction or a second
direction opposing the first direction, the power terminal
including an A/B switch configured to switch the power flow between
the first direction and the second direction; and a light-emitting
diode connected to the power terminal via the wire, the
light-emitting diode including: a first light-emitting diode chip
having a first polarity; and a second light-emitting diode chip
connected in series with the first light-emitting diode chip, the
second light-emitting diode chip having a second polarity opposite
the first polarity, wherein the first light-emitting diode chip is
configured to emit light of a first wavelength in response to the
power flow in the first direction, and wherein the second
light-emitting diode chip is configured to emit light of a second
wavelength different than the first wavelength in response to the
power flow in the second direction.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first light-emitting diode
chip is only configured to emit light in response to the power flow
in the first direction, and wherein the second light-emitting diode
chip is only configured to emit light in response to the power flow
in the second direction.
3. (canceled)
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first wavelength of light
emitted by the first light-emitting diode chip is associated with a
first pattern and the second wavelength of light emitted by the
second light-emitting diode chip is associated with a second
pattern different than the first pattern.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the A/B switch includes a
timer configured to change between an on state and an off state,
wherein in the on state the timer is configured to cause the A/B
switch to switch the power flow to the first direction, and wherein
in the off state the timer is configured to cause the A/B switch to
switch the power flow to the second direction.
6. An apparatus comprising: a power terminal configured to produce
a power flow through a wire; a first inline connector and a second
inline connector attached to the wire, wherein the wire is
connected to the power terminal by the first inline connector and
the second inline connector, wherein a direction of the power flow
through the wire is switched between a first direction and a second
direction opposing the first direction by changing a connection of
the first inline connector and the second inline connector with the
power terminal; and a light-emitting diode connected to the power
terminal via the wire, the light-emitting diode including: a first
light-emitting diode chip having a first polarity; and a second
light-emitting diode chip connected in series with the first
light-emitting diode chip, the second light-emitting diode chip
having a second polarity opposite the first polarity, wherein the
first light-emitting diode chip is configured to emit light of a
first wavelength in response to the power flow in the first
direction, and wherein the second light-emitting diode chip is
configured to emit light of a second wavelength different than the
first wavelength in response to the power flow in the second
direction.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first light-emitting diode
chip is only configured to emit light in response to the power flow
in the first direction, and wherein the second light-emitting diode
chip is only configured to emit light in response to the power flow
in the second direction.
8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first light-emitting diode
chip is of a first type, and wherein the second light-emitting
diode chip is of a second type different than the first type.
9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first wavelength of light
emitted by the first light-emitting diode chip is associated with a
first pattern and the second wavelength of light emitted by the
second light-emitting diode chip is associated with a second
pattern different than the first pattern.
10. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the light-emitting diode
further includes a waterproof casing encapsulating the first
light-emitting diode chip and the second light-emitting diode chip,
an anode terminal configured to connect to the wire, and a cathode
terminal configured to connect to the wire.
11-20. (canceled)
21. An apparatus comprising: a power terminal configured to produce
a power flow through a wire in either a first direction or a second
direction opposing the first direction, the power terminal
including an A/B switch configured to switch the power flow between
the first direction and the second direction; and a light-emitting
diode connected to the power terminal via the wire, the
light-emitting diode including: a first light-emitting diode chip
having a first polarity, wherein the first light-emitting diode
chip is of a first type; and a second light-emitting diode chip
connected in series with the first light-emitting diode chip, the
second light-emitting diode chip having a second polarity opposite
the first polarity, and wherein the second light-emitting diode
chip is of a second type different than the first type, wherein the
first light-emitting diode chip is configured to emit light of a
first wavelength in response to the power flow in the first
direction, and wherein the second light-emitting diode chip is
configured to emit light of a second wavelength different than the
first wavelength in response to the power flow in the second
direction.
Description
FIELD
[0001] Aspects described herein generally relate to light-emitting
diode (LED) light sets. More specifically, aspects relate to
changing the color emission of LED light sets.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The use of light sets as decorations for holidays such as
Christmas and Halloween is conventional. However, in most
instances, such lights are only capable of emitting light in a
single holiday-specific color arrangement in accordance with the
traditional colors of the holiday (e.g., red, green, etc. for
Christmas, orange for Halloween, and the like). Accordingly,
decorative light sets need to be swapped out between holiday
seasons to ensure cohesion with holiday color schemes.
[0003] In other instances, complex light strips may be able to
achieve varying spectrums of light emission. While such strips may
enable assimilation with traditional color arrangements of a
multitude of holidays, they require expensive RGB color LEDs, extra
wiring to each LED to allow for controllability, a microcontroller
to dictate color emission of the LEDs, and a remote control to
engage with the microcontroller to enable user control over the
light emission.
[0004] Accordingly, there exists a need for ways to change the
color emission of LED light sets in a less expensive and simple
fashion.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0005] The following presents a simplified summary of various
aspects described herein. This summary is not an extensive
overview, and is not intended to identify key or critical elements
or to delineate the scope of the claims. The following summary
merely presents some concepts in a simplified form as an
introductory prelude to the more detailed description provided
below.
[0006] To overcome limitations in the prior art described above,
and to overcome other limitations that will be apparent upon
reading and understanding the present specification, aspects
described herein are directed to apparatuses and systems for
changing the spectrum of light emission of LED light sets.
[0007] A first aspect described herein provides an LED configured
to emit light of either a first or second wavelength depending on a
direction of power flow into the LED. The LED may include at least
a first LED chip configured to emit light of a first wavelength and
a second LED chip configured to emit light of a second wavelength
different than the first wavelength. The first and second LED chips
may be connected in series with opposite polarity. The LED may be
connected by a wire to a power terminal. The power terminal may be
configured to produce a power flow through the wire, and may
include an A/B switch configured to switch the direction of the
power flow between a first and second direction through the wire.
Responsive to receiving power flow in the first direction from the
power terminal, the first LED chip may be configured to activate
and/or power on, while the second LED chip may be configured to
remain powered off. Responsive to receiving power flow in the
second direction opposite the first direction, the second LED chip
may be configured to activate and/or power on, while the first LED
chip may be configured to remain powered off.
[0008] A second aspect described herein provides an LED configured
to emit light of either a first or second wavelength depending on a
direction of power flow into the LED. The LED may include at least
a first LED chip configured to emit light of a first wavelength and
a second LED chip configured to emit light of a second wavelength
different than the first wavelength. The first and second LED chips
may be connected in series with opposite polarity. The LED may be
connected by a wire to a power terminal. The power terminal may be
configured to produce a power flow through the wire, which may be
connected to the power terminal through a first inline connector
and a second inline connector. The direction of the power flow
through the wire may be switched between a first direction and a
second direction by changing a connection of the first inline
connector and the second inline connector with the power terminal.
Responsive to receiving power flow in the first direction from the
power terminal, the first LED chip may be configured to activate
and/or power on, while the second LED chip may be configured to
remain powered off. Responsive to receiving power flow in the
second direction opposite the first direction, the second LED chip
may be configured to activate and/or power on, while the first LED
chip may be configured to remain powered off.
[0009] A third aspect described herein provides for an LED light
tree comprising a plurality of LEDs. The LED light tree may include
a support apparatus housing each of the plurality of LEDs. The
support apparatus may include a trunk portion, a plurality of
branch portions connected to the trunk portion, and a plurality of
twig portions connected to the plurality of branch portions. The
LEDs may be housed in each of the respective portions of the
support apparatus and may be of a certain type depending on the
portion in which they are housed. Each of the LEDs of the plurality
of LEDs may include at least a first LED chip configured to emit
light of a first wavelength and a second LED chip configured to
emit light of a second wavelength different than the first
wavelength. The first and second LED chips may be connected in
series with opposite polarity. Responsive to receiving power flow
in a first direction from a power source, the first LED chip of
each of the plurality of LEDs may be configured to activate and/or
power on, while the second LED chip of each of the plurality of
LEDs may be configured to remain powered off. Responsive to
receiving power flow in a second direction opposite the first
direction, the second LED chip of each of the plurality of LEDs may
be configured to activate and/or power on, while the first LED chip
of each of the plurality of LEDs may be configured to remain
powered off.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] A more complete understanding of aspects described herein
and the advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the
following description in consideration of the accompanying
drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate like features,
and wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an LED that may be used to
implement aspects of the disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a first example of power
flow and corresponding LED chip activation according to one or more
aspects of the disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a second example of power
flow and corresponding LED activation according to one or more
aspects of the disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a first example of power
flow and corresponding LED chip activation in an LED system
according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a second example of power
flow and corresponding LED chip activation in an LED system
according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an LED string and a first
example of LED chip activation according to one or more aspects of
the disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an LED string and a second
example of LED chip activation according to one or more aspects of
the disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an LED tree and a first
example of LED chip activation according to one or more aspects of
the disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an LED tree and a second
example of LED chip activation according to one or more aspects of
the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] In the following description of the various embodiments,
reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate
various embodiments in which aspects described herein may be
practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be
utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made
without departing from the scope of the described aspects and
embodiments. Aspects described herein are capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various
ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting. Rather, the phrases and terms
used herein are to be given their broadest interpretation and
meaning. The use of "including" and "comprising" and variations
thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and
equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents
thereof. The use of the terms "mounted," "connected," "coupled,"
"positioned," "engaged" and similar terms, is meant to include both
direct and indirect mounting, connecting, coupling, positioning and
engaging.
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates an LED 100 that may be used according to
one or more illustrative embodiments of the disclosure. LED 100 may
be a miniature, low-current, low-power, standard,
ultra-high-output, high-power, AC driven, flashing, bi-color,
tri-color, decorative-multicolor, or filament LED depending on the
embodiment. LED 100 may include LED chip 102A, LED chip 102B,
casing 104, anode terminal 106, and cathode terminal 108. In some
instances, LED 100 may include additional LED chips, anode
terminals, and cathode terminals similar to LED chip 102A or 102B,
anode terminal 106, and cathode terminal 108.
[0022] LED chips 102A and 102B of LED 100 may be solid-state
semiconductor devices configured to convert electricity into
specific wavelengths of light. LED chips 102A and 102B may be made
of any of a number of semiconductor materials including gallium
arsenide, aluminum gallium arsenide, gallium arsenide phosphide,
aluminum gallium indium phosphide, gallium (III) phosphide,
aluminum gallium phosphide, indium gallium nitride, gallium (III)
nitride, zinc selenide, silicon carbide, silicon, diamond, boron
nitride, aluminum nitride, aluminum gallium nitride, aluminum
gallium indium nitride, and the like. Such semiconductor materials
may be used alone, or in combination. Additionally, the
semiconductor materials may be coated and/or wrapped in phosphor or
plastic to produce additional wavelengths/colors of light. In some
instances, other types of materials may be used.
[0023] Depending on the types of semiconductor materials of LED
chips 102A and 102B, the chips may be configured to emit
wavelengths of light corresponding to infrared, red, orange,
yellow, green, blue, violet, purple, ultraviolet, pink, white, or
combinations thereof. Accordingly, LED chip 102A may be made of a
first material and may be configured to emit a first wavelength of
light and LED chip 102B may be made of a second material different
than the first material and may be configured to emit a second
wavelength of light different than the first wavelength of light.
For example, LED chip 102A may be made of gallium (III) phosphide
and may be configured to emit green light and LED chip 102B may be
made of gallium arsenide phosphide and may be configured to emit
orange light. In certain embodiments, LED chips 102A and 102B may
be made of the same material and may be configured to emit the same
wavelength of light.
[0024] LED chips 102A and 102B may be connected in series with a
same polarity and may be configured to emit light simultaneously
(e.g., both LED chip 102A and 102B are activated and/or powered on
and emitting light at the same time). Alternatively, LED chips 102A
and 102B may be connected in series with an opposite polarity and
may be configured to emit light in the alternate (e.g., when LED
chip 102A is activated and/or powered on and emitting light, LED
chip 102B is not activated and/or powered on and not emitting
light).
[0025] In instances where additional LED chips 102 are included in
LED 100, each LED chip of a plurality of additional LED chips may
be connected in series with the same polarity and may be configured
to emit light simultaneously (e.g., all LED chips of the plurality
of LED chips in LED 100 are activated and/or powered on and
emitting light at the same time). Alternatively, each LED chip of a
plurality of additional LED chips may be connected in series with
alternating polarity and may be configured to emit light in the
alternate (e.g., every other LED chip of the plurality of LED chips
in LED 100 are activated and/or powered on and emitting light).
Furthermore, the plurality of LED chips may be grouped in
alternating like-polarity increments and may be configured to emit
light in the group alternate (e.g., every other group of three LED
chips of the plurality of LED chips in LED 100 are activated and/or
powered on and configured to emit light at the same time). Such
groupings of LED chips may be symmetric or asymmetric depending on
the embodiment.
[0026] LED chips 102A and 102B may be attached to casing 104.
Casing 104 may be made of any one, or combination of, metals,
polymers, ceramics, and/or composites. In some embodiments, casing
104 may encapsulate LED chips 102A and 102B. In such embodiments,
casing 104 may be either waterproof or non-waterproof. Furthermore,
casing 104 may be colored and, as such, may be configured to alter
the end light emission spectrum. In other embodiments, casing 104
may be a surface to which LED chips 102A and 102B are attached and
may not encapsulate the chips.
[0027] LED 100 may be a polarized component and may include anode
terminal 106 and cathode terminal 108. Anode terminal 106 may be
alternatively identified as a positive terminal and may be
configured to receive a positive voltage input. Cathode terminal
108 may be alternatively identified as a negative terminal and may
be configured to receive a negative voltage input. However, in
certain embodiments, terminals 106 and 108 may be identified as a
first terminal and a second terminal, respectively, and may be
configured to receive either a positive or negative voltage
input.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, LED chip 102A may be configured to
activate and/or power on and emit a first wavelength of light when
power flow A enters LED 100 through first terminal 106. Conversely,
LED chip 102B may not be configured to activate and/or power on
under such a direction of power flow. In some embodiments, both LED
chips 102A and 102B may be configured to activate and/or power on
when power flow A enters LED 100 through first terminal 106.
Alternatively, both LED chips 102A and 102B may not be configured
to activate and/or power on under such a direction of power
flow.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 3, LED chip 102B may be configured to
activate and/or power on and emit a second wavelength of light
different than the first wavelength as discussed above when power
flow A enters LED 100 through second terminal 108. Conversely, LED
chip 102A may not be configured to activate and/or power on under
such a direction of power flow. In some embodiments, both LED chips
102A and 102B may be configured to activate and/or power on when
power flow A enters LED 100 through second terminal 108.
Alternatively, both LED chips 102A and 102B may not be configured
to activate and/or power on under such a direction of power
flow.
[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates an LED system 400 according to one or
more embodiments of the present disclosure. LED system 400 may
include one or more LEDs 100, each of which including the
above-mentioned components (e.g., at least LED chips 102A and 102B,
casing 104, at least first terminal 106 and second terminal 108),
wire 200, and power terminal 300.
[0031] Each of the one or more LEDs 100 may be connected in series
to each other via wire 200. The first and last LEDs 100 of the
series of LEDs may be connected to power terminal 300 via wire 200.
Accordingly, wire 200 may be configured to connect power terminal
300 to each of the LEDs 100 in the series of LEDs in a loop. Wire
200 may be a wire, string, and/or cable and may be comprised of any
of a plurality of conductive materials including, but not limited
to, copper and aluminum. Wire 200 may be an insulated wire or may
be an uninsulated wire depending on the embodiment. Furthermore,
wire 200 may be a rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible wire allowing for
pliability, or lack thereof.
[0032] In certain embodiments, wire 200 may contain a first
terminal end 202 and a second terminal end 204. The first terminal
end 202 and second terminal end 204 may be configured to be plugged
and/or unplugged from a power output portion 302 of power terminal
300. Accordingly, the polarity of wire 200 may be reversible by
interchanging the connection of the first terminal end 202 and
second terminal end 204 with a power output portion 302 of power
terminal 300 as will be discussed in further detail below. In
certain embodiments, the first terminal end 202 may be known as a
first inline connector, and the second terminal end 204 may be
known as a second inline connector.
[0033] Power terminal 300 may be configured so as to provide
electrical energy to the one or more LEDs 100 of LED system 400.
Power terminal 300 may include solar panels/cells mounted thereon
so as to translate solar energy into electrical energy for storage
in the power terminal 300. In other embodiments, power terminal 300
may include one or more exhaustible batteries, one or more
rechargeable batteries (e.g., 18650 Lithium Ion batteries or other
suitable rechargeable batteries), or the like. In some instances,
the power terminal 300 may be connected indirectly to an AC power
source via a power transformer (not shown). The power transformer
may be integral with power terminal 300 or may be an ancillary
adapter. The power transformer may be able to translate energy into
a form acceptable by the one or more LEDs 100. Such energy sources
and/or translation methods may be used alone, or in
combination.
[0034] As stated above, the power terminal 300 may be configured to
engage and/or disengage with the first terminal end 202 and the
second terminal end 204 of wire 200. Accordingly, power terminal
300 may be configured to output power through either the first or
second terminal end depending on the orientation of
engagement/polarity of the terminal ends of wire 200 relative to a
power output portion 302 of power terminal 300. For example, in
instances where the first terminal end 202 of wire 200 is engaged
with the power output portion 302 of power terminal 300, power flow
A may flow through the first terminal end 202. Alternatively, in
instances where the second terminal end 204 of wire 200 is engaged
with the power output portion 302 of power terminal 300, power flow
A may flow through the second terminal end 204. In such instances,
power output portion 302 may be a fixed and/or static power output
portion.
[0035] In certain embodiments, power terminal 300 may further
include A/B switch 304 which can be used to reorient power output
portion 302 and reverse the direction of power flow A into wire 200
from the first terminal end 202 to the second terminal end 204 or
vice versa. In such embodiments where power terminal 300 includes
A/B switch 304, the first and second terminal ends of wire 200 may
be rigidly attached to power terminal 300 and power output portion
302 may be an alterable and/or dynamic power output portion.
However, the first terminal end 202 and second terminal end 204 of
wire 200 may be configured to engage and/or disengage with power
terminal 300 in addition to the presence of A/B switch 304.
[0036] Depending on the direction of power flow A from power
terminal 300, one or more LED chips comprised within the one more
or more LEDs 100 may activate and/or power on and emit light. For
example, as shown in FIG. 4, when power flow A enters the first
terminal 106 of one or more LEDs 100, LED chips 102A may activate
and/or power on and emit light of a first wavelength (e.g., red).
In certain embodiments, the LED chips 102A of each of the plurality
of LEDs 100 may exhibit any of a range of wavelength profiles
(e.g., red, green, blue, yellow, white, etc.). The pattern of
wavelength profiles for the LED chips 102A of each of the LEDs 100
connected in the series of LEDs may be homogeneous (e.g., red, red,
red, red, etc.), heterogeneous and symmetric (e.g., red, red,
yellow, yellow, green, green, etc.), heterogeneous and asymmetric
(e.g., red, red, yellow, green, blue, blue, orange, white, etc.),
or heterogeneous and random (e.g., red, green, blue, purple,
yellow, etc.).
[0037] As shown in FIG. 5, when power flow A enters the second
terminal 108 of one or more LEDs 100, LED chips 102B may activate
and/or power on and emit light of a second wavelength different
than the first wavelength. In certain embodiments, the LED chips
102B of each of the plurality of LEDs 100 may exhibit any of a
range of wavelength profiles (e.g., red, green, blue, yellow,
white, etc.). The pattern of wavelength profiles for the LED chips
102B of each of the LEDs 100 connected in the series of LEDs may be
homogeneous (e.g., blue, blue, blue, blue, etc.), heterogeneous and
symmetric (e.g., blue, blue, orange, orange, purple, purple, etc.),
heterogeneous and asymmetric (e.g., blue, blue, orange, purple,
yellow, yellow, green, white, etc.), or heterogeneous and random
(e.g., red, green, blue, purple, yellow, etc.).
[0038] Through reversing the polarity of the terminal ends of wire
200 relative to the power output portion 302 and/or reversing the
direction of power flow A into wire 200 via actuation of AB switch
304, at least two different color patterns may be realized. For
example, as described above in regards to FIG. 4, when power flow A
enters the first terminal 106 of one or more LEDs 100, LED chips
102A may activate and/or power on and emit light of a first
wavelength and/or first range of wavelengths. The first wavelength
and/or first range of wavelengths may be associated with a first
color pattern of, for example, a first season (e.g., spring,
summer, fall, winter) or holiday (e.g., Fourth of July, Halloween,
Easter, Christmas, etc.). Conversely, as described in regards to
FIG. 5, when power flow A enters the second terminal 108 of one or
more LEDs 100, LED chips 102B may activate and/or power on and emit
light of a second wavelength and/or second range of wavelengths
different than the first wavelength and/or first range of
wavelengths. The second wavelength and/or second range of
wavelengths may be associated with a second color pattern of, for
example, a second season or holiday, wherein the second color
pattern is different than the first color pattern.
[0039] Alternatively, the LED chips 102A and 102B of LEDs 100 may
be respectively configured to emit one of colored or non-colored
light. For example, when power Flow A enters the first terminal 106
of one or more LEDs 100, LED chips 102A may be configured to emit
white light. However, when power flow A enters the second terminal
108 of one or more LEDs 100, LED chips 102B may be configured to
emit colored light (e.g., red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple,
etc.). In the manner described herein, reversing the polarity of
wire 200 relative to power terminal 300 and/or reversing the
direction of power flow A into wire 200 via actuation of A/B switch
304 allows for at least two different light patterns to be
achieved.
[0040] While not explicitly shown in FIG. 4 or 5, A/B switch 304
may include a timer. The timer of A/B switch 304 may be any one of
a mechanical, electrical, or electromechanical timer and may be
configured to turn on/off at a specified time for a specified time
interval (e.g., turn on for one hour starting at 8 PM, turn off for
eight hours starting at midnight, etc.). The time and time interval
may be specified by a user, or may be predetermined. Alternatively
and/or additionally, the timer may be a 24 hour timer and may be
configured to turn on/off at a specified time for a specified time
interval each day (e.g., everyday turn on for five hours starting
at 6 PM). In some instances, multiple times and time intervals may
be set.
[0041] In certain embodiments, the timer may be configured to
terminate power flow A from power terminal 300 to wire 200 during
either the on or off period. For example, the timer may be set by a
user and/or may be predetermined to turn on for an eight hour
period starting at 7 PM. During the time period in which the timer
is off (e.g., 3 AM to 7 PM), the timer may be configured to inhibit
power flow A from power terminal 300 to wire 200, and thereby
prevent light emission from the one or more LEDs 100. Conversely,
during the time period from 7 PM to 3 AM in which the timer is on,
the timer may be configured to allow power flow A from terminal 300
to wire 200, and thereby allow light emission from the one or more
LEDs 100.
[0042] In other embodiments, the timer, in conjunction with A/B
switch 304, may be configured to reorient power output portion 302
and reverse the direction of power flow A into wire 200 from the
first terminal end 202 to the second terminal end 204 or vice versa
at a specified time for a specified time interval. For example, the
timer may be set to turn on for a three hour period starting at 6
PM. During the period in which the timer is off (e.g., from 9 PM to
6 PM), the timer may be configured to cause A/B switch 304 to
orient power output portion 302 in line with the first terminal end
202 and cause power flow A to enter wire 200 through the first
terminal end 202. During such a time period, each of the LED chips
102A of the one or more LEDs 100 may be configured to activate
and/or power on and emit light of a first wavelength. Conversely,
during the time period from 6 PM to 9 PM in which the timer is on,
the timer may be configured to cause A/B switch 304 to reorient
power output portion 302 from the first terminal end 202 to the
second terminal end 204 and cause power flow A to enter wire 200
through the second terminal end 204. During such a time period,
each of the LED chips 102B of the one or more LEDs 100 may be
configured to activate and/or power on and emit light of a second
wave length different the first wavelength.
[0043] FIG. 6 depicts an LED string 600 according to one or more
aspects of the disclosure. LED string 600 may be configured for
indoor and/or outdoor use and may be configured to be hung from any
of a plurality of objects including, but not limited to, a house
facade, tree, bush, door frame, wall, ceiling, and the like. LED
string 600 may include one or more LEDs 100, each of which
comprising the above-mentioned components (e.g., at least LED chips
102A and 102B, casing 104, at least first terminal 106 and second
terminal 108), wire 200, and power terminal 300. Additionally, each
component of LED string 600 may have some or all of the structural
components described above in regard to LED system 400.
[0044] Wire 200 may be a thermoplastic sheathed electrical wire and
may be configured to form a waterproof seal with the first terminal
106 and second terminal 108 of each of the one or more LEDs 100. In
certain embodiments, wire 200 may be fixedly attached to each of
the one or more LEDs 100. However, in other embodiments, wire 200
may be configured to be attached and/or detached from each LED 100
in LED string 600. Accordingly, each of the one or more LEDs 100
may be removable and/or replaceable. For example, if an LED 100
ceases to emit light, the LED 100 may be removed from LED string
600 and replaced with a new and/or functioning LED. Similarly, if a
segment of wire 200 fails, the particular segment may be detached
and/or replaced in LED string 600. In certain embodiments, segments
of wire 200 including one or more LEDs 100 may be added and/or
removed from LED string 600 so as to increase and/or decrease the
overall length of LED string 600.
[0045] The LEDs 100 of LED string 600 may be of a similar type
(e.g., miniature, low-current, low-power, high-power, flashing,
bi-color, tri-color, etc.) or may be any of a range of types. The
pattern of LED types of the LEDs 100 of LED string 600 may be
homogeneous (e.g., high-power, high-power, etc.), heterogeneous and
symmetric (e.g., flashing, high-power, high-power flashing, etc.),
heterogeneous and asymmetric (e.g., high-power, high-power
flashing, bi-color, tri-color, tri-color, high-power, flashing,
etc.), or heterogeneous and random (e.g., high-power, flashing,
bi-color, tri-color, etc.).
[0046] While not explicitly shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, LED chips
102A and 102B may be included within the one or more LEDs 100. The
LED chips of the one or more LEDs 100 may be configured to activate
and/or power on when power flow A traverses wire 200. For example,
when power flow A enters the first terminal end 202 of wire 200 and
flows through the first terminal of each of the one or more LEDs
100, LED chip 102A may activate and/or power on. Conversely, when
the direction of power flow A is reversed to enter the second
terminal end 202 of wire 200 and flow through the second terminal
of each of the one or more LEDs 100, LED chip 102B may activate
and/or power on.
[0047] FIG. 8 depicts an LED tree 800 according to one or more
aspects of the disclosure. LED tree 800 may be configured for
indoor and/or outdoor use and may be configured to stand upright,
to be inserted into a support (e.g., ground, bush, tree, flower
arrangement, etc.), and/or hang from any of a plurality of objects
including, but not limited to, a house facade, tree, bush, door
frame, wall, ceiling, and the like. LED tree 800 may include one or
more LEDs 100, each of which comprising the above-mentioned
components (e.g., at least LED chips 102A and 102B, casing 104, at
least first terminal 106 and second terminal 108), wire 200, power
terminal 300, and housing apparatus 500. Additionally, each
component of LED tree 800 may have some or all of the structural
components described above in regard to LED system 400.
[0048] Wire 200 and each of the one or more LEDs 100 may be
included within support apparatus 500. Support apparatus 500 may be
made of plastic, metal, or a combination thereof and may include a
trunk portion 502, branch portions 504 attached to the trunk
portion 502, and twig portions 506 attached to the branch portions
504. In some instances, the trunk portion 502 of support apparatus
500 may be a rigid body offering minimal pliability. The branch
portions 504 may be attached to the trunk portion 502 and may be
semi-rigid members allowing for bending and/or positioning. The
twig portions 506 may be attached to the branch portions 504 and
may be flexible members allowing for additional bending and/or
positioning. However, in certain embodiments, twig portions 506 may
not be attached to branch portion 504. The trunk portion 502,
branch portions 504, and twig portions 506 of support apparatus 500
may all be rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible members.
[0049] The LEDs 100 included within support apparatus 500 may be of
a similar type (e.g., miniature, low-current, low-power,
high-power, flashing, bi-color, tri-color, etc.) or may be any of a
range of types. The pattern of LED types of the LEDs 100 of LED
tree 800 may be homogeneous (e.g., high-power, high-power, etc.),
heterogeneous and symmetric (e.g., flashing, high-power,
high-power, flashing, etc.), heterogeneous and asymmetric (e.g.,
high-power, high-power flashing, bi-color, tri-color, tri-color,
high-power, flashing, etc.), or heterogeneous and random (e.g.,
high-power, flashing, bi-color, tri-color, etc.).
[0050] Furthermore, the pattern of LED types of LEDs 100 may be
determined based on the portion of support apparatus 500 in which
they are contained (e.g., trunk portion 502, branch portion 504,
and twig portion 506). For example, LEDs 100 included within trunk
portion 502 may be of a first type (e.g., high-power), LEDs 100
included within branch portions 504 may be of a second type
different than the first type (e.g., low-power), and LEDs 100
included with twig portions 506 may be of a third type different
from the first and second types (e.g., flashing).
[0051] Additionally, the pattern of LED wavelength profiles for
each LED chip 102A and 102B of LEDs 100 in LED tree 800 may be
determined based on the portion of support apparatus 500 in which
they are contained. For example, LED chips 102A of LEDs 100 in
trunk portion 502 may be configured to emit light of a first color
(e.g., red), LED chips 102A of LEDs 100 in branch portions 504 may
be configured to emit light of a second color different than the
first color (e.g., green), and LED chips 102 of LEDs 100 in twig
portions 506 may be configured to emit light of a third color
different than the first and second colors (e.g., white).
[0052] While not explicitly shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, LED chips
102A and 102B may be included in the one or more LEDs 100. The LED
chips of the one or more LEDs 100 may be configured to activate
and/or power on when power flow A traverses wire 200. For example,
when power flow A enters the first terminal end 202 of wire 200 and
flows through the first terminal of each of the one or more LEDs
100, LED chip 102A may activate and/or power on. Conversely, when
the direction of power flow A is reversed to enter the second
terminal end 202 of wire 200 and flow through the second terminal
of each of the one or more LEDs 100, LED chip 102B may activate
and/or power on.
[0053] Although the subject matter has been described in language
specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is
to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended
claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts
described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described
above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the
claims.
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