U.S. patent application number 15/496889 was filed with the patent office on 2017-11-02 for luminaire illumination and power distribution system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Vodce Lighting, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Vode Lighting, LLC.. Invention is credited to Timothy MAUTZ, Richard WONG, Scott S YU.
Application Number | 20170314765 15/496889 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60158885 |
Filed Date | 2017-11-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170314765 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
YU; Scott S ; et
al. |
November 2, 2017 |
LUMINAIRE ILLUMINATION AND POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
Abstract
A device and method for housing a terminator circuit and
brightly distributing light from one surface and dimly distributing
light from another surface with a single light source.
Additionally, light may be distributed from a top surface, a bottom
surface and through an edge surface. In operation, the light
fixture of figure may provide tri-directional lighting by providing
light from the LEDs directed from one side of the light fixture,
while providing light from a second side of the light fixture in
the opposite direction (but offset), and directing a third portion
of light from one of the LED arrays through a light pipe to an edge
of the fixture. This allows a lighting designer a wide range of
aesthetics and lighting affects because light of different
densities may be directed where needed.
Inventors: |
YU; Scott S; (Tiberon,
CA) ; WONG; Richard; (Santa Rosa, CA) ; MAUTZ;
Timothy; (Sonoma, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Vode Lighting, LLC. |
Sonoma |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Vodce Lighting, LLC
Sonoma
CA
|
Family ID: |
60158885 |
Appl. No.: |
15/496889 |
Filed: |
April 25, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62329680 |
Apr 29, 2016 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B 5/045 20130101;
F21V 3/0625 20180201; F21V 21/34 20130101; F21V 5/08 20130101; F21S
8/035 20130101; F21V 17/104 20130101; F21Y 2113/00 20130101; F21Y
2103/10 20160801; F21V 5/04 20130101; F21V 15/01 20130101; F21V
23/06 20130101; F21S 8/033 20130101; F21Y 2115/10 20160801 |
International
Class: |
F21V 5/08 20060101
F21V005/08; F21V 21/34 20060101 F21V021/34; F21V 17/10 20060101
F21V017/10; F21V 5/04 20060101 F21V005/04; F21V 3/04 20060101
F21V003/04 |
Claims
1. A device including: a lens, said lens extruded from a first and
a second plastic, each of said plastics having a first and second
optical density respectively; said lens further presenting a first
and second surface substantially orthogonal to each other, wherein
the first surface is substantially formed by the first plastic and
the second surface is substantially formed by the second plastic; a
plurality of light sources, said light sources arranged in a linear
array; wherein a portion of light from said light sources is
directed through the first surface and a portion of the light is
directed through the second surface.
2. The device of claim 1 further including a light pipe operable to
direct light from the light sources to either the first or the
second surface.
3. The device of claim 1 wherein the first and second plastics are
a different color.
4. The device of claim 1 wherein the first surface is substantially
planar.
5. The device of claim 1 wherein the second surface forms and edge
of the first surface.
6. The device of claim 1 wherein the lens is disposed over a track
and the light sources are disposed in the track.
7. A luminaire including: a single extruded lens having a plurality
of plastics, each plastic having a different optical density; a
track, said track having a plurality of light sources disposed to
splay light from the light sources to the lens, wherein light
passes through each of the plastics.
8. The device of claim 7 wherein the light sources are disposed on
a circuit board, said circuit board including an inline sliding
connector coupling the light sources to a power supply.
Description
PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims the benefit of co-pending
provisional patent application 62/329,680 filed Apr. 29, 2016,
which is incorporated by reference as if fully set for herein.
BACKGROUND
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present disclosure relates to lighting fixtures, and
more particularly to a device for terminating power conveniently
and seamlessly into a surface as well as distributing light such
that some illuminated areas are brightly illuminated, and other
illuminated areas are gently illuminated.
[0003] Lighting fixtures are one of the basic lighting devices used
in homes, offices and a variety of industrial settings. For
example, a typical lighting fixture may be mounted on a wall, at a
position above a desk, in a corridor, a door entrance, or a garage
door such that the area can be illuminated by the lighting fixture.
There are many criteria for luminaire design. This includes cost,
aesthetics, functionality, ease of use, ease of installation,
safety and energy efficiency among others. One task lighting
designers have is finding flexible illumination to provide the
visual and illumination effects according to an architectural
design. Manufacturers want to provide a wide variety of luminaires
without incurring excessive inventory and design costs. Also
manufacturers want to take advantage of economies of scale when
manufacturing.
[0004] As such, there is a need for directing gentle illumination
towards a viewer, and directing intense illumination towards
objects to be lit as well as for drawing power conveniently, safely
and seamlessly from a bracket.
SUMMARY
[0005] Disclosed herein is a device and method for housing a
terminator circuit and brightly distributing light from one surface
and dimly distributing light from another surface with a single
light source. Additionally, light may be distributed from a top
surface, a bottom surface and through an edge surface.
[0006] In operation, the light fixture of figure may provide
tri-directional lighting by providing light from the LEDs directed
from one side of the light fixture, while providing light from a
second side of the light fixture in the opposite direction (but
offset), and directing a third portion of light from one of the LED
arrays through a light pipe to an edge of the fixture. This allows
a lighting designer a wide range of aesthetics and lighting affects
because light of different densities may be directed where
needed.
[0007] The construction and method of operation of the invention,
however, together with additional objectives and advantages thereof
will be best understood from the following description of specific
embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates an anchor plate, according to embodiments
of the present disclosure;
[0009] FIGS. 2 illustrates an anchor plate and light fixture,
according to embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates an installed anchor plate and light
fixture, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates views of a circuit board with an inline
sliding connector, according to embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates a light fixture, inline sliding
connector, bracket end cap, and terminator circuit, according to
embodiments of the present disclosure; and,
[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates a light fixture, lens cover plate and
optional light pipe, according to embodiments of the present
disclosure.
DESCRIPTION
Generality of Invention
[0014] This application should be read in the most general possible
form. This includes, without limitation, the following:
[0015] References to specific techniques include alternative and
more general techniques, especially when discussing aspects of the
invention, or how the invention might be made or used
[0016] References to "preferred" techniques generally mean that the
inventor contemplates using those techniques, and thinks they are
best for the intended application. This does not exclude other
techniques for the invention, and does not mean that those
techniques are necessarily essential or would be preferred in all
circumstances.
[0017] References to contemplated causes and effects for some
implementations do not preclude other causes or effects that might
occur in other implementations.
[0018] References to reasons for using particular techniques do not
preclude other reasons or techniques, even if completely contrary,
where circumstances would indicate that the stated reasons or
techniques are not as applicable
[0019] Furthermore, the invention is in no way limited to the
specifics of any particular embodiments and examples disclosed
herein. Many other variations are possible which remain within the
content, scope and spirit of the invention, and these variations
would become clear to those skilled in the art after perusal of
this application.
Lexicography
[0020] The term "optical density" refers to a substances light
permittivity, e.g., opacity. An object with high optical density
allows for relatively low amounts of light to be transmitted
through the object. An object with low optical density allows for
relatively high amounts of light to pass through, and may be
referred to as "optically sparse."
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Specific examples of components and arrangements are
described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of
course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. In
addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals
and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the
purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a
relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations
discussed.
FIG. 1
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of an anchor plate 100,
according to the present disclosure. View 1A shows anchor plate
100, tongue 110 and anchor flukes 120. Optionally, connector 150
may be attached.
[0023] View 1B shows anchor plate 100 from a side view. View 1B
shows tongue 110 which is attached to bracket 130, and bracket 130
is housed inside channel box 140. The channel box 140 encompasses a
channel area 112 which extends at least in part, down the surface
of the anchor plate 100. In view 1B, bracket 130 including tongue
110 is slightly recessed into channel box 140. For clarity,
connector 150 has been excluded from View 1B. Bracket 130 is shown
as a separate piece from the anchor plate 100. In FIG. 1B, bracket
130 is asymmetrically "T" shaped with tapered edges. The bracket
130 may be positioned in the groove 112 and a portion of the
bracket 130 may rest on a protrusion 114 extending from the channel
box 140 (or anchor flukes 120) into the channel area 112.
[0024] In some embodiments, bracket 130 and/or channel box 140
provide a clear passageway for electrical wires to pass through or
around anchor plate. Accordingly, the channel box 140 may have
additional openings to allow for power cables to pass into the
channel from behind a wall where the anchor plate 100 may be
installed. In further embodiments, an electrical connection is made
from lighting or other circuitry to connector 150. In this manner,
connector 150 may facilitate electrical connection to a junction
box or other power supply.
[0025] The minimum necessary length of anchor flukes 120 would
depend on, inter alia, the weight to be distributed (e.g., the
weight of fixture 200). Those of skill in the art will understand
that neither the length nor the height of anchor plate 100 is
limited, whether or not sectional lines are included in FIG. 1 as
well as other Figures in the present disclosure. Furthermore, as
shown, anchor flukes 120 include recessed surfaces that project in
the same direction as bracket 130, however, nothing in this
disclosure should be read to require those surfaces in every
embodiment.
[0026] References in the specification to "one embodiment", "an
embodiment", "an example embodiment", etc., indicate that the
embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure or
characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include
the particular feature, structure or characteristic. Moreover, such
phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment.
Further, when a particular feature, structure or characteristic is
described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it
is within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art to
effect such feature, structure or characteristic in connection with
other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. Parts of the
description are presented using terminology commonly employed by
those of ordinary skill in the art to convey the substance of their
work to others of ordinary skill in the art.
[0027] The above illustration provides many different embodiments
or embodiments for implementing different features of the
invention. Specific embodiments of components and processes are
described to help clarify the invention. These are, of course,
merely embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention from
that described in the claims.
FIG. 2
[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates an anchor plate and light fixture,
according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Fixture 200
includes tongue 110, attached to bracket 130 and disposed in the
central groove. A housing 230 includes struts 230 positioned to
form a complimentary cavity to match the tongue 110 such that the
tongue 110 may be slidably inserted into the cavity. While the
movable bracket 130 may be inserted into the groove and secure in
place suing a fastener such as a set screw or magnet, the bracket
130 may also be permanently fixed to the housing 230 in some
embodiments. The struts 210 function to secure housing 230 to the
tongue 110 when tongue 110. Housing 230 may be held in place using
fasteners such as set screws, magnets and the like. Some
embodiments may include combinations of brackets 130 and housings
230 to provide for different affects.
[0029] In this manner, the weight of housing 230 and objects that
may be attached to housing 230 (e.g., lighting or circuitry), may
be distributed to tongue 110. In the manner described herein, said
weight will be distributed to a wall or other surface from tongue
110 through anchor flukes 120. Those of skill in the art will
understand that struts 210 should fit snugly around tongue 110 in
order to provide a secure platform to begin loading fixture 200
with weight (such as weight from luminaires).
[0030] In some embodiments, housing 230 includes one or more tracks
235 as shown, which may be used to support or secure light sources
such as fluorescent lamps, LEDs and the like.
FIG. 3
[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates an installed anchor plate and light
fixture, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As
shown, struts 210 are inserted over the tongue 110, and are
generally flush against anchor plate 100. The anchor plate 100 is,
in turn disposed into a wall, and sheet-rocked or taped into place.
The housing 230 may be held in place with set screws (not shown).
Mudding over the flukes provides for a secure fit to a wall, and
the flukes provide a portion of the anchor plate where the wall
plaster can attach. By providing a gradient in the design of the
anchor plate 100, plastering can be applied to give a uniform,
built-in, appearance to a finished luminaire or other fixture.
[0032] In this embodiment, tongue 110 can protrude through a wall,
ceiling or other surface such that no escutcheon or cover plate is
required on the wall, ceiling or surface thus providing an
attractive lighting fixture which is easy to install and power.
This embodiment may be made from aluminum or other suitable
material that can provide the material strength required to support
the luminaire that would be mounted on a distant end of fixture
200. Typical materials include, but are not limited to plastics,
metals, ceramics, wood and fiberglass or combinations thereof.
Also, the embodiments shown can be affixed to structural supports
or to electrical fixtures such as junction boxes.
FIGS. 4A, 48 and 4C
[0033] FIG. 4A, 4B and 4C illustrate a circuit board and an inline
sliding connector, according to embodiments of the present
disclosure. As shown, FIG. 4A shows female connectors 402 are
mounted on respective substrates or circuit boards 400. The
connectors 402 are designed for receiving prongs through
receptacles on the connectors 402. The connectors 402 may have
electrical contacts to the circuit boards 400 allowing the
connectors 402 to be soldered in place and provide electrical
contact from the receptacles to the circuit board 400. An inline
header connector (or plug) 410 has elongated prongs or members. In
operation the prongs of the header connector 410 are inserted into
and through a first female connector 402 and into a second female
connector 402, thus providing electrical conductivity between the
two circuit boards 400.
[0034] Different embodiments may employ different number and type
of prongs to effect coupling the circuit boards 400. For example
and without limitation, an embodiment may include power connectors
and one or more digital signal connectors. The prongs on the header
connector 410 may match to standardized connectors such as USB
connectors or the like.
[0035] FIG. 4B illustrates an embodiment of the current disclosure
for use with a light fixture as described herein. As shown, FIG. 4B
includes circuit boards 420 and 430 with female connectors 422 and
432 respectively. The circuit boards 420 and 430 may include an
array of light sources such as LEDs (shown as 440), which, without
limitation, may be considered a single light source. The LEDs 230
may be powered by a constant current or voltage source (not shown)
through traces on the circuit boards 420 and 430. The traces extend
to the female connectors 422 and 432. In operation the circuit
board 420 and 430 are placed near each other such that the
connectors 422 and 432 align.
[0036] One having skill in the art will appreciate that there is no
need to limit this disclosure to only two circuit boards as shown,
or to limit the power source in any way. Moreover, many circuit
boards may be "daisy-chained" using female connectors (such as 422
and 432) and header connectors 410. Furthermore, variegated circuit
boards may be used, including circuit boards using different light
sources, occupancy sensors, sound frequency generators, control,
communications electronics, and the like. In addition, one skilled
in the art will appreciated that multiple prongs may be separated
using a dielectric spacer to hold them apart.
[0037] FIG. 4C illustrates an embodiment for a light fixture
according to the present disclosure. As shown, FIG. 4C shows inline
header connector 410 linked to female connectors 422 and 432, thus
allowing electrical current to flow across circuit boards 420 and
430. The inline header connector 410 is inserted such that the
prongs extend into the first connector 432 and then further extend
into the second connector 422. In the event a conformal coating is
used, and such conformal coating blocks connectors' 422 and 432
electrical contacts, then the prongs on the header connector 410
may operate to break the conformal coating and reach the electrical
contacts inside the connectors 422 and 432.
[0038] In certain embodiments the prongs of the inline header
connector 410 may also provide structural support for the circuit
board if the prongs are made with sufficient strength. The
embodiments shown in FIGS. 4A-C provide several advantages over
conventional connectors. These advantages include, but are not
limited to: [0039] Uniformity of circuit board design because all
the connectors on the circuit board are the same; [0040]
Compatibility with conformal coatings; [0041] Ease of installation
because the circuit board may simply be positioned together without
having to match male or female connectors; [0042] Ease of
maintenance because a single circuit board located within a series
may be removed by removing the header connector.
FIG. 5
[0043] FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of portions of a
luminaire including inline sliding connectors, housing end cap, and
terminator circuit boards, according to embodiments of the present
disclosure. As shown, FIG. 5 includes a chassis or housing 502. The
chassis 502 provides for multiple tracks 535 that accept circuit
boards 540. The tracks 535 are shown offset with a track open on
the top of the chassis 502 and another, offset, and open on the
opposite side of the chassis 502. Disposed in the tracks 535 are
circuit boards 540 having a plurality of LEDs 430. By offsetting
the tracks 535 the heat from the LEDs can be more easily dissipated
as compared to a fixture with back-to-back LEDs because the chassis
502 may operate as a heat sink for dissipating heat into air.
Accordingly, certain embodiments may provide for advanced heat sink
capabilities by providing fins or other structures, including
ornamental structures to provide for more efficient heat
dissipation.
[0044] Each circuit board 540 has at least one inline connector 402
that allows for providing power to the LEDS 430 as well as passing
power across the circuit board 540 to another circuit board 540
(not shown). Electrical power may be coupled between the tracks 535
using the terminator circuit board 510 which includes receptacles
520. In operation, terminal circuit board 510 couples power from
connector 402 to receptacle 520 by use of a header connector 410.
Traces on terminal circuit board 510 provide power to other
connectors 402 on additional circuit boards 540 located on the
opposite side of the chassis 502 in a separate track 535. One
skilled in the art will understand that bracket end cap 500 should
be placed such that connectors 402 and terminals 520 align in a
manner operable to allow prongs to make electrical contact with
both connectors 402 and terminals 520.
[0045] Bracket end cap 500 serves to house terminator circuit board
510 and couple terminator circuit board 510 to chassis 502. In some
embodiments, bracket end cap 500 may serve to protect and insulate
terminator circuit board 510. In other embodiments, bracket end cap
500 may serve to allow for easy installation without tools by
simply sliding, "snapping on" or by otherwise attaching bracket end
cap 500 onto chassis 502.
FIG. 6
[0046] FIG. 6 illustrates a light fixture, lens cover plate and
optional light pipe, according to embodiments of the present
disclosure. By way of example and not limitation, the fixture is
shown installed in a wall 630 (as indicated by the dashed surface,
e.g., drywall or paint). As shown, lens cover plate 600 snaps over
a portion of housing 230 thereby covering the track 635. In this
manner, LEDs 430 on circuit board 540 are contained within housing
230 in track 635 and lens 600. Circuit board 540 may include
connectors (not shown) and terminator circuits (not shown) as
described herein, that supply power to LEDs 430.
[0047] In one embodiment, lens 600 may be composed of two materials
with different optical density, namely, cover material 605 and edge
material 610. In this embodiment, cover material 605 refers to the
major portion of lens 600 through which most light from LEDs 430
travels through, and edge material 610 refers to the minor, edge
portion of lens 600.
[0048] Furthering the above embodiment, edge material 610 may be of
a higher optical density than cover material 605. In this manner,
edge material 610 may allow less light from LEDs 430 through,
providing for a soft glow. In this same manner, cover material 605
may be optically sparse than edge material 610, permitting more
light form LEDs 430 through, thus allowing for brighter, fuller
illumination of objects below. Moreover, the lens 600 may be formed
by extruding plastics with two different optical densities into a
single, seamless, molded part allowing any desired length for the
light fixture. Plastics with differing optical densities may be
heat extruded to provide for uniform thickness in certain
embodiments.
[0049] In an optional embodiment, edge material 610 may be of a low
optical density, allowing for light to pass through relatively
uninhibited, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In
this embodiment, optional light pipe insert 620 may be slid or
otherwise attached proximate to edge material 610. The light pipe
insert 620 operates to direct light from the light source to a
desired edge. The light pipe insert 620 may be of a high optical
density, allowing for less light to pass through from LEDs 430 than
cover material 605. In this manner, light pipe 620 may be installed
at a later time should the user desire a soft illumination from
edge material 610.
[0050] In operation the light fixture of FIG. 6 may provide
tri-directional lighting by providing light from the LEDs directed
from one side of the light fixture, while providing light from a
second side of the light fixture in the opposite direction (but
offset), and directing a third portion of light from one of the LED
arrays 430 through a light pipe 620 to an edge of the fixture. In
the embodiment shown, the light directions are orthogonal in that
light travels through the lens cover plate 600 at a first direction
and form the edge 610 at approximately 90 degrees offset. This
allows a lighting designer a wide range of aesthetics and lighting
affects because light of different densities may be directed where
needed. Moreover, different colors, hues, and tones of plastic
opacities can be employed in certain embodiments to provide for
predetermined lighting effects.
[0051] Although the invention is illustrated and described herein
as embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless
not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various
modifications and structural changes may be made therein without
departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and
range of equivalents of the claims. Accordingly, it is appropriate
that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner
consistent with the scope of the invention, as set forth in the
following claims.
* * * * *