Light emitting diode light bar

• US 20030095399A1
• Filed: 10/25/2002
• Published: 05/22/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 11/16/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Everbrite LLC
• Original Assignee: Everbrite LLC
• Inventors: Mohacsi, Ferenc, Grenda, Christopher
• Granted Patent: US 6,948,840 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 362/30
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0018 Redirecting means on the surface of the light guide
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0021 for housing at least a part of the light source, e.g. by forming holes or recesses
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0046 Tapered light guide, e.g. wedge-shaped light guide
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0068 Arrangements of plural sources, e.g. multi-colour light sources
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0073 Light emitting diode [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0078 Side-by-side arrangements, e.g. for large area displays

Abstract

A lighting fixture is disclosed which provides a substantially uniform elongated light output, yet is powered by only a minimum number of inexpensive light emitting diodes. The lighting fixture has a curved back surface and a selected focal area to provide a substantially uniform output. Multiple LEDs may be controlled by a controller to provide special lighting effects. Each of the side surfaces and the back surface may include a reflector. The lighting fixtures preferably have flat end surfaces so they may be placed end-to-end to create an elongated light bar of any desired length.

Claims

1. A lighting fixture, comprising:

a translucent member, including;

an output surface;

a curved back surface having a first reflector thereon;

first and second side surfaces;

an end surface; and

at least one light emitting diode (LED) interconnected with said first end surface.

2. The lighting fixture of claim 1, further comprising

a diffuser formed integral with said output surface.

3. The lighting fixture of claim 1, wherein said first reflector is a specular reflector.

4. The lighting fixture of claim 1, wherein said first and second side surfaces are substantially parallel to each other.

5. The lighting fixture of claim 1, wherein said first and second side surfaces are curved surfaces.

6. The lighting fixture of claim 1, wherein said first end surface includes

a first section;

and

a recessed section, said at least one light emitting diode being interconnected with said recessed section.

7. The lighting fixture of claim 1, further comprising:

a second end surface opposite to said first end surface.

8. The lighting fixture of claim 1, wherein further comprising a focal area through which at least fifty percent of light emitted from said at least one LED passes.

9. The lighting fixture of claim 7, wherein said first end surface includes:

a first section that is substantially parallel to a section of said second end surface; and

a recessed section, said at least one light emitting diode being interconnected with said recessed section.

10. The lighting fixture of claim 7, wherein said first section and said second end surface have corresponding shapes.

11. The lighting fixture of claim 1, further comprising:

a second end surface opposite to said first end surface;

a second curved back surface having a second reflector thereon; and

at least one second light emitting diode interconnected with said second end surface.

12. The lighting fixture of claim 11, further comprising:

a first focal area in said translucent member, toward which light from said first light emitting diode that is reflected off of said first curved back surface is directed; and

a second focal area in said translucent member, toward which light from said second light emitting diode that is reflected off of said second curved back surface is directed.

13. The lighting fixture of claim 1, further comprising:

a second curved back surface having a second reflector thereon;

an intermediate surface adjacent said second curved back surface; and

a second light emitting diode interconnected with said intermediate surface.

14. The lighting fixture of claim 1, wherein said at least one light emitting diode (LED) includes at least two LEDs of different colors, and wherein said lighting fixture further comprises:

a controller that controls the power to each of said LEDs to yield a desired light color output.

15. The lighting fixture of claim 1, further comprising:

a blocking surface that prevents light output from a side of said at least one diode from directly reaching said output surface.

16. The lighting fixture of claim 1, wherein the shape of said curved back surface is such that light from said at least one light emitting diode is reflected off of said curved back surface toward a focal area.

17. The lighting fixture of claim 16, wherein said focal area is located approximately midway between said output surface and said curved back surface.

18. The lighting fixture of claim 1, wherein said output surface is substantially wider than said curved back surface.

19. The lighting fixture of claim 1, wherein the first and second surfaces are reflective.

20. The lighting fixture of claim 1, wherein said translucent member includes an air gap disposed between said first and second side surfaces.

21. The lighting fixture of claim 1, wherein said translucent member includes light reflective particles dispersed thereon.