Apparatus for providing light

• US 20060126338A1
• Filed: 12/08/2005
• Published: 06/15/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 12/10/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Paul R. Mighetto
• Original Assignee: Paul R. Mighetto
• Inventors: Mighetto, Paul R.
• Granted Patent: US 7,387,403 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 362/294
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/232 specially adapted for generating an essentially omnidirectional light distribution, e.g. with a glass bulb
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 19/003 Fastening of light source holders, e.g. of circuit boards or substrates holding light sources
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 19/04 with provision for changing light source, e.g. turret auxiliary devices for cleaning, placing, or removing incandescent lamps H01K3/32, fluorescent lamps H01J9/006
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/0442 activated by means of a sensor, e.g. motion or photodetectors
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 29/67 characterised by the arrangement of fans
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 29/677 the fans being used for discharging
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 29/83 the elements having apertures, ducts or channels, e.g. heat radiation holes
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 29/87 Organic material, e.g. filled polymer composites; Thermo-conductive additives or coatings therefor
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 29/89 Metals
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 3/04 characterised by materials, surface treatments or coatings
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2107/30 on the outer surface of cylindrical surfaces, e.g. rod-shaped supports having a circular or a polygonal cross section
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/80 Light emitting diode

Abstract

Devices for providing light and methods and devices for fabricating them are described. Lighting devices having lighting elements (e.g., based on LEDs, OLEDs, or other lighting technology) coupled to a frame allow for efficient dissipation of heat generated by the lighting elements. Each lighting device can be configured to be easily expandable, replaceable, and adaptable to different lighting device systems. A modular lighting device is also described. According to various embodiments, modular stacked frames and/or modular lighting element subassemblies are used. A manufacturing assembly is also described for fabricating the lighting devices. The use of reclaimed materials in the present invention is also described, which may further add value to the apparatus and methods of the present invention.

Claims

1. A lighting device, comprising:

at least one modular subassembly having a plurality of lighting elements;

a metal frame configured to receive the at least one modular subassembly, and further configured to conduct heat from the plurality of lighting elements; and

electrical circuitry for providing electricity to the plurality of lighting elements.

2. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein the modular subassembly includes mounting holes for attaching the modular subassembly to the metal frame.

3. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein the modular subassembly includes snug points for attaching the modular subassembly to the metal frame.

4. The lighting device of claim 3, wherein the modular subassembly is configured to slip over an edge of the metal frame such that the snug points press against the metal frame.

5. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein the metal frame includes a plurality of frame components.

6. The lighting device of claim 5, wherein the plurality of frame components comprise modular stacked frames.

7. The lighting device of claim 6, wherein the modular stacked frames are configured with metal connector pins to electrically connect the plurality of lighting elements.

8. The lighting device of claim 1, further comprising an electrical power converter configured to be disposed within the metal frame.

9. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein the metal frame comprises a pipe with two opposite end openings.

10. The lighting device of claim 9, further comprising:

a cap configured to cover one of the end openings, the cap having an integrated fan for drawing air from inside the pipe to outside the pipe.

11. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein the metal frame comprises multiple ventilation holes from an outer surface to an inner surface, the outer surface being used for receiving the plurality of lighting elements.

12. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein the metal frame is constructed from sheet metal.

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

a chassis configured to receive the metal frame, the chassis having a plurality of electrical contacts for connecting a power supply to the electrical circuitry.

14. The lighting device of claim 12, further comprising:

a smart strip configured to implement smart features with the lighting device, the smart features being selected from the group consisting of detecting ambient light conditions, detecting motion, and communicating with a controller.

15. An manufacturing assembly for fabricating a lighting device, comprising:

an angle gauge configured to receive a pipe; and

a tube configured to receive the angle gauge and the pipe.

16. The manufacturing assembly of claim 15, further comprising:

a first set of holes through the tube, the first set of holes configured to receive screws to apply pressure to the angle gauge such that the angle gauge secures the pipe from moving.

17. The manufacturing assembly of claim 16, further comprising:

a second set of holes through the tube and the angle gauge, the second set of holes configured to receive a drill bit such that corresponding holes can be drilled into the pipe.

18. A method of fabricating a lighting device, the method comprising:

providing at least one modular subassembly having a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs);

providing a metal frame for receiving the at least one modular subassembly, and for conducting heat from the plurality of LEDs;

attaching the at least one modular subassembly to the metal frame; and

electrically connecting the plurality of LEDs to a plurality of electrical contacts.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:

wherein the metal frame comprises a plurality of frame components, coupling the first frame component to the second frame component.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising:

coupling the first frame component to a chassis.