Apparatus for providing light

• US 20060126346A1
• Filed: 12/10/2004
• Published: 06/15/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 12/10/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Paul R. Mighetto
• Original Assignee: Paul R. Mighetto
• Inventors: Mighetto, Paul R.
• Application Number:
  US11/009,576
• Publication Number:
  US 20060126346A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 362/373
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/23 Retrofit light sources for lighting devices with a single fitting for each light source, e.g. for substitution of incandescent lamps with bayonet or threaded fittings
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 6/002 Table lamps, e.g. for ambient lighting
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 1/02 Frames
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 29/508 of electrical circuits
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 29/673 the fans being used for intake
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 29/89 Metals
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]

Abstract

Apparatus for providing light and methods for fabricating them are described. Lighting devices based on light emitting diodes (LEDs) coupled to a frame allow for efficient dissipation of heat generated by the LEDs. Each lighting device can be configured to be easily expandable, replaceable, and adaptable to different lighting device systems. 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:

a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs);

a metal frame configured to receive the plurality of LEDs, and further configured to conduct heat from the plurality of LEDs; and

electrical circuitry for providing electricity to the plurality of LEDs.

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

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

4. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein the metal frame is configured to conduct heat from the plurality of LEDs such that a maximum temperature of an outer surface of the metal frame does not exceed 150°

F.

5. The lighting device of claim 2, wherein the pipe has at least one flat outer surface.

6. The lighting device of claim 2, 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.

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

thermal interface material for attaching the LEDS to the metal frame, the thermal interface material allowing heat from the plurality of LEDs to transfer to the metal frame.

8. The lighting device of claim 7, wherein the thermal interface material is selected from the group consisting of solder, epoxy, double sided heat sink adhesive tape.

9. 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.

10. The lighting device of claim 9, wherein the electrical contacts are screw type contacts.

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

an inner washer configured to hold in place a portion of the metal frame within the chassis.

12. 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 LEDs.

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

a plurality of mounts for coupling the plurality of LEDs to the metal frame.

14. The lighting device of claim 13, wherein each mount includes an upper surface for receiving one of the plurality of LEDs and a bottom surface for attaching to the metal frame, the bottom surface having a groove for routing a portion of the electrical circuitry.

15. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein the electrical circuitry connects at least a portion of the plurality of LEDs in parallel.

16. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein the metal frame is further configured to receive the plurality of LEDs such that at least two of the plurality of LEDs are facing in different directions away from the metal frame.

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

a cover configured to be positioned around the plurality of LEDs such that light from the LEDs can be diffused.

18. The lighting device of claim 17, wherein the cover includes a slot to allow heat from the LEDs to escape through.

19. A lighting device system, comprising:

a lighting device comprising;

a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs);

a frame configured to receive the plurality of LEDs, and further configured to conduct heat from the plurality of LEDS such that an outer surface of the frame does not exceed 150°

F.; and

electrical circuitry for providing electricity to the plurality of LEDs;

a socket configured to receive the lighting device; and

a power supply configured to supply electricity to the electrical circuitry via the socket.

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

providing a metal pipe for receiving a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs), and for conducting heat from the plurality of LEDs;

attaching the plurality of LEDs onto the metal pipe; and

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