Modular lighting and video apparatus

• US 20090146910A1
• Filed: 10/22/2008
• Published: 06/11/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 11/13/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: RGB Lights Inc.
• Original Assignee: RGB Lights Inc.
• Inventors: Gardner, Brett Aric
• Granted Patent: US 8,599,104 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/1.300
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 2/005 of modular construction
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 4/10 with light sources attached to loose electric cables, e.g. Christmas tree lights
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 4/15 the cables forming a grid, net or web structure
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 17/007 with provision for shipment or storage
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 9/3026 Video wall, i.e. stackable semiconductor matrix display modules video wall control systems G06F3/1446, G09G2300/026
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 9/33 being semiconductor devices, e.g. diodes
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 9/3147 Multi-projection systems displays in general H04N9/12; video walls G06F3/1446, G09G2300/026

Abstract

Modular flexible panels for mounting lighting strands. In certain embodiments, each individual panel is an integral unit comprised of cables and node holders that combine to create a flexible, scalable and modular lighting surface. One or more of the panel edges can connect to an edge of another panel (either directly or indirectly) to tile multiple panels together to form a modular multi-panel assembly. Each panel provides a surface to which strands of LEDs can be mounted, such as in a uniform pattern. The panel design allows for easy replacement and serviceability of individual lighting strands, and ensures that all of the LEDs face in the same direction. The resulting robust and flexible system can provide full-motion video, graphics and messaging in a transparent single or multi-panel design.

Claims

1. A panel assembly, comprising a plurality of node holders arranged in an array and connected to one another by flexible cable, said panel terminating in edges, wherein at least one of said edges is adapted to adjoin with an edge of a second panel assembly to form a multi-panel assembly.

2. The panel assembly of claim 1, wherein said at least one edge comprises a plurality of buckles, each positioned to adjoin to a corresponding buckle of a second panel assembly via a cooperating buckle.

3. The panel assembly of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of light strands, each of said strands comprising a plurality of spaced nodes, wherein the spacing between said nodes corresponds to the spacing between said plurality of node holders such that each said node is mounted to one of said plurality of node holders.

4. The panel assembly of claim 3, wherein each said node comprises an LED.

5. The panel assembly of claim 3, wherein each said node holder releasable receives one of said nodes.

6. The panel assembly of claim 1, wherein said plurality of node holders are interconnected to form linear arrays.

7. The panel assembly of claim 1, wherein said panel is in a rolled-up form.

8. A modular panel assembly, comprising a first panel assembly and a second panel assembly, each said panel assembly comprising a plurality of node holders arranged in an array and connected to one another by flexible cable, said first panel having a first panel edge, said second panel having a second panel edge, and wherein said first panel edge and said second panel edge are connected to form said modular panel assembly.

9. The modular panel assembly of claim 8, wherein said first and second panel edges are connected with a buckle assembly.

10. The modular panel assembly of claim 8, wherein said plurality of node holders are interconnected to form linear arrays.