Connection system for joining illuminated modules

• US 4,413,311 A
• Filed: 09/01/1981
• Issued: 11/01/1983
• Est. Priority Date: 09/01/1981
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Philip Orenstein
• Original Assignee: Philip Orenstein
• Inventors: Orenstein, Philip
• Primary Examiner(s): Lechert, Jr., Stephen J.
• Application Number:
  US06/298,303
• Time in Patent Office: 791 Days
• Field of Search: 362/219, 362/223, 362/224, 362/230, 362/234, 362/145, 362/147, 362/153, 362/249, 362/252, 362/263, 362/267, 362/311, 362/362, 362/375, 362/806, 362/812
• US Class Current: 362/219
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 1/0015 Knobs or handles which do not operate the bolt or lock, e.g. non-movable; Mounting thereof
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 17/10 Illuminating devices on or for locks or keys; Transparent or translucent lock parts; Indicator lights
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 4/10 with light sources attached to loose electric cables, e.g. Christmas tree lights
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 19/008 of straight tubular light sources, e.g. straight fluorescent tubes, soffit lamps
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 21/005 for several lighting devices in an end-to-end arrangement, i.e. light tracks
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 33/006 General building constructions or finishing work for buildings, e.g. roofs, gutters, stairs or floors; Garden equipment; Sunshades or parasols
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2111/08 for handles or handrails
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2103/00 Elongate light sources, e.g. fluorescent tubes
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/806 Ornamental or decorative
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/812 Signs

Abstract

A connection system comprising a variety of metal connectors, a plurality of illuminated modules insertable into the connectors, and electrical leads hidden within the connectors to electrically join the modules in series relationship, and a step-up transformer for supplying the voltage needed to energize the plurality of modules. Each connector has a hollow body adapted to receive at least one illuminated module. Each illuminated module includes a rigid, transparent plastic sleeve with an annular collar at each end of the sleeve; a gas filled tube is retained in the sleeve by the collars. A foot with a mounting flange is operatively associated with some of the connectors to firmly support an assembled plurality of illuminated modules. The connectors and illuminated modules can be assembled into diverse configurations for applications previously unsuited for gas filled tubes, such as neon.

Claims

1. A connection system for mechanically and electrically joining a plurality of illuminated modules into a decorative lighting display;

such system including;

(a) a plurality of light impervious rigid connectors with hollow tubular bodies,

(b) each module comprising;

(I) a rigid transparent plastic sleeve,

(II) a neon gas filled tube that extends axially through said plastic sleeve,

(III) end caps secured to opposite ends of said plastic sleeve for receiving and retaining the neon filled tube in fixed position,

(IV) electrically conductive members located on said end caps for delivering electrical energy to the neon gas to ignite same, and

(V) means for retaining the end caps in position,

(c) each connector securely receiving an end cap of at least one module therewithin,

(d) electrical leads extending between end caps of adjacent modules,

(e) a source of high voltage power for supplying the electrical leads with sufficient voltage to excite the neon filled tubes and cause decorative, low intensity light to radiate outwardly in all directions through said transparent sleeves, and

(f) said leads being disposed entirely within the hollow tubular bodies of the light impervious connectors, whereby said leads are completely hidden from view.

2. A connection system as defined in claim 1 wherein said means for retaining the end caps in position are annular collars, the diameter of each collar being slightly less than the diameter of the tubular body of the connector so that the collar can be inserted into said tubular body and retained therewithin.

3. A connection system as defined in claim 1 wherein said end caps are formed of glass, and said conductive members include posts, nuts, coil springs and metal annuli which engage the end caps.

4. A connector system as defined in claim 1 wherein said connectors are fabricated from a metal with a shiny exterior surface.