Light emitting diode clusters for display signs

• US 5,036,248 A
• Filed: 11/08/1990
• Issued: 07/30/1991
• Est. Priority Date: 03/31/1989
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Ledstar, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Ledstar, Inc.
• Inventors: McEwan, Vince, Patel, Milan
• Primary Examiner(s): DEMEO, PALMER
• Application Number:
  US07/610,309
• Time in Patent Office: 264 Days
• Field of Search: 313/500, 313/499, 313/110, 313/111, 313/318, 313/51, 362/359, 362/800, 362/812, 40/452, 40/550, 340/782
• US Class Current: 313/500
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/20 Light sources comprising attachment means
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 31/005 Sealing arrangements therefor
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2111/02 for roads, paths or the like
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2105/10 comprising a two-dimensional array of point-like light-generating elements
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2105/12 characterised by the geometrical disposition of the light-generating elements, e.g. arranging light-generating elements in differing patterns or densities
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 13/0472 Traffic signs
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 13/22 electroluminescent electroluminescent light sources per se H05B33/00
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 2013/222 with LEDs
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 27/008 Sun shades, shades, hoods or louvres on electronic displays to minimise the effect of direct sun light on the display
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 9/33 being semiconductor devices, e.g. diodes
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/80 Light emitting diode
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/812 Signs

Abstract

The invention concerns light emitting diode clusters assembly suitable for use in outdoor displays. The cluster on a circuit board is housed in a first socket open to its front and nested in an outer connector socket. Electrical wiring runs from the rear of the first socket via the connector socket to a source of electricity. The connector socket provides weather proofing and protects the circuit board from torque. Moreover, driver circuits of a display board into which the assembly is connected may be shielded from ultraviolet rays. A tubular visor may be provided to the front.

Claims

1. A light emitting diode cluster unit for outdoor use comprising:

a connector socket for direct connection into an electrical outlet of an electrically operated display outlet, the connector socket comprising a connector sleeve closed at a rear end by a connector rear wall, first electrical contacts being located within the connector socket, and first electrical connectors passing through the connector rear wall for connection into said outlet;

a housing socket for housing a cluster of light emitting diodes, the housing socket comprising a housing sleeve closed at a rear end by a housing rear wall, second electrical contacts being located within the housing socket, and second electrical connectors passing through the housing rear wall adapted for connection to said first electrical contacts;

a circuit board including a plurality of light emitting diodes on one face of said circuit board and connected to said second electrical contacts, the circuit board being located within the housing socket substantially parallel to the housing rear wall;

a layer of potting compound for sealing the circuit board in position and sealingly embedding the light emitting diodes such that at least a portion of the light omitting diodes project forwardly out of the potting compound; and

weather sealing means arranged between the connector sleeve and the housing sleeve in sealing contact with both said sleeves for substantially preventing the intrusion of undesirable elements beyond said weather sealing means;

wherein the housing socket is slidably and substantially fully nested within the connector socket by slidable engagement of the housing sleeve within the connector sleeve.

2. A unit as claimed in claim 1 including a generally tubular visor extending forwardly of the connector socket.

3. A unit as claimed in claim 2 in which the visor includes an upper hood portion extending further forwardly of a main visor portion.

4. A unit as claimed in claim 2 in which the visor extends forwardly of the light emitting diode cluster by between 2 inches and 12 inches.

5. A unit as claimed in claim 1 in which the light emitting diode cluster includes a first plurality of light emitting diodes for emitting one colour of light and a second plurality of light emitting diodes for emitting another colour of light.

6. An electrical display sign having electrical outlets for a plurality of light emitting diode units, including light emitting diodes connected into said outlets, each light emitting diode unit comprising:

a connector socket including a connector sleeve closed at a rear end by a connector rear wall, first electrical contacts being located within the connector socket, and first electrical connectors passing through the connector rear wall for connection into said outlet;

a housing socket for housing a cluster of light emitting diodes, the housing socket comprising a housing sleeve closed at a rear end by a housing rear wall, second electrical contacts being located within the housing socket, and second electrical connectors passing through the housing rear wall adapted for connection to said first electrical contacts;

a circuit board including a plurality of light emitting diodes on one face of said circuit board and connected to said second electrical contacts, the circuit board being located within the housing socket substantially parallel to the housing rear wall;

a layer of potting compound for sealing the circuit board in position and sealingly embedding the light emitting diodes such that at least a portion of the light emitting diodes project forwardly out of the potting compound; and

weather sealing means arranged between the connector sleeve and the housing sleeve in sealing contact with both said sleeves for substantially preventing the intrusion of undesirable elements beyond said weather sealing means;

wherein the housing socket is slidably and substantially fully nested with the connector socket by slidable engagement of the housing sleeve within the connector sleeve.

7. An electrical display sign as claimed in claim 6 including a generally tubular visor extending forwardly of the connector socket.