Electronic wide angle lighting device

• US 6,227,685 B1
• Filed: 10/11/1996
• Issued: 05/08/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 10/11/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Kevin Mcdermott
• Original Assignee: Kevin Mcdermott
• Inventors: McDermott, Kevin
• Primary Examiner(s): Husar, Stephen F.
• Application Number:
  US08/728,937
• Time in Patent Office: 1,670 Days
• Field of Search: 362/84, 362/255, 362/256, 362/318, 362/800
• US Class Current: 362/318
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/68 Details of reflectors forming part of the light source
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/69 Details of refractors forming part of the light source
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 33/58 Optical field-shaping elements
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/80 Light emitting diode

Abstract

An electronic lighting device for use as a signal or illuminator. Light is created by a light emitting diode element which is encapsulated in a light transmitting medium. A curved exterior lens with a first radius of curvature is a first reference plane and a second and smaller radius of curvature in a normal plane cooperates with the location of the light emitting diode element to create a light beam with a controlled beam pattern which is elongated in a defined or first reference plane. The intensity of the projected light beam is maximized through the efficient collection of created light.

Claims

1. An electroluminescent wide angle lighting device including:

a light source incorporating a light emitting diode element emitting light upon the application of electrical power, and;

a circuit for the application of electric power to said light source, and;

a housing including an exit aperture through which emitted light can pass, and;

an exterior light transmitting medium with an index of refraction exceeding 1.25 located within said exit aperture forming at a first distance from said light emitting diode element a first exterior surface of said housing for refracting light passing through said exit aperture, and;

an interior light transmitting medium with an index of refraction exceeding 1.25 extending from said exterior light transmitting medium to said light source, and;

said first exterior aperture surface is further contoured so that it intersects a first reference plane passing through said light emitting diode element to form a first line which is a convex curve with a center of curvature located at said light emitting diode element, wherein;

light rays emitted by said light emitting diode into said first reference plane towards said first line pass through said first exterior surface with minimal refraction, and;

said first exterior aperture surface is further contoured so that it intersects a second reference plane normal to said first reference plane and passing through said light emitting diode element to form a second line which is a convex curve, and;

the location of said light emitting diode element relative to said first exterior aperture surface and the contour of that surface cooperate such that light rays emitted by said light emitting diode element into said second reference plane towards said second line are refracted at said first exterior aperture surface to reduce their divergence, and;

the maximum included angle between any two of all the possible straight lines that can be drawn between said light emitting diode element and said first line is greater than the maximum included angle between any two of all the possible straight lines that can be drawn between said light emitting diode element and said second line, wherein;

said lighting device emits light with a projected beam pattern which at a defined distance has a first beamwidth in said first reference plane and a second beamwidth in said second reference plane, and;

said second beamwidth is less than said first beamwidth.

4. An electroluminescent wide angle lighting device according to claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein;

said exterior light transmitting medium further forms a second exterior aperture surface and a concave surface of revolution, and;

a reflective coating is applied to said concave surface of revolution such that light emitted from said light source passes through said interior light transmitting medium then through said exterior light transmitting medium, subsequently, it is reflected at said reflective coating and redirected so that it passes through said second exterior aperture surface and impinges upon said projected beam pattern at said defined distance.

5. An electroluminescent wide angle lighting device according to claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein;

said exterior light transmitting medium further forms a second exterior aperture surface and an elliptical concave surface of revolution, and;

a reflective coating is applied to said concave surface of revolution such that light emitted from said light source passes through said interior light transmitting medium then through said exterior light transmitting medium, subsequently, it is reflected at said reflective coating and redirected so that it passes through said second exterior aperture surface and impinges upon said projected beam pattern at said defined distance.

6. An electroluminescent wide angle lighting device according to claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein;

said exterior light transmitting medium further forms a second exterior aperture surface and a parabolic concave surface of revolution, and;

a reflective coating is applied to said concave surface of revolution such that light emitted from said light source passes through said interior light transmitting medium then through said exterior light transmitting medium, subsequently, it is reflected at said reflective coating and redirected so that it passes through said second exterior aperture surface and impinges upon said projected beam pattern at said defined distance.

7. An electroluminescent wide angle lighting device according to claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein;

said light source further includes a transparent body which encapsulates said light emitting diode element.

8. An electroluminescent wide angle lighting device according to claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein;

said interior transparent medium is an acrylic plastic.

9. An electroluminescent wide angle lighting device according to claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein;

said interior transparent medium is a liquid.

10. An electroluminescent wide angle lighting device according to claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein;

said interior and said exterior transparent mediums are one substance.

11. An electroluminescent wide angle lighting device according to claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein;

said first distance exceeds 0.750 inch, and;

the transmissivity of said interior light transmitting medium exceeds 80 percent when measured through a thickness of 0.750 inch using light emitted by said LED element.

12. An electroluminescent wide angle lighting device according to claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein;

said first distance exceeds 0.750 inch, and;

the transmissivity of said exterior light transmitting medium exceeds 80 percent when measured through a thickness of 0.750 inch using light emitted by said LED element.

13. An electroluminescent wide angle lighting device according to claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein;

said defined distance is 60 feet.

2. An electroluminescent wide angle lighting device including:

a light source incorporating a light emitting diode element emitting light upon the application of electrical power, and;

a circuit for the application of electric power to said light source, and;

a housing including an exit aperture through which emitted light can pass, and;

an exterior light transmitting medium with an index of refraction exceeding 1.25 located within said exit aperture forming at a first distance from said light emitting diode element a first exterior surface of said housing for refracting light passing through said exit aperture, and;

an interior light transmitting medium with an index of refraction exceeding 1.25 extending from said exterior light transmitting medium to said light source, wherein;

said first exterior aperture surface is contoured so that it intersects a first reference plane passing through said light emitting diode element to form a first line, and;

the location of said light emitting diode element relative to said first exterior aperture surface and the contour of that surface cooperate such that light rays emitted by said light emitting diode element into said first reference plane towards said first line are refracted at said first exterior surface to reduce their divergence, and;

said first exterior aperture surface is further contoured so that it intersects a second reference plane normal to said first reference plane and passing through said light emitting diode element to form a second line which is a convex curve, and;

the location of said light emitting diode element relative to said first exterior aperture surface and the contour of that surface cooperate such that light rays emitted by said light emitting diode element into said second reference plane towards said second line are refracted at said first exterior aperture surface to reduce their divergence, and;

the maximum included angle between any two of all the possible straight lines that can be drawn between said light emitting diode element and said first line is greater than the maximum included angle between any two of all the possible straight lines that can be drawn between said light emitting diode element and said second line, wherein;

said lighting device emits light with a projected beam pattern which at a defined distance has a first beamwidth in said first reference plane and a second beamwidth in said second reference plane, and;

said second beamwidth is less than said first beamwidth.

3. An electroluminescent wide angle lighting device including:

a light source incorporating a light emitting diode element emitting light upon the application of electrical power, and;

a circuit for the application of electric power to said light source, and;

a housing including an exit aperture through which emitted light can pass, and;

an exterior light transmitting medium with an index of refraction exceeding 1.25 located within said exit aperture forming at a first distance from said light emitting diode element a first exterior aperture surface of said housing for refracting light passing through said exit aperture, and;

an interior light transmitting medium with an index of refraction exceeding 1.25 extending from said exterior light transmitting medium to said light source, wherein;

said first exterior aperture surface is contoured so that it intersects a first reference plane passing through said light emitting diode element to form a first line, and;

a plurality of non-parallel reference planes drawn normal to said first reference plane, through said LED element and through said first exterior aperture surface each intersect said first exterior aperture surface to form a convex curved line, and;

each of said convex curved lines has a radius of curvature and a center of curvature, and;

for each convex curved line the quotient of a first distance between said LED element and its center of curvature divided by the sum of said first distance and the radius of curvature is substantially equal, and;

said lighting device emits light with a projected beam pattern which at a defined distance has a first beamwidth in said first reference plane and a second beamwidth in said second reference plane, and;

said second beamwidth is less than said first beamwidth.

14. An electroluminescent wide angle lighting device according to claim 3 wherein;

said first line consists of a plurality of intersecting line segments, and;

the normal lines drawn to each of said intersecting line segments converge upon said second reference plane.

15. A multi-lamp electroluminescent wide angle lighting device including:

a plurality of single lamp electroluminescent wide angle lighting devices each comprising a light source incorporating a light emitting diode element emitting light upon the application of electrical power, and;

a circuit for the application of electric power to each of said single lamp electroluminescent wide angle lighting devices, and;

each of said single lamp electroluminescent lighting devices further includes;

a housing including an exit aperture through which emitted light can pass, and;

an exterior light transmitting medium with an index of refraction exceeding 1.25 located within said exit aperture forming at a first distance from said light emitting diode element a first exterior surface of said housing for refracting light passing through said exit aperture, and;

an interior light transmitting medium with an index of refraction exceeding 1.25 extending from said exterior light transmitting medium to said light source, and;

said first exterior aperture surface is further contoured so that it intersects a first reference plane passing through said light emitting diode element to form a first line which is a convex curve with a center of curvature located at said light emitting diode element, wherein;

light rays emitted by said light emitting diode into said first reference plane towards said first line pass through said first exterior surface with minimal refraction, and;

said first exterior aperture surface is further contoured so that it intersects a second reference plane normal to said first reference plane and passing through said light emitting diode element to form a second line which is a convex curve, and;

the location of said light emitting diode element relative to said first exterior aperture surface and the contour of that surface cooperate such that light rays emitted by said light emitting diode element into said second reference plane towards said second line are refracted at said first exterior aperture surface to reduce their divergence, and;

the maximum included angle between any two of all the possible straight lines that can be drawn between said light emitting diode element and said first line is greater than the maximum included angle between any two of all the possible straight lines that can be drawn between said light emitting diode element and said second line, wherein;

light passing through said first exterior aperture surface forms a projected beam pattern which at a defined distance has a first beamwidth in said first reference plane and a second beamwidth in said second reference plane, and;

said second beamwidth is less than said first beamwidth.

16. A lighting device comprising

a light transmitting surface having a first line shape in a horizontal cross-sectional plane formed of three straight segments, each segment having a perpendicular bisector extending to a common point with the other of said segments;

a light emitting diode disposed on an axis passing through said common point; and

a light transmitting medium encapsulating said diode and extending to said light transmitting surface.

17. A multi-lamp electroluminescent wide angle lighting device comprising a plurality of lighting devices, each lighting device including a curved light transmitting cylindrical surface, a light emitting diode for directing light towards said cylindrical surface, and a light transmitting medium encapsulating said diode and extending to said curved cylindrical surface;

a casting mounting said lighting devices thereon; and

a printed circuit board on said casting and having a plurality of electrical circuit tracks, each track being electrically connected to a respective diode.

18. A lighting device as set forth in claim 17 wherein said curved surface has a first line shape in a first cross-sectional plane and a second line shape in a second cross-sectional plane normal to said first cross-sectional plane, said first line shape being located relative to said diode to redirect light from said diode into a projected output beam pattern with a first beam width in one plane and said second line shape being located relative to said diode to redirect light from said diode into a projected output beam pattern with a second beam width in a plane transverse to said first beam width and less than said first beam width.

19. A lighting device comprising

a light emitting diode;

a curved cylindrical light transmitting surface, said curved surface having a first line shape in a first;

cross-sectional plane and a second line shape in a second cross-sectional plane normal to said first cross-sectional plane, said first line shape being located relative to said diode to redirect light from said diode into a projected output beam pattern with a first beam width in one plane and said second line shape being located relative to said diode to redirect light from said diode into a projected output beam pattern with a second beam width in a second plane transverse to said first beam wide and less than said first beam width; and

a light transmitting medium encapsulating said diode and extending to said curved surface.

20. A lighting device comprising

a curved cylindrical light transmitting surface, said curved surface having a curved aperture surface extending horizontally thereof, a lower aperture surface below said curved aperture surface and an upper aperture surface above said curved surface;

a light transmitting diode for directing light towards said surface; and

a light transmitting medium encapsulating said diode and extending to said curved surface.

21. A lighting device as set forth in claim 20 wherein said curved aperture surface has a radius of curvature in a vertical plane with a center of curvature on an axis passing through said diode and spaced from said diode.

22. A lighting device as set forth in claim 21 wherein said light transmitting surface has a developed elliptical exterior surface with a focal point on said axis passing through said diode and coincident with said diode.

23. A lighting device as set forth in claim 21 wherein said curved aperture surface has a radius of curvature in a horizontal plane with a center of curvature on said axis passing through said diode and spaced from said diode.

24. A multi-lamp electroluminescent wide angle lighting device comprising

a plurality of lighting devices, each lighting device including a curved light transmitting surface, a light emitting diode for directing light towards said surface, and a light transmitting medium encapsulating said diode and extending to said curved surface and wherein each said curved surface has a curved aperture surface extending horizontally thereof, a lower aperture surface below said curved aperture surface and an upper aperture surface above said curved surface;

a casting mounting said lighting devices thereon; and

a printed circuit board on said casting and having a plurality of electrical circuit tracks, each track being electrically connected to a respective diode.

25. A lighting device comprising

at least one light emitting diode element for emitting light rays in an angularly divergent radiation pattern relative to a reference plane intersecting said light emitting diode element;

and

a light transmitting medium having an index of refraction exceeding 1.1, said medium having all exterior surface spaced from said light emitting diode element and comprising a first curved surface in said reference plane and a second curved surface in a plane transverse to said reference plane to receive and transmit light rays from said light emitting diode element, said second curved surface being of different curvature from said first curved surface.

26. A lighting device as set forth in claim 25 wherein said light transmitting medium encapsulates said light emitting diode element.

27. A lighting device as set forth in claim 25 having only one light emitting diode element.

28. A lighting device as set forth in claim 27 wherein said light transmitting medium encapsulates said light emitting diode element.

29. A multi-lamp lighting device comprising a plurality of lighting devices, each said lighting device including at least one light emitting diode element for emitting light rays in an angularly divergent radiation pattern relative to a reference plane intersecting said light emitting diode element, and a light transmitting medium having an index of refraction exceeding 1.1, said medium having an exterior surface spaced from said light emitting diode element comprising a first curved surface in said reference plane and a second curved surface in a plane transverse to said reference plane to receive and transmit light rays from said light emitting diode element, said second curved surface being of a different curvature from said first curved surface.

30. A multi-lamp lighting device as set forth in claim 29 wherein each respective light transmitting medium encapsulates said respective light emitting diode element.

31. A multi-lamp lighting device as set forth in claim 30 wherein said reference planets for at least two of said lighting devices are substantially parallel.

32. A multi-lamp lighting device as set forth in claim 30 wherein said exterior surface of each said lighting device is of a casting.

33. A multi-lamp lighting device as set forth in claim 30 wherein said first curved surface of each lighting device comprises a smaller radius of curvature than a radius of curvature of said second curved surface.

34. A multi-lamp lighting device as set forth in claim 30 wherein each said fighting device effects an elongated beam pattern.

35. A multi-lamp lighting device as set forth in claim 29 wherein said reference planes for at least two of said lighting devices are substantially parallel.

36. A multi-lamp lighting device as set forth in claim 29 wherein said exterior surface of each said lighting;

device is of a casting.

37. A multi-lamp lighting device as set forth in claim 29 wherein said first curved surface of each lighting device comprises a smaller radius of curvature than a radius of curvature of said second curved surface.

38. A multi-lamp lighting device as set forth in claim 29 wherein each said lighting device effects an elongated beam pattern.