Simulated neon light using led's

• US 6,361,186 B1
• Filed: 08/02/2000
• Issued: 03/26/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 08/02/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Fred Hannah
• Original Assignee: Lektron Industrial Supply, Inc.
• Inventors: Slayden, James C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Sember, Thomas M.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Alavi, Ali
• Application Number:
  US09/632,032
• Time in Patent Office: 601 Days
• Field of Search: 362/249, 362/351, 362/231, 362/545, 362/240, 362/223, 362/800, 362/361, 362/363, 362/219
• US Class Current: 362/241
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 4/26 of rope form, e.g. LED lighting ropes, or of tubular form
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 4/28 rigid, e.g. LED bars
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 17/164 the parts being subjected to bending, e.g. snap joints
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 19/004 by deformation of parts or snap action mountings, e.g. using clips
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 3/02 characterised by the shape
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 3/0625 the material diffusing light, e.g. translucent plastics
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2103/10 comprising a linear array of point-like light-generating elements
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/80 Light emitting diode

Abstract

A neon light is simulated using light emitting diodes as a light source. An elongated, translucent diffuser of circular cross-sections is mated with an elongated opaque tubular housing of constant cross-section with a lengthwise slot. The diffuser is held in longitudinally aligned abutment against the edges of the housing slot to form a chamber between the housing and the diffuser from which light may only be emitted through the diffuser. A plurality of light emitting diodes is aligned in a linear array in the chamber. The reflection and refraction of light by the tubular diffuser produces a neon-like glow or glare along the exposed surface of the diffuser. The housing has a maximum width not greater than the diameter of the diffuser, so that the housing is hidden behind the diffuser. The diodes may be electrically connected in patterns of alternating sequential activation to give a flashing, mono-chromatic effect and may be color coded according to the patterns of alternating sequential activation to give a flashing, color changing effect to the fixture. Preferably, the housing is sufficiently resiliently flexible to permit the diffuser to be disengaged from and reengaged with the housing so as to permit maintenance of the fixture without removal from its location. This LED simulation affords a durable, low voltage, low energy, non-gaseous, inexpensive, easy to install, easy to maintain, chromatically versatile, long life fixture which looks like neon light and demands the attention of the observer.

Claims

1. A simulated neon light comprising:

elongated translucent diffuser having a circular cross-section;

an elongated opaque tubular housing having a lengthwise slot therein;

means for holding said diffuser in longitudinally aligned abutment against edges of said housing slot to form a chamber between said housing and said diffuser from which light may only be emitted through said diffuser;

a plurality of light emitting diodes aligned in said chamber; and

means for connecting said plurality of diodes to an electrical power source for energizing said diodes.

4. A light according to claim 1, said housing having a maximum width taken in a direction parallel to a plane traversing said slot which is not greater than a diameter of said diffuser.

5. A light according to claim 1, said diffuser having a lengthwise slot therein, said slot being contiguous with said housing slot.

6. A light according to claim 1, said diodes being of the same color.

7. A light according to claim 1, said diodes being electrically connected in patterns of alternating sequential activation.

8. A light according to claim 7, said diodes being color coded according to said patterns of alternating sequential activation.

9. A light source according to claim 1, said diodes being spaced from said diffuser so as to provide an appearance of substantially homogeneous light intensity across said diffuser.

10. A light according to claim 1, said holding means comprising mating channels and flanges extending lengthwise on said diffuser and said housing.

11. A light according to claim 10, said housing being sufficiently resiliently flexible to permit said diffuser to be disengaged from and reengaged with said housing.

12. A light according to claim 1, said diffuser being made of polyethylene.

13. A light according to claim 1, said polyethylene being milky clear.

14. A light according to claim 1, said diffusser being made of material having an index of refraction approximately equal to that of polyethylene.

15. A light according to claim 1, said diodes being fixed to a circuit board.

16. A light according to claim 15, said housing having channels for engagement of edges of said circuit board therein.

17. A light according to claim 16, said housing being sufficiently resiliently flexible to permit said circuit board to be disengaged from and reengaged with said housing.

18. A light according to claim 15, said housing being opposed parallel inner flanges on which said circuit board is seated.

19. A light according to claim 18, further comprising at least one spring clip cooperable with said housing to hold said circuit board against said inner flanges.

20. A light according to claim 1 further comprising a translucent colored coating on an exposed exterior surface of said diffuser.

2. A simulated neon light comprising:

an elongated translucent diffuser having a circular cross-section;

an elongated opaque tubular housing of constant cross-section having a lengthwise slot therein;

means for holding said diffuser in longitudinally aligned abutment against edges of said housing slot to form a chamber between said housing and said diffuser from which light may only be emitted through said diffuser;

a plurality of light emitting diodes aligned in a linear array in said chamber and entirely outside of said diffuser circular cross-section; and

means for connecting said plurality of diodes to an electrical power source for energizing said diodes.

3. A simulated neon light comprising:

an elongated translucent diffuser having a circular cross-section;

an elongated opaque tubular housing of constant cross-section having a lengthwise slot therein, said housing having a maximum width taken in a direction parallel to a plane traversing said slot which is not greater than a diameter of said diffuser;

means for holding said diffuser in longitudinally aligned abutment against edges of said housing slot to form a chamber between said housing and said diffuser from which light may only be emitted through said diffuser;

a plurality of light emitting diodes aligned in a linear array in said chamber and entirely outside of said diffuser circular cross-section; and

means for connecting said plurality of diodes to an electrical power source for energizing said diodes.