Rugged, waterproof LED array lighting system

• US 6,595,671 B2
• Filed: 05/09/2001
• Issued: 07/22/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 05/10/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Kenneth Moreau, Maxime Lefebvre
• Original Assignee: Kenneth Moreau, Maxime Lefebvre
• Inventors: Lefebvre, Maxime, Moreau, Kenneth
• Primary Examiner(s): CARIASO, ALAN B
• Application Number:
  US09/852,130
• Publication Number:
  US 20020030992A1
• Time in Patent Office: 804 Days
• Field of Search: 362/240-247, 362/310, 362/311, 362/327-329, 362/543-545, 362/307, 313/500, 313/512, 359/15, 405/42, 405/44, 405/82
• US Class Current: 362/545
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/68 Details of reflectors forming part of the light source
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 43/14 Light emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 43/26 Refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters not provided in groups F21S43/235 - F21S43/255
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 43/31 Optical layout thereof
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 43/40 characterised by the combination of reflectors and refractors
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 45/50 Waterproofing
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 25/12 Flameproof or explosion-proof arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 31/04 Provision of filling media
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 5/002 using microoptical elements for redirecting or diffusing light
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2103/00 Exterior vehicle lighting devices for signalling purposes
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2103/35 Brake lights
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2111/02 for roads, paths or the like
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2131/401 for swimming pools
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]

Abstract

A taillight (stop and signal) for marine and utility trailers, as well as general use. The assembly consists of a light emitting diode (LED) array, circuitry and reflecting/diffracting surface which may have holographic characteristics all encapsulated in a clear resin. The reflecting/diffracting surface is positioned in the back of the assembly; its shape consists of a multitude of sharp edges or corrugations, forming a reflecting body. The LEDs within the array are directing their light beams on the knuckle edges of the reflecting body. Each light beam shows reflection on more than one surface. The reflected light beams generated induce a glow to the encapsulating medium. The duplication of the light beam results in an intensified array displaying a uniform light generation.

Claims

1. A light system, comprising:

A plurality of light emitting diodes having first and second ends, the first ends of each of said diodes configured to provide light therefrom;

a corrugated reflective surface with holographic characteristics configured to disperse, diffuse, and reflect light emitting from said first ends of said light emitting diodes, said corrugated reflective surface with diffractive characteristics mounted in spaced relation from said diodes, so as to provide a diffused light source;

said plurality of light emitting diodes and said corrugated reflective surface with holographic characteristics encased in a monolithic, light transmissive encapsulating medium.

2. The light system of claim 1, wherein said corrugated reflective surface comprises a reflector with holographic characteristics.

3. The light system of claim 2, wherein said corrugated reflective surface includes first and second, opposing, angled folds forming knuckle edges to diffract and re-direct light reflected therefrom.

4. The light system of claim 3, wherein light emitting diodes are oriented toward knuckle edges for maximum reflection effect and for light duplication effect.

5. The method of providing a tail light for a vehicle, comprising the steps of:

a. providing a light system, comprising;

a plurality of light emitting diodes having first and second ends, the first ends of each of said diodes configured to provide light therefrom;

a corrugated reflective surface configured to disperse, diffuse, and reflect light emitting from said first ends of said light emitting diodes, said corrugated reflective surface mounted in spaced relation from said diodes, so as provide a diffused light source;

said a plurality of light emitting diodes and said corrugated reflective surface encased in a monolithic, light transmissive medium having a light emitting side and a mounting side, forming an encapsulating medium;

b. initiating a signal light viewable from the rear of said vehicle, comprising the steps of;

I. mounting said mounting side of said encapsulating medium to a vehicle;

II. selectively energizing said plurality of light emitting diodes, providing generated light;

III. reflecting said generated light from said corrugated reflective surface with holographic characteristics, so as to disperse, diffuse, and redirect said light throughout said monolithic, encapsulating medium;

IV. allowing said dispersed, diffused, and redirected light to emit from said light emitting side of said encapsulating medium.

6. A light block, comprising:

an LED array, comprising;

a bus bar;

a plurality of circuit boards generally vertically oriented relative to said bus bar and generally parallel relative to one another, each of said circuit boards having an upper edge and lower edge and first and second sides, said lower edge engaging said bus bar;

a plurality of LEDs emanating from said upper edge of said circuit boards;

a reflective strip situated between each of said circuit boards, said reflective strip having first and second edges folded in an asending angle of between 30-60 degrees, forming first and second corrugated folds, with a flat medial surface situated therebetween;

said LED array encased in a block of light transmissive polymer.

7. The light block of claim 6, wherein said LEDs have a beam of light emanating therefrom, and wherein said beam of light is oriented so as to reflect off of said first or second corrugated folds and said medial surface of said reflective strip, so as to diffuse and disperse said beam of light.

8. The light block of claim 7, wherein said reflective strip has a surface having formed thereupon a metalized prism.

9. The light block of claim 8, wherein said metalized prism forms a holographic image.

10. The light block of claim 9, wherein said polymer is colored.

11. The method of providing lighting, comprising the steps of:

a. providing a light block, comprising;

providing an LED array, comprising;

a bus bar;

a plurality of circuit boards generally vertically oriented relative to said bus bar and generally parallel relative to one another, each of said circuit boards having an upper edge and lower edge and first and second sides, said lower edge engaging said bus bar;

a plurality of LEDs emanating from said upper edge of said circuit boards;

a reflective strip situated between each of said circuit boards, said reflective strip having first and second edges folded in an ascending angle of between 30-60 degrees, forming first and second corrugated folds, with a flat medial surface situated therebetween;

said LED array encased in a light transmissive polymer;

b. installing said light block at a location;

c. allowing said LED'"'"'s to provide a beam of light directed to said reflective strip;

d. allowing said reflective strip to disperse and diffuse said light beam, so as to provide diffused and dispersed light, so as to cause said light block to glow.

12. The method of causing a light transmissive mass to glow, comprising the steps of:

a. providing an LED array, comprising;

a bus bar;

a plurality of circuit boards generally vertically oriented relative to said bus bar and generally parallel relative to one another, each of said circuit boards having an upper edge and lower edge and first and second sides, said lower edge engaging said bus bar;

a plurality of LEDs emanating from said upper edge of said circuit boards;

a reflective strip situated between each of said circuit boards, said reflective strip having first and second edges folded in an ascending angle of between 30-60 degrees, forming first and second corrugated folds, with a flat medial surface situated therebetween;

wherein said LEDs have a beam of light emanating therefrom, and wherein said beam of light is oriented so as to reflect off of said first or second corrugated folds and said medial surface of said reflective strip, so as to diffuse and disperse said beam of light

b. encasing said LED array in the light transmissive mass;

c. allowing said LED'"'"'s to provide a beam of light directed to said reflective strip;

d. allowing said reflective strip to disperse and diffuse said light beam, so as to provide diffused and dispersed light, so as to cause said light transmissive mass to glow.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein in step “

a”

said reflective strip has formed thereon a hologram, and wherein in step “

c”

said LED'"'"'s provide a beam of light directed to said hologram on said reflective strip, and wherein in step “

d”

said hologram diffuses and disperses said light beam, causing same to glow.