Incandescent tube bulb replacement assembly

• US 6,791,840 B2
• Filed: 01/17/2003
• Issued: 09/14/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 01/17/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: James K. Chun
• Original Assignee: James K. Chun
• Inventors: Chun, James K.
• Primary Examiner(s): Zarneke, David A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Tran, Thanh Y.
• Application Number:
  US10/345,996
• Publication Number:
  US 20040141293A1
• Time in Patent Office: 606 Days
• Field of Search: 361/715, 361/752, 361/796, 361/806, 361/760, 361/748, 361/761, 313/113, 313/116, 362/236, 362/800, 362/341
• US Class Current: 361/715
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/00 Light sources using semiconductor devices as light-generating elements, e.g. using light-emitting diodes [LED] or lasers
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 7/04 Optical design
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/80 Light emitting diode

Abstract

An incandescent tube bulb replacement assembly that is used in place of a horizontal incandescent tube light in a standard interior horizontal tube light fixture. The assembly includes a small printed circuit board (PCB) with a plurality of LEDs mounted perpendicularly thereon. During installation, the existing horizontal incandescent tube is removed and replaced with an LED assembly so that the LEDs fit into the center of the reflector. Attached to the opposite sides of the PCB are two, upward extending conductor arms that snap-fit into the two existing end conductors. The PCB includes a lighting circuit that allows the assembly to connect without regard to the polarity.

Claims

1. An incandescent tube bulb replacement assembly, comprising:

a. an outer housing used with an incandescent light assembly, said outer housing including an interior surface;

b. two upward extending end connectors located inside said outer housing capable of holding an incandescent tube at its opposite ends;

c. a printed circuit board capable of being disposed inside said outer housing, said printed circuit board including a pair of slots that allow said extending end connectors to extend through said printed circuit board when said printed circuit board is placed inside said outer housing and over said interior surface;

d. a plurality of LEDs mounted centrally on said top surface of said printed circuit board; and

,

e. two upward extension arms mounted on said printed circuit board, each said extension arm being sufficient in length and including an adaptor that fits into one said upward extending end connector to electrically connect said printed circuit board to said end connectors.

2. The replacement assembly, as recited in claim 1, wherein each said extension arm includes an adaptor that snap-fits into said end connectors.

3. The replacement assembly, as recited in claim 1, further including a reflector with a center hole through which said LEDs extend.

4. The replacement assembly, as recited in claim 2, further including a pair of insulators located around said extension arms to prevent electrical shorts with said reflector.

5. The replacement assembly, as recited in claim 2, further including a bridge recited circuit on said printed circuit board.