LED lighting apparatus with swivel connection

• US 8,118,447 B2
• Filed: 12/20/2007
• Issued: 02/21/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 12/20/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ilumisys Incorporated (Altair Engineering Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Altair Engineering Incorporated
• Inventors: Ivey, John, Simon, David L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Parker, Kenneth
• Assistant Examiner(s): Page, Dale E
• Application Number:
  US11/961,701
• Publication Number:
  US 20090159919A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,524 Days
• Field of Search: 315/246, 31331801-31809, 313623-625, 326/555, 362/235
• US Class Current: 362/235
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/272 Details of end parts, i.e. the parts that connect the light source to a fitting; Arrangement of components within end parts F21K9/278 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/65 specially adapted for changing the characteristics or the distribution of the light, e.g. by adjustment of parts
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 14/02 by movement of light sources in vehicle head lamps F21S41/657
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 19/02 with provision for adjustment, e.g. for focusing
• 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]

Abstract

Disclosed is a LED lighting apparatus with one or more swivel connections. The LED lighting apparatus includes a housing with at least one end, at least one light emitting diode extending along the housing and at least one end cap. The end cap has an opening with a sidewall to cap the end of the housing and a surface opposite the opening and spanning the sidewall. At least two pin connectors extend from the surface and are connectable to a standard fluorescent or incandescent light fixture. Various configurations are described such that the housing will rotate within the end caps with application of a rotational force after connection of the pin connectors to the light fixture to adjust the light output direction of the LED lighting apparatus.

Claims

1. A LED lighting apparatus for use in a standard light fixture, the apparatus comprising:

a housing with at least one end;

at least one light emitting diode extending along the housing; and

at least one end cap, wherein the end cap has an opening with a sidewall to cap the end of the housing;

wherein the sidewall has a protrusion extending inward and the housing further comprises a corresponding recess in the housing and spaced between the end and a longitudinal center of the housing, the protrusion aligning within the recess when the end cap caps the end of the housing to friction fit the housing such that the housing will rotate to a plurality of illuminating positions within the end caps with application of a rotational force after insertion of the housing in the light fixture, the friction fit maintaining the housing in one of the plurality of illuminating positions to which the housing was rotated.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, along the circumference of the housing wherein the rotational force required for alignment with any one of the plurality of illuminating positions is greater than a force required for insertion into the light fixture.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the friction fit is obtained by crimping or press-fitting.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the end cap has a first stop extending from the sidewall into the opening and the at least one end of the housing has a second stop positioned for engagement with the first stop to limit a rotational range of the housing.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a slip ring and a spring loaded contact located within the at least one end of the housing, wherein an electrical connection from the at least one light emitting diode contacts the slip ring and the spring loaded contact transfers electrical power from the electrical connection to pin connectors extending from the end cap via a socket on the end cap.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing has one end, the apparatus further comprising:

a socket located on the end cap and configured to transfer electrical power from pin connectors extending from the end cap to the at least one light emitting diode via a spring loaded contact pin.