Rail and clip mounting for LED modules for fluorescent application replacement

• US 8,474,998 B2
• Filed: 03/08/2011
• Issued: 07/02/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 03/08/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Current Lighting Solutions, LLC (f/k/a GE Lighting Solutions, LLC) (American Industrial Partners)
• Original Assignee: GE Lighting Solutions LLC (Savant Systems, LLC)
• Inventors: Wang, Bill (Xin), Nall, Jeffrey, Cloutier, Luc, Owens, John, Zhang, Min, Rolfes, Tyler John, Slattery, Adrian
• Primary Examiner(s): Husar, Stephen F
• Assistant Examiner(s): CRANSON JR, JAMES W
• Application Number:
  US13/043,023
• Publication Number:
  US 20120002418A1
• Time in Patent Office: 847 Days
• Field of Search: 362/217.11, 362/217.12, 362/217.15, 362/217.16, 362/249.02
• US Class Current: 362/249.02
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/27 Retrofit light sources for lighting devices with two fittings for each light source, e.g. for substitution of fluorescent tubes
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/90 Methods of manufacture
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 13/22 electroluminescent electroluminescent light sources per se H05B33/00
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 2013/1895 Imitating a neon tube
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49826 Assembling or joining

Abstract

In accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a mounting arrangement for use with an LED power strip module is provided. The mounting arrangement comprises one or more one frames having a first end and a second end, a first holding base configured to mate with the first end and a second holding base configured to mate with the second end, and at least one LED module having a first and second edge and comprising a plurality of LEDs, said LED module being adapted to removably attach to the one or more frames. The first and second holding bases are adapted to secure the one or more frames to an existing raceway structure.

Claims

1. A mounting arrangement for use with an LED power strip module including:

one or more frames, each frame having a first end and a second end;

a first holding base configured to mate with said first end and a second holding base configured to mate with said second end; and

at least one LED module having a first and second edge and two elongated side edges, said module comprising a plurality of LEDs and adapted to removably attach to said one or more frames, wherein said first and second holding bases are adapted to secure said one or more frames to a signage structure.

2. The mounting arrangement of claim 1, wherein said the LED power strip module is configured for mounting in cabinet signs.

3. The mounting arrangement of claim 1, wherein said frame comprises aluminum.

4. The mounting arrangement of claim 1, wherein said frame is anodized.

5. The mounting arrangement of claim 1, wherein said LED power strip module is a double-sided module.

6. The mounting arrangement of claim 5, wherein said one or more frames comprise openings spaced along the length of the frame configured to permit light from the LEDs to pass through the frame.

7. The mounting arrangement of claim 1, further including a first spring-clip configured to snap into said one or more frames at said first edge and a second spring-clip configured to snap into said frame at said second edge, said first and second spring-clip adapted to secure the at least one LED power strip module to said frame.

8. The mounting arrangement of claim 1, further including at least two connectors configured to attach to said LED power strip module at each of said first and second edge and mount said LED module to said frame in a parallel configuration.

9. The mounting arrangement of claim 1, wherein said one or more frames includes a generally c-shaped slot configured to receive the first side edge of said LED power strip module.

10. The mounting arrangement of claim 9, further including a plurality of spacers separating said LED power strip module.

11. The mounting arrangement of claim 9, wherein said arrangement comprises two frames having the generally c-shaped slot, wherein the second frame is configured to receive the second side edge of said LED module.

12. The mounting arrangement of claim 11, further including a first and second link mounted at both the first and second edge of the LED power strip module and extended through each frame, securing said LED power strip module in place.

13. The mounting arrangement of claim 11, further including a plurality of ties configured to extend over the LED power strip module and hook onto an underside portion of each frame.

14. The mounting arrangement of claim 13, wherein said ties are further configured to squeeze the frames toward the LED power strip modules, securing the LED power strip module to the frame.

15. The mounting arrangement of claim 1, wherein said LED power strip modules include or more screw tabs along at least one side edge of said LED power strip module.

16. The mounting arrangement of claim 15, wherein said screw tabs are configured to mate with a screw slot feature provided on said one or more frames, securing said LED power strip module to said frame.

17. The mounting arrangement of claim 16, wherein said first and second holding bases comprise L-brackets.

18. The mounting arrangement of claim 1, wherein said frame comprises one or more stamped and bent metal units configured to expand or contract to lengthen or shorten said frame.

19. An LED module comprising:

a housing having a first side edge and a second side edge;

a plurality of LEDs mounted on a printed circuit board; and

a mounting arrangement, said mounting arrangement comprising;

at least one frame, said frame having a first end and a second end, said frame being adapted to removably accept said LED module;

a first holding base configured to mate with said first end; and

a second holding base configured to mate with said second end, wherein said first and second holding bases are adapted to secure said one or more frames to a signage structure.

20. The LED module according to claim 19, wherein said module is a double-sided LED module.

21. The LED module according to claim 19, wherein said LED module includes or more screw tabs along at least one side edge of said LED module.

22. The LED module according to claim 21, wherein said screw tabs are configured to mate with a screw slot feature provided on said at least one frame, securing said LED module to said frame.

23. The LED module according to claim 19, wherein said first and second holding bases comprise L-brackets.

24. A mounting arrangement for mounting a double-sided LED module to a signage application, said arrangement including:

one or more transparent flat panels comprising a cut-out pattern;

a plurality of brackets configured to secure said panels to said signage application having at least two sides; and

at least one double-sided LED module configured to be mounted to said flat panels, wherein said cut-out pattern is configured to allow said LEDs to illuminate each side of said signage application without light blockage.

27. The mounting arrangement of claim 24, wherein said strip clips are designed to hold said LED module offset from the center line of the assembly.

28. The mounting arrangement of claim 24, wherein said socket is a dummy socket.

25. A double-sided LED module for mounting to a sign application, said double-sided LED module comprising:

a housing having a first elongated side edge and a second elongated side edge; and

at least one LED mounted on each side of a printed circuit board, wherein said double-sided LED module further includes a mounting arrangement comprising;

one or more transparent flat panels having a cut-out pattern; and

a plurality of brackets configured to secure said panels to said signage application having at least two sides, wherein said double-sided LED module is configured to be mounted to said flat panels and wherein said cut out pattern is configured to allow said at least one LED to illuminate each side of said signage application without light blockage.

26. A mounting arrangement for mounting an LED module to sign assembly;

said arrangement including;

an LED module comprising one or more LEDs positioned on a printed circuit board;

a strip clip comprising a front end having jaws configured to open and close, and a back end having radial arms, wherein upon pressure to the aims, said jaws are configured to open and receive said LED module;

a folded piece of plastic configured to snap into hooks located on said aims; and

a socket capable of receiving said folded piece of plastic.