LED illuminated member

• US 8,496,359 B2
• Filed: 06/18/2012
• Issued: 07/30/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 10/07/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Electraled Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Electraled Incorporated
• Inventors: Thomas, James, Volochine, Vladimir
• Primary Examiner(s): Husar, Stephen F
• Application Number:
  US13/525,818
• Publication Number:
  US 20120281402A1
• Time in Patent Office: 407 Days
• Field of Search: 362/92, 362/94, 362/125, 362/126, 36224902-24906, 362/217.11, 362/217.12, 362221-223, 362/311.02, 622/64
• US Class Current: 362/311.02
• CPC Class Codes: A47F 3/001 Devices for lighting, humidifying, heating, ventilation
• CPC Class Codes: A47F 3/0482 Details common to both closed and open types
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 4/28 rigid, e.g. LED bars
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 19/001 the light sources being semiconductors devices, e.g. LEDs
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]

Abstract

The invention relates to a refrigerated display case with an illuminated support member or “mullion” that efficiently transfers heat generated by at least one light emitting diode (LED) to warm and maintain door seals. The invention further relates to a low-profile, elongated LED light fixture that is retrofitted to the display case mullion to provide efficient illumination. The LED light fixture includes an elongated frame having a central hub extending longitudinally along the frame. A pair of opposed arms extending upwardly at an angle from the central hub, wherein the terminus of each arm has a curvilinear configuration that defines a receiver. At least one leg extends rearward from the central hub. Two legs are spaced a distance apart to define an elongated central cavity that that receives a fastener for securement of the fixture to the vertical support within the display case. A printed circuit board resides within a channel of the central hub and a plurality of LEDs are electrically and mechanically connected to the circuit board. A substantially planar lens cover resides within the receiver for securement to the frame.

Claims

1. A low-profile, elongated LED light fixture connectable to a support in a display case, the light fixture comprising:

an elongated frame having a central hub extending longitudinally along the frame, arms extending at an angle from the central hub and defining a receiver, and at least one leg extending rearward from the central hub;

a printed circuit board coupled to the central hub;

a plurality of LEDs electrically and mechanically connected to the circuit board; and

,

a lens cover supported by the receiver and positioned over the plurality of LEDs.

2. The LED light fixture of claim 1, wherein each arm includes an end having a curvilinear configuration that defines the receiver.

3. The LED light fixture of claim 1, wherein the central hub defines a longitudinally extending channel, and wherein the circuit board resides within the channel.

4. The LED light fixture of claim 1, wherein at least one of the arms includes an upper surface comprised of an inner linear surface segment and an outer linear surface segment.

5. The LED light fixture of claim 4, wherein the central hub defines a longitudinally extending channel, wherein the circuit board resides within the channel, and wherein the outer linear surface segment of the at least one arm is substantially parallel to a bottom wall of the channel.

6. The LED light fixture of claim 4, wherein the inner linear surface segment and the outer linear surface segment are angularly oriented 185 to 190 degrees apart.

7. The LED light fixture of claim 4, wherein the inner linear surface segment provides a reflecting surface for light emitted from the plurality of LEDs, and wherein the outer linear surface segment provides a support surface for the lens cover.

8. The LED light fixture of claim 1, wherein the at least one leg at least partially defines a cavity for securing the fixture to the support.

9. A low-profile, elongated LED light fixture connectable to a support in a display case, the light fixture comprising:

an elongated frame having a central hub extending longitudinally along the frame, arms extending at an angle from the central hub generally in a first direction and defining a receiver, and legs extending from the central hub generally in a second direction opposite the first direction and defining a cavity for securing the fixture to the support;

a printed circuit board coupled to the central hub;

a plurality of LEDs electrically and mechanically connected to the circuit board; and

,

a lens cover supported by the receiver and positioned over the plurality of LEDs.

10. The LED light fixture of claim 9, wherein each arm includes an end having a curvilinear configuration that defines the receiver.

11. The LED light fixture of claim 9, wherein the central hub defines a longitudinally extending channel, and wherein the circuit board resides within the channel.

12. The LED light fixture of claim 9, wherein at least one of the arms includes an upper surface comprised of an inner linear surface segment and an outer linear surface segment.

13. The LED light fixture of claim 12, wherein the central hub defines a longitudinally extending channel, wherein the circuit board resides within the channel, and wherein the outer linear surface segment of the at least one arm is substantially parallel to a bottom wall of the channel.

14. The LED light fixture of claim 12, wherein the inner linear surface segment and the outer linear surface segment are angularly oriented 185 to 190 degrees apart.

15. The LED light fixture of claim 12, wherein the inner linear surface segment provides a reflecting surface for light emitted from the plurality of LEDs, and wherein the outer linear surface segment provides a support surface for the lens cover.