Switchable solid state lighting system

• US 9,829,163 B1
• Filed: 08/15/2016
• Issued: 11/28/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 03/15/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Espen Technology Inc.
• Original Assignee: Inner Lighting, LLC
• Inventors: Stagni, Lee D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Garlen, Alexander
• Application Number:
  US15/237,150
• Time in Patent Office: 470 Days
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/23 Retrofit light sources for lighting devices with a single fitting for each light source, e.g. for substitution of incandescent lamps with bayonet or threaded fittings
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/232 specially adapted for generating an essentially omnidirectional light distribution, e.g. with a glass bulb
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/235 Details of bases or caps, i.e. the parts that connect the light source to a fitting; Arrangement of components within bases or caps F21K9/238 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/238 Arrangement or mounting of circuit elements integrated in the light source
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 6/002 Table lamps, e.g. for ambient lighting
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 6/005 with a lamp housing maintained at a distance from the floor or ground via a support, e.g. standing lamp for ambient lighting
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 6/008 with a combination of direct and indirect lighting
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 1/00 Shades for light sources , i.e. lampshades for table, floor, wall or ceiling lamps
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 1/02 Frames
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 17/02 with provision for adjustment F21V17/04 - F21V17/08 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 19/006 of point-like light sources, e.g. incandescent or halogen lamps, with screw-threaded or bayonet base of sources having contact pins, wires or blades F21V19/0005; of LEDs or sources mounted on printed-circuit board F21V19/001
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/04 the elements being switches safety devices F21V25/00
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/06 the elements being coupling devices , e.g. connectors
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2103/20 of polygonal shape, e.g. square or rectangular
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2107/30 on the outer surface of cylindrical surfaces, e.g. rod-shaped supports having a circular or a polygonal cross section
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/15 Organic light-emitting diodes [OLED]
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/10 Controlling the intensity of the light

Abstract

Embodiments relate to a lighting device that includes or retains a plurality of solid-state light emitters and is capable of providing one or more of omni-directional lighting and task lighting. Other embodiments relate to modular lighting systems for providing the same.

Claims

1. A modular lighting system, comprising:

a plurality of solid-state light emitters;

a hub module, including;

a power-receiving port;

a power-providing port;

a first hub electric circuit;

a second hub electric circuit;

at least one of the solid-state light emitters connected to one or more of the first hub electric circuit and second hub electric circuit; and

a multi-throw switch capable of controlling each of the first hub electric circuit and the second hub electric circuit; and

at least one illuminating module, each including;

a power-receiving port;

an illuminating module electric circuit; and

at least one of the solid-state light emitters connected to the illuminating module electric circuit;

wherein the illuminating module is capable of electrically connecting to the hub module power-providing port via the power-receiving port;

wherein electrically connecting the illuminating module to the hub module enables the illuminating module electric circuit to connect with at least one of the first hub electric circuit and the second hub electric circuit;

wherein actuating the multi-throw switch between a plurality of settings provides for each of no lighting, ambient lighting, and a plurality of task lighting zones in which light is directed in substantially one direction.

2. The modular lighting system of claim 1, wherein the hub module further comprises a plurality of the solid-state light emitters connected with one of the first circuit or the second circuit.

3. The modular lighting system of claim 2, wherein the hub module includes a plurality of surfaces and at least a portion of the solid-state light emitters connected with the first electric circuit are associated with a first surface and at least a portion of the solid-state light emitters connected with the second electric circuit are associated with a second surface, wherein the first surface is offset from the second surface.

4. The modular lighting system of claim 1, wherein the illuminating module further comprises a connector capable of rotating the illuminating module about at least one axis relative to the hub module.

5. The modular lighting system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the power-receiving ports or power-providing ports include a male- and/or a female-type connection.

6. The modular lighting system of claim 1, wherein the solid-state light emitters connected to either the first hub electric circuit or the second hub electric circuit can each be configured to provide one or more of ambient lighting and task lighting.

7. The modular lighting system of claim 1, wherein task lighting is defined by one or more fields of illumination, solid-state light emitter intensity, or combinations thereof.