AU2008201160B2

AU2008201160B2 - Lighting apparatus

Info

Publication number: AU2008201160B2
Application number: AU2008201160A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Peter Hobson
Original assignee: OMEGA BUSINESS CONSULTING AND SUPPORT SERVICES Pty Ltd
Current assignee: OMEGA BUSINESS CONSULTING AND SUPPORT SERVICES Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2007-03-12
Filing date: 2008-03-12
Publication date: 2013-08-22
Anticipated expiration: 2028-03-12
Also published as: AU2008201160A1

Abstract

Lighting apparatus for lighting a light core including: a light emitting diode assembly including one or more light emitting diodes mounted to a mounting board; 5 a support base having mounting board support means for supporting the mounting board with the one or more light emitting diodes in an operative disposition; attachment means for detachably attaching light core support means; power connection means for connecting power to the one or more light 10 emitting diodes; the lighting apparatus further including the light core support means for supporting one or more of the light cores in a light receiving disposition and detachably attachable to the support base such that the one or more light cores may receive light from at least one of the one or more light emitting diodes. 23.1 12 . 23 Fig. 1 21 Fig. 2 19 21 14 typ 32 WHITE 32 312 35 typ Fig. 5 Fig. 3 Fig. 4

Description

-1 LIGHTING APPARATUS" FIELD OF INVENTION THIS INVENTION relates to lighting, and has particular application to lighting apparatus for illuminating gel-filled diffuser apparatus. However, the invention is not limited to this field of 5 use. BACKGROUND ART Gel-filled diffuser apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a "light core") in one form or another has been available for novelty or decorative applications. The light core typically comprises a gel-filled tube or the like being operatively associated with a light source, typically a 10 cold light source such as that provided by one or more light emitting diodes. The light core is formed by providing a gel to substantially fill a hollow tube, the gel being partially transparent. The degree of non-transparency of the gel is typically provided by highly reflective inclusions ("reflectors"), such as reflective particles suspended or supported in the gel. The reflective particles are normally selected to be of a size which makes the gel look somewhat semi 15 translucent or cloudy. Light is received into the gel through an input window in an external wall of the light core. At least some of the remaining walls ("light emitting windows") permit light diffused and reflected through the gel to escape from the light core. Thus, the light emitting windows glow or radiate light when the light source is activated. Typically, substantially all of the tube appears to glow when the light core is illuminated by the light source. 20 The usual arrangement for such apparatus is to expose only the light core, but hide the light source because the light source is not aesthetically pleasing. Sometimes, the light source can be very bulky, and may be associated with other electrical circuitry which is also typically hidden from view. The lighting quality from the light source can be inadequate for some applications, particularly when the lighting elements are in the form of light emitting diodes. The design of the 25 light source for accommodating the lighting elements typically does not permit more modern and/or efficient forms of light emitting diodes. The present invention aims to provide lighting apparatus which alleviates one or more problems of the prior art. The invention also aims to provide lighting apparatus at least having differences from the prior art which make a substantial contribution to the working of the 30 invention and/or would not be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art. Other aims and advantages of the invention may hereinafter become apparent.

-2 DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION With the foregoing in view, the present invention resides broadly in lighting apparatus for lighting a light core including: 5 a light emitting diode assembly including one or more light emitting diodes mounted to a mounting board; a support base having mounting board support means for supporting the mounting board with the one or more light emitting diodes in an operative disposition; 10 attachment means for detachably attaching light core support means; power connection means for connecting power to the one or more light emitting diodes; the lighting apparatus further including the light core support means for supporting one or more of the light cores in a light receiving disposition and detachably attachable to the support 15 base such that the one or more light cores may receive light from at least one of the one or more light emitting diodes. Preferably, the light core support means includes spline means arranged to engage with the or each light core to substantially prevent relative rotation of the light core about its axis with respect to the support base. It is also preferred that the lighting apparatus include fixing means for 20 fixing the support base to a supporting surface, such as a wall, floor, roof, or other structure, vehicle or formation. Preferably, the core support means and/or support base include grooving or ridging to provide an enlarged surface area whereby heat generated in the light core and/or by the light emitting diodes may be emitted from the core support means. In a preferred form, the core 25 support and support base are formed from extruded metal, preferably aluminium, more preferably with a brushed surface for aesthetics. The spline means is preferably provided in the form of ridges arranged axially along the internal face of an aperture having a substantially circular cross section. In such form, the ridges may be fashioned provide grip on the light core sufficient to retain it against axial removal from the core support means.

-3 It is also preferred that an end cap or end caps, as the case may be, be provided for mounting to the end or ends of the or each light core. Suitably, one end cap is provided for each of the light core for mounting to that end not mounted to or in the light core support means. The end caps are preferably provided in a form complementary to the form of the mounting base 5 and/or light core support means. Preferably, the power connecting means is formed by providing electrical contact with insulated conductors to provide an electrical flowpath from a power source to the one or more light emitting diodes. It is further preferred that control means be electrically interposed between the power source and the one or more light emitting diodes whereby the or each light emitting 10 diode may be controlled as to its illumination. For example, several light emitting diodes each of a different colour may be provided in which case the control means may be operated to illuminate each of the light emitting diodes to a selected degree. Alternatively, light emitting diodes of variable colour may be used, the colour being selectable by the control means. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 15 In order that the invention may be more readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein Fig. 1 is a side view of a mounting foot for lighting apparatus for lighting a light core according to the invention: Fig. 2 is a side view of a base gasket for the mounting foot of Fig. 1; 20 Fig. 3 is an end view of the mounting foot of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a side view of the gasket of Fig. 2; Fig. 5 is a side view of a printed circuit board having mounted thereon light emitting diodes for insertion into the mounting foot of Figs. 1 and 3; Fig. 6 is a side view of an alternative light housing for light apparatus for lighting a 25 light core according to the invention incorporating the mounting foot of Fig. 1; Fig. 7 is an end view of the light housing of Fig. 6; Fig. 8 is a sectional side view of the light housing of Figs. 6 and 7.

-4 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The mounting foot 10 has a cylindrical portion 11 mounted to a base plate 12 by way of an intermediate portion 13. The cylindrical portion has an axial length about three quarters its diameter, and has three spline type grooves typically shown at 14 extending in the axial direction 5 along the outer face of the cylindrical portion at substantially the nine o'clock, twelve o'clock and three o'clock positions in reference to the mounting foot when oriented as shown in Fig. 3. The wall of the cylindrical portion is indented to accommodate the grooves. Extending also axially, but inwardly from the inner face of the cylindrical portion are two channels 15 substantially rectilinear in cross-section and arranged diametrically opposite one 10 another at about 45 degrees to the relative positions of the grooves along the outer face. The intermediate portion has an aperture extending through it, also extending through the cylindrical portion and the base plate as shown. The aperture is substantially central of the base plate both in the axial and transverse directions, the cylindrical portion being substantially centrally arranged in the axial direction along the base plate. 15 The base plate itself is rectangular and elongate in form extending from each end of the cylindrical portion in the axial direction about the same length of the cylindrical portion. The elongate edges of the base portion are curved downward from a substantially planer upper face to provide an arcuate edge. The base plate also has two counter-sunk bores 23 extending therethough, one near to each end. 20 The gasket 20 is sized to fit within the rounded side edges of the base plate of the mounting foot. The gasket has a central projection 17 having an aperture 18 extending coaxially therethrough, the projection being of a truncated conical form and the aperture being a substantially circular bore substantially centrally therethrough. The projection extends upwardly from a base portion 19 which is substantially planar. The elongate outer edges of the gasket are 25 formed to conform with the rounded edges of the base plate. The gasket also includes two end formations 21 dimensioned to provide a similar rounded outer edge across the ends of the base plate when the base plate is mounted thereto, and having mounting holes 22 extending therethrough in substantial alignment with respective counter-sunk bores extending through the base plate of the mounting foot. The projection 17 is formed in substantial conformity with the 30 aperture 16 of the mounting foot to permit correct alignment thereof when the mounting foot is mounted to a mounting surface on the gasket.

-5 The printed circuit board 30 shown in Fig. 5 has six light emitting diodes mounted to a board 31. The light emitting diodes are provided as two red light emitting diodes 33, two white light emitting diodes 32 and two green light emitting diodes 24. One of each colour is mounted to face in opposite directions with the distal ends of each light emitting diode projecting slightly 5 beyond the side edges of the board. Along one of the edges orthogonal to the side edges of the board is provided a series of four electrical contacts shown typically at 35, there being one for each colour of light emitting diode and the fourth as a common return. One conductor from each of the respective colours of light emitting diodes is connected to one of the conductors and the other conductor of each light 10 emitting diode is connected to the common return. The electrical connections can be made to line up with corresponding conductors on the inside of each channel 15 of the mounting foot. The printed circuit board with its light emitting diodes is mounted inside the mounting foot by sliding into the diametrically opposed channels within the cylindrical portion of the mounting foot. The width of the board between the side edges is somewhat less than the axial length of the 15 cylindrical portion or at least thereto so that the ends of each light emitting diode are either flush with the ends of the mounting foot or projection slightly therebeyond. In the alternative version shown in Figs. 6, 7 and 8, the light housing 50 includes a central portion 41 which is substantially cylindrical in shape and two end portions 42 provided coaxially with the central portion and extending about the same axial length as the central 20 portion. The end portions are tapered in a truncated curvilinear conic form. Referring to Fig. 8 in particular, it can be seen that a light core 43 can be inserted into a central bore 44 of each end portion, the bore extending also into the central portion. The central portion includes a collar 46 typically as an aluminium extrusion of cylindrical form. The central bore is lined with a grommet 45, one grommet provide provided for each 25 end of the light housing. A light emitting diodes 47 is mounted coaxially within the bore centrally in the axial dimension with respect to the central portion, each light emitting diode being mounted to a printed circuit board 48 at least some of which extends diametrically across the internal bore of the central portion for mounting within a central mount 49 arranged within the collar. Each end portion also has a capping formation 51 preferably formed for snap fitting of 30 a casing 52 which encases the remainder of each end portion and provides each end portion with its outer form.

-6 In a typical formation of lighting apparatus according to the invention, the light core is formed from a clear, extruded, pliable but solid plastic polymer tube. The tube comes in a variety of diameters ranging from 5 mm to 30 mm. A lighting device according to the invention would normally be designed to accommodate diameters from 5 mm to 14 mm. A larger similar device 5 would be required to larger light core diameters. The light core is a column of evenly dispersed or emitted light along the full length of the light core. The light emission apparently makes the light core glow as a tube, the specialty of the light core being that it allows light to exit the whole length of the light core or tube. The light core can be cut into a variety of lengths and allows for the creation of a variety of different shapes for different applications. The different shapes are 10 formed by bending the pliable light core. The light output required can be altered either by the number and power of light emitting diodes or the length of the light core or tube. In addition, the light core can be flexible or rigid. For example, a rigid light core may be provided by placing a flexible light core in an acrylic or polycarbonate hollow tube. Possible uses could be to have the light core folded into the shapes of words such as in advertising. 15 The central component of the lighting device is made of extruded aluminium. The extrusion is grooved externally both or aesthetics and also to increase the surface area which permits the unit to act as a heat sink, thus extending the life of the light emitting diodes. The central core is normally provided in a brushed aluminium finish for aesthetics. Internally, the heat sink has ridges to act as a guide for the end caps to prevent the rotation of the internal workings 20 of the unit. Additional internal ridges act as a guide for a printed circuit board. The mounting foot has predrilled counter-sunk holes to allow the mounting of the unit to a variety of surfaces. A moulded synthetic rubber grommet is formed to be interposed between the lighting device itself and any surface upon which the lighting device is to be mounted. A telecommunication cable will pass through the rubber grommet and be surrounded by a sleeve to 25 prevent damage by vibration or mechanical wearing. As the user mounts or fixes the unit to a surface, the rubber grommet is designed to seal around the base of the heat sink to create a water resistant seal. In addition to the sleeve will also tighten on the wire and resist water entering the unit. It is envisaged that a number of different kinds of end cap could be provided for 30 different functions. Each would self-lock to each other when pressed together either side of the heat sink or casing. The end caps have an internal grooved ridge to accept a rubber o-ring which creates a water-proof seal once the major components of the lighting device have been -7 assembled. The end caps, heat sink and printed circuit board are assembled in substantial coaxial alignment. It is envisaged that there would be three different kinds of end cap. Firstly, an open end cap is provided which accepts a variety of rubber grommets designed to house different diameter 5 light cores. This allows the user to choose the most appropriate diameter light core to achieve the designed effect they are after. The light core can be a flexible tube or rigid by being placed in an acrylic or polycarbonate hollow tube. This allows for a number of combinations such as, for example, lighting exiting in two separate directions; alternatively the light core can be a continuous loop and come back to the original light device; on the other hand, the light core can 10 span a predetermined length required by the user and then enter a separate light emitting diode and terminate at that point thus increasing the light intensity of the light core; or it can then exit the second lighting device and pass onto another and so on. This allows the user to cover large lengths substantially without loss of light intensity. Secondly, a power end cap could also be provided. The power end cap is designed to 15 accepted a 2.1mm nine or twelve volt direct current power supply. This power supply would be for light exiting in one direction only. Blind end caps can be provided to allow the light core to exit in one direction only and is for power to come through the base of the unit rather than one end thereof. Printed circuit board would normally be selected to mount the light emitting diodes on. However, it will be appreciated that other electronic components may be provided including 20 integrated circuit chips and the like for controlling the light emitting diodes as to their light intensity, timing (such as flashing), colour and such like in accordance with those teachings known in the art in relation to the illumination of light emitting diodes. Light emitting from one direction printed circuit board may be provided for use in conjunction with the lighting device in accordance with the invention. Appropriate resistors would be provided, normally mounted to the 25 printed circuit board or in the internal working of the unit. This unit will provide a socket connection to accept a power supply. This unit will attach directly to the printed circuit board. The other end of the printed circuit board will have one to three light emitting diodes in a variety of combinations and a variety of power of options from about 0.3 watts and upwards. The light emitting diodes may be provided all in one colour or in 30 different colours such as red, green, blue, or any available colour light emitting diode in existence now or in the future. These can be in any combination to create any hue of colours as required by the user.

-8 In an alternate form, the printed circuit board may be formed to provide light emission in two directions. This unit would have one to three light emitting diodes on either end of the printed circuit board. All of the resistors for this unit would be mounted in the switching unit. Again there will be combinations of options to allow the user to create the desired effect. 5 Switching of the light source would be by a finger operated switch or the like. There are a variety of options to allow the desired effect. In one form, an on/off switch can be provided to turn the power on and off to the unit. The switch could be used to activate the unit and scroll through a number of different combinations. For example, using a red, blue, green combination (but not restricted to this combination), the available options are red, green or blue individually; 10 red and green; red and blue; green and blue. Allowing a blending of colours can be provided such as by a microprocessor to meet all combinations but at a predetermined time switching of one colour to the next gradually or gradually blending of the colours can occur. With this blending, the user has the ability to stop cycling of the colours at a point they determine. This allows the user to choose a colour they may require. 15 The speeds which could be provided to allow the user to have either the solid colour option as described above, or the blending option as described above and split up or slowed down in its cycling process. Of course, other options such as a pulsing option which allows the user to set and select and speed intensity of the pulsation. The power supply could be provided such as for example a 240 volt, alternating current, but it will be appreciated that the invention is not 20 limited to a particular type of power supply. The power is normally conditioned to create either a none or twelve volt direct current supply. In use, lighting apparatus according to the invention can be installed by a user, not necessarily having to be registered as an electrician. The lighting device creates a soft light which can create a number of effects as outlined above. The device can be used internally and 25 externally. It self attaches to a variety of surfaces via the mounting foot and rubber grommet. The main functions include, but are not limited to, motor vehicles, marine craft, caravans, residential housing and commercial premises. One large application anticipated would be in advertising and display units. It is believed that the lighting device according to the invention is power efficient, small 30 and compact, aesthetically pleasing, water resistant, an possibly water proof if the correct configuration of rubber grommet and seals and o-rings is chosen; can be put in series with other -9 lighting devices to create different effects and can be joined with similar units according to the invention to provide additional length. It will be understood that the illustrated and described embodiments can be the subject of further modifications of constructional detail and design, without departing from the broad 5 scope and ambit of the invention defined by the following claims.

- 10 1. Lighting apparatus for lighting a light core including: a light emitting diode assembly including one or more light emitting diodes mounted to a mounting board; a support base having 5 mounting board support means for supporting the mounting board with the one or more light emitting diodes in an operative disposition; attachment means for detachably attaching light core support means; power connection means for connecting power to the one or more light emitting diodes; 10 the lighting apparatus further including the light core support means for supporting one or more of the light cores in a light receiving disposition and detachably attachable to the support base such that the one or more light cores may receive light from at least one of the one or more light emitting diodes. 2. Lighting apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the light core support means includes 15 spline means arranged to engage with the or each light core to substantially prevent relative rotation of the light core about its axis with respect to the support base. 3. Lighting apparatus according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the light core support means includes grooving or ridging to provide an enlarged surface area. 4. Lighting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support 20 base includes grooving or ridging to provide an enlarged surface area. 5. Lighting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spline means is provided in the form of ridges arranged axially along the internal face of an aperture having a substantially circular cross section. 6. Lighting apparatus according to Claim 5, wherein the ridges are fashioned to provide 25 grip on the light core sufficient to retain it against axial removal from the core support means. 7. Lighting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, and including an end cap mountable to one or each end of the or each light core. 8. Lighting apparatus according to Claim 7, wherein one end cap is provided for the end of - 11 each light core not mounted to or in the light core support means. 9. Lighting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, and including control means electrically interposed between the power source and the one or more light emitting diodes for controlling the or each light emitting diode as to its illumination. 5 10. Lighting apparatus according to Claim 9, wherein several light emitting diodes each of a different colour are provided and the control means is provided in separate electrical connection therewith whereby each of the light emitting diodes may be illuminated to a selected degree. 11. Lighting apparatus according to Claim 9, wherein several light emitting diodes each of variable colour are provided and the control means is provided in separate electrical connection 10 therewith whereby each of the light emitting diodes may be illuminated to a selected colour. 12. Lighting apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings. Dated this 12 'h day of March, 2008. 15 OMEGA BUSINESS CONSULTING AND SUPPORT SERVICES PTY LTD By their Patent Attorneys AHEARN FOX

Claims

2. Lighting apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the light core support means includes grooving or ridging to provide an enlarged surface area.
3. Lighting apparatus according to Claim I or Claim 2, wherein the support base includes grooving or ridging to provide an enlarged surface area. 20 4. Lighting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims. wherein the spline means is provided in the forn of ridges arranged axially along the internal face of an aperture having a substantially circular cross section.
5. Lighting apparatus according to Claim 4, wherein the ridges are fashioned to provide grip on the light core sufficient to retain it against axial removal from the core support means. 25 6. Lighting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, and including an end cap mountable to one or each end of the or each light core. - 11 7. Lighting apparatus according to Claim 6, wherein one end cap is provided for the end of each light core not mounted to or in the light core support means.
8. Lighting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, and including control means electrically interposed between the power source and the one or more light emitting diodes 5 for controlling the or each light emitting diode as to its illumination and wherein several light emitting diodes each of a different colour are provided and the control means is provided in separate electrical connection therewith whereby each of the light emitting diodes may be illuminated to a selected degree..
9. Lighting apparatus according to Claim 8, wherein several light emitting diodes each of 10 variable colour arc provided and the control means is provided in separate electrical connection therewith whereby each of the light emitting diodes may be illuminated to a selected colour.