Patent ID: 7506990
Filing Date: 2009-03-24
Classification: F21S,H01H,H05B,Y02B,Y10S

Abstract:
1. An area light for providing pathway lighting in darkened areas comprising: a body member consisting of a switchplate for use over one or more alternating current electrical switches or an outlet plate for use over one or more alternating current electrical outlets, wherein said switchplate has a back; and a light emitting diode (LED) mounted on said switchplate, said LED having a longitudinal axis along which light is primarily emitted, so that the longitudinal axis of light emitted from said light emitting diode illuminates the pathway directly beneath said switchplate or outlet plate; and a light emitting diode driver circuit to power said light emitting diode, said LED driver circuit mounted on the back of the switchplate or outlet plate, said LED driver circuit drawing electrical energy from said alternating current power source covered by said switch plate or outlet plate, wherein a return path for current through said light emitting diode is through an electrical load controlled by said electrical switch or outlet covered by said plate, and wherein the plate, LED, and LED driver circuit are configured to be mounted and installed without the removal of a switch or outlet upon which the switchplate is installed; and wherein said light emitting diode is molded in a protruding housing, having a downward facing opening on said switch or outlet plate.