Abstract:
The present invention relates to a combination lamp which combines at least two different lamp components in a unitary configuration, preferably reducing the total amount of space taken up for the same amount of illumination produced. The combination lamps are preferably suitable for use on vehicles, light fixtures, lamps, decorative articles, etc., and each lamp component preferably has a power connection element independent from the other lamp components.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to lamps having light-emitting diode (LED) light sources, for example, light fixtures and lamps such as free standing lamps, lamps for vehicles, etc. More particularly, the present invention relates a combination of one or more LED lamps, more specifically a combination back-up and stop/turn/tail lamp of a vehicle. 
         [0003]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0004]    Multiple lamps are often used to illuminate a common area, either in combination or in an alternating fashion. For example, a room can have light fixture such as fluorescent lighting which illuminates the entire room when on, and provides no light when it is off. In addition, the room can have atmosphere lighting which provides a dim illumination. Similarly, the rear of a vehicle can have back-up lamps, which light up when the vehicle is being moved in reverse, as well as stop/tail/turn lamps which light up when the driver brakes, signals to turn, or turns on the headlights. These lamps are typically adjacent to each other, and most vehicles have two of each lamp, one on either side of the rear of the vehicle, above the rear bumper. In certain vehicles, such as trucks, it is common to have more than two of the back-up lamp and/or the stop/tail/turn lamp to provide brighter illumination. 
         [0005]    Accordingly, there is a need to provide a device that can combine two or more lamps in a unitary configuration which provide at least substantially the same illumination as the individual lamps. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention relates to a combination lamp which combines at least two different lamp components in a unitary configuration, preferably reducing the total area taken up while providing at least the same amount of illumination produced. The combination lamps are preferably suitable for use on vehicles, light fixtures, lamps, decorative articles, etc. 
         [0007]    In one embodiment of the invention, the combination lamp includes a stop/turn/tail lamp surrounded by a flange for installation onto a vehicle, wherein the stop/tail/turn lamp and the flange each have a separate set of light sources, preferably light emitted diodes (LEDs). The LEDs of the flange are preferably activated when the vehicle backs up, thus performing as a back-up lamp. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the stop/tail/turn lamp and the back-up lamp have separate power plugs connected to the vehicle in such a way that the stop/tail/turn lamp turns on when the driver signals, brakes, or when the headlights are on, and the back-up lamp turns on when the vehicle is backing-up, and not vice-versa. 
         [0008]    Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figure. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for the purpose of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the invention, for which reference should be made to the appended claims. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    The particular features and advantages of the invention as well as other objects will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a combination lamp in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a top plan view of a combination lamp in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a side elevational view of a combination lamp in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a side elevational view of a combination lamp in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of a combination lamp in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a top plan view of a combination lamp in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a side elevational view of a combination lamp in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a side elevational view of a combination lamp in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       [0018]    Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. In general, such embodiments relate to a combination lamp comprising one or more different sets of light sources, wherein one set of light sources can be activated independently from the other sets of light sources. 
         [0019]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-8 , certain embodiments of a combination lamp  10 ,  30  can comprise a first lamp  100 ,  300  and a second lamp  200 ,  400  in a fixed relationship with each other. Whereas the embodiment of combination lamp  10  shown in  FIGS. 1-4  comprises a generally round shape and the embodiment of combination lamp  30  shown in  FIGS. 5-8  comprises a generally oval shape, it is to be understood that the combination lamp constructed in accordance with the invention can take on any shape as a matter of application specific to design choice. 
         [0020]    As shown, first lamp  100 ,  300  can have a plurality of LEDs  101 ,  301  mounted on a first support  102 ,  302 , preferably covered by a first lens  103 ,  303 . Second lamp  200 ,  400  can comprise a plurality of LEDs  201 ,  401  mounted on a second support  202 ,  402 , preferably covered by a second lens  203 ,  403 . First lamp  100 ,  300  and second lamp  200 ,  400  can be constructed and arranged to be selectively removable from or permanently fixed to each other, as a matter of application specific to design choice. Preferably, first support  102 ,  302  connects to second support  202 ,  402  to secure the first lamp  100 ,  300  and second lamp  200 ,  400  together. Additionally, second support  202 ,  402  preferably includes a mounting element  210 ,  410  for mounting second lamp  200 ,  400  and preferably combination lamp  10 ,  30  onto a surface, such as on a vehicle. 
         [0021]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , in accordance with certain uses of the invention, such as outdoor use, especially on vehicles, it may be preferable for first support  102  to be permanently fixed to second support  202 , to provide security. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, second lamp  200  can be directly mounted on a surface, and first lamp  100  can be connected to second lamp  200  which can maintain first lamp  100  in place. One such embodiment includes a second lamp  200  that comprises a flange for mounting on the rear of a vehicle. Second lamp  200  can thus be secured to the vehicle, and first lamp  100  can be connected to second lamp  200  by way of non-limiting example, by being inserted into a receiving aperture in second lamp  200 . In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, first lamp  100  can be inserted into the receiving aperture of second lamp  200  until it snaps into place, after which first lamp  100  cannot be removed. 
         [0022]    Alternatively, referring to  FIG. 2  by way of non-limiting example, it may be desirable for first lamp  100  to be separable from second lamp  200 . Such removability can facilitate quick and easy replacement of lamps  100  or parts thereof. For example, one can remove first lamp  100  from second lamp  200 , replace the necessary LEDs, fix the circuitry, replace the lens, etc., whatever service is desired, then put first lamp  100  back in place. Alternatively, a replacement lamp can be put in place while first lamp  100  is serviced. Whereas first lamp  100  has been described as being inserted into and removed from second lamp  200 , it is to be understood that second lamp  200  can be inserted into or removed from first lamp  100 , without deviating from the scope of the invention. 
         [0023]    The use of LEDs have been increasing recently, which may be partially because they can have an operating life of up to 100,000 hours before degradation commences. Therefore, an LED typically has greater operating life than a standard high-intensity incandescent bulb, which has a relatively short life span and is susceptible to damage. Furthermore, LEDs are commonly smaller in size than light bulbs, and provide more flexibility in positioning the LEDs. Therefore, it can be preferable for combination lamp  10  to comprise LEDs in both lamps  100 ,  200 . When used on a vehicle, the illumination provided by the LEDs must meet the appropriate DOT (Department of Transportation) standards. For example, if combination lamp  10  includes an amber LED lamp as first lamp  100  and is to be used on the front of a vehicle, the amber LED lamp must meet the full turn compliance standard. Preferably, second lamp  200  meets the DRL (Daytime Running Light) standards, which would permit it to be used as a DRL lamp, which the DOT has encouraged as enhancing safety by elevating the visibility and noticeability of moving vehicles. Second lamp  200  need not meet the DRL standard, however, if it is being used for other purposes, such as for a decorative use. 
         [0024]    Depending on the desired use of combination lamp  10 , the number of LEDs per lamp  100 ,  200  can be varied. For example, whereas  FIGS. 2 and 6  show certain embodiments of combination lamp  10 ,  30  wherein first lamp  100 ,  300  has nine or eight LEDs, respectively, and second lamp  200 ,  400  has eighteen LEDs, it is to be understood that the number of LEDs in each lamp can vary as a matter of application specific to design choice. 
         [0025]    In accordance with the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 3 and 7 , first lamp  100 ,  300  comprises a plurality of projections  104 ,  304  on first lens located above LEDs  101 ,  301 . These projections  104 ,  304  are preferably constructed and arranged to disperse light emitted from the LED below it, for example, by changing the direction of the emitted light. Whereas  FIGS. 3 and 7  show second lamp  200 ,  400  without projections, it is to be understood that second lamp  200 ,  400  can also include projections, which can be similar or different from projections  104 ,  304  of first lamp  100 ,  300 . Combination lamp  10 ,  30  can have any combination of lamps having projections, and first lamp  100 ,  300  and second lamp  200 ,  400  can have any number of projections without deviating from the scope of the invention. 
         [0026]    In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , each lamp  300 ,  400  has its own power connection,  31 ,  32 , such as a plug, outlet, or any mechanism for connecting to a power source. Power connections  31 ,  32  can either connect to the same or separate power sources. Accordingly, each lamp  300 ,  400  can be turned on or off or otherwise controlled independently of one another. For example, if combination lamp  30  as shown in  FIGS. 5-8  is used on a vehicle, wherein first lamp  300  is a stop/tail/turn lamp and second lamp  400  is a back-up lamp, first lamp  300  will light up when the driver of the vehicle signals or stops, while second lamp  400  can remain off. On the other hand, when the driver backs up, first lamp  300  can remain off while second lamp  400  is lit. Alternatively, first lamp  300  can be a back-up lamp and second lamp  400  could be a stop/tail/turn lamp without deviating from the scope of the invention. 
         [0027]    When used in a vehicle, it can be preferable for each first lamp  300  and second lamp  400  to be connected to the power source via separate cables. For example, the vehicles can have two cords for each lamp aperture or mount on which a combination lamp can be mounted. However, it is possible for one cord to be provided for each aperture/mount, wherein the power from each cord is split with a splitter or similar component, ends of the splitter being connected to one of the first connection of first lamp  300  or the second connection of second lamp  400 . This is particularly suitable for vehicles that were built to house only one lamp in each aperture/mount. 
         [0028]    One potential benefit in using a combination lamp in accordance with the invention with vehicles is that more light can be provided. For example, because the combination lamp  10 ,  30  occupies only one aperture/mount that one conventional stop/tail/turn or back-up lamp would occupy on the rear of the vehicle, one aperture/mount becomes free. One possible use of the freed aperture/mount is to mount an additional combination lamp, thus providing a total of four stop/tail/turn lamps and four back-up lamps while occupying the same space as two of each of the conventional lamps. Therefore, the illumination provided for each action of braking, signaling to turn, backing-up, etc. can be doubled. Alternatively, a conventional stop/tail/turn lamp or back-up lamp may be mounted in combination with combination lamp  10 , thus providing extra illumination for specific actions. 
         [0029]    Furthermore, combination lamp  10 ,  30  is preferably not significantly larger than a conventional stop/tail/turn or back-up lamp. For example, a conventional lamp for a vehicle, particularly trucks, is commonly mounted on a flange which is then mounted on the vehicle. Alternatively, a flange can be mounted first onto a vehicle, and a lamp can be subsequently mounted on the flange. Another embodiment provides a lamp that is integrally formed with a flange which is mounted on the vehicle. Thus in accordance with the conventional lamps, both a lamp and a mounting flange is required. According to an embodiment of the invention, the flange can comprise one of the lamp components of a combination lamp. For example, referring to  FIG. 2 , second lamp  200  can comprise a flange which is mounted on the vehicle. Therefore, no substantive structure is being added, and the space can be maximized. 
         [0030]    In accordance with embodiments of the invention as shown in  FIGS. 1-8 , a combination lamp  10 ,  30  preferably includes at least two sets of light sources, one of which surrounds the other. As shown, second lamp  200 ,  400  surrounds the perimeter of first lamp  100 ,  300 . Such an arrangement can be particularly beneficial for use as a vehicle stop/tail/turn-back-up combination lamp or a DRL-amber combination lamp, thus maintaining the shape of the illumination consistent with standard stop/tail/turn, back-up or amber lamps, and more particularly, when applicable, maintaining the flange-lamp arrangement consistent with conventional flanges and lamps. 
         [0031]    First lamp  100 ,  300  and second lamp  200 ,  400  of a combination lamp  10 ,  30  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention that is not mounted on a vehicle can also be connected to a common power source via a splitter or separate cords. Alternatively, first lamp  100 ,  300  and second lamp  200 ,  400  can be connected to different power sources entirely. Furthermore, second lamp  200 ,  400  need not surround first lamp  100 ,  300  but may be positioned side-by-side, intertwined, create a design, etc., without deviating from the scope of the invention, as a matter of application specific to design choice. 
         [0032]    Another potential use of an embodiment of the invention include hallways, staircases, and the like, where it can be preferable to provide more than one type of illumination. For example, a dim light can remain on constantly, whereas a bright light can be turned on and off. In accordance with one embodiment, second lamp  200 ,  400  can provide a low, dim light, such as a night light, and have a light sensor and only turns on when there is insufficient light present in the area. The first lamp  100 ,  300  in contrast, can provide brighter illumination, but must be turned on and off by a user. By providing a combination lamp, the same area can be used for two different types and sources of light. 
         [0033]    The examples provided are merely exemplary, as a matter of application specific to design choice, and should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention in any way. 
         [0034]    Thus, while there have been shown and described and pointed out novel features of the present invention as applied to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the disclosed invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, combination lamp  10 ,  30  can comprise more than 2 lamps, can comprise a vehicle headlight, and furthermore need not be used with a vehicle, without deviating from the scope of the invention as a matter of application specific to design choice. The lamps can comprise various shapes and sizes, and further can be utilized at a variety of locations for a variety of functions without deviating from the scope of the invention as a matter of application specific to design choice. For example, referring to  FIG. 2 , a stop/tail/turn-back-up combination lamp can have a first lamp  100  which is a stop/tail/turn lamp and a second lamp  200  which is a back-up lamp, or vice versa. Likewise, a DRL-amber combination lamp can have a first lamp  100  which is an amber lamp and a second lamp which is a DRL lamp and vice versa, without deviating from the scope of the invention. Additionally, other alterations can be made, as a way of non-limiting example, varying the number of LEDs, altering the transparency of the lenses, the shape and size of the supports  102 ,  202 , number, shape and/or size of projections  104 , as a matter of application specific to design choice, without deviating from the scope of the invention. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto. 
         [0035]    It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.