A simulated neon-light tube assembly (10) that is comprised of four major elements: a transparent tube (12) having a closed front end (16) and an open rear edge (18), a light-diffusing material (24), a light source (50) and a power source (60). The light-diffusing material (24) consists of stacks of thin acetate, or a like material, which are rolled and inserted into the tube (12) through the tube's open rear edge (18). The light source (50) can consist of a single LED (52) or an LED cluster. In either case, the LED(s) are located within a light-power assembly (70) that encloses the LED (52). The power source (60) for the LED can consist of an internal battery located within the assembly (70) or the assembly (70) can include a cable that is connected to an external battery. In either design, when the LED (52) illuminates, the light travels through the light emitting material (28) to cause the simulation of a neon-light.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention pertains to the general field of decorative lighting and more particularly to a battery operated, gasless tube that simulates the characteristics of a conventional neon tube.

BACKGROUND ART

One of the most popular and efficient means of attracting attention to a particular location or event is by using neon lighting. Since neon provides a unique type of bright glowing light, which can be created in various colors, neon is effective during daylight as well as nighttime.

Unfortunately, neon lighting does have some drawbacks. In order to use neon lighting a neon gas must be inserted into the tube and a relatively high voltage must be applied and maintained to keep the neon gas illuminated. Since the tubes in which the neon gas is held are made of glass, they are fragile and can easily break. When compared to other types of lighting, neon is expensive, especially when the neon lighting is made into a custom design. Once these drawbacks, as well as others, are taken into consideration, many people choose to use other more conventional types of lighting, even though a neon light would results in superior lighting.

Obviously, if there were some means of providing neon-like lighting without the inherent drawbacks of neon, it would be very beneficial. There have been attempts in the prior art to mimic neon light with conventional light that is projected or reflected/refracted off of, or through various types of lenses. While some of these efforts have been partially successful, the results are often achieved through more difficulty, complexity and expense than actual neon. The only truly effective replacement for neon will have to utilize a method that is less complex and is less expensive than actual neon, while providing a type of illumination that is substantially similar.

A search of the prior art did not disclose any literature or patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention. However, the following U.S. patents are considered related:

The U.S. Pat. No. 6,213,623 discloses a resilient watertight light baton having a multi-colored solid-state light source and a power source mounted therein. The exterior walls of the light baton are machined to effectively transmit light from the light source. By pressing a single button the baton turns on and a steady color is emitted. By pressing the button again the color changes. By pressing and holding the button down, the selected color flashes. All interior electronics and solid state light sources are sealed from the outside atmosphere, thus making baton an explosion proof and waterproof design.

The U.S. Pat. No. 6,183,108 discloses a lighting apparatus, which includes a lens, such as a circular rod carried by a housing. A light is positioned adjacent the circular rod which has a convex entry portion and a convex exit portion to distribute a wide and intense beam of light to a desired area. Variations of the apparatus allow for distribution of the light in any desired pattern, either downward or outward. The apparatus eliminates the need for reflectors to assist in generating the beam, although mirrors may be employed to generate a triple high-intensity beam from a single light source.

The U.S. Pat. No. 5,980,063 discloses a light stick comprising an LED and a light-refracting tubular body having a longitudinal axis and made of a translucent or transparent plastic material. The tubular body tapers from a first open end of larger diameter to a second closed end of smaller diameter. The LED is mounted in the open end of the tubular body with the power source housed in an adjoining cap which is fitted onto the open end. The LED is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the tubular body, and a light-refracting network, is formed on the internal surface of the body to project light emitted by the LED towards the side and the closed end for the tubular body. In operation, the light rays are refracted and radiated and appear to glow evenly along the entire length of the light stick. The tapered surface allows easy disengagement of the tubular body from the plastic injection mold and works efficiently with many different electrical light sources.

The U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,524 discloses a resilient watertight light baton that utilizes a multi-colored light source and power source mounted therein. The exterior walls of the light baton are machined to effectively transmit light from the light source. The body of the light baton further includes a ring switch that includes a magnetic portion. As the ring switch is rotated and the magnetic portion is brought proximate to the magnetic switches the light source is activated.

The U.S. Pat. No. 5,233,679 discloses a light transmitting body having a longitudinal axis and a light radiating surface extending substantially parallel to the axis. The body is an optical fiber, wherein the light radiating surface is the circumferential surface of the fiber. A plurality of striations are formed in the light radiating surface parallel to the axis which cause light entering the body along the axis to be radiated out of the body through the light radiating surface with substantially uniform intensity along the axis. The striations may be formed by molding, cold drawing, heating the body under tension, cutting, or by bundling and fusing a plurality of small optical fibers together.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The invention is designed to simulate the appearance and glow of a neon-light. The simulated neon-light tube in its basic design is comprised of:A. A transparent tube having an inner surface, a closed front end, an open rear edge, a front outer surface, and a rear outer surface.B. A light-diffusing material having a front terminus and a rear terminus.C. A light source located within the open rear edge of the tube.D. A power source connected to the light source, wherein when the light source is activated by the power source, the light is refracted along the light-diffusing material simulating the glow of a neon-light tube.
The transparent tube can be molded of glass or plastic, with a plastic material preferred. The length and diameter of the tube is dependent upon its ultimate usage. The diameter can range from 0.25 inches (0.635 cm) to 2.0 inches (5.08 cm).

The light-diffusing material is made of a plastic film having the properties that allow light to be evenly refracted along the length of the tube. The material, which has a preferred thickness of 0.002 mils, is stacked, rolled and inserted through the open rear edge of the transparent tube. When inserted, the front end of the rolled material is juxtaposed against the closed front end of the tube and the rear terminus is located adjacent the open rear edge of the tube. Thus, the light-diffusing material substantially covers the entire inner surface of the tube.

To cause the light-diffusing material to glow, a light source, which consists of at least one light emitting diode (LED) is utilized. The LED is located within the open rear edge of the tube adjacent the rear terminus of the light-diffusing material. The color of the LED or LEDS can be selected to provide singular colors or if the LEDS are in selected in clusters of different colors a blended color is produced.

To activate the invention, a power source is connected to the LED(s). The power source can be self-contained or can be hard-wired to a remote location. In the self-containing design an integrated, light/power assembly is employed that contains both the LED(s) and a set of batteries. The assembly is dimensioned to frictionally fit into the open rear edge of the tube. In the hard-wired design the assembly contains the LED which is connected to a front end of a cable having a second end that is connected to an external battery.

In view of the above disclosure, the primary object of the invention is to produce a simulated neon-light assembly that:can be used in place of conventional neon lights,does not require the use of a gas, such as neon or argon or a phosphorescent substance,can be easily made of various lengths and diameters,can be made to include a single light source on one-end of a tube or the light source can be included to both ends of a tube,can be made in various colors,is cost effective from both a consumer's and manufacturer's point of view, andis releasably and virtually maintenance fee.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of a preferred embodiment for a light tube assembly that simulates the glow produced by a conventional neon light tube. The simulated neon-light tube assembly10as shown inFIGS. 1-11is comprised of the following major elements: a transparent tube12, a light-diffusing material24, a light source50and a power source60.

The transparent tube12, as shown best inFIG. 1can be molded of plastic or glass but preferably is molded of a plastic such as polystyrene or LEXON®. If glass is used a quartz silica also known as PYREX® is preferred. In all cases, the transparent tube12has an inside surface14, a closed front end16and an open rear edge18. The outside diameter of the tube can vary in accordance with its usage. For example, if the tube12is going to be used internally, such as within a vehicle, a 0.25 to 0.5 inch (0.635 to 1.27 cm) diameter is selected; if the tube is to be used externally to the vehicle or as a sign, the tube can range from 0.25 to 2.0 inches (0.635 to 5.08 cm). Additionally, the tube12can be molded to have a radiused closed front end16, as shown inFIG. 1, or the closed front end can be flat (not shown).

The light-diffusing material24, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 3, is comprised of a plastic film that is selected from a group consisting of acetate, vinyl, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyester. The light-diffusing material is purchased in sheets 30 having a thickness ranging from 0.001 to 0.003 mils with a 0.002 mil thickness preferred. The sheets are then stacked until a thickness of between 0.031 to 0.118 inches (0.080 to 0.476 cm) with a thickness of 0.125 inches (0.318 cm) preferred for most applications. After the thickness is selected, the sheets are formed into a light-diffusing roll32as best shown in FIG.2. The rolled light-diffusing material24has a central longitudinal opening34, a front terminus26, and a rear terminus28. The light-diffusing roll32is inserted through the open rear edge18of the tube12with the front terminus juxtaposed against the closed front end16of the tube12and the rear terminus28located adjacent the open rear edge18of the tube12. When the roll is inserted it substantially covers the inner surface14of the tube12.

The light source50, as shown in its preferred mounting configuration inFIG. 1, is located within the open rear edge18of the tube12, and is adjacent the rear terminus28of the light-diffusing roll32. The light source in a preferred embodiment, is comprised of at least one light emitting diode (LED)52. The LEDs are preferably of the ultrabright type which may incorporate or have added external to the LED a convex lens53or a concave lens55. The convex or concave lenses53,55are selected to produce a focused focal length that is optimal for the length of a particular tube12. Although a single LED52is preferred an LED cluster54consisting typically of three LEDs, as shown inFIG. 7, can also be used.

To power the LEDs52several electrical designs are presented in which a battery62is the power source for operating the at least one LED52. The battery62can consist of a single cell or a series of button cells can be used.

In the first design, as shown inFIG. 3, a light/power assembly70is utilized that uses two separate elements: an LED/tube cap72and a separate cable assembly82. The LED/tube cap72has a central opening74, a front section76, an integral rear section78, and a receptacle79. The central opening74is dimensioned to retain the at least one LED52; the front section is dimensioned to frictionally fit into the open rear edge18of the transparent tube12; the integral rear section78is dimensioned to abut with the open rear edge18of the tube12and incorporates a receptacle79that has a set of LED electrical male contacts80.

The corresponding cable assembly82, as also shown inFIG. 3, includes a front connector84, a rear connector88and a power switch90. The front connector84incorporates a set of female battery electrical contacts86that are dimensioned to interface with the set of LED electrical male contacts80located on the receptacle79; the rear connector88includes a means for being connected to the terminals of the battery62; and the power switch90is located in series between the first connector84and the rear connector88. When the power switch is placed in an ON position and the front connector84is attached to the receptacle79, the battery62energizes the at least one LED52.

The simulated neon-light tube assembly10is designed to be utilized in a vehicle or in any other structure that can be enhanced by a neon type lighting. The power source60for activating the assembly10can consist of a regulated d-c power supply (not shown) that is connected to a utility power line, or a battery60that can consist of a vehicle battery64or a dedicated battery66. When the assembly10is installed in a vehicle, the power source60is comprised of the vehicle battery64. The battery64can be accessed through the vehicle ignition switch or, as shown inFIG. 3, by a rear connector88that is comprised of an electrical connector92that is designed to be plugged into a vehicle cigarette lighter receptacle94. When the vehicle battery64is utilized in some cases, depending on the power level requirements of the LED, a voltage regulator96, as also shown inFIG. 3, may be required to produce an output voltage at the correct level to power the at least one LED52.

When the assembly10is to be used in a remote location or when the vehicle battery62is not readily accessible, the dedicated battery66can be employed. In this design, as shown inFIGS. 1,4and5, an integrated, light/power assembly108is utilized. The assembly108includes a front section110, an integral rear section114and an accessible power switch118. The front section110has a central opening112that is dimensioned to retain the at least one LED52and that is also dimensioned to frictionally fit in to the open rear edge18of the tube12; the integral rear section114has a rear cap116and is dimensioned to enclose the dedicated battery66which is connected, via the switch118, to the at least one LED52. When the switch is placed in an ON position, the battery66energized the LED52. The battery62, in all cases, can consist of a single call or a series of button cells can be used.

The primary design of the simulated neon-light tube assembly10can be modified as shown in FIG.8. In this modified design, the tube12has a first end120having a first opening122and a second end124having a second opening126. To the first opening122is attached a first LED52and to the second opening126is attached a second LED52.

Each LED52is powered by a battery pack128that is activated by a switch130. Alternatively, one battery pack128and switch130can be utilized to simultaneously turn-on both of the LEDs52. To further enhance the aesthetics of the modified design, the LEDs can be selected to illuminate in different colors. For example, the first LED52can be selected to produce a red light and the second LED to produce a blue light. When the two LEDs illuminate they cause a purple or magenta glow to appear at substantially the center section of the tube12.

In all of the above designs the at least one LED52can be comprised of an LED cluster54, as shown inFIGS. 6 and 7, that includes, for example, a red, white and blue LED. The LED clusters54is located within the LED/tube cap72and is connected to an electrical circuit100. The circuit100is controlled by a three-position switch102that can be positioned to allow the LEDs to be individually turned on, turned on all at once, or in a preset sequence.

The primary design of the simulated neon-light assembly10, as disclosed supra, can be enhanced by including a front light-reflecting disk38, a rear light-reflecting disk46, an LED circular shield56, a plurality of ribbons and/or flakes58, an opaque sleeve140, and a reflective back shield144.

The most innovative of these enhancements are the front light-reflecting disk38and the rear light-reflecting disk46both of which are shown in FIG.1.

The front light-reflecting disk38has an outer surface40and a reflecting inner surface42that has a mirror finish44. The disk38is located between the closed front end16of the tube12and the front terminus26of the light-diffusing roll32. The front disk38allows a portion of the light impinging on the disk38to be reflected back into the tube12to produce an even distribution of light along the longitudinal surface of the tube12.

The rear light-reflecting disk46also has a reflective inner surface47and a central opening48that is dimensioned to fit over the at least one LED52and against the front section of the LED/tube cap72. The rear disk46functions in combination with the front light-reflecting disk38to further produce an even distribution of light along the longitudinal surface of the tube12.

The LED circular shield56is located, as shown inFIG. 1, around the inner surface14of the tube12between the rear terminus28of the light-diffusing roll32and the front section of the LED/tube cap72. The shield56is utilized to eliminate a bright spot that is otherwise visible at the starting point of the LED light beam.

The plurality of ribbons and/or flakes58, as shown inFIG. 9, are loosely located within the central longitudinal opening34of the tube12or the ribbons and/or flakes can be rolled in place between layers of light-diffusing material24. In either case, the ribbons and/or flakes can be made of fluorescing vinyl or color impregnated polyester. Alternatively, in lieu of loose ribbons or flakes, the ribbon or flakes can be permanently applied or etched directly onto the light-diffusing material24. In whatever method is selected, the ribbons and/or flakes add to the aesthetics of the assembly10. In particular, the loose ribbons and/or flakes58produce, in combination with the light from the at least one LED52, a dynamic glow.

The opaque sleeve140, as shown inFIG. 10that is dimensioned to be inserted over the tube12. The sleeve140can be made to include a plurality of narrow shaped openings142that allow the light from the tube to be visible only through the openings.

The final invention enhancement disclosed is the reflective back shield144, as shown in FIG.11. The shield144, which covers substantially a 180-degree radius, includes a means for being snapped onto the rear outer surface22of the tube12. The shield144functions by reflecting and redirecting light away from the surface facing the rear outer surface22of the tube12. To further enhance the reflectiveness of the shield144, the shield's inner surface146has a reflective coating148that augments the level of light being emitted from the front outer surface20of the tube12. In lieu of the removable reflective back shield144, the shield could be permanently inserted internally within the confines of the rear outer surface22of the tube12. Alternatively, to the rear outer surface22of the tube12could be permanently affixed a coating of a shielding material.

While the invention has been described in complete detail and pictorially shown in the accompanying drawings it is not to be limited to such details, since many changes and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and the scope thereof. For example, the tube12can be made in curved segments to allow a plurality of segments to be jointed together to form a circular structure. Hence, it is described to cover any and all modifications and forms, which may come within the language and scope of the claims.