Lighted flooring

A floor assembly including a top having at least one transparent or translucent light emitting portion for emitting light is provided. At least one light source is provided for supplying light. The light source is optically connected to the light emitting portion. The assembly may include a light guide for guiding light therethrough. Also, a light refracting portion may be included for directing light emanating from the light source.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a light assembly for emitting light through a floor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Floors or other surfaces can have a variety of designs placed on them depending upon the material used to form the floor or surface. For example, wood floors can have polished finishes, stained finishes, or painted finishes to depict certain designs. One example of this is basketball courts in which lines are painted onto the wood floor in order to mark the boundaries of the court and depict other designs, logos or advertisements. However, all of these finishes or images are semi-permanent, in that it is time consuming to remove or replace the images on the floor. In order to replace the design on the floor, the floor must be sanded to remove the finish material and refinished. In some instances, such as those associated with a portable floor application, the floor typically may need to be removed and transported to another facility in order to re-finish the floor. This process of removing the image and replacing it with a new one is a time consuming and costly process.

Some floors are portable and are designed to be able to be removed and reinstalled such as a wood floor for basketball courts in sports arenas. The wood floors are placed on a substrate, such as a concrete floor. The wood floor can be used for events such as basketball games. The floor can be removed for other arena events, such as concerts. Portable floor assemblies are typically made in a series of floor panels. Typically, the floor panels are typically 4 feet wide by 8 feet long or 4 feet wide by 4 feet long. Each panel includes a subfloor having a plurality of tongue and groove strips secured thereto. Standard strips are typically 2¼ inches wide or 1½ inches wide by a predetermined length. The strips are connected to each other to form the floor panel by any suitable fastener. An example of a connection of the strips is, but not limited to, a tongue and groove assembly. Thus, the strip has a flange or tongue on one end and a groove on the opposite edge. When the strips are placed next to each other, the tongue is received by a groove of an adjacent strip; thus, mechanically locking the strips together to form the panels. Additionally, a nail or staple can be inserted into the strips, such that the nail extends through the tongue of one strip. A series of stringers or sleepers underlies the subfloor panels and spaces the subfloor from the substrate. Often resilient pads are placed between the stringers or sleepers and the substrate. These pads help give the floor proper performance characteristics. The panels are held together by suitable connection hardware. One such example of a portable floor is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,173,548 B1.

Currently, lights are used in a variety of ways to illuminate all or part of the floor. For example, lights are used to accent a design feature such as a logo painted onto the floor. Additionally, spotlights may be used that display a pattern when shown onto the floor surface. Each of these types of lights illuminates the floor from a point above the surface. That is, lights are typically used to accent the floor or to shine a design on the floor by being directed at the floor.

It is desirable to develop an assembly in which lights can be incorporated into the floor in order to provide an image in the floor, or provide accent lights to the floor. This would allow for a more economical means for replacing the image depicted on the floor. Further, it is desirable to develop an assembly where lights are embedded in the floor surface to accent the designs of the surface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a floor assembly comprising a top forming at least a portion of a floor. The top has at least one light emitting portion for emitting light therethrough. The assembly further comprises at least one light source disposed below the top and coupled with said at least one light emitting portion.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a floor assembly comprising a floor surface and having at least one light emitting portion for emitting light therethrough. The light emitting portion comprises a light refracting portion for guiding light passing therethrough. The assembly further includes at least one light source disposed below the light refracting portion for providing light to the light refracting portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, a floor assembly is generally shown at10. As shown inFIG. 1b, in a preferred embodiment, the floor assembly10has a floor covering comprising plurality of strips generally indicated at12that form a panel11. Each strip12preferably is a conventional tongue and groove strip12having a tongue that extends longitudinally on at least one side and a groove that extends longitudinally on at least the opposite side from the tongue. It will be appreciated the while tongue and groove flooring is described, the flooring used herein can comprise any floor covering, such as for example but not limited to melamine or synthetic floors which are well known.

Typically, the strips12are made of wood in any well-known manner, which are then assembled to form a larger wood panel or floor. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the strips12which are used to form the panel are made of a transparent or translucent material. By way of example only, a single transparent strip12′ is shown inFIGS. 1 and 2. A shown, the strip12′ has a plurality of sidewalls13, a top15and a bottom17. The strip12′ includes tongue14and groove16of a conventional configuration. A cavity18is defined between the plurality of sidewalls13and top15. The cavity18extends longitudinally within strip12′. Thus, the cavity18extends substantially parallel to the tongue14and groove16which are located on the sidewalls.

A light source20extends within the cavity18in order to emit light through the transparent top15of the strip12′. The light source20is preferably fully disposed within the cavity18and below the top15. However, it will be appreciated that the light source20may only be partially disposed within the cavity18.

A reflection plate22may extend along the bottom of the strip12′. The reflection plate22can comprise any suitable reflecting surface. For example, the reflection plate22may comprise a reflective metal. The reflective plate22reflects the light from the light source20in a desired direction. In this manner, light that could otherwise be directed downwardly out of the bottom17of the strip12′ will be reflected upwardly through the transparent or translucent top. This will result in a more intense light passing through the top15, thus increasing the brightness.

The light source20can comprise any suitable light source that is suitable to emit light through the top surface. Examples of a suitable light source20include, but are not limited to, a “super bright” light emitting diode (LED) or a cold cathode tube. Most preferably, a cold cathode tube is used as the light source20. Such tubes are sufficiently bright to emit enough light and produce a relatively low amount of heat. It is preferred that the amount of heat that is generated be relatively low. This is a consideration because the strips12′ are used in conjunction and adjacent to wood strips12. Further, the light source20must emit a sufficient amount of light in order to adequately illuminate so that the lighting source20can be seen when other bright or high intensity ambient or artificial light is being emitted around the strip12.

By way of non-limiting example, one suitable light source20may comprise a cold cathode tube manufactured by Ultra. In this example, the cathode tube is powered by a12volt power source (not shown) through electrical connections21. In this example, a pair of cathodes produces 7 watts.

Suitable cold cathode tubes may come in a variety of colors, having various sizes and power sources. Typically, each cathode is electrically connected to a ballast26. Depending upon the ballasts26that are used, the ballasts26can be placed in series if the ballasts26have a male female end for electrically connecting the ballasts26.

Any suitable transparent or translucent material can be used to make a strip12′. In one example, the transparent strip12′ is made of nylon. The nylon resin material can be cast into the desired shape of the strip12′ incorporating the cavity18. Alternatively, the nylon resin can be extruded to form the strip12. The material used to make the transparent strip12preferably comprises a material that can be sanded and finished so that any imperfections on the surface of the transparent strip12can be corrected in order for the light to continue to be emitted through the strip12. More specifically, the strips12′ are incorporated into a floor adjacent wood strips12. The floor periodically may need to be refinished. This is accomplished by sanding the floor and thereafter putting a finish on the floor. Accordingly, the strips12′ will have to be sanded simultaneously with the adjacent wood strips12. If the strips12′ were not sanded, they would extend to a height different from those of the sanded wood strips12creating an uneven surface. Once the strips12′ are sanded, the finishing material preferably will fill in any sanding marks on the top thereof. In this manner, the top of the strip12′ will allow sufficient light to pass there through. It will be appreciated that even if the finish does not completely fill the sanding marks, sufficient light will still pass through the top of the strip12′. Again, it will be appreciated that any suitable material can be used, so long as the material has adequate characteristics to support the weight and/or forces applied to the surface. With a floor made in this manner, a top surface is provided that includes at least one light emitting portion, the top of the strips12′, for emitting light therethrough.

Further, multiple light sources20may be placed in the cavity18. Preferably, the multiple light sources, such as cathode tubes are arranged so that they extend substantially parallel to one another. The multiple sources may be of the same or different colors. Thus, similar or different colors of the light sources20can be placed next to each other within a single cavity18in the same strip12′. Each light source can be selectively energized so that different sources can be illuminated or energized at desired times. This may allow either different colors to be illuminated or if the tubes are the same color, for a higher intensity light.

Further, multiple transparent strips12can be placed adjacent to one another to further enhance lighting capabilities. The strips12′ can be placed in any location on the floor. Further, the strip12′ can have any length. Thus, it is possible to make myriad of patterns using the strips12′ at selected locations. The lights can also be selectively illuminated to provide an accent to the floor. Further, the strips12′ are intended to be placed either under the playing surface of the floor itself or around the periphery of the playing surface. Energization and intensity of the lights may be accomplished by a suitable controller.

In this embodiment, then, the top15comprises a portion of the floor surface. The top15is transparent or translucent and therefore constitutes a light emitting portion for emitting light from the light source20therethrough. The light source20is coupled with the light emitting portion. In this embodiment, light can travel directly from the light source20out of the top15.

Referring toFIGS. 3 and 4, another embodiment of the floor assembly is generally shown at200. The floor assembly200may comprise a section of a permanent floor or a panel of a portable floor as described above. Alternatively, it may comprise a portion of such a panel. In this embodiment, the floor assembly200comprises at least three components. A top or first layer214comprises a transparent or translucent material. The top214forms at least a portion of the floor surface. However, it is not necessary that the bottom216necessarily be transparent or translucent. Likewise, a bottom216comprises a transparent or translucent material. The top214and the bottom216each contain a grid of conductive material218in order to carry an electrical charge throughout the desired portions of the top214and the bottom216. For example, the conductive material218in the top214can be connected to ground and the conductive material in the bottom216can be arranged to carry a positive charge. In this manner, an electrical field can be created between the conductive material in the top214and bottom216.

The conductive material218can comprise any material capable of conducting electricity. It is preferred that the conductive material218be sized so as to not inordinately interfere with the passage of light through the top surface of the top layer214. One such material that can be used is a fine metal mesh or screen. Also, various portions of the conductive material may be electrically isolated from other portions of the conductive material. In this manner, various portions of the conductive material may be selectively activated to illuminate various portions to illuminate various designs, as set forth below.

A cavity219is defined between the top214and bottom216. An intermediate layer, generally indicated at220, includes panels222placed between the top214and the bottom216. The panels222, disposed between the top214and the bottom216, define chambers224,224′ in the intermediate layer220. The chambers224,224′ are arranged in a predetermined shape dependent upon the shape and placement of the panels222. Some of the chambers224may be filled with air. Other chambers224′ are filled with a gas that will illuminate when exposed to an electrical field, such as by way of non-limiting example, neon or argon gas. Preferably, the panels222are made of a non-conductive material and can be placed between the chambers224,224′. This will isolate the chambers224′ filled with gas from the chambers224filled with air. In this manner, the chambers224,224′ can be configured to form various shapes that can be illuminated.

In a preferred embodiment, the light source comprises gas that will illuminate, such as neon or argon, contained in the chambers224′. The grid of conductive material218energizes the gas to illuminate it. Thus, at least some of the voids224′ are filled with a gas that illuminates in response to an electric field. As the gas in the chambers224′ is illuminated, the shape of the chambers224′ is illuminated to display the design of the voids224(FIG. 4) through the transparent or translucent top214. The light source is, therefore, coupled with the light emitting top214. That is, light can travel directly from the light source out of the top214.

As shown, the chambers224′ are isolated form one another by non-conductive panels222. It will be appreciated, however, that the intermediate layer220may comprise one large chamber224′ filled with a gas that will illuminate when excited. In this manner, selective energization of portions of the conductive material218can be utilized to illuminate only portions of the gas, thereby creating an illuminated pattern. That is, as set forth above, portions of conductive material218can be isolated from other portions of the conductive material218. By selectively energizing portions of the conductive material218, an image or pattern can be displayed through the top214. Selective energization of the conductive material218can be accomplished by the use of a suitable controller (not shown)

Additional layers can be stacked above the top214. For example, another layer having chambers224,224′ can be placed on the top214. Then an additional transparent or translucent top having conductive material therein can be placed thereon. The gasses in the chambers224′ of the multiple layers can contain different gasses which will illuminate different colors. Because the two layers share a common ground (in conductive material218in the original top214), the electrical field can be selectively generated by applying electricity to either the conductive material218in the bottom216or the conductive material in the added top layer of this embodiment (not shown) or both. In this way, one or more of the layers of the same or differing gasses can illuminate to create various colors in the display. It will be appreciated that any number of such layers may be stacked together.

Referring toFIG. 5, another embodiment of the floor assembly is generally shown at300. The floor assembly300has a floor layer or top326that forms at least a portion of the floor surface and a sub-floor or second layer328. The floor layer or top326preferably comprises tongue and groove strip flooring of the type described above. It will be appreciated, however, that any type of floor covering material may be used as the floor layer326. The subfloor328is a panel to which the flooring material is attached in a well-known manner. The subfloor can comprise any suitable material, such as, for example, oriented stand board or plywood. Typically, the subfloor328is carried on a substrate (not shown) by a plurality of sleepers329(only one shown) in a well-known manner. The sleepers329extend between the substrate and subfloor328, and space the subfloor328a distance from the substrate. Thus, a space or cavity332is created between the substrate and the subfloor328.

In one embodiment, a reflective layer330is disposed below the subfloor328and preferably adjacent the substrate. It is preferred that at least the upper face of this reflective layer330(when present) comprises a reflective surface, such as a metal surface, in order to reflect light from a light source334. Further, the bottom surface of the subfloor may also include a reflective surface thereon for reflecting light from the light source334. It will be appreciated that the reflective surface is not necessary, but can be used to optimize the light transmittance.

In one embodiment, the light source334is a Xenon strobe light. This type of light emits an adequate amount of light in order to propagate through the cavity332and be emitted from the top300with sufficient brightness. It will be appreciated, however, that any suitable light source334can be used within the scope of the present invention. For example, the light source may comprise one or more LEDs or cold cathode tubes, as described in connection with alternate embodiments above.

At least one light guide assembly, generally indicated at336, extends through the top surface of the floor layer326through the subfloor layer328and into the cavity332. In reference toFIGS. 5 and 6, the light guide assembly336preferably includes a light guide portion337and a flange portion338at the top of the light guide portion337. The flange portion338is preferably, but not necessarily, circular in cross section and has a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the light guide portion337.

To accommodate the light guide assembly336, the floor assembly300has an opening339extending therethrough. The opening339extends through the floor layer326and the subfloor328to the cavity332. A larger diameter cavity340extends about the opening339from the top surface of the floor layer326, for accommodating the flange portion338. The large diameter cavity340preferably does not extend all the way through the floor layer326. Rather, the cavity340provides an annular recessed ledge341on which the flange portion338can be supported.

To insert the light guide assembly336, the light guide portion337is placed into the opening339and is inserted until the peripheral edges of the flange portion338seats on the ledge341. An adhesive can be placed on the peripheral edges of the flange portion338(outward of the light guide portion337) to secure the light guide assembly336to the first floor layer326without obstructing the light reflection characteristics of the light guide portion337.

That is, the transmittance properties of some light guide portions337may be affected by the presence of adhesive on the light guide portion337. By utilizing the larger flange portion338and securing only the periphery of the flange portion338that extends outwardly from the light guide section337, the performance of the light guide portion337will be unaffected by any securing medium, such as adhesive.

The flange portion338is preferably made of a transparent or translucent material. The top surface of the flange portion338of the light guide assembly336is preferably made of a material which can be sanded and finished so that when other portions of the first layer326are refinished (as described above), the upper surface of the flange portion338is treated in the same manner.

In this embodiment, the top326forms at least a portion of the floor surface. The flange portion338comprises a light emitting portion for emitting light through the top326. The light source is coupled with the flange portion and receives light directly from the light source334or light that is directed therethrough by the light guide portion337.

In reference toFIG. 7, there is shown an alternate embodiment of the light guide assembly336′. In this embodiment, the flange portion comprises a light refracting element generally indicated at338′. The light refracting element338′ refracts or reflects the light so that at least some of the light transmits at an angle related closer to the plane of the top326than if the flange portion did not comprise a light refracting element338′. Thus, the light emitted from the light guide assembly336′ can be directed at many angles which enhance the appearance of the floor assembly300. Further, in this embodiment, at least the interior of the light guide portion337′ preferably comprises a polished metal, and most preferably polished aluminum, to propagate the light through the light guide assembly336′. It will be appreciated, however, that any suitable light guide may be used.

The light guide assembly336′ is inserted into the opening339,340as set forth above. The bottom of the light refracting element338′ is placed on the ledge341and secured in place with a suitable adhesive. However, in this embodiment, adhesive may also be placed on the exterior of the light guide portion337′. Since the light guide portion337′ comprises a reflective metal material adhesive on the exterior surface will not interfere with its performance. That is, the adhesive will not degrade the transmittance of light through the light guide portion337′. Since, in this embodiment, an adhesive may be used to secure the light guide336′ in the opening339, it is not necessary to include a larger flange portion on the light refracting element338′. That is, the light refracting element338′ may have the same or a different diameter as the light guide portion337′. In this case, a larger diameter cavity340may not be necessary.

The light refracting element338′ preferably comprises two portions. First, a light refracting portion340′ is disposed at the bottom thereof adjacent the light guide portion337′. A protective flat portion342′ may be placed over the light refracting portion340′ so that the protective flat portion342′ creates a level surface with the first layer326. The protective flat portion342′ may be made of a material which can be refinished along with the remainder of the top326when necessary. That is, the protective flat portion342′ can be refinished as set forth above. It will be appreciated that the light refracting portion340′ may comprise any suitable structure that can guide the direction of light. By way of non-limiting example, the light refracting portion340′ may comprise a corner prism. Alternatively, the light refracting portion340′ may comprise mirrors or fiber optics. Thus while the terminology light refracting is used herein, it can refer to either refracting or reflecting light or both.

By guiding the light passing through the light refracting portion340′, it is possible for the floor to display images to different individuals viewing the image from different angles simultaneously. This may be particularly useful when the floor is placed in an arena and viewed from multiple angles. By controlling the light emanating from the light refracting portion340′ one can allow viewers from different angles to see the same or different images in proper orientations

It will be appreciated that any number of light guide assemblies336,336′ may be used within the scope of the present invention. Further, the light guide assemblies336,336′ may be placed in any orientation to create a desired pattern on the floor. Additionally, any number of light sources334can be used to increase the intensity and color palette of the light propagating through the light guide assembly336,336′ or provide even light distribution. Preferably, the light source334is arranged in an optimal orientation to maximize the light propagating through the light guide assembly336,336′.

Additionally, the light sources334may be of different colors so that different colors can emanate through the light guide assembly336,336′. One or more light sources34may be placed adjacent one another to either increase the light intensity or vary the color. It will also be appreciated that the light sources334may be isolated so that they can pass light only through preselected light guide assemblies336,336′. In this manner, one can selectively control which light guide assemblies336and336′ are illuminated and with what color. This provides a great deal of flexibility when illuminating to create designs or patterns with the light. Intensity and selective application of the lights can be controlled by a suitable controller. Such an arrangement is particularly useful when LEDs are used as the light source.

It will also be appreciated that in certain instances a light guide portion337,337′ may not be necessary. In such a case, the light source may be disposed directly below the opening339or at least partially within the opening339. In such an arrangement, it is desirable to include either a flange portion338or a light refracting element338′ above the light source. In this case, while the light source may be disposed at least partially within the opening339, it will still be disposed below the portion of the top through which the light is emitted, namely the transparent or translucent flange portion338or light refracting element338′.

Referring toFIG. 8, another embodiment of the floor assembly is generally shown at400. The floor assembly400includes a top generally indicated at440. The floor assembly400may include a bottom442. A plurality of sleepers446is interposed between the top440and bottom442to define a cavity444between the top440and bottom442. It will be appreciated that the bottom442may be removed and that the sleepers446contact the substrate (not shown). The sleepers446can be of any suitable material or design. As used in connection with this embodiment, the top440may comprise tongue and groove flooring strips attached to a subfloor in a conventional manner. The transparent portion452of the top440preferably comprises a material that can be sanded and finished as described above.

In one preferred embodiment, the top440includes transparent portion446. Transparent portion452comprises a transparent or translucent area placed at predetermined locations within the top440for emitting light therethrough. The top440also has non-transparent sections448. At least one light source450is placed under the transparent portion446of the top440. The light source is contained in the cavity444.

In a preferred embodiment, the light source450comprises an LCD monitor of a well-known type. A single LCD monitor can be used or multiple LCD displays can be used to depict the same image or can be placed adjacent to one another each carrying a portion of a larger image that when viewed together displays a single image. By utilizing LCD monitors, virtually any image can be displayed by the light source. Thus, an LCD display allows greater flexibility with the images displayed. The images can be changed frequently and to display virtually anything. Alternatively, the light source can comprise a plasma monitor or an LED monitor.

The material for the top440, bottom442and sleepers446preferably have strength characteristics adequate enough to support the weight and force applied to the floor assembly400. An example of the material used to form the transparent portion446of the top440includes, but is not limited to, Lexan, Plexiglass, or other suitable transparent material. The sleepers446may comprise any suitable material including, but not limited to, aluminum. An example of the bottom442includes, but is not limited to, an aluminum diamond plate. This bottom would be affixed to the aluminum sleepers so that the bottom442can be raised or lowered in small increments to match the height of the surrounding subfloor. The top440, bottom442, and sleepers446are connected to one another by any known suitable fasteners (not shown). Further, suitable fasteners are provided to make this LCD display an integral part of the entire floor assembly440.

Referring toFIG. 9, another embodiment of the present invention is shown. A floor assembly is generally shown at500. The floor assembly500includes a bottom, generally indicated at510. The bottom510preferably comprises a circuit board512. The circuit board512is a printed circuit board having a plurality of electrical contacts514thereon in any well-known manner. The electrical contacts514are connected to a controller, generally indicated at516. One end of each of the electrical contacts is also coupled with an LED518. Preferably, a plurality of LEDs are grouped adjacent one another and supported by the circuit board512. Thus, each LED is electrically coupled with the controller516. Each LED is also coupled with a power source.

The assembly500further includes a support structure generally indicated at520. The support structure520is for disposition about the LED518so as to protect the LED518. The support structure520also supports a top524. Further, the support structure510is open at each end. In the most preferred embodiment, the support structure comprises a honeycomb support structure522having open top524and bottom526ends. The interior of the honeycomb support structure522is hollow and can receive one or more LEDs518. In the most preferred embodiment, the honeycomb support structure522comprises a plurality of aluminum tubes secured together. Preferably, the aluminum tubes comprise a hexagonal shape which is connected for providing the honeycomb support structure522. In the most preferred embodiment, the interior of the hollow tubes is polished in order to provide a reflective surface and provides a light guide portion for directing light.

The LEDs are preferably grouped together such that a red LED518is adjacent a green LED518which are also adjacent a blue LED518. Thus, groupings of red, green and blue are made. The red, green and blue LEDs518can be selectively energized and their intensity controlled by controller516. In this manner, illumination of the red, green and blue LEDs518can allow virtually any color to be displayed.

The assembly500further includes a top, generally indicated at530. The top530is for disposition on the honeycomb support structure522. In this manner, the honeycomb support structure522and LEDs518are sandwiched between the circuit board512and top530. The support structure522creates a plurality of cavities between the top530and the bottom510. The top surface530is preferably transparent or translucent to allow light to pass therethrough. In one embodiment, the top530comprises a transparent surface532that is supported on the honeycomb support structure522. The transparent surface is coupled with the light source such that it allows the light from the LEDs518to be transmitted therethrough.

In another embodiment as shown inFIG. 9A, the top surface530′ may comprise a layer having an upper smooth portion534and a lower light refracting portion536. By way of non-limiting example, the light refracting portion536may comprise a corner prism. Alternatively, the light refracting portion536may comprise mirrors or fiber optics. By utilizing a light refracting536, the light being emitted from the LED518can be directed through the top surface530′.

The uppermost surface of either top surface530,530′ is preferably made of a material which can be sanded and polished. This is because the light assembly500may be used in connection with a wood floor. And, as the wood floor may need to be sanded or refinished (as described above), the top surface530can be treated in the same manner.

It will be appreciated that the assembly500may take any shape. For example, the circuit board512and top layer530may have the width consisted with the width of one or more tongue and groove floorboards. Alternatively, the width of the circuit board512and top layer530may comprise any suitable width that may be used in connection with flooring material. By way of non-limiting example, wood flooring for portable floors is often made in 4 ft×4 ft or 4 ft×8 ft panels which are then connected together. Accordingly, the size of the circuit board512and top surface530may be made in these sizes so they can be connected to a portable floor in the usual manner. It will be appreciated that the floor assembly500may be of any size.

As shown, the honeycomb support structure522comprises a plurality of hexagonal sided tubes connected together. Many of the adjacent hexagons share a common wall. It will be appreciated, however, that the shape of the support structure520can comprise any shape. For example, the structure can be cylindrical, pentagonal, octagonal, etc. Further, the cylinders of the support structure520may be separated so that they do not share a common wall. In this case, the LEDs might be spaced further than with the above identified arrangement. This may be more desirable when the floor assembly500is used simply as accent lighting not requiring significant color or intensity control.

The honeycomb support structure522is preferably secured to the printed circuit board512. Any suitable adhesive may be used to secure the structure522to the circuit board512. The adhesive is used to secure the structure522such that the structure22does not shift relative to the circuit board which could potentially damage the LEDs518and their electrical connection to the circuit board512.

Also, the circuit board512may be further supported on a second support structure generally indicated at540. The second support structure540can comprise any suitable structure. For example, the second support structure540may comprise another honeycomb support structure542of the type described above. Alternatively, the second support structure540could comprise a wooden subfloor. The second support structure540may also comprise a substrate, such as a concrete slab onto which the floor assembly500may be placed