LED lighting apparatus with swivel connection

Disclosed is a LED lighting apparatus with one or more swivel connections. The LED lighting apparatus includes a housing with at least one end, at least one light emitting diode extending along the housing and at least one end cap. The end cap has an opening with a sidewall to cap the end of the housing and a surface opposite the opening and spanning the sidewall. At least two pin connectors extend from the surface and are connectable to a standard fluorescent or incandescent light fixture. Various configurations are described such that the housing will rotate within the end caps with application of a rotational force after connection of the pin connectors to the light fixture to adjust the light output direction of the LED lighting apparatus.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to light emitting diode assemblies that have a housing containing a plurality of light emitting diodes and that can be used to replace existing lamps.

BACKGROUND

Commercial lighting fixtures commonly use fluorescent lamps or incandescent lamps to give off light for illumination. These lighting fixtures have the common drawbacks of high power consumption, quick light attenuation, short service life, fragility, and the inability to be reclaimed. Light emitting diodes, hereinafter LEDs, may be used to replace fluorescent or incandescent bulbs to obtain the environmental and economic benefits of LED technology. However, LEDs are directional, and when used with existing light fixtures, they do not necessarily provide the illumination where it is needed.

Standard light tubes are mounted in a light fixture by sliding connector pins into end sockets and then turning the tube 90° so that the pins engage electrical contacts in the sockets. The lamp tube emits light omnidirectionally and its orientation in the sockets is of no consequence, making orientation of pin connectors on different models of fixtures inconsequential. However, LEDs emit light generally at a narrowly-angled conical path. An LED lighting tube retrofitted into the existing light fixture may not be oriented to emit light in the desired direction as the angular presentation of the light to the surface to be illuminated can be offset by the variation of the pin connectors.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are embodiments of light emitting diode (LED) lighting apparatus with swivel connections.

One embodiment of the LED lighting apparatus disclosed herein comprises a housing with at least one end, at least one light emitting diode extending along the housing, and at least one end cap. The end cap has an opening with a sidewall to cap the end of the housing and a surface opposite the opening and spanning the sidewall. At least two pin connectors extend from the surface and are connectable to a standard light fixture. The sidewall is configured to friction fit the housing such that the housing will rotate within the end caps with application of a rotational force after connection of the pin connectors to the light fixture.

Another embodiment of the LED lighting apparatus comprises a housing with at least one end, at least one light emitting diode extending along the housing, an end cap capping the at least one end of the housing and fixed relative to the housing, and a pin pivot disk coupled to each end cap and opposite the housing. The pin pivot disk is coupled to pivot around an axis relative to the end cap. The pin pivot disk includes at least two pin connectors extending from the pin pivot disk, the pin connectors connectable to a standard light fixture.

Yet another embodiment of the LED lighting apparatus comprises a housing with at least one end, a ratchet with a gear and a pawl, at least one light emitting diode extending along the housing, at least one end cap having an opening with a sidewall to cap the end of the housing and having a surface opposite the opening and spanning the sidewall, and at least two pin connectors extending from the surface and connectable to a standard light fixture. The gear is located on one of an inner surface of the sidewall of the end cap or on the housing, and the pawl of the ratchet is located in positional agreement with the gear on the housing when the gear is located on the inner surface of the sidewall or on the inner surface of the sidewall when the gear is located on the housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

According to teachings herein, an LED lighting apparatus may be used to replace fluorescent or incandescent bulbs in the existing fight fixtures to obtain the environmental and economic benefits of LED technology, while providing illumination oriented to the desired surfaces or areas.

Embodiments of the LED lighting apparatus with swivel connectors are taught herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

A first embodiment of the LED lighting apparatus with swivel connectors is illustrated inFIG. 1. The housing10for at least one LED (not shown) is depicted by broken lines. The end11of the housing10is capped with an end cap20. The end cap20is friction-fitted onto the end of the housing. The end cap20has a sidewall21that surrounds the end11of the housing10and a surface22that spans the sidewall21. From the surface22extend at least two pin connectors30that connect the housing to a standard fluorescent or incandescent light fixture (not shown). The pin connectors30are inserted into the socket or sockets of the lighting fixture. Once the pin connectors30are secure in the sockets of the light fixture, the housing10can be rotated relative to the end caps20with the application of rotational force on the housing. This rotational force can direct the light from the LEDs to illuminate the desired surface or area. The friction fit of the end cap20on the housing end11allows for rotation during application of force, with the housing maintaining the final position after rotational force is lifted.

As depicted, the housing is tubular with at least one end. The embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to such a housing. It is contemplated that the housing may be of any suitable shape that can be used with fluorescent or incandescent light fixtures. As a non-limiting example, the housing may be a shroud open along its length. The housing may have as many ends as necessary for a secure fit and the proper electrical connection. The housing may be made of any material known in the art to be used in the lighting industry, including but not limited to UV resistant plastic or glass.

FIG. 8is a fragmentary, perspective view, of the housing10with an end cap20disconnected from one end of a light tube socket100of a light fixture. As with conventional lighting systems, the light tube socket100includes a pair of electrical female connectors102for receiving the pin connectors30extending from the end cap20.

The LEDs utilized in the lighting apparatus are those known in the art. More than one LED is commonly referred to as a bank or array of LEDs. Within the scope of these embodiments, the housing10may include one or more banks or arrays of LEDs mounted on one or more circuit boards. The LEDs can emit white light and, thus, are commonly referred to in the art as white LEDs. The LEDs can be mounted, for example, to one surface of the circuit board. The LEDs can be arranged on the circuit board or another surface to emit or shine white light through only one side of housing, thus directing the white light to a predetermined point of use, or arranged to emit fight through more than one side of the housing. These examples are non-limiting and provided to further illustrate the housing with which the end caps are used.

FIG. 2illustrates a variation of the first embodiment of the LED lighting apparatus. InFIG. 2the housing10has a crimp12along the circumference of the housing a distance in from the end11of the housing10. The sidewall21of the end cap20has an inward angled edge23that is positioned to friction contact the housing10at the crimp12. The end cap20and housing10are friction fit such that the rotational force that must be applied to align the LED light is greater than that force required to insert the housing10with end caps into the sockets of the lighting fixture (not shown). Thus, a force is required to insert the housing10into the fixture, and a greater force is required to adjust the housing10so that the desired surface or area is illuminated. Once adjustment is complete and the force is lifted, the housing10maintains its position due to the friction fit with the end cap20.

FIG. 3is yet another variation of the first embodiment of the LED lighting apparatus. InFIG. 3, the housing10has a crimp14along the circumference of the housing a distance in from the end11of the housing10. The sidewall21of the end cap20has a friction contact portion24located on the sidewall and running the circumference of the sidewall. The friction contact portion24is positioned to marry the crimp14of the housing10when the end cap20is capping die end11of the housing10. The friction fit between the end cap20and the housing10is such that the rotational force that must be applied to align the LED light is greater than that force required to insert the housing end cap(s) into the sockets of the lighting fixture. Thus, a force is required to insert the housing10into the fixture, and a greater force is required to adjust the housing10so that the desired surface or area is illuminated. Once adjustment is complete and the force is lifted, the housing10maintains its position due to the friction fit.

The friction fit may be obtained by crimping or other means such as press-fitting. These are non-limiting examples and other means are contemplated.

A second embodiment of the LED lighting apparatus is illustrated inFIG. 4. Elements of the second embodiment having the same function as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and duplicate explanations thereof are omitted herein.

InFIG. 4, the housing10for at least one LED (not shown) is again depicted by broken lines. The end11of the housing10is capped with an end cap20. The end cap20has a sidewall21that surrounds the end11of the housing10and a surface22that spans the sidewall21. Located within the surface22is a pin pivot disk26coupled to the surface22. The pin pivot disk26is coupled so that it can pivot around an axis X relative the end cap20. From the pin pivot disk26extend at least two pin connectors30that connect the housing to a standard fluorescent or incandescent light fixture. The pin connectors30are inserted into the socket or sockets of the lighting fixture and are locked into place.

In this embodiment, the end cap20and housing10do not move relative to each other. Once the pin connectors30are inserted into the socket of the fixture (not shown), the housing10and end cap20can be aligned relative to the pin pivot disk26and fixture by the application of a rotational force on the housing10or end cap(s)20. The housing10and end cap(s)20remain in the desired alignment when the force is lifted.

FIG. 5depicts a variation of the second embodiment of the LED lighting apparatus disclosed herein. In this variation of the second embodiment, the pin pivot disk26is a ratchet gear. The edge28of the surface22into which the ratcheted pin pivot disk26is coupled acts as the pawl of the ratchet. The edge28may have a different configuration from that shown inFIG. 5. For example, it may be thicker than the typical edge of the surface22, or it may be of a different material.FIG. 5Aillustrates the surface22of the end cap20shown without the pivot disk26, the edge28having a pawl28′ extending from it, rather than the edge28itself being configured as a pawl.

Again in this variation the end cap20and housing10do not move relative to each other. Once the pin connectors30are inserted into the socket of the fixture (not shown), the housing10and end cap20can be aligned relative to the ratcheted pin pivot disk26and fixture by the application of a rotational force on the housing10or end cap(s)20that moves the ratchet gear (pin pivot disk26) relative to the pawl28′ (or edge28of the surface22). The housing10and end cap(s)20remain in the desired alignment when the force is lifted. To achieve this, either the pawl28′ or the teeth of the ratchet gear (pin pivot disk26) is flexible such that the rotation of the housing10and end cap(s)20is allowed while maintaining the pin connectors30in the socket.

A third embodiment of the LED lighting apparatus with swivel connections is illustrated inFIG. 6. InFIG. 6, the housing10for at least one LED (not shown) is again depicted by broken lines. The end11of the housing10is capped with an end cap20. The end cap20has a sidewall21that surrounds the end11of the housing10and a surface22that spans the sidewall21. Extending from the surface22are at least two pin connectors30that connect the housing to a standard fluorescent or incandescent light fixture (not shown). The pin connectors30are inserted into the socket or sockets of the lighting fixture.

InFIG. 6the housing10has a ratchet gear40positioned a distance in from the end11of the housing10. The ratchet gear40is positioned so that the teeth of the gear are flush with the housing10. The sidewall21of the end cap20has a pawl42that is positioned to correspond to the ratchet gear40when the end cap20is positioned on the end11of the housing10. The end cap20, after the pin connectors30are inserted into the socket, does not move relative to the lighting fixture. During insertion of the pin connectors with rotational movement, the pawl42is positioned to rotate against the teeth of the ratchet gear40. Thus resistance against the teeth is high. Once the pin connectors30are inserted, the housing10can be aligned relative to the end cap20and fixture by the application of a rotational force on the housing10that moves the ratchet gear relative to the pawl42, with the pawl42moving with the teeth of the ratchet gear40. The housing10and end cap(s)20remain in the desired alignment when the force is lifted. To achieve this, either the pawl42or the teeth of the ratchet gear40is flexible such that the rotation of the housing10is allowed after the pin connectors30are inserted.

FIG. 7illustrates a variation of the third embodiment of the LED lighting apparatus. In this variation, the pawl46is positioned on the exterior of the housing10a distance from the end11. The ratchet gear, shown inFIG. 7A, is integral to the end cap20and positioned so that when the end cap20is capping the end11of the housing10, the pawl46and the ratchet gear are in alignment.FIG. 7Ais a cross sectional view of the end cap20along line A-A′ ofFIG. 7illustrating the position of the ratchet gear44. The end cap20, after the pin connectors30are inserted into the socket, does not move relative to the lighting fixture. During insertion of the pin connectors with rotational movement, the pawl46is positioned to rotate against the teeth of the ratchet gear44. Thus resistance against the teeth is high. Once the pin connectors30are inserted, the housing10can be aligned relative to the end cap20and fixture by the application of a rotational force on the housing10that moves the ratchet gear relative to the pawl46, with the pawl46moving with the teeth of the ratchet gear44. The housing10and end cap(s)20remain in the desired alignment when the force is lifted. Again, either the pawl46or the teeth of the ratchet gear44is flexible such that the rotation of the housing10is allowed after the pin connectors30are inserted.

With any of the embodiments of the LED lighting apparatus disclosed herein, it is contemplated that means to limit the available rotation of the LED housing or housing and end cap may be incorporated. By limiting the available rotation of the housing and/or the end cap, the wires connected from the pins to the LED array are not twisted and strained. This, in turn, should decrease wear and lengthen the life of the electrical connection so that the advantage of extended life of the LEDs can be further realized.

One way in which to avoid over-rotation of the housing10for the first and third embodiments, and over-rotation of both the housing10and end caps20of the second embodiment, is to provide a stop in the end cap20and a corresponding stop in the housing. As illustrated inFIG. 9, a stop50extends from the inside of the sidewall21of the end cap20. A corresponding stop52extends from the housing10at a position on the end11such that the stops50,52will engage one another at one point during rotation. The stops50,52can be made from any material that is strong enough to withstand the rotational force applied by a user of the lighting apparatus.

Alternative configurations of the stop are contemplated. One such example involving the ratchet of the second embodiment incorporates locating teeth in only a portion of the ratchet gear40,44so that the pawl is prevented from further rotation along the ratchet gear40,44. Based on the teachings herein, it should be recognized by those skilled in the art that these stop configurations are provided by way of example and not limitation, and that other suitable stop configurations may be used.

Other ways to prevent twisting of the electrical connections due to rotation of the housing10or housing10and end cap20may be used. One such embodiment incorporates the use of slip rings as illustrated inFIG. 10. The slip ring60comprises a conductive circle or band mounted within the housing10. Electrical connections62from the LED array or LED circuit board64are made to the slip ring60and are omitted here for clarity. A spring loaded center contact66, located along the center axis of the housing10, transfers the electrical power from a socket68configured in the end cap20, which in turn transfers the electrical power torn the pins30that are inserted into the socket of the fixture (not shown inFIG. 10). The electrical connections62may also be spring loaded. As used herein, a slip ring is an electrical connection through a rotating assembly. Accordingly, alternative constructions of such a slip ring are possible and can include, for example, rotary electrical interfaces, rotating electrical connectors, collectors, swivels, electrical rotary joints, etc.FIG. 10Ais a cross-sectional view of the housing10along dotted line10A, showing the slip ring60positioned within the housing wall70, with the spring loaded center contact66at the center. The end cap is omitted fromFIG. 10A.

FIG. 11is an alternative embodiment of the electrical connection over-rotation prevention for housings with only one electrical connection, rather than the two connections used with a traditional fluorescent fixture. InFIG. 11, the electrical connections (not shown) from the LED array or circuit board64are connected, to a spring loaded contact pin66′ located along the center axis of the housing10. A socket68′ in the center of the end cap20surface22, which draws electrical power through the pins30of the end cap22, is in contact with the spring loaded contact pin66′. Since the electrical connections to both the socket68′ and the spring loaded contact pin66′ do not rotate relative to the connection points, strain and stress on the connections are reduced.