Fully illuminated apparatus and method

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and apparatus for illuminating. An exemplary apparatus includes a substrate having a longitudinal axis, and a first plurality of spaced apart fingers extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis from a first side of the substrate. The apparatus further includes second plurality of spaced apart fingers extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a second side of the substrate, wherein the first side of the substrate is opposite the second side of the substrate. The apparatus still further includes a first plurality of spaced apart lighting elements located on a third side of the substrate, wherein the first plurality of spaced apart lighting elements are spaced along the longitudinal axis of the substrate, and a second plurality of spaced apart lighting elements located on a fourth side of the substrate.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the present disclosure present a method and apparatus for illuminating. Embodiments of the present disclosure present in particularity a method and apparatus for illuminating a device.

Description of Related Art

A light fixture is an electrical device that maintains a light emitting device that provides light or illumination. All light fixtures typically include a body and one or more light emitting devices. Light fixtures may include a switch to control the light. The switch can be attached to the body or attached to the power cable. Light fixtures that are not removable from a wall or other structure may not include a switch on the fixture itself, but will be operable through a wall switch.

Fixtures need to be connected to an electrical connection or other power source. Some light fixtures are able to run on battery power. Most permanent lighting fixtures are wired directly into power sources. Lighting fixtures that are moveable typically include a plug and/or that plugs into wall sockets.

Some lighting fixtures can include other elements, such as shades to defuse light emitted from the light emitting device, reflectors to redirect emitted light, and an aperture. There is a wide variety of the different types of lighting fixtures created for use in many different industries including the automotive industry, aerospace industry, and fashion design industry.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a method and apparatus for illuminating.

A first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides an apparatus for illuminating. The apparatus includes a substrate having a longitudinal axis, and a first plurality of spaced apart fingers extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis from a first side of the substrate. The apparatus further includes a second plurality of spaced apart fingers extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a second side of the substrate, wherein the first side of the substrate is opposite the second side of the substrate, and a first plurality of spaced apart lighting elements located on a third side of the substrate, wherein the first plurality of spaced apart lighting elements are spaced along the longitudinal axis of the substrate. The apparatus still further includes a second plurality of spaced apart lighting elements located on a fourth side of the substrate, wherein the second plurality of spaced apart lighting elements are space along the longitudinal axis of the substrate, wherein each one of the second plurality of spaced apart lighting elements are co-located with one of the first plurality of spaced apart lighting elements along the longitudinal axis of the substrate, and wherein the third side is opposite the fourth side.

A second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides an apparatus further comprising a tube having a long axis, the tube defining a hollow cavity extending through the long axis, wherein the hollow cavity is operable to maintain the substrate, the first and second plurality of spaced apart fingers, and the first and second plurality of spaced apart lighting elements.

A third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for providing. The method includes forming a substrate having a longitudinal axis, and a first plurality of spaced apart fingers extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis from a first side of the substrate, and forming a second plurality of spaced apart fingers extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a second side of the substrate, wherein the first side of the substrate is opposite the second side of the substrate. The method further includes forming a first plurality of spaced apart lighting elements located on a third side of the substrate, wherein the first plurality of spaced apart lighting elements are spaced along the longitudinal axis of the substrate, and forming a second plurality of spaced apart lighting elements located on a fourth side of the substrate, wherein the second plurality of spaced apart lighting elements are space along the longitudinal axis of the substrate, wherein each one of the second plurality of spaced apart lighting elements are co-located with one of the first plurality of spaced apart lighting elements along the longitudinal axis of the substrate, and wherein the third side is opposite the fourth side.

A fourth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a lighting device. The lighting device includes a hollow tube having a longitudinal axis, the hollow tube defining a cavity, and a planar substrate having a first plurality of spaced apart cutouts along a first edge and a second plurality of spaced apart cutouts along a second edge, wherein the first edge is opposite the second edge. The lighting device further includes a first plurality of spaced apart light emitting elements operably affixed on a first face of the planar substrate, and a second plurality of spaced apart light emitting elements operably affixed on a second face of the planar substrate, wherein the first face is opposite the second face, and wherein the first plurality of spaced apart light emitting elements and the second plurality of light emitting elements are operable to emit light in a direction away from the planar substrate at a wide angle. The lighting device still further includes a first plurality of spaced apart moveable fingers fixedly attached to the first face of the planar substrate, and a second plurality of spaced apart moveable fingers fixedly attached to the second face of the planar substrate.

A fifth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method of forming. The method includes forming a hollow tube having a longitudinal axis, the hollow tube defining a cavity, and forming a planar substrate having a first plurality of spaced apart cutouts along a first edge and a second plurality of spaced apart cutouts along a second edge, wherein the first edge is opposite the second edge. The method further includes forming a first plurality of spaced apart light emitting elements operably affixed on a first face of the planar substrate, and forming a second plurality of spaced apart light emitting elements operably affixed on a second face of the planar substrate, wherein the first face is opposite the second face, and wherein the first plurality of spaced apart light emitting elements and the second plurality of light emitting elements are operable to emit light in a direction away from the planar substrate at a wide angle. The method still further includes forming a first plurality of spaced apart moveable fingers fixedly attached to the first face of the planar substrate, and forming a second plurality of spaced apart moveable fingers fixedly attached to the second face of the planar substrate.

The following will describe embodiments of the present disclosure, but it should be appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments and various modifications of the invention are possible without departing from the basic principles. The scope of the present disclosure is therefore to be determined solely by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and apparatus operable to provide uniformly emitted light or illumination in 360 degrees around the apparatus. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus having a hollow tube shaped lighting device operable to uniformly emit light from the radial surface of the lighting device. In other words, embodiments provide an apparatus wherein the brightness of light along the surface of the hollow tube is uniform. Embodiments provide a lighting device having spaced apart light emitting elements maintained on a substrate operable to be maintained substantially radially centered within a hollow translucent or opaque tube. Embodiments provide a substrate having spaced apart fingers extending perpendicular to the long axis of the substrate operable to maintain a location of the substrate within a hollow tube.

Referring toFIG. 1, shown is an exemplary substrate operable for performing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Shown inFIG. 1is flexible substrate100having a longitudinal axis (illustrated as line102). Substrate100is operable to flex or bend while continuing to operate properly without breaking or cracking. Substrate100is planar shaped such that it includes a first planar face104and a second planar face106opposite or 180 degrees from the first planar face104. Substrate100is made of a glass-epoxy laminate printed wiring board. Embodiments also include substrate100being made of printed circuit board that is glass fiber reinforced (i.e., fiberglass) epoxy resin. Typically the printed circuit board will include a copper foil bonded on to one or both sides of the printed circuit board. Substrate100can also be made of paper reinforced phenolic resin with a bonded copper foil. Embodiments of substrate100are operable to conduct electricity and/or provide power from a power source connected to substrate100to devices or elements (e.g., light emitting elements and resistors) that are operably coupled to substrate100. Embodiments include substrate100being opaque.

Also, shown inFIG. 1are light emitting elements108each operable to emit light generally in a direction away from the surface of substrate100to which they are affixed. In this regard, light emitting elements108coupled to face104of substrate100are operable to emit light generally in a direction away from face104. Likewise, light emitting elements108coupled to face106of substrate100are operable to emit light generally in a direction away from face106. Embodiments of light emitting elements108are operable to emit light with a beam angle between 140 degrees to 180 degrees. In other words, embodiments of light emitting elements108are operable to emit light between 0-70 degrees to 0-90 degrees relative to the perpendicular of face104or face106. Each adjacent light emitting element108located on face104is spaced the same distance from the next adjacent light emitting element108on face104in order to facilitate even illumination by device99. Likewise, each adjacent light emitting element108located on face106is spaced the distance same from the next adjacent light emitting element108on face106in order to facilitate even illumination by device99. It should be appreciated that embodiments include each light emitting element108not being evening spaced from one another provided that the overall light emitted from the combination of each light emitting element108creates uniform illumination.

As shown inFIG. 1, each light emitting element108located on face104has a corresponding light emitting element108co-located on face106. In other words, each light emitting element108located on face104has a light emitting element108located on face106at the same location along the longitudinal axis of substrate100. It should be appreciated that face104and face106face opposite directions from one another. Light emitting elements108are operably coupled to faces104,106respectively, such that they can receive power and/or electricity from substrate100to emit light.

Substrate100includes a plurality of spaced apart fingers110and a plurality of spaced apart fingers112. Spaced apart fingers110extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis102on a side114of substrate100. Spaced apart fingers112extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis102on a side116. Embodiments of spaced apart fingers110,112have a thickness ranging between 16 mm to 25 mm. As shown inFIG. 1, side114is located opposite side116such that side114faces approximately 180 degrees from side116. Embodiments include each spaced apart finger110having the same length. Embodiments include each spaced apart finger112having the same length. It should be appreciated that embodiments include each spaced apart finger110having a length equal to that of each spaced apart finger112. It should also be appreciated that embodiments include the spaced apart fingers110having a length different from the spaced apart fingers112. Embodiments include each adjacent spaced apart finger110being equally or unequally spaced from one another. Likewise, embodiments include each adjacent spaced apart finger112being equally or unequally spaced from one another. Embodiments of spaced apart fingers110,112are operable to maintain a relative location of substrate100with respect to an interior radial surface of hollow tube117(shown inFIG. 2) in which substrate100is placed. Embodiments provide that spaced apart fingers110,112are operable to maintain the location of substrate100generally at the radial center of a hollow tube117in which substrate100is placed. However, it should be appreciated that embodiments include spaced apart fingers110,112being operable to maintain the location of substrate100generally off of the radial center of hollow tube117in which the substrate100is placed provided that device99with substrate100and lighting elements108provide uniform illumination and brightness throughout the radial surface of the tube. Spaced apart fingers110,112are operable to dissipate heat created by light emitting elements108such that the light emitting elements108do not over heat. In one embodiment, spaced apart fingers110,112are operable to dissipate at least 0.3 watts per linear inch. The distal end of spaced apart fingers110,112that are in contact with the interior radial surface118of hollow tube117have a size small enough such that they do not obstruct the passage of light from light emitting elements108. In other words, the distal end of spaced apart fingers110,112do not block enough light from light emitting elements108such that spaced apart fingers110,112create dark spots or regions on the surface of hollow tube117. Embodiments of spaced apart fingers110,112have a width of between 0.03 to 0.05 inches and a thickness between 0.02 to 0.04 inches. Embodiments of spaced apart fingers110,112have a cross-sectional shape relative to their length that is rectangular or circular shaped. Embodiments of spaced apart fingers110,112are circular shaped having a diameter between 0.03 to 0.07 inches.

Substrate100and spaced apart fingers110,112are operable to conduct electricity to provide power to light emitting elements108and resistors109.

Also shown inFIG. 1are resistors109operably coupled to face104and face106of substrate100. Resistors109are located between light emitting elements108and are operable to maintain the uniformity of light emitted by the light emitting elements108.

Referring toFIG. 2, shown is a top cross-sectional perspective view of an exemplary device99suitable for performing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Shown inFIG. 2is device99which includes hollow tube117having an interior radial surface118that defines a cavity120. Embodiments of hollow tube117are made of glass or plastic. Embodiments of hollow tube116are clear, opaque, frosted, translucent, or another other color (e.g., red, blue, green, yellow, etc.). In one embodiment, hollow tube117has a diameter below 1.5 inches. However, it should be appreciated that hollow tube117can have a diameter ranging between 7 mm to 50 mm. Embodiments provide that hollow tube117has a wall thickness ranging between 2 mm to 4 mm. In one embodiment, hollow tube117has a wall thickness of approximately 3 mm. In one embodiment, cavity120(aside from substrate100) can contain air or other gaseous substance. In another embodiment, cavity120(aside from substrate100) does not contain any air or gaseous substance, but is a vacuum. In this embodiment, hollow tube117is sealed from the surrounding environment such that air or other fluids cannot enter cavity120.

Hollow tube117has a longitudinal axis102. Maintained within hollow tube117is substrate100. Substrate100includes spaced apart fingers110,112which extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis102of substrate100. As illustrated inFIG. 2, spaced apart fingers110,112are in contact with interior radial surface118of hollow tube117. In this regard, spaced apart fingers110,112maintain the location of substrate100relative to interior radial surface118. Also, shown are lighting emitting elements108operably affixed to face104of substrate100, and resistors109operably affixed to face104of substrate100. It should be appreciated that substrate100shown inFIG. 2also includes corresponding light emitting elements108and resistors109operably coupled to face106of substrate100.

Referring toFIG. 3, shown is a side cross-sectional view of a device99suitable for performing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIG. 3, device99includes hollow tube117and substrate100. Substrate100includes light emitting elements108located on face104. Substrate100also includes light emitting elements108located on face106. As depicted, face104is opposite (i.e., 180 degrees) from face106. Each light emitting element108located on face104has a corresponding or co-located light emitting element108located on face106. Likewise, substrate100includes resistors109located between the light emitting elements108on face104,106. Each resistor109located on face104have a corresponding resistor109co-located or corresponding resistor109located on face106. The distal end of spaced apart fingers112are also shown inFIG. 3. InFIG. 3, the distal end of spaced apart fingers112are in contact with the radial interior surface of hollow tube117.

Referring toFIG. 4, depicted is an interior view of an exemplary lighting device suitable for performing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Shown inFIG. 4is the interior radial surface of hollow tube117, which defines cavity120. Maintained within cavity120is substrate100. As shown inFIG. 4, moveable fingers608are extend in opposite directions and are in contact with the interior radial surface of hollow tube117. As illustrated inFIG. 4, moveable fingers608operably maintain the location of the substrate100relative to the interior radial surface of hollow tube117.

Referring toFIG. 5, shown is a perspective view of a lighting device suitable for performing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Shown inFIG. 5is device99. In this embodiment, device99includes a hollow tube117that maintains a substrate100with light emitting elements108operable to uniformly illuminate hollow tube117. As shown, hollow tube117includes a curved section122(non-linear section) and a straight portion124(linear section). However, it should be appreciated that embodiments of hollow tube117can be any shape including curved, straight, and/or curled sections.

Referring toFIG. 6, shown is a top perspective view of an alternative substrate suitable for performing exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Shown inFIG. 6is substrate600having light emitting elements602, resistors604, spaced apart cutouts606, and moveable fingers608. Spaced apart cutouts606are curve shaped (e.g., U-shaped) sections along the edge of substrate600. However, it should be appreciated that the spaced apart cutouts606can be any shape including V-shaped, oval shaped, circular shaped or rectangular shaped. Embodiments of spaced apart cutouts606provide the minimum amount of substrate600necessary to (i) maintain the structural integrity of substrate600such that it is operable to flex or bend and accommodate the light emitting elements602and resistors604, and to (ii) not obstruct the light emitted by light emitting elements602. In other words, spaced apart cutouts606are operable to allow light emitted from light emitting elements602to illuminate without obstruction. As depicted inFIG. 6, each spaced apart cutout606along edge608of substrate600has a co-located or corresponding spaced apart cutout606. Substrate600includes moveable fingers608extending perpendicular from face610of substrate600. Moveable fingers608are operable to extend or collapse in length in response to an opposing surface. In one embodiment, moveable fingers608include an internal spring612operable to maintain moveable finger608in an extended position. Internal spring612is operable to allow moveable fingers608to expand or contract in response to an opposing surface (e.g., interior radial surface of hollow tube117). Moveable fingers608are operable to maintain the location of substrate600within a cavity120relative to a hollow tube117(shown inFIG. 7). In another embodiment, moveable fingers608do not include a spring612, but are flexible and are operable to flex or bend in order to provide a friction fit with the interior surface of hollow tube117.

Referring toFIG. 7, shown is side view of an exemplary device suitable for performing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Shown inFIG. 7is device99having a hollow tube117and substrate600. Substrate600includes light emitting elements602, resistors604, spaced apart cutouts606, and moveable fingers608. As illustrated, moveable fingers608are in contact with the interior radial surface of hollow tube117. Also, shown inFIG. 7is power connectors614located on the terminal ends of hollow tube117. Power connectors614are operably coupled substrate600such that power and/or electrical current can pass from a power source to the power connectors614to substrate600, which then provides power to light emitting elements602so that they can emit light.

The distal end of moveable fingers608in contact with the interior radial surface of hollow tube117have a size small enough such that they do not obstruct the passage of light from light emitting elements108. In other words, the distal end of moveable fingers608do not block enough light from light emitting elements108such that moveable fingers608create dark spots or dark regions on the surface of hollow tube117that have a different brightness than other areas of hollow tube117. Embodiments of moveable fingers608have a diameter of 1.6 mm at the proximal end (i.e., the point of connection with substrate600) and a diameter of 1.1 mm at the distal end. However, it should be appreciated that embodiments of include the distal end of moveable fingers608having a diameter ranging between 1 mm to 1.5 mm.

Reference is now made toFIG. 8, which presents a logic flow diagram in accordance with a method and apparatus for performing exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. The process begins at block800which states (a) forming a substrate having a longitudinal axis; (b) forming a first plurality of spaced apart fingers extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis from a first side of the substrate; (c) forming a second plurality of spaced apart fingers extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a second side of the substrate, wherein the first side of the substrate is opposite the second side of the substrate; (d) forming a first plurality of spaced apart lighting elements located on a third side of the substrate, wherein the first plurality of spaced apart lighting elements are spaced along the longitudinal axis of the substrate; and (e) forming a second plurality of spaced apart lighting elements located on a fourth side of the substrate, wherein the second plurality of spaced apart lighting elements are space along the longitudinal axis of the substrate, wherein each one of the second plurality of spaced apart lighting elements are co-located with one of the first plurality of spaced apart lighting elements along the longitudinal axis of the substrate, and wherein the third side is opposite the fourth side.

Next at block802, the method further comprising forming a tube having a long axis, the tube defining a hollow cavity extending through the long axis, wherein the hollow cavity is operable to maintain the substrate, the first and second plurality of spaced apart fingers, and the first and second plurality of spaced apart lighting elements.

Some of the non-limiting implementations detailed above are also summarized atFIG. 8following block802. Block804relates to wherein the tube is made of at least one of glass and plastic. Block806further specifies wherein the first plurality of spaced apart lighting elements and the second plurality of spaced apart lighting elements are LEDs operable to emit light having a full width at half maximum between 160° to 190°. Then block808relates to wherein the substrate comprises a laminate printed wiring board. Block810states wherein the substrate is flexible. Next, block812indicates wherein the first plurality of spaced apart fingers and the second plurality of spaced apart fingers are operable to maintain a location of the first plurality of spaced apart lighting elements and the second plurality of spaced apart lighting elements at a radial center of hollow cavity of the tube. Finally, block814specifies wherein the tube is operable to provide uniform light brightness along the long axis of the tube.

Thus, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for forming a lighting device that can provide uniform brightness and/or illumination along a radial surface of a tubular shaped device. The logic diagram ofFIG. 8may be considered to illustrate the operation of a method, and/or the specific manner in which components of a device are configured to operate or be manufactured, whether such a device is a lighting device, a lighting fixture, a lighting element, a lamp, a chandelier, and/or a pendant.

The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to a presently preferred embodiment, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore considered in all aspects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents thereof are intended to be embraced therein.