Abstract:
A modular light emitting diode (LED) lamp fixture comprising a weighted lamp base, a vertical lamp post, and a light pipe assembly is disclosed. A light pipe in the light pipe assembly converts spot light emitted from LED chips into a linear light source. Audio connectors are provided to electrically couple the lamp base, the lamp post, and the light pipe assembly. Using audio connectors as electrical connectors allow the light pipe assembly and the lamp post to be rotated. The audio connectors allow easy changing of the light pipe assembly size and the lamp post length. A top cover of the light pipe assembly provides a main heat dissipating unit. Heat sinks are in contact with heat pipes which transfer heat quickly away from the LED chips of the light pipe assembly. The heat pipes are in turn in close contact with the top cover.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to lighting fixtures. More specifically, the present invention discloses a modular free-standing light emitting diode lamp fixture that is flexible in structural arrangement and energy efficient. 
         [0003]    Description of the Prior Art 
         [0004]    Conventional lighting fixtures are used to illuminate a room or a portion of a room. One type of lighting fixture is a lamp which is moveable to light up different areas of a room. While convenient, the conventional lamp fixture has several disadvantages. 
         [0005]    One disadvantage of the conventional lamp fixture is that the size and structural arrangement is fixed. Once assembled alterations to the lamp fixture cannot be made other than changing the light bulb. As a result a consumer must purchase separate lamp fixtures for each specific application. For example, a desk lamp must be purchase for use on a desk, a table lamp must be purchased for use on a table, and a standing lamp must be purchased for use in a corner of a room. None of these lamp fixture types are interchangeable or adaptable for other uses. 
         [0006]    Further inhibiting adaptability of the conventional lamp fixture is that a power cord extends from the plug and through the lamp and connects to the light bulb fixture. Any attempt to alter the lamp fixture is prevented by limitations of the fixed power cord. 
         [0007]    Another disadvantage of the conventional lamp is the light bulb which emits light. Incandescent bulbs are not energy efficient, radiate heat, are easily damaged from contact, and have a short lifespan. Florescent bulbs are relatively expensive, often flicker, and are not environmentally friendly as the potentially dangerous chemicals used inside the bulb make it difficult to safely dispose of the bulb in an eco-friendly manner. 
         [0008]    Therefore, there is need for an improved lamp fixture that is easily adaptable to change the size and structure of the lamp while providing an energy efficient light source. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    To achieve these and other advantages and in order to overcome the disadvantages of the conventional methods in accordance with the purpose of the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a modular free-standing light emitting diode lamp fixture that is flexible in structural arrangement and energy efficient. 
         [0010]    The modular light emitting diode (LED) lamp fixture of the present invention comprises a lamp base, a lamp post, and a light pipe assembly. 
         [0011]    The lamp base provides a weighted base structure for stability of the modular LED lamp fixture. 
         [0012]    The lamp post provides a vertical structure between the lamp base and the light pipe assembly. The length of a lamp post tube of the lamp post determines the vertical height of the modular LED lamp fixture. 
         [0013]    The light pipe assembly provides the light source for the modular LED lamp fixture. A light pipe in the light pipe assembly provides a light guide for converting spot light emitted from LEDs of a printed circuit board (PCB) into a linear light source for the modular LED lamp fixture. 
         [0014]    Audio connectors are provided to electrically couple the lamp base, the lamp post, and the light pipe assembly. Using audio connectors as electrical connectors allow the light pipe assembly to be rotated and the lamp post to be rotated. In this way, the emitted light can be redirected to illuminate desired areas without moving the entire lamp fixture. 
         [0015]    Additionally, the audio connectors allow for easy changing of the light pipe assembly length or size and the lamp post length. The present invention provides a modular LED lamp fixture with flexibility in structure and architecture. For example, if a desk lamp is desired a relatively short lamp post is interchanged to produce an LED lamp fixture with the light source closer to the desk. If a standing lamp is desired a longer lamp post is interchanged so that the light source is higher off the ground. 
         [0016]    Also, for example, if a larger light source to illuminate a larger area is desired a longer light pipe assembly is easily interchanged. Interchanging the light pipe assembly also allows light sources with a variety of color temperatures, number of LEDs, and color changing mechanism to be provided. 
         [0017]    The present invention also utilizes superior heat sinking technology. The top cover of the light pipe assembly provides a main heat dissipating unit that interacts with the surroundings. Heat transfer via convection and radiation is effective. The primary heat sinks are in contact with heat pipes which transfers or pulls heat quickly away from the cluster of LEDs on the PCB of the light pipe assembly. The heat pipes are in turn in close contact with the top cover which acts as the main heat dissipating unit. 
         [0018]    These and other objectives of the present invention will become obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. 
         [0019]    It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary, and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: 
           [0021]      FIG. 1A  is drawing illustrating a modular light emitting diode lamp fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 1B  is an exploded view drawing illustrating a modular light emitting diode lamp fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2A  is a drawing illustrating a lamp base of a modular light emitting diode lamp fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 2B  is a drawing illustrating an interior of a lamp base of a modular light emitting diode lamp fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 2C  is an exploded view drawing illustrating a lamp base of a modular light emitting diode lamp fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 3A  is a drawing illustrating a lamp post of a modular light emitting diode lamp fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3B  is an exploded view drawing illustrating a lamp post of a modular light emitting diode lamp fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 4A  is a drawing illustrating a light pipe assembly of a modular light emitting diode lamp fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 4B  is an exploded view drawing illustrating a light pipe assembly of a modular light emitting diode lamp fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 4C  is a drawing illustrating a main chassis with packages of a light pipe assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 4D  is an exploded view drawing illustrating a main chassis with light pipe and packages of a light pipe assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 4E  is a drawing illustrating a light pipe with light scattering pattern of a light pipe assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 4F  is an end view drawing illustrating a light pipe of a light pipe assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 4G  is a cross-section view drawing illustrating a light pipe with light scattering pattern of a light pipe assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 4H  is a drawing illustrating a main chassis with packages and heat sinks of a light pipe assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0036]      FIG. 4I  is a drawing illustrating heat pipes and heat sinks of a light pipe assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0037]      FIG. 4J  is an exploded view drawing illustrating heat pipes and heat sinks of a light pipe assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 4K  is a drawing illustrating a PCB with LED chips of a light pipe assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0039]      FIG. 4L  is a side view drawing illustrating a PCB with LED chips of a light pipe assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0040]      FIG. 4M  is a drawing illustrating components of a light pipe assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0041]    Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts. 
         [0042]    Refer to  FIG. 1A , which is drawing illustrating a modular light emitting diode lamp fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention and refer to  FIG. 1B , which is an exploded view drawing illustrating a modular light emitting diode lamp fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0043]    The modular light emitting diode (LED) lamp fixture  100  of the present invention comprises a lamp base  400 , a lamp post  300 , and a light pipe assembly  200 . 
         [0044]    The lamp base  400  provides a weighted base structure for the modular LED lamp fixture  100 . 
         [0045]    The lamp post  300  provides a vertical structure and electrical connection between the lamp base  400  and the light pipe assembly  200 . The length of the lamp post  300  determines the how far the light pipe assembly  200  is away from the surface that the lamp base  400  is seated on. 
         [0046]    The light pipe assembly  200  provides the light source for the modular LED lamp fixture  100 . 
         [0047]    Refer to  FIG. 2A , which is a drawing illustrating a lamp base of a modular light emitting diode lamp fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention and refer to  FIG. 2B , which is a drawing illustrating an interior of a lamp base of a modular light emitting diode lamp fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention and refer to  FIG. 2C , which is an exploded view drawing illustrating a lamp base of a modular light emitting diode lamp fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0048]    The lamp base  400  comprises a first base weight  430  and a second base weight  420  disposed in a base cover  440 . A plate cover  410  attaches to the base cover  440  to hold the first base weight  430  and the second base weight  420  inside the base cover  440 . The lamp base  400  further comprises a base audio connector  460  for providing electrical power to the lamp post. A base audio connector base  450  connects the base audio connector  460  to the base cover  440 . 
         [0049]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2C  two base weights (first base weight  430  and second base weight  420 ) are provided to add stabilization to the LED lamp fixture. However, in other embodiments of the present invention a single weight is provided or more than two weights are provided to add stabilization to the LED lamp fixture. 
         [0050]    A power connector  550  is provided to connect with a power source to allow power to be supplied to the modular light emitting diode lamp fixture. 
         [0051]    An on/of dimmer switch  500  allows a user to turn on, turn off, and control the brightness of the modular light emitting diode lamp fixture by turning a switch knob  501  of the on/off dimmer switch. 
         [0052]    The power connector  550  is electrically coupled to the on/off dimmer switch  500  and the on/off dimmer switch  500  is electrically coupled to the base audio connector  460 . 
         [0053]    A pair of retainers  470  are provided to maintain positioning of the weight or weights inside the base cover  440 . 
         [0054]    Refer to  FIG. 3A , which is a drawing illustrating a lamp post of a modular light emitting diode lamp fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention and refer to  FIG. 3B , which is an exploded view drawing illustrating a lamp post of a modular light emitting diode lamp fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0055]    The lamp post  300  comprises a lower post audio connector  320  disposed on a bottom end of a lamp post tube  310  for connecting with the base audio connector of the lamp base. An upper post audio connector  350  is perpendicularly disposed near the other end of the lamp post tube  310  for connecting with a light audio connector of the light pipe assembly. 
         [0056]    A connector tube  370  connected to the lamp post tube  310  is provided to cover the upper post audio connector  350 . 
         [0057]    An upper audio connector base  360  connects the upper audio connector  350  to the lamp post tube  310 . A lower audio connector base  330  and a lower audio connector seat  335  connect the lower audio connector  320  to the lamp post tube  310 . 
         [0058]    The lower audio connector  320  and the upper audio connector  350  are electrically connected by, for example, flexible wiring. When electrical power is applied to the lower audio connector  320  from the base audio connector of the lamp base, the electrical power is provided to the upper audio connector  350 . 
         [0059]    A round cover  340  is provided to cover the open end of the lamp post tube  310 . 
         [0060]    The length of the lamp post tube  310  of the lamp post  300  determines the vertical height of the modular LED lamp fixture. Utilizing a shorter lamp post tube  310  provides a desk or table lamp. Utilizing a longer lamp post tube  310  provides a standing lamp or room corner lamp. 
         [0061]    Refer to  FIGS. 4A-4M  which are drawings illustrating a light pipe assembly and components of a light pipe assembly of a modular light emitting diode lamp fixture according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0062]    The light pipe assembly  200  comprises a main chassis  215  for providing a main body to the light pipe assembly  200 . A top cover  220  is disposed on top of the main chassis  215 . A light pipe  210  in the main chassis  215  provides a light guide for converting spot light emitted from LED chips  242  of the PCBs  240   241  into a linear light source for the modular LED lamp fixture. 
         [0063]    The light pipe  210  comprises a light scattering pattern  211  disposed on a surface of the light pipe  210  opposite a light emission surface  214 . The light scattering pattern  211  comprises a plurality of notches formed in the top surface of the light pipe  210 . 
         [0064]    The light pipe  210  further comprises a light pipe front end  212  and a light pipe rear end  213 . 
         [0065]    When assembled the light pipe  210  is disposed in a bottom opening of the main chassis  215 . The front package  230  is disposed on the light pipe front end  212  and the rear package  231  is disposed on the light pipe rear end  213 . The front PCB  240  is disposed on the front package  230  and the rear PCB  241  is disposed on the rear package  231 . 
         [0066]    When power is supplied to the front PCB  240 , LED chips  242  on the front PCB  240  turn on and emit light. The light then travels through openings in the front package  230  and enters the light pipe front end  212  of the light pipe  210 . 
         [0067]    When power is supplied to the rear PCB  241 , LED chips  242  on the rear PCB  241  turn on and emit light. The light then travels through openings in the rear package  231  and enters the light pipe rear end  213  of the light pipe  210 . 
         [0068]    After the light enters the light pipe front end  212  and the light pipe rear end  213  the light travels through the light pipe  210  and exits the light emission surface  214  or is scattered or diffused by the light scattering pattern  211  and reflected and exits from the light emission surface  214 . 
         [0069]    A front heat pipe  225  is disposed in a cavity on the front end of the main chassis  215  and a rear heat pipe  225  is disposed in the cavity on the rear end of the main chassis  215 . 
         [0070]    Disposed on the front end of the top cover  220 , main chassis  215 , and light pipe  210  are a front package  230 , a front printed circuit board (PCB)  240 , a front heat sink  250 , a light audio connector base  270 , and a light audio connector  280 . A sleeve  260  surrounds the front package  230 , the front PCB  240 , and the front heat sink  250  and connects with the light audio connector base  270 . Fasteners travel through the front package  230 , the front PCB  240 , and the front heat sink  250  and attach to the main chassis  215 . 
         [0071]    Disposed on the rear end of the top cover  220 , main chassis  215 , and light pipe  210  are a rear package  231 , a rear PCB  241 , and a rear heat sink  251 . An end cover  290  provides a cover for the rear package  231 , the rear PCB  241 , and the rear heat sink  251 . Fasteners travel through openings in the end cover  290 , the rear package  231 , the rear PCB  241 , and the rear heat sink  251  and attach to the main chassis  215 . 
         [0072]    In addition to being disposed partially into the cavity of the main chassis  215 , a front end of the front heat pipe  225  is inserted into an opening in the front package  230 , a PCB hole  244  of the PCB  240 , and the front heat sink  250  and a rear end of the rear heat pipe  226  is inserted into an opening in the rear package  231 , a PCB hole in the rear PCB  241 , and the rear heat sink  251 . This allows heat generated by the LED chips  242  on the substrate  243  of the PCBs  240   241  to be transferred away quickly by the heat sinks  250   251 , the heat pipes  225   226 , and the main chassis  215  and radiated by the top cover  220 . 
         [0073]    Electrical connections couple the rear PCB  241 , the front PCB  240 , and the light audio connector  280 . When the light audio connector  280  is connected to the upper audio connector of the lamp post, electrical power can be made available to the rear PCB  241  and the front PCB  240  via the light audio connector  280 . 
         [0074]    Refer to all the figures for clarity of the following description. 
         [0075]    In application, the light pipe assembly  200 , the lamp post  300 , and the lamp base  400  are individually assembled during manufacturing. Due to the three main individual components, efficiency of packaging and shipping of the modular LED lamp fixture  100  is increased. 
         [0076]    After unpacking, the modular LED lamp fixture  100  is easily assembled by connecting the base audio connector  460  and the lower audio connector  320  together and connecting the upper audio connecter  350  and the light audio connector  280  together. 
         [0077]    As described, assembling the modular LED lamp fixture  100  requires only two simple steps and doesn&#39;t require any tools. The simplicity of assembly is an advantage of the present invention. 
         [0078]    After the modular LED lamp fixture  100  has been assembled, electrical power is applied to the lamp base  400  via the power connector  550 . When the modular LED lamp fixture  100  has been turned on, the electrical power travels from the base audio connector  460  to the lower audio connector  320  to the upper audio connector  350  and to the light audio connector  280  and the electrical power is available to the rear PCB  241  and the front PCB  240 . When power is applied to the LED chips  242  of the rear PCB and the front PCB  240 , the LED chips  242  turn on and emit light into the light pipe rear end  213  and the light pipe front end  212  of the light pipe  210 . The light travels through the light pipe  210  and is diffused by the light scattering pattern  211  and emitted from the light emitting surface  214  of the light pipe  210 . 
         [0079]    Since the light pipe assembly is connected to the lamp post by an audio connector, the light pipe assembly can be easily rotated to position the emitted light to illuminate a desired area. 
         [0080]    Also, an alternative light pipe assembly can be easily interchanged by disconnecting the light audio connector from the lamp post and connecting the light audio connecter of the new light pipe assembly to the lamp post. 
         [0081]    Additionally, the height of the modular LED lamp fixture can easily be changed by interchanging a new lamp post of a different length by disconnecting the upper and lower audio connectors and connecting the upper and lower audio connectors of the new lamp post. 
         [0082]    In an embodiment of the present invention the light audio connector is a male connector, the upper audio connector is a female connector, the lower audio connector is a female connector, and the base audio connector is a male connector. 
         [0083]    In another embodiment of the present invention the light audio connector is a female connector, the upper audio connector is a male connector, the lower audio connector is a male connector, and the base audio connector is a female connector. 
         [0084]    In an embodiment of the present invention the audio connectors are ¼ inch stereo audio connectors. 
         [0085]    In another embodiment of the present invention the audio connectors are mini stereo audio connectors. 
         [0086]    It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. In view of the foregoing, it is intended that the present invention cover modifications and variations of this invention provided they fall within the scope of the invention and its equivalent.