Abstract:
An LED lamp conversion module for converting an outpost lighting fixture from incandescent or halogen lighting to LED lighting, the conversion module including a base and an LED lamp attached to the base, where the LED lamp has at least one LED. Electronics are adapted to illuminate the at least one LED of the LED lamp when powered with a current. The conversion module also includes an electronic connection member in electrical communication with the electronics. The conversion module may be used to replace an incandescent or halogen lamp in an outpost lighting fixture by connecting the base to the outpost lighting fixture and connecting the electronic connection member to a power source of the outpost lighting fixture.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/595,242 filed Feb. 6, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to lighting devices, and in particular, conversion modules that may be used to retrofit existing incandescent or halogen lamps in decorative low voltage landscape lighting fixtures with more efficient light emitting diode (“LED”) lights. 
     For many years business and homeowners have installed path lighting at ingress and egress locations on their property, both for aesthetics and safety. Historically, that lighting consisted of a series of electrically interconnected lighting outposts each comprising one or more incandescent or halogen lamps. Today, there are available more efficient LED lamps that use +/− 1/20th the power of an incandescent light and last +/−20 years, all while outputting a comparable number of lumens as an incandescent lamp. However, heretofore there has been no way to retrofit the ubiquitous existing incandescent or halogen decorative low voltage landscape lighting fixture outposts with the more efficient LED lamps. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention solves this problem by providing an LED lamp conversion module that can be used to replace existing incandescent or halogen lamps in lighting outposts or path light fixtures, while retaining use of the existing fixture outpost stem, stake, and housing itself. The module may be used module may be used in a single light outpost in a system, multiple light outposts, or all of the light outposts in the system, while retaining functionality of all outposts. The module may also fit into many different existing styles of light outposts. This modularity is a great benefit as it means that the existing lights can be quickly and easily upgraded as the need arises and budget permits rather than in mass. Of course, all of the outposts in a particular system can be retrofitted at once if desired. 
     This modularity also has big advantages for the lighting distributor. First, the distributor only needs to keep modules in stock and not entire integrated LED walkway path light fixtures. This frees up large amounts of shelf space and inventory dollars because the distributor essentially can keep the old less expensive halogen or incandescent fixture in inventory and can choose to upgrade to high technology LED without having to stock an imbedded/integrated large stock of LED light source light fixtures along with the stock of old incandescent/halogen path light fixtures. Also, because the modules can be used in many different existing light types, the inventory of modules can be turned over rapidly. This rapid turnover of inventory allows the distributor to keep up to date LED products in stock and since this is an evolving technology and changing quickly a distributor having the newest and greatest technology is advantageous. Lastly, modularity allows the distributor the option to transport modules in small packages that can be sent to a customer rather than sending an entire LED light outpost which is both bulkier and heavier, and thus more costly to ship. 
     In one embodiment, an LED conversion lamp comprises an LED lamp conversion module for converting an outpost lighting fixture from incandescent or halogen lighting to LED lighting comprises a base, an LED lamp attached to the base, the LED lamp having at least one LED, electronics adapted to illuminate the at least one LED of the LED lamp when powered with a current, and an electronic connection member in electrical communication with the electronics. The LED conversion module may be used to replace an incandescent or halogen lamp in an outpost lighting fixture by connecting the base to the outpost lighting fixture and connecting the electronic connection member to a power source of the outpost lighting fixture. 
     The electronic connection member may comprise a plug sized and configured to fit within an S8 Wedge-Base socket. 
     The current may be a low voltage current. The current may be in the range of 8-24 volts. 
     The at least one LED may be two LEDs. 
     The base may be manufactured from metal and act as a heat sink for the at least one LED. 
     The electronic connection member may comprise a plug sized and configured to fit within an S8 Wedge-Base socket. 
     The base may be configured to fit within one of a plurality of outpost lighting fixtures, wherein the plurality of outpost lighting fixtures each has a different configuration. 
     Light emitted from the at least one LED is not directly viewable by a viewer of average height when observing the illuminated outpost lighting fixture from a standing position. 
     The base may be substantially circular in configuration and wherein the LED lamp conversion module further comprises a pair of sockets arranged on the base. If so provided, the sockets may each include a slot. The sockets may be arranged 180° apart. A first post may be arranged 90° apart from each socket and a second post may be arranged 180° apart from the first post. The electronic connection member may include a plug sized and configured to fit within an S8 Wedge-Base socket. The base may be manufactured from a metal that acts as a heat sink for the at least one LED. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method of converting an outdoor perimeter lighting fixture from use with an incandescent or halogen lamp to use with an LED lamp may include the steps of removing the incandescent or halogen lamp from the lighting fixture, installing an LED lamp conversion module comprising a base with an associated LED, electronics adapted to provide illuminating power to the LED, and an electrical connector extending from the electronics, and connecting the electrical connector to the outdoor perimeter lighting fixture. 
     The electrical connector may be a plug sized and configured to fit within an S8 Wedge-Base socket. The base may act as a heat sink to dissipate heat from the LED. 
     The installing step may include attaching sockets of the LED lamp conversion module to sockets of the lighting fixture. If so included, the method may further comprise affixing a top hat of the lighting fixture upon the LED lamp conversion module. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with features, objects, and advantages thereof, will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings. It is intended that any additional organizations, methods of operation, features, objects or advantages ascertained by one skilled in the art be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
       With respect to the drawings, 
         FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of a LED lamp conversion module in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  depicts an exploded view of the LED lamp conversion module of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  depicts a plan view of the LED lamp conversion module of  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIG. 4  depicts an exploded view of an LED lamp conversion module being retrofitted into a convention lamp outpost. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following are described the preferred embodiments of the LED lamp conversion modules of the present invention. In describing the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be used for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. Where like elements have been depicted in multiple embodiments, identical reference numerals have been used in the multiple embodiments for ease of understanding. 
     Details of the invention may be appreciated by considering the entirety of the submission herein. Generally, however, one embodiment of the LED lamp conversion module is shown in  FIG. 1 . As shown, the LED lamp conversion module  10  comprises a base  12  that includes sockets  14 A,  14 B and posts  16 A,  16 B that can be fitted into an existing lighting outpost. The LED lamp conversion module  10  also includes electronics  18  and LED lamp module  30 . As is known in the art, the electronics  18  provide the requisite circuitry to illuminate LEDs  40  in the LED lamp module  30 , preferably with standard low voltage current in the range of 8-24 volts AC or DC. 
     Going back to the base  12 , it is shown in  FIG. 1  that the base may be generally circular. This shape is preferred although other geometric and non-geometric shapes may also be utilized. 
     It will be appreciated that the sockets  14 A,  14 B and posts  16 A,  16 B are shown in  FIG. 1  as being alternating and located approximately 90° from each other. This arrangement facilitates connection with a large number of existing lighting outposts, although other arrangements may be provided. 
     It will also be appreciated that the posts  16 A,  16 B are configured as solid structures. That is, the posts each include a continuous perimeter  20 A,  20 B. In the meantime, the sockets  14 A,  14 B each include a discontinuous perimeter  22 A,  22 B separated by a slot  24 A,  24 B. The slots  24 A,  24 B aid in connection of the LED lamp conversion module  10  to existing lighting outposts as will be discussed. 
     Also provided in the LED lamp conversion module  10  of  FIG. 1  is an electronic connection member, such as plug  26  connected to the electronics  18  via a pair of leads  28 A,  28 B. 
       FIG. 2  depicts an exploded view of the LED lamp conversion module  10 . Shown are the arrangements of, from right to left as viewed, the plug  26 , leads  28 A,  28 B, electronics  18 , base  12 , lamp module  30 , fasteners  32 A,  32 B, such as screws, and a lens  34 . 
     It will be appreciated that the plug  26  is connected to the electronics through the leads  28 A,  28 B. The leads are typically configured as light gauge wire, 18 gauge or less. The electronics are in turn connected to the base  12  with an adhesive, not shown, such as an epoxy compound or similar material that provides the thermal transmission of heat generated by the LED and LED driver as well as providing encapsulated environmental protection for the circuit boards. The LED module  30  is in turn connected to the base  12 , on a side opposite of the electronics  18 , via tapped threads  38 A,  38 B sized and configured to accept the screws  32 A,  32 B. Thermally conductive grease, or thermal gap pad, neither shown, is typically applied between the LED module  30  and the base  12 . A third lead  28 C, forming part of the LED module  30 , passes through an aperture  36  of the base  12  and connects to the electronics  18  to provide to the LEDs  40 . Lastly, the lens  34 , typically configured from press borosilicate glass, acrylic, or other non-opaque substance, it connected to the base  12 , over the LED module  30 , with RTV silicone or other sealing adhesive. 
       FIG. 3  depicts a detailed view of the LED lamp conversion module  10  in plan view. In the embodiment shown, there are two LEDs  40 A,  40 B, although one or more than two may be provided. 
       FIG. 4  depicts an overview of the retrofitting of a light outpost. Typically, a light outpost comprises a lower section  42  and top hat  44 . As shown, the lower section  42  typically includes a post  46  which tapers upward to form a vase  48 . The vase  48  includes an open top  50  with posts  52 A,  52 B and sockets  54 A,  54 B for connecting a lighting module (in one case the LED lamp conversion module  10 ) thereto. The top hat  44  is configured to fit over the post  46  and lighting module in both a decorative and functional manner. In terms of decoration, the top hat can be configured to different shapes and sizes as the designer chooses. However, functionally, it is preferred that an underside, not shown, of the top hat  44  be reflective to spread light emitted from the lighting module evenly and maximally. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the LED lamp conversion module  10  of the present invention may be fitted between the top hat  44  and vase  48  by aligning the respective sockets  14 A,  14 B,  52 A,  52 B and securing same with fasteners  56 A,  56 B threaded into the underside of the top hat  44 . In some embodiments, the top hat  44  may overlap the vase  48  or come very close thereto. 
     Before securing the fasteners  56 A,  56 B, however, the lamp module should be connected electronically to the vase  48 . In the example of the LED light conversion module  10 , the module connects simply and efficiently to the existing power source socket with plug  26 . Preferably, this plug is in the form of an S8 plug sized and configured to fit within a conventional S8 Wedge-Base socket. 
     Because the base  12  is typically manufactured from a metal that transmits heat such as Zinc Aluminum, it acts as a heat sink for the LED lights. This feature draws heat from the LEDs and extends their useful life. The heat is also dissipated with the contact between the top hat  44  and lower vase  42 . It also permits the use of high powered LEDs such as Cree® LEDs. Cree® is a registered trademark of Cree, Inc., 4600 Silicon Drive, Durham, N.C. 27703. 
     LED lamps installed in the perimeter lighting may mimic the look of typical incandescent (or halogen) lights by matching the intensity and color temperature. Typically this color temperature is in the range of 2,700K-3,300K. Alternatively, the LED light may have color temperatures that are warmer or cooler. These color temperatures are typically in the range of 3,000K-5,000K, but may also dip below that range. The LED&#39;s may also be colored LEDs, for example casting off colors such as red, blue, or green. The owner of such perimeter lighting may then effectively change the color of the lamps periodically if so desired, for example seasonally. 
     Because the LEDs of the present invention may focus emitted light into the underside of the top hat  44 , and due to their placement in relation to the top hat, light emitted from the LEDs may be reflected downward toward the ground level rather than be visible directly from the LED by a viewer of average height (approximately 5′-0″ to 6′-0″) when observing the illuminated outpost lighting fixture from a standing position. In this case, the viewer cannot directly see the source of light reducing the distracting nature of lights not having such a feature. 
     In order to retrofit a conventional lighting outpost from use with an incandescent or halogen lamp to use with an LED lamp, one simply has to remove the top hat and incandescent or halogen lamp from the lighting fixture and install an LED lamp conversion module as described herein. Such installation may be completed by attaching the LED lamp conversion module to the lighting outpost via the sockets provided on the LED lamp conversion module and connecting its plug to the socket of the lighting outpost. The top hat may then be replaced. 
     Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.