Abstract:
Disclosed is a light fixture having at least one housing extending between a first end and a second end, wherein the housing is mounted to a surface. One or more light modules has a plurality of light emitting diodes (“LEDs”) in an electrical circuit with one another, wherein the electrical circuit is in communication with a power source. The light modules also have case having a first side having one or more electrical connectors extending outwardly therefrom, wherein the one or more electrical connectors are in communication with the electrical circuit and the power source, wherein the first side is contoured to an interior surface of the housing, and wherein a second side of the case is open. The case also has a lens sealingly engaged to the second. The one or more light modules is removably attached within the housing.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority to U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 14/728,416 filed on Jun. 2, 2015, entitled “A Simply Detachable Integrated LED Fixture” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to the field of illumination devices for use on motor vehicles, and more specifically, to a illumination device containing modules that allows a user to easily and quickly remove and replace damaged or malfunctioning components therein. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    Illumination devices using light emitting diodes (“LEDs”) provide many advantages over traditional light sources, such as florescent lamps and incandescent bulbs. These advantages include high-energy conversion and optical efficiency, robustness, lower operating costs, small size and others. LED illumination devices generally include a plurality of LEDs of the same color or a number of different colors. 
         [0006]    LED illumination devices have been commercially available for many years in a number of different form factors. Linear light fixtures generally include a number of LEDs arranged in a line in an elongated emitter housing. LED illumination devices are popular for use on vehicles, both on and off road. The minimal size requirements coupled with the illumination ability and reduced power consumption of LEDs makes LED illumination devices ideal for 12 or 24 volt, direct current power systems typically found on vehicles. 
         [0007]    Typically, illumination devices are installed on the front or top of a vehicle and face the direction desired for illumination. This leads to the devices being installed in a foreword-facing orientation. The vehicles on which the illumination devices are installed typically have the ability to travel at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour. LED illumination devices are often struck by rocks, sand, or other debris typically encountered while driving a vehicle both on and off road. These impacts often render one or more individual LEDs within the illumination device inoperable. 
         [0008]    In the event that individual LED bulbs are damaged or otherwise ceases to function properly, the total illuminating ability of the illumination device is diminished. Currently, the user must replace the entire illumination device to restore it to its full illumination ability. Alternatively, current technology allows the user to repair the illumination device but this requires the user to uninstall the entire illumination device, transport it to repair facility, and reinstall the device once the repairs are completed. This repair process forces the user&#39;s vehicle to be without proper illumination ability and is costly. 
         [0009]    Based on the foregoing, there is a need in the art for an illumination device that allows a user to restore the illumination device&#39;s ability easily and without uninstalling the illumination device. Specifically, an illumination device having modular components that are interchangeable and easily replaceable without removing the entire illumination device is needed. Although an improved LED illumination device is disclosed herein, one skilled in the art would understand how the improved interchangeability design may be implemented in lighting fixtures having other form factors or lighting sources. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    Disclosed is a light fixture having at least one housing extending between a first end and a second end, wherein the housing is mounted to a surface. One or more light modules has a plurality of light emitting diodes (“LEDs”) in an electrical circuit with one another, wherein the electrical circuit is in communication with a power source. The light modules also have case having a first side having one or more electrical connectors extending outwardly therefrom, wherein the one or more electrical connectors are in communication with the electrical circuit and the power source, wherein the first side is contoured to an interior surface of the housing, and wherein a second side of the case is open. The case also has a lens sealingly engaged to the second. The one or more light modules is removably attached within the housing. 
         [0011]    The foregoing, and other features and advantages of the invention, will be apparent from the following, more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, the accompanying drawings, and the claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the ensuing descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings briefly described as follows. 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is an isometric front view of the modular illumination device, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is an isometric exploded view of the modular illumination device, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is an isometric exploded view of the modular illumination device comprising two housings, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0016]    Preferred embodiments of the present invention and their advantages may be understood by referring to  FIGS. 1-3  wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements. 
         [0017]    In one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the illumination device comprises a housing, a lamp, a programmable control board (“PCB”), one or more housing ends, one or more readily removable housing mounts, and one or more readily removable housing covers. 
         [0018]    In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing is made from one or more rigid or semi-rigid materials including metal, polymer, fiber-reinforced polymer, or fibrous materials. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing features a design that maximizes the surface area of the housing to facilitate cooling. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing has cooling fins to allow expeditious convection. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing has contacts on its surface that join with and relay power to one or more housing ends or one or more housing mounts. 
         [0019]    In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more housing ends are made from one or more rigid or semi-rigid materials including metal, polymer, fiber-reinforced polymer, or fibrous materials. The one or more housing ends easily and readily interchange between sides of the house and between other housings comprising the design as presented in this disclosure. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more housing ends conjoin two housings. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more housing ends conjoin two housings and relay electrical energy between the two conjoined housings. 
         [0020]    In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the lamp comprises a plurality of bulbs employing one or more illumination technologies including LED, incandescent, halogen, high intensity discharge (“HID”), and compact fluorescent (“CFL”). The lamp is readily removable and replaceable without the use of a tool. In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the illumination device comprises one or more lamps. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the lamp is readily and easily removable and installable into the illumination device without the use of a tool. 
         [0021]    In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the PCB comprises a circuit board and delivers the necessary power from the device&#39;s power source to one or more lamps. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the PCB comprises the ability to control the one or more lamps including the ability to vary the lamp&#39;s illumination intensity, allow the lamp to flash on present or user-defined intervals, and vary the color output of one or more or the bulbs. 
         [0022]    In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing mounts are easily and readily removable without using a tool. The housing mounts easily and readily detach from the housing or housing end. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing mounts easily and readily attach and detach two housings together. In such an arrangement, a plurality of housings can be stacked on one another. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing mounts are also configured to readily and easily attach and detach from mounting locations that are capable of transmitting electrical energy between multiple housings. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing mounts are configured relay electrical energy from its mounting point to the lamp. 
         [0023]    In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more readily removable housing covers comprise a lens and a gasket. The lens is made from one or more transparent or semi-transparent materials including a polymer, plastic, glass, or acrylic. In one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the lens is flat and does not alter the light emitting from the lamps. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the lens comprises a concave shape to focus or otherwise alter the light emitting from the lamps. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the lens comprises a convex shape to disburse or otherwise alter the light emitting from the lamp. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the lens comprises one or more colors to alter the color of the light emitted from the lamp. In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the lens comprises a gasket whereby the lens, gasket and housing form an airtight seal to prevent dirt, debris, or moisture from entered the housing through the interface between the housing and the lens. In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the lens is attached to the house using an easily and readily removable method of securing including a twist-lock, cam-lock, wing nut, or quick release. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the lens is attached to the housing using on or a combination of one or more latches, one or more straps, one or more ties, and one or more sealants. 
         [0024]    In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure and with reference to  FIG. 1 , the modular illumination device  101  comprises a housing  102 , a lamp  103 , one or more housing ends  104 , one or more housing mounts  105 , one or more lens locks  106 , and a lens  107 . The housing  102  comprises an elongated and hollow interior with said hollow interior exposed at two distal ends and along one elongated side. The one or more housing ends  104  are configured to enclose the housing&#39;s  102  distal ends. The lens  107  is attached to the housing  102  using one or more lens locks  106 . The lens locks  106  are configured to be readily and easily removable while maintaining the modular illumination device&#39;s  101  weather resistance. The one or more housing mounts  105  are removeably attached to the housing  102 . The housing mounts  105  are configured to relay electrical energy between plurality of modular illumination devices  101 . 
         [0025]    In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure and with reference to  FIG. 2 , the modular illumination device comprises a housing  202 , a lamp  203 , one or more housing ends  204 , one or more housing mounts  205 , one or more lens locks  206 , and a lens  207 . In one embodiment, the housing  202  comprises an exterior surface, an interior, and a hollow and elongated shape with the housing&#39;s interior exposed at the distal ends and along one side. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing&#39;s  202  exterior surface comprises ribs that increase the modular illumination device&#39;s surface area. The one or more housing ends  204  are configured to attach to one or more housings  202  in series. In another embodiment of the present invention, the one or more housing ends  204  are configured to relay power between one or more housings  202  to which the one or more housing ends  204  are attached. In another embodiment of the current disclosure, the one or more housing ends are configured to be readily and easily removably attached to a housing mount  205 . 
         [0026]    The housing&#39;s  202  interior is configured to receive the lamp  205 . The lamp  203  is removably attached to the housing&#39;s  202  interior. The lens  207  is attached to the housing  202  using one or more lens locks  206 . The lens locks  206  are configured to be easily and readily removable. The lens locks  206  secure the lens  207  against the housing  202  such that the interface between the lens  207  and the housing  202  is airtight. 
         [0027]    In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure and with reference to  FIG. 3 , the modular illumination device  301  is conjoined in series and comprises one or more housings  302 , one or more housing ends  304 , one or more housing mounts  305 , one or more lamps  303 , one or more lenses  307 , and a plurality of lens locks  306 . In one embodiment, the one or more housings  302  comprises an exterior surface, an interior, and a hollow and elongated shape with the housing&#39;s interior exposed at the distal ends and along one side. The one or more housing ends  304  are removable attached to the one or more housings  302  at each distal end. When conjoined in series, the one or more housings  302  are removably attached at their respective distal ends by a housing end  304 . In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing end  304  is configured to relay power between the one or more housing ends  302 . In another exemplary embodiment, the one or more housing ends  304  is configured to be removably attached to the one or more housings  302  and the one or more housing mounts  305 . 
         [0028]    In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more lamps  303  are configured to be easily and readily detachable from the one or more housings&#39;  302  interiors and is configured to be interchangeable between multiple housings  302 . The plurality of lens locks  306  removably attaches the one or more lenses  307  to the one or more housings  302 . The one or more lens locks  306  are configured to be readily interchangeable with multiple one or more lenses  307  and multiple one or more housings  302 . In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the modular illumination device  301  comprises one or more lens locks  306 . In another embodiment, the one or more lens locks  306  are configured to be readily and easily detachable. 
         [0029]    In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the illumination device has a singular housing extending between at least two end caps. A conduit disposed within the housing directs electrical connections between one or more light modules and a power source. The one or more light modules are removeably engaged with the housing such that each module is interchangeable based on malfunction, damage, or a user desired effect. Each light module has a casing configured to fit within the housing and a substantially transparent lens or cover on an opposite end of the module inserted into the housing. Within the casing is a plurality of LEDs wired to a PCB. The LEDs are disposed within the case such that light emitted therefrom is directed towards the lens. One or more electrical connections extends through the casing to allow for contact with the conduit within the housing and the power source. 
         [0030]    In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing has static dimensions and can accept one or more separate light modules. Each light module may have varying dimensions to allow for a specific configuration of the light output desired by the user. 
         [0031]    In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing has dynamic dimensions wherein the length of the housing is extendable to accommodate varying numbers of LED modules. Each LED module is electrically connected to the power source and may be electrically connected to another LED module within the same housing 
         [0032]    In another exemplary embodiment, the casing has a removable lens whereby a frame outlines the perimeter of the lens providing for a waterproof and air-tight seal between the lens and the casing. 
         [0033]    In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, in use, the housing is installed on a surface such as the body of a vehicle. The length of the housing is determined based on the installation location and number of LED modules to be installed. After the housing has been installed, one or more LED modules are attached to the housing and electrical connections are completed to divert power from a power source through the housing to each LED module. If there is damage to an LED module such as a rock causing the lens to fracture, the user removes the damaged LED module from the housing and replaces it with a new module. 
         [0034]    In another embodiment, the housing is installed and subsequently the user determines a need for the installation of more LED modules. The housing is then extended whereby the user pulls each end of the housing in opposite directions, relative to one another until the desired length of housing is reached. The desired length of housing is determined by the number of LED modules to be installed therein. The final length of the housing determines the capacity for the number of LED modules capable of being installed therein. The LED modules are inserted into the housing such that electrical connections, in communication with the LEDs, extending from the housing contact the electrical connections within the housing. 
         [0035]    In another embodiment, the user determines that the lens need to be replaced. The damaged lens is detached from the casing either by removing one or more fasteners or prying away from the casing against a friction fit. A new lens is then installed into the casing using the same method of fastening, in reverse. 
         [0036]    The invention has been described herein using specific embodiments for the purposes of illustration only. It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, however, that the principles of the invention can be embodied in other ways. Therefore, the invention should not be regarded as being limited in scope to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but instead as being fully commensurate in scope with the following claims.