Patent Publication Number: US-9429309-B2

Title: Device for securing a source of LED light to a heat sink surface

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation application of U.S. Non-provisional application Ser. No. 13/750,094, which is a non-provisional application claiming priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/591,518, filed Jan. 27, 2012, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-provisional application Ser. No. 13/245,466, filed Sep. 26, 2011, each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present description relates generally to the mounting of a light emitting diode (LED) light source, and more particularly, to a device for securing a source of LED light to a heat sink surface. 
     BACKGROUND OF RELATED ART 
     Plastic devices which rely solely upon screw torque to secure a source of LED light, e.g., a LED light engine or a LED light module, to a surface of a heat sink are known in the art. Such known plastic devices, however, fail to provide a suitable force upon the source or LED light or provide for an even engagement between the source of LED light and the surface of the heat sink, whether when initially used or over time due to degradation of the plastic material. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary device being used to secure a source of LED light to a surface of a heat sink. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded view of the assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of the exemplary device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of the exemplary device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of a further exemplary device for securing a source of LED light to a surface of a heat sink. 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of the exemplary device of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an exploded view of a still further exemplary device being used to secure a source of LED light to a surface of a heat sink. 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of the exemplary device of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of the exemplary device of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 10  is a top view of a yet further exemplary device for securing a source of LED light to a surface of a heat sink. 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of the exemplary device of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a top view of a still further exemplary device for securing a source of LED light to a surface of a heat sink. 
         FIG. 13  is a top view of yet another exemplary device for securing a source of LED light to a surface of a heat sink. 
         FIG. 14  is a side view of the exemplary device of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  is a top view of a yet further exemplary device for securing a source of LED light to a surface of a heat sink. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 16A  is perspective view of a still further example device for securing a source of LED light to a surface of a heat sink. 
         FIG. 17  is a side view of the device of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 18  is an underside view of the device of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 19  is an exploded view of an assembly including the device of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 20  is a view of the assembly of  FIG. 19  constructed. 
         FIG. 21  illustrates a still further exemplary device being used to secure a source of LED light to a surface of a heat sink. 
         FIG. 22  illustrates an exploded view of the assembly illustrated in  FIG. 21 . 
         FIG. 23  illustrates a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 21  and an optional contact cartridge provided thereto. 
         FIG. 23A  illustrates a perspective view of another example device for use in securing a source of LED light to a surface of a heat sink. 
         FIG. 24  illustrates a side view of the LED holder and contact cartridge of  FIG. 23 . 
         FIG. 25  illustrates an exploded view of the LED holder and contact cartridge of  FIG. 23 . 
         FIG. 26  illustrates an exploded view of a LED holding device and an optional electric contact base. 
         FIG. 27  illustrates a top view of the electric contact base of  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 28  illustrates a perspective view of the electric contact base of  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 29  illustrates a device having an optional accessory holding element. 
         FIG. 30  illustrates an exploded view of an assembly including the device of  FIG. 29 . 
         FIG. 31  illustrates the assembly of  FIG. 30  assembled. 
         FIG. 32  illustrates a close-up view of the accessory holding elements of  FIG. 29 . 
         FIG. 33  illustrates a perspective view of another example device for use in securing a source of LED light to a supporting surface. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description of example methods and apparatus is not intended to limit the scope of the description to the precise form or forms detailed herein. Instead the following description is intended to be illustrative so that others may follow its teachings. 
     Described hereinafter are improved devices for securing a source of LED light to a mounting surface such as a heat sink surface. More particularly, the subject devices include a LED light source engaging surface that is arranged to engage a least a portion of a source of LED light wherein a force applying spring is integrated into the LED light engaging surface. The integrated force applying spring functions to generally, uniformly push the source of LED light against the surface of the heat sink thereby eliminating the screw torque concerns of the prior art devices. Similarly, the metallic nature of the device eliminates the thermal degradation concerns of the prior art devices. Thus, when the subject devices are attached to the heat sink, the devices will “sandwich” the source of LED light between the device and the heat sink  14  with the device flexing in the manner of a leaf spring so as to apply a force upon the source of LED light in a direction towards the heat sink with the result being a better thermal coupling between the source of LED light and the heat sink as compared to that provided by the prior art devices. By way of non-limiting example, the force applying leaf spring can be integrated into the LED light engaging surface, can be provided by providing the LED light engaging surface with one or more leaf-spring like mounting tabs, by providing the LED light engaging surface with a curved arrangement, etc. 
     While the foregoing provides a general description of the subject devices for securing a source of LED light to a heat sink and some advantages thereof, a better understanding of the objects, advantages, features, properties, and relationships of the subject devices will be obtained from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings which set forth illustrative examples and which are indicative of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed. 
     Turning now to the figures, wherein like elements are referred to by like identifiers, illustrated are various examples of devices  10  that are usable to secure a source of LED light  12  to a mounting surface, such as a surface of a heat sink  14 . As will become apparent from the description that follows, the subject devices  10  have, among others, the advantage of providing for a more even engagement between the source of LED light  12  and the surface of the heat sink  14 . More particularly, the subject devices  10  are arranged and constructed to provide upon the source of LED light  12  forces that are distributed over at least a substantial portion of the source of LED light  12  which forces function to drive the source of LED light  12  onto the surface of the heat sink  14  in a more even manner as compared to prior art devices. Furthermore, the subject device  10  are preferably constructed from a material, such as a metal, whereby the force applying characteristics of the devices  10  will not substantially degrade over time, temperature (e.g., thermal cycling), and usage. Thus in some examples, the device  10  may have a monolithic metal construction. 
     Considering now  FIGS. 1 and 2 ,  FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary device  10  being used to maintain a source of LED light  12 , having a generally circular construction, to a surface of a heat sink  14 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the source of LED light  12  is disposed in between the device  10  and the surface of the heat sink  14  with the device  10  being secured to the surface of the heat sink  14  via use of fasteners  16 . While the fasteners  16  are illustrated in the exemplary form of screws, it is to be appreciated that any form of fastener, particularly any form of fastener having an enlarged head portion (or other surface feature), may be used for this purpose. In addition, the fasteners could be formed as a part of the heat sink, e.g., the fasteners and heat sink could be die cast as a one piece element. 
     In some examples, at least one continuous path between the surface of the heat sink  14  and the source of LED light  12  may be formed of metal. The continuous metallic path may provide or may help provide a force acting on the source of LED light  12  in a direction towards the surface of the heat sink  14 . Moreover, the continuous metallic path may essentially provide a thermal conduit back to the surface of the heat sink  14 . In some examples, once the surface of the heat sink  14  and the source of LED light  12  are installed, at least a portion of the continuous metallic path may be deflected or deflectable, as described further below (e.g., tabs  24 ). Further, in one example, the example continuous metallic path may include and/or terminate at the fasteners that secure the device  10  to the surface of the heat sink  14 . Still further, in addition or in the alternative, the continuous metallic path may contact a surface of the source of LED light  12  that is opposite the surface of the heat sink  14 . 
     For securing the source of LED light  12  to the surface of a heat sink  14 , the device  10  is provided with an aperture  18  which is surrounded by an LED light source engaging surface  20 . Apertures, such as the aperture  18 , for instance, may be, for example and without limitation, holes, slots, and/or other openings, etc. The LED light source engaging surface  20  is sized and arranged to engage at least a portion of the source of LED light  12 . In the example shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the LED light source engaging surface  20  is arranged to engage at least a portion of a corresponding surface of the source of LED light  12 . For locating the source of LED light  12  between the device  10  and the heat sink  14 , the device  10  may optionally include one or more LED light source locating surfaces  22 . When utilized, the LED light source locating surfaces  22 , which extend from the LED light source engaging surface  20  in a direction that would be towards the heat sink  14  when the device  10  is attached thereto, function to engage corresponding surfaces of the source of LED light  12 . 
     For applying the desired forces upon the source of LED light  12  when the device  10  is secured to the heat sink surface  14  via use of the fasteners  16 , the LED light engaging surface  20  includes an integrated force applying spring. In the exemplary example of  FIGS. 1-4 , the integrated force applying spring is in the form of at least a pair of resilient or leaf-spring like mounting tabs  24  each having a key-shaped, fastener accepting opening  26 . As shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the mounting tabs  24  preferably extend from opposed sides of the LED light source engaging surface  20 . As particularly illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the mounting tabs  24  are preferably provided with a first portion  24   a  that extends from the LED light source engaging surface  20  at a first angle and a second portion  26   b  that then extends from the end of the first portion  24   a  at a second angle where the key-shaped fastener accepting opening  26  spans the first portion  24   a  and the second portion  24   b.    
     To secure the device  10  upon the heat sink surface  14  and thereby secure the source of LED light  12  against the heat sink surface  14 , the device  10  is first positioned such that the fastener  16  is received into a larger portion  26   a  of the key-shaped, fastener accepting opening  26  whereupon the device  10  is rotated to cause the fastener  16  to be moved into a narrower portion  26   b  of the key-shaped, fastener accepting opening  26  whereupon the device  10  is effectively locked in position. More particularly, as the device  10  is rotated, the head (or other surface feature) of the fastener  16  will be moved over a surface of the second portion  24   a  of the mounting tab  24  and the resilient or leaf-spring like nature of the mounting tab  24 , acting against the head (or other surface feature) of the fastener  16 , will cause the LED light source engaging surface  20  of the device  10  to generally, uniformly push the source of LED light  12  against the surface of the heat sink  14 . To assist in the rotating of the device  10 , e.g., to lock and unlock the source of LED light  12  against the heat sink surface  14 , one or more turn assisting surfaces  28  may also be provided to the device  10 . By way of example only, the turn assisting surfaces  28  may be surfaces that are formed so as to extend from the ends of the mounting tabs  24  in a direction that would be generally perpendicular to the heat sink  14  when the device  10  is attached thereto. It will be further appreciated that the example shown in  FIGS. 1-4  also has the advantage of not requiring the fasteners  16  to be removed from the heat sink when it is desired to remove the source of LED light  12  therefrom. 
     It is to be appreciated that the fastener accepting opening provided to the leaf-spring like mounting tabs  24  of the example shown in  FIGS. 1-4  may be in the form of otherwise conventional openings such as apertures  26 ′ shown in  FIG. 10  if so desired. In such a case, the openings  26 ′ could be provided to any surface of the leaf-spring like mounting element that would allow the leaf spring to flex for the purposes above described. 
     Considering now  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a further device  10 ′ is illustrated in which the LED light source engaging surface  20  of the example shown in  FIGS. 1-4  has been provided with an integrated spring by providing the LED light engaging surface  20  with a curved configuration when the device  10 ′ is not under load. As particularly illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the LED light source engaging surface  20  is preferably curved from a center axis that is generally perpendicular to an axis formed between the mounting tabs  24 . Because in such an arrangement the LED light source engaging surface  20  acts as a spring to apply the forces upon the source of LED light  12  when the device  10 ′ is secured to the heat sink surface  14 , in the example shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the mounting tabs  24  need not be provided with the bent, leaf-spring configuration that is utilized in connection with the example shown in  FIGS. 1-4 . Such leaf-spring mounting tabs could, however, be utilized if desired. Furthermore, in the example shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , fasteners  16  can be inserted into key-shaped openings as previously described or can be inserted into otherwise conventional fastener accepting opening  26 ′. In either case, when attached via use of the fasteners  16  to the heat sink  14 , the LED light source engaging surface  20  will flex and thereby cause the LED light source engaging surface  20  to apply a force upon the source of LED light  12  to generally, uniformly push the source of LED light  12  against the surface of the heat sink  14 . 
     Considering now  FIGS. 7-9 , a further device  10 ″ is illustrated in which the generally planar LED light source engaging surface  20  of the example shown in  FIGS. 1-4  has been provided with a shape for engaging a source of LED light  12  having a generally rectangular configuration. As with the example shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the device  10 ″ includes an integrated spring construction in the form of one or more leaf-spring like engagement tabs  24 . The engagement tabs  24  are again arranged to cooperate with a head (or other surface feature) of a fastener  16  in the manner described above, i.e., to flex and to thereby cause the LED light source engaging surface  20  to apply a force upon the source of LED light  12  to generally, uniformly push the source of LED light  12  against the heat sink  14 . Because of the rectangular configuration of the LED light source  12  in this assembly, rather than allow for the device  10 ″ to be rotated into and out of engagement with the fasteners  16 , the leaf-spring like engagement tabs  24  are arranged to allow the device  10 ″ to be slid linearly into and out of engagement with the fasteners  16 . 
     Considering now  FIGS. 10 and 11 , a still further device  10 ′″ is illustrated in which the LED light source engaging surface  20  of the example shown in  FIGS. 7-9  has been provided with an integrated spring by providing the LED light source engaging surface  20  with a curved configuration when the device  10 ′″ is not under load. As particularly illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the LED light source engaging surface  20  is curved from a center axis that is generally intermediate the pairs of mounting tabs  24 . As will be appreciated, in such an arrangement, the LED light source engaging surface  20  acts as a spring to apply the forces upon the source of LED light  12  when the device  10 ′″ is secured to the heat sink surface  14 . As before, in the example shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the mounting tabs  24  may optionally omit the bent, leaf-spring configuration that is utilized in connection with the example shown in  FIGS. 7-9 . Similarly, the mounting tabs  24  may optionally omit the key-shaped openings  26  and may instead utilize otherwise conventional fastener accepting opening  26 ′. In either instance, when the device  10 ′″ is attached to the heat sink  14 , the LED light source engaging surface  20 , owing to its integrated spring configuration, will function to apply a force upon the source of LED light  12  to generally, uniformly push the source of LED light  12  against the surface of the heat sink  14 . 
     In  FIG. 13 , a further device  10 ′″″ is illustrated which provides slots  26 ″ adjacent to mounting elements  24 ″. In this manner, when a fastener  16  is received into the slots  26 ″, e.g., by being slid therewithin, the integrated spring provided to the LED light engaging surface  20 , e.g., as provided by the curved surface of the LED light engaging surface  20  as shown in  FIG. 14 , will function to generally, uniformly push the source of LED light  12  against the surface of the heat sink  14 . While not shown, in such examples, the mounting elements could be provided with leaf-spring like or flexible elements in addition to or alternatively to providing the LED light engaging surface  20  with an integrated spring curve as noted above. In addition, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , a still further device  10 ″″ may be provided with slots  26 ″ for receiving fasteners  16  as well as apertures  26 ′. As will be understood, the use of such slots  26 ″ may allow for the removal of the device and/or removal of the source of LED light from under the device without requiring removal of all of the fasteners  16  from the heat sink  14 . 
     Considering now  FIGS. 15-20 , a further exemplary device  10 A is illustrated for use in maintaining a source of LED light  12  against a surface of a heat sink  14 . As before, the source of LED light  12  will be disposed between the device  10 A and the surface of the heat sink  14  with the device  10 A being secured to the surface of the heat sink  14  via use of fasteners  16 . The device  10 A is provided with an aperture  18  which is surrounded by an LED light source engaging surface  20 . The LED light source engaging surface  20  is sized and arranged to engage at least a portion of the source of LED light  12 . In the example shown in  FIGS. 15-20 , the LED light source engaging surface  20  is arranged to engage at least a portion of a corresponding surface of the source of LED light  12 . For locating the source of LED light  12  between the device  10 A and the heat sink  14 , the device  10 A may include one or more LED light source locating surfaces  22 A. More particularly, the LED light source locating surfaces  22 A may be elastically deflected to hold the LED light source to the device  10 A before positioning to the LED mounting surface  20  to aid assembly and field replacement. When utilized, the LED light source locating surfaces  22 A, which extend from the LED light source engaging surface  20  in a direction that would be towards the heat sink  14  when the device  10 A is attached thereto, function to engage a corresponding feature  100  provided to the source of LED light  12 . The device  10 A may also be provided with light source engaging surfaces  22  for engaging corresponding sides of the source of LED light  12 . 
     For applying the desired forces upon the source of LED light  12  when the device  10 A is secured to the heat sink surface  14  via use of the fasteners  16 , the device  10 A is provided with a pair of opposed mounting elements  104  each of which carries a key-shaped, fastener accepting opening  26 . As shown in  FIGS. 15-20 , the mounting elements  104  preferably extend from opposed sides of the LED light source engaging surface  20 . Thus, to secure the device  10 A upon the heat sink surface  14  and thereby secure the source of LED light  12  against the heat sink surface  14 , a fastener  16  is first received into a larger portion  26   a  of the key-shaped, fastener accepting opening  26  whereupon the device  10  is moved to cause the fastener  16  to be moved into a narrower portion  26   b  of the key-shaped, fastener accepting opening  26 . More particularly, as the device  10  is rotated, the head (or other surface feature) of the fastener  16  will be moved over a surface  106  associated with the mounting element  104  and the head (or other surface feature) of the fastener  16 , acting in cooperation with the mounting element  104 , will drive the mounting element towards the heat sink  14  and thereby cause the LED light source engaging surface  20  of the device  10 A to generally, uniformly push the source of LED light  12  against the surface of the heat sink  14 . To assist in the rotating of the device  10 A, e.g., to lock and unlock the source of LED light  12  against the heat sink surface  14 , one or more turn assisting surfaces  28  may also be provided to the device  10 . By way of example only, the turn assisting surfaces  28  may be surfaces that are formed so as to extend from the mounting elements  104  in a direction that would be generally perpendicular to the heat sink  14  when the device  10 A is attached thereto. Once assembled, one or more anti-rotation features  111  (e.g., a bump) such as that shown in  FIG. 16A , for example, may help prevent the fastener  16  from rotating with respect to the device  10 A. The anti-rotation feature  111  shown in  FIG. 16A  may contact an underside of a head of the fastener  16 . It will be again be appreciated that the example shown in  FIGS. 15-20  has the advantage of not requiring the fasteners  16  to be removed from the heat sink when it is desired to remove the source of LED light  12  therefrom. The device  10 A may additionally be provided with rib-like elements  108  to assist in maintaining the rigidity of the LED mounting surface  20  as the legs  110  leading between the LED mounting surface  20  and the mounting elements  104  are caused to flex when the device  10 A is secured upon the heat sink  14 . Furthermore, because the example illustrated in  FIGS. 15-20  is provided with an opening  114  (as a result of the manufacturing process) which is not intended to be used to receive a fastener  16 , the opening  114  is provided with an element  116  that is intended to inhibit the introduction of a fastener  16  into the opening  114 . 
     Considering now  FIGS. 21-25 , a further exemplary device  10 B is illustrated. The device  10 B is used to maintain a source of LED light  12  upon a surface of a heat sink  14 . As shown in  FIGS. 21 and 22 , the source of LED light  12  is disposed in between the device  10 B and the surface of the heat sink  14  with the device  10 B being secured to the surface of the heat sink  14  via use of fasteners  16  or other feature of the mounting surface. Generally, when the device  10 B is attached to the heat sink  14 , e.g., by being screwed down thereupon, the device  10 B functions to “sandwich” the source of LED light  12  between the device  10 B and the heat sink  14 . Though in its free state the device  10 B is planar, when under load the device  10 B flexes and acts as a single leaf spring to thereby provide the securing force. 
     More particularly, for securing the source of LED light  12  to the surface of a heat sink  14 , the device  10 B is provided with an aperture  18  which is surrounded by an LED light source engaging surface  20 . The LED light source engaging surface  20  is sized and arranged to engage at least a portion of the source of LED light  12 . In the example shown in  FIGS. 21-25 , the LED light source engaging surface  20  is arranged to engage at least a portion of a corresponding surface of the source of LED light  12 . For locating the source of LED light  12  between the device  10 B and the heat sink  14 , and for preventing rotation of the source of LED light  12 , the device  10 B may optionally include one or more LED light source locating surfaces  22 . When utilized, the LED light source locating surfaces  22  extend towards the heat sink  14  and are located at positions whereby the LED light source locating surfaces  22  will be able to engage with corresponding surfaces of the source of LED light  12 . In addition or alternatively, and for these same purposes, the device  10 B may be provided with protuberances  221  which are sized and arranged to engage with corresponding recesses  222  provided to the source of LED light  12 . 
     For applying the desired forces upon the source of LED light  12  when the device  10 B is secured to the heat sink surface  14  via use of the fasteners  16 , the LED light engaging surface  20  includes key-shaped fastener accepting openings  224 . As shown in the figures, the fastener accepting openings  224  include a first portion  224 A which is sized larger than the head (or other surface feature) of the fastener  16  (to thereby allow the device  10 A to be removed from the heat sink  14  without requiring removal of the fasteners  16 ) and a second portion which is sized smaller than the head (or other surface feature) of the fastener  16  (to thereby hold the device  10 A against the heat sink  14  via the cooperation of the head (or other surface feature) of the fasteners  16  and the LED light engaging surface  20 ). It should be understood that one advantage of the openings, such as the openings  224  in  FIG. 23  or the openings  26 ,  26 A in  FIGS. 8 and 15 , for example, is to receive screws inserted into the heat sink surface  14  before the device  10  is installed. While not required, the area adjacent to the first portion  224 A could be provided with an angled surface to thereby force the device  10 A downwardly toward the heat sink  14  when the device  10 B is turned relative to the fasteners  16 , i.e., the device  10 A is moved to cause the fasteners  16  to transition from the first portion  224 A to the second portion  224 B of the fastener accepting opening  224 . More particularly, to secure the device  10 B upon the heat sink surface  14  and thereby force the source of LED light  12  against the heat sink surface  14 , the device  10 B is first positioned such that the fastener  16  is received into a larger portion  224 A of the key-shaped, fastener accepting opening  224  whereupon the device  10 B is rotated to cause the fastener  16  to be moved into the narrower portion  224 B of the key-shaped, fastener accepting opening  224 . As the device  10 B is rotated in this manner, the fastener  16  will be moved into engagement with the LED light engaging surface  20  and the device  10 B, acting against the fastener  16 , will generally, uniformly push the source of LED light  12  against the surface of the heat sink  14 . As before, other fastener accepting openings can be utilized with this example to achieve the same results. 
     With reference to device  10 B, although applicable to other of the described devices, the device  10 B may be optionally provided with one or more electrical connector sub-assemblies  226 . The connector sub-assemblies  226  may be integral with the device  10 B or removeably attached to the device  10 B, such as by being snap fit thereto—for example via cooperation of leaf springs  230  used to engage recesses  232  formed in the housing of the connector sub-assemblies  226  as illustrated in  FIGS. 21-25 . The connector sub-assemblies  226  may be attached to either side of the device  10 B depending on the requirements of the application. If located on the same side of the device  10 B as the mounting surface  20 , the connector sub-assemblies  226  may be disposed within or partially within the mounting surface  20  to provide a low-profile solution. As such, the connector sub-assemblies  226  may be said to break the plane of the mounting surface  20 . The connector sub-assemblies  226  function to provide a means for a wire to be electrically coupled to an electrical contact pad  228  of the source of LED light  12 . To this end, the connector sub-assemblies  226  include an electrical connector element (which is preferably insulated via the material of housing or other material) having at least one resilient first end  236  which is generally biased so as to engage a corresponding one of the electrical contact pads  228  of the source of LED light  12  when the source of LED light  12  is installed with the device  10 B and at least one second end for accepting a wire. Without limitation, the at least one second end of the electrical connector element may provide for a crimp connection to a wire, a clamping connection to a wire, a push-in connection to a wire, and the like. Moreover, in one example, such as that shown in  FIG. 23A  for instance, the connector sub-assemblies  226  may be flexing insulators having resilient first ends  236  that extend to and/or over the electrical contact pad  228  of the source of LED light  12 . In addition, in the example shown in  FIG. 23A , the device  10 A includes anti-rotation features  229  near the fastener accepting openings  224  to help prevent the fasteners  16  from loosening. Still further, as disclosed above, the device  10 A may include one or more LED light source locating surfaces  22 A for locating the source of LED light  12  between the device  10 A and the heat sink  14 . To aid assembly and field replacement, the LED light source locating surfaces  22 A may be elastically deflected to hold the LED light source to the device  10 A before positioning to the LED mounting surface  20 . 
     In a yet further example illustrated in  FIGS. 26-28 , a device  10  may be installed between the source of LED light  12  and an electrical contact base  300 . The electrical contact base  300  supports one or more housing elements  302 , which are capped via use of cover elements  303 , in which are carried electrical contact elements  304 . In a preferred example, the electrical contact base  300  is constructed from a plastic or other insulating material. The electrical contact elements again provide a means for a wire—fed into a wire port  308  of the housing elements  302 -to be electrically coupled to an electrical contact pad  228  of the source of LED light  12 . It will be appreciated that in at least one example, the electrical contact elements may include a plurality of wire ports  308  to affect a daisy chain or other type of electrical connection. To this end, the electrical contact elements  304  have at least one resilient first end  310  which is generally biased so as to engage a corresponding one of the electrical contact pads  228  of the source of LED light  12  when the source of LED light  12  is installed with the device  10  and at least one second end for accepting a wire. The second end for accepting a wire may be any suitable wire acceptor including, for instance, a push-in type connector. In certain circumstances, the electrical contact elements  304  may be provided with at least two resilient first ends  310  as illustrated to thereby allow the same assembly to be used with differently oriented electrical contact pads  228  of different sources of LED light  12 . While the second end of the electrical connector element is illustrated as providing a push-in type connection, it will be appreciated that the at least one second end of the connector may provide for a crimp connection to a wire, a clamping connection to a wire, or the like without limitation. 
     For securing wire to the electrical contact base  300 , one or more securing elements  312  are carried by the electrical contact base  300 . The securing elements  312  may be integrally formed with the electrical contact base  300  or be elements added thereto. The securing elements  312  are also preferably provided with some resiliency to thereby allow wire placed therein to be clamped at a location that is spaced from the opening  18 . The securing elements  312  may be arranged adjacent to a guide channel  316  also formed on the electrical contact base  300 . As will be appreciated, the electrical contact base  300  includes key-shaped elements  328  or the like for accepting fasteners  16  as well as openings  330  through which the electrical contacts are able to contact with the contact pads  228  of the source of LED light  12 . If an electrical contact base  300  is to be utilized with a device  10 , it will also be understood that the device  10  should also be provided with cutouts or openings  340  to allow the electrical contacts to contact the contact pads  228  of the source of LED light  12  as seen in  FIG. 26 . 
     It should be understood that although components for electrical connections are generally shown on the mounting surface  20  of the device  10 , the present disclosure contemplates disposing these components, such as the one or more housing elements  302 , the electrical contact elements  304 , and the connector sub-assemblies  226 , for example, on a surface of the device  10  opposite the mounting surface  20 , or partially within the mounting surface  20 . 
     For use in holding and centering a reflector  400  or other accessory, the device  10  may be provided with optional reflector securing elements  402  as shown in  FIGS. 29-32 . The securing elements  402  are resiliently coupled to the device  10  and provide a clamping force upon the reflector  400  when the reflector  400  is positioned therebetween. To assist in maintaining the reflector  400  upon the device  10 , the securing elements  402  may be provided with teeth  404  for gripping the outer surface of the reflector  400 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 33 , yet another example of a device  10 C that is usable to secure the LED light  12  is illustrated. As with the previously disclosed example, the device  10 C may be used to maintain the source of LED light  12  upon the surface of the heat sink  14 , which not shown in this example. As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, once installed, the source of LED light  12  is disposed in-between the device  10 C and an upper surface of the heat sink with the device  10 C being secured to the heat sink via use of fasteners (as shown in  FIG. 22 ) or other feature of the mounting surface. Generally, when the device  10 C is attached to the heat sink  14 , e.g., by being screwed down thereupon, the device  10 C functions to “sandwich” the source of LED light  12  between the device  10 C and the heat sink  14 . Though in its free state the device  10 C is generally planar, when under load, the device  10 C may flex and act as a single leaf spring to thereby provide the securing force to the LED light  12 . 
     More particularly, similar to the previous described examples, for securing the source of LED light  12  to the surface of a heat sink  14 , the device  10 C is provided with an aperture  18 ′ which is surrounded by an LED light source engaging surface  20 ′. The LED light source engaging surface  20 ′ is sized and arranged to engage at least a portion of the source of LED light  12 . In the example shown in  FIG. 33 , the LED light source engaging surface  20 ′ is arranged to engage at least a portion of a corresponding upper surface  12   a  of the source of LED light  12 . The LED light source engaging surface  20 ′ is, in this example, a single thickness on the top surface of the LED light source. In other words, the device  10 C is a “low-profile” device having a single thickness of sheet metal on top of the LED light source. For locating the source of LED light  12  between the device  10 C and the heat sink  14 , and for preventing rotation of the source of LED light  12 , the device  10 C may optionally include one or more LED light source locating surfaces  22 ′. When utilized, the LED light source locating surfaces  22 ′ provide a shoulder-type surface that extend towards the heat sink  14  and are located at positions whereby the LED light source locating surfaces  22 ′ will be able to engage with corresponding perimeter and/or surfaces of the source of LED light  12  to prevent relative movement of the LED light  12  relative to the device  10 C. 
     For applying the desired forces upon the source of LED light  12  when the device  10 C is secured to the heat sink surface  14  via use of the fasteners, the example LED light engaging surface  20 ′ includes at least one notch-shaped fastener accepting opening  324 ′. As shown in  FIG. 33 , the fastener accepting openings  324 ′ includes a perimeter, which in this instance is open along at least a portion. The perimeter  325 ′ is sized smaller than the head (or other surface feature) of the fastener  16  (to thereby hold the device  10 C against the heat sink  14  via the cooperation of the head (or other surface feature) of the fasteners  16 . The open portion of the perimeter  325 ′ is sized larger than the fastener shaft to thereby allow the device  10 C to be rotated and removed from the heat sink  14  without requiring complete removal of the fasteners  16 . 
     It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that at least one advantage of the example openings, such as the openings  324 ′, is to receive screws and/or other fasteners inserted into the heat sink surface  14  before the device  10 C is installed. While not required, the area adjacent to the perimeter of the openings  325 ′ could be provided with an angled surface to thereby force the device  10 C downwardly toward the heat sink  14  when the device  10 C is turned relative to the fasteners  161   t  will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that other fastener accepting openings can be utilized with this example to achieve the same results. 
     With reference to the example device  10 C, as with the other described devices, the example device  10 C is provided with one or more electrical connector sub-assemblies  226 ′. In this example, the connector sub-assemblies  226 ′ are integrally assembled to the device  10 C, but the assemblies may be removeably attached to the device  10 C, such as by being interference-fit thereto, by adhesives, solder, etc. As with previously disclosed examples, the connector sub-assemblies  226 ′ may be attached to either side of the device  10 B depending on the requirements of the application. 
     The example connector sub-assemblies  226 ′ function to provide a means for a wire to be electrically coupled to an electrical contact pad  228 ′ of the source of LED light  12 . To this end, the connector sub-assemblies  226 ′ include an electrical connector element (which is preferably insulated via the material of housing or other material) having at least one resilient first end  236 ′ which is generally biased so as to engage a corresponding one of the electrical contact pads  228 ′ of the source of LED light  12  when the source of LED light  12  is installed with the device  10 C and at least one second end  229 ′ for accepting a wire. Without limitation, the at least one second end of the electrical connector element may provide for a crimp connection to a wire, a clamping connection to a wire, a push-in connection to a wire, or the like. 
     Moreover, as shown in the example of  FIG. 33  for instance, the connector sub-assemblies  226 ′ may be flexing insulators or conductors having resilient first ends  236 ′ that extend to and/or over the electrical contact pads  228 ′ of the source of LED light  12 . In this instance, the first ends  236 ′ may provide an additional biasing force to the LED light  12  against the heat sink  14  when the device  10 C is installed. 
     For use in holding and centering the reflector  400  or other accessory, the example device  10 C is provided with optional reflector securing elements  402 ′. The securing elements  402 ′ are resilient and integrally formed with the device  10 C to provide a clamping force upon the reflector  400  when the reflector  400  is positioned therebetween. It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that while two securing elements  402 ′ are illustrated in the present example, any number of securing elements  402 ′ may be utilized as necessary or desired. 
     Although certain example methods and apparatus have been described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. While specific examples of the subject invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of this disclosure. It will therefore be appreciated that features described with respect to the various examples are not to be limited to any particular example but may be freely used across examples where applicable. Additionally, it will be appreciated that the size, shape, arrangement, and/or number of components illustrated and described can be changed as necessary to meet a given need. Accordingly, this patent covers all methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the appended claims either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.