Patent Publication Number: US-10317062-B2

Title: End cap with contactor exerting outward force and lighting device having same

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to lighting devices and in particular to solid-state lighting devices designed as replacements for linear fluorescent lamps. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Fluorescent light bulbs take on a variety of shapes and sizes—from small compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) with screw-in Edison bases that find frequent use as energy-efficient replacements for incandescent lamps to the ubiquitous 48″ linear fluorescent tube used in innumerable commercial, institutional, and industrial settings. While fluorescent lighting typically provides luminous output at an energy cost that is much less than incandescent lighting, fluorescent lights contain small amounts of mercury which may pose environmental issues if large quantities of lamps are improperly disposed of at the end of life. 
     Given the large number of fluorescent fixtures installed in commercial, institutional, and industrial establishments, it is desirable to replace fluorescent lamps with other high efficiency, mercury-free lighting solutions having the same form factor so that replacement of the existing fixtures is not necessary. This has led to the development of solid-state replacement lamps which include arrays of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) disposed within hollow tubes. These new solid-state lamps require different construction methods than conventional fluorescent lamps and in particular different means for making electrical connections between the external electrical power connectors of fluorescent fixtures and the internal circuits that power the LEDs. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Features and advantages of various embodiments of the claimed subject matter will become apparent as the following Detailed Description proceeds, and upon reference to the Drawings, wherein like numerals designate like parts, and in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of an illustrative end cap for use with a solid-state lighting device having a hollow tubular member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 1B  is an end elevation of the illustrative end cap depicted in  FIG. 1A , in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 1C  is a cross sectional perspective of the illustrative end cap depicted in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 1D  is a cross-sectional elevation of the illustrative end cap depicted in  FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross sectional elevation of a solid-state lighting device that includes a hollow tubular member containing at least one solid-state lighting array disposed on a flexible substrate inserted into the end cap depicted in  FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D  in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a high-level logic flow diagram of an illustrative method of providing a solid-state lighting device that includes a hollow tubular member containing at least one solid-state lighting array disposed on a flexible substrate inserted into the end cap as depicted in  FIG. 2 , in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of a solid-state lighting device with end caps installed at both ends in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Solid-state lighting devices, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs); and polymer light emitting diodes (PLEDs), provide multiple benefits that include superior illumination, reduced energy consumption, flexible installation requirements, and reduced thermal emissions. Improvements in solid-state lighting technology have included the ability to produce solid-state lighting devices such as LEDs on flexible substrates such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films. The inherent flexibility in such solid-state lighting devices has introduced the use of such devices in locations formerly deemed unsuitable for employment of solid-state devices. One such example is placing one or more solid-state lighting arrays on a flexible substrate positioned within a transparent hollow member such as a linear T 8  tube used for fluorescent lighting. (The tube diameters of fluorescent lamps are given in increments of ⅛″. Thus, a T 8  fluorescent lamp has a 1″ diameter tube, a T 5  fluorescent lamp has a ⅝″ diameter tube and a T 12  fluorescent lamp has a 1½″ diameter tube.) 
     Similar to a conventional fluorescent lamp, when one or more solid-state lighting arrays are placed within a T 8  tube or a similar hollow member, each of the solid-state lighting arrays receives power from the pins on the end caps sealing the hollow member. The end caps used on a solid-state T 8  tube or similar hollow member should provide adequate protection for the hollow member and permit outgassing from the solid-state devices forming the lighting arrays, while electrically coupling the solid-state lighting arrays to the conductive pins or other conductive features by which power is routed to the solid-state lighting arrays. 
       FIG. 1A  provides a perspective of an illustrative end cap  100  useful for a solid-state lighting device, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 1B  provides an end elevation along a longitudinal axis of the illustrative end cap  100  depicted in  FIG. 1A .  FIG. 1C  provides a perspective sectional of the illustrative end cap  100  depicted in  FIG. 1A . The end cap  100  includes a base  102  having an inward-facing first side  104  and an outward-facing second side  106 . The base  102  can include one or more metallic, non-metallic, or combination of metallic and non-metallic materials. In embodiments, the base  102  may have a generally cylindrical geometry with a diameter of from about 0.25 inches to about 4 inches. In some implementations, the base  102  can be a right circular cylindrical object having a diameter of about five-eighths of an inch (⅝″), similar to the diameter of a conventional T 5  fluorescent lamp tube. In some implementations, the base  102  can be a right circular cylindrical object having a diameter of about one inch (1″), similar to the diameter of a conventional T 8  fluorescent lamp tube. In some implementations, the base  102  can be a right circular cylindrical object having a diameter of about one and one-half inches (1½″), similar to the diameter of a conventional T 12  fluorescent lamp tube. 
     An outer wall  110  extends a first distance  118  from the first side  104  and an inner wall  120  extends a second distance  128  from the first side  104 . The outer wall  110  defines an inside surface  112  and an outside surface  114 . The inner wall  120  defines an inside surface  122  and an outside surface  124 . In embodiments, either or both the outer wall  110  and the inner wall  120  may be positioned along a common axis, for example the longitudinal axis of the base  102 . In at least one embodiment, the outer wall  110  and the inner wall  120  may be positioned concentric with the longitudinal axis of the base  102 . The inside diameter of the outer wall  110  (i.e., the diameter of the inside surface  112  of the outer wall  110 ) is greater than the outside diameter of the inner wall  120  (i.e., the diameter of the outside surface  124  of the inner wall  120 ) such that a gap  130  is formed between the outer wall  110  and the inner wall  120 . The gap  130  may extend partially or completely to the base  102 . The gap  130  may have a width  132  of from about 0.01 inches (0.25 mm) to about 0.25 inches (6.2 mm). 
     In some instances, at least the inside surface  112  of the outer wall  110  and the outside surface  124  of the inner wall may form an angle of 90° with (i.e., are perpendicular to) the first side  104  of the base  102 . In such instances, the outer wall  110  and the inner wall  120  may be uniformly separated by a gap  130  having a constant width  132  throughout its extent. In other instances, either or both of the inside surface  112  of the outer wall  110  and the outside surface  124  of the inner wall may form an angle of other than 90° to the first side  104  of the base  102 . In such instances, the gap  130  may have a tapering width  132  throughout its extent. For example, the width  132  of the gap  130  may decrease with depth (i.e., as you travel deeper into the gap  130  towards the first side  104  of base  102 ). Such tapering may provide a friction fit for a hollow member inserted into the end cap  100 . In embodiments where the outer wall  110  and the inner wall  120  are cylindrical and arranged concentric with the longitudinal axis of the base  102 , the gap  130  may assume an annular shape. In other embodiments, the gap  130  may assume any shape dependent upon the configuration of the outer wall  110  and the inner wall  120 . For example, if the outer wall  110  and the inner wall  120  are oval in shape, an oval gap  130  is formed; if the outer wall  110  and the inner wall  120  are n-sided polygons, an n-sided polygonal gap  130  is formed. 
     In embodiments, the outer wall  110  may be formed separate from the base  102  and may be affixed to the base  102  using one or more fasteners, adhesives, thermal welds, chemical welds, or combinations thereof. In other embodiments, the outer wall  110  may be formed integral with the base, for example by casting, stamping, three-dimensional printing, or combinations thereof. In some instances, the inner wall  120  may be formed separate from the base  102  and may be affixed to the base  102  using one or more fasteners, adhesives, thermal welds, chemical welds, or combinations thereof. In other instances, the inner wall  120  may be formed integral with the base, for example by casting, stamping, three-dimensional printing, or combinations thereof. 
     Although the outer wall  110  and the inner wall  120  are depicted as having different thicknesses in  FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D , in at least some embodiments, the outer wall  110  and the inner wall  120  may have the same thickness. In some instances, the outer wall  110  may have a greater thickness than the inner wall  120 . Although the outer wall  110  is depicted in  FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D  as projecting a first distance  118  that is greater than the second distance  128  that the inner wall  120  projects from the first side  104  of the base  102 , in some implementations the first distance  118  and the second distance  128  may be the same (i.e., the outer wall  110  and the inner wall  120  project the same distance from the first side  104  of the base  102 ). In other implementations, the second distance  128  may be greater than the first distance  118  (i.e., the inner wall  120  projects a greater distance from the first side  104  of the base  102  than the outer wall  110 ). 
     A number of apertures  126  may extend partially or completely through the inner wall  120 . In embodiments, a contactor  140  may occupy at least one of the apertures  126 . Although an illustrative Vlier pin (VLIER® Inc., Hopkinton, Mass.), spring loaded ball contactor  140  is depicted in  FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D , any similar current or future developed tensioned or compressed contactor  140  capable of exerting a force extending outward from the outside surface  124  of the inner wall  120  towards the inside surface  112  of the outer wall  110  may be substituted. In at least some implementations, some or all of the number of apertures  126  may extend radially outward from the longitudinal axis of the end cap  100 . In one embodiment, two apertures  126  extend completely through the inner wall  120 . 
     A number of apertures  116  may extend completely through the outer wall  110 . Some or all of the number of apertures  116  in the outer wall  110  may be aligned with respective apertures  126  in the inner wall  120 . In such embodiments, each of some or all of the number of apertures  116  may be coaxially located along a common axis shared with a corresponding one of the number of apertures  126  (and contactors  140 ) in the inner wall  120 . In embodiments, at least one of the coaxially aligned apertures  116  may be used to insert the contactor  140  into the respective aperture  126  in the inner wall  120 . 
     The contactor  140  can include any number or combination of systems and devices capable of providing an electrically conductive path from a contact element  142  to a conductive member  160  projecting from the second side  106  of the base  102  via one or more conductors  150 . In embodiments, the contactor  140  may include a contact element  142 , such as a spherical, ovoid or ball shaped contact element  142 , disposed in a hollow, closed-ended, tube  144 . A tensioner  146 , such as a spring, is compressed between the contact element  142  and the closed-end of the hollow tube  144  such that an axial force is exerted against the contact element  142  to maintain the contact element proximate an open end of the hollow tube  144 . Although a spherical contact element  142  is depicted in  FIG. 1D , any number, size, shape, or configuration of contact element(s)  142  may be similarly employed. 
     A conductive member or conductor  150  electrically couples the contact element  142  to a conductive member  160  that projects from the second side  106  of the base  102 . In some instances, the contactor  140  may be friction fitted in the aperture  126 , trapping the conductor  150  between the contactor  140  and the aperture  126  such that the contactor  140  electrically couples to the conductor  150  via physical and electrical contact with the hollow tube  144 . In other instances, the conductor  150  may be trapped by one or more apertures, detents, or similar receiving and/or affixing devices positioned either internal or external to the contactor  140  such that the contactor  140  electrically couples to the conductor  150  via physical and electrical contact with the hollow tube  144 . In yet other instances the conductor  150  may be physically and electrically affixed to the contactor  140 , for example via solder, such that the contactor  140  electrically couples to the conductor  150  via the hollow tube  144 . 
     Although only one contactor is depicted in  FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D  for clarity and ease of discussion, one or more additional contactors  140  may be disposed in end cap  100 . For example, the use of a second contactor  140  may facilitate the installation of electrical supply and return paths using a single end cap  100 . The use of a second contactor  140  may permit the installation of dual electrical supply or return paths using a single end cap  100 . In some instances, the use of a second contactor  140  may permit the use of a first solid-state lighting array and a second solid-state lighting array in a single solid-state lighting device. In some instances, the first solid-state lighting array may extend in parallel with the second solid-state lighting array through the entire solid-state lighting device. In some instances, an electrical supply and return for a first solid-state lighting array may be positioned at a first end of the solid-state lighting device and an electrical supply and return for a second solid-state lighting array may be positioned at a second end of the solid-state lighting device. 
     In embodiments, one or more conductive members  160  may extend from the second side  106  of the base  102 . The one or more conductive members  160  may provide an electrically continuous path from the contactor  140  to an external power distribution system. Although depicted as hollow in  FIG. 1D , the conductive member  160  may be partially or completely solid. The conductive member  160  electrically couples to the conductor  150 . In some instances, the conductor  150  may be friction fitted, for example by crimping, into a hollow portion or cavity formed in the conductive member  160 . In other instances, the conductor  150  may be affixed, for example by soldering, to a portion of the interior or exterior of the conductive member  160 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an example solid-state lighting device  200  in which an end cap  100  receives a hollow member  210  that contains a solid-state emitter array  220 , in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. In embodiments, the hollow member  210  includes a continuous wall that forms and surrounds an interior space  218 . The hollow member  210  includes at least a first open end that defines a first peripheral edge  216 . In implementations, the hollow member  210  may include a second open end that defines a second peripheral edge (not shown in  FIG. 2 ). In some embodiments, the hollow member  210  may include a straight, cylindrical, hollow member similar to a conventional fluorescent light tube (e.g., a 1 inch diameter T 8  fluorescent tube). In other implementations, the hollow member  210  may have any shape, size or configuration. For example, the hollow member  210  may have a “U” shape, a helical, or a double-helical shape, a circular shape, or any other shape, geometry, or configuration. The hollow member  210  may be a hollow cylinder, a hollow oval, or a hollow n-sided trapezoidal or polygonal member. 
     In some instances, the hollow member  210  may include a hollow glass member. In other instances, the hollow member  210  may include a hollow plastic or polymeric member, for example a hollow polycarbonate member. In some instances, the hollow member  210  may be optically transparent. In other instances, the hollow member  210  may be optically translucent. The hollow member  210  may include one or more diffusers or diffraction devices to more evenly distribute the light produced by the solid-state emitter array  220 . In some instances, one or more reflective devices may be disposed in whole or in part in, on, or about the hollow member  210  to direct the light produced by the solid-state emitter array  220  in one or more desired directions. In embodiments, one or more light diffusive coatings may be applied to the outside surface  212 , the inside surface  214 , or both the outside and inside surfaces  212 ,  214  of the hollow member  210 . 
     The gap  130  in the end cap  100  receives the first peripheral edge  216  of the first open end of the hollow member  210 . In some instances, the first peripheral edge  216  of the hollow member  210  may be slideably inserted into the gap  130  in the end cap  100 . A non-hermetic seal between the hollow member  210  and the end cap  100  may be provided when the hollow member  210  is inserted or otherwise seated in the gap  130 . In embodiments, a non-hermetic seal between the end cap  100  and the hollow member  210  provides the ability for outgassing of solid-state emitters  222  forming the solid-state emitter arrays  220 . In some embodiments, one or more adhesives or similar chemical bonding agents may be used to affix the end cap  100  to the hollow member  210 . In some instances, a taper in the gap  130  may provide a friction fit between the end cap  100  and either or both of the outside surface  212  and inside surface  214  of the hollow member  210 . In some instances, the hollow member  210  may be wholly or partially affixed to the end cap  100  via one or more contactors  140  that are received by a detent or a similar construction on the inside surface  214  of the hollow member  210 . In instances where a contactor  140  retains the hollow member  210 , the respective contactor  140  may or may not be used to deliver power to or receive power from the solid-state emitter array  220 . 
     Any number or combination of solid-state emitter arrays  220  may be disposed in whole or in part within the hollow member  210 . The solid-state emitter array  220  may include any number or combination of solid-state emitters  222  that are formed, affixed, or attached to a substrate  224 . The solid-state emitter array  220  may include any number of semiconductor emitters  222  capable of producing or emitting electromagnetic radiation. In some instances, the solid-state emitter array  220  may include any number of semiconductor emitters  222  capable of producing or emitting electromagnetic radiation at wavelengths perceptible to humans—i.e., semiconductor devices capable of producing or emitting visible light at one or more wavelengths between about 390 nanometers (nm) and about 700 nm. Non-limiting examples of visible light producing semiconductor emitters  222  include light emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), and polymer light emitting diodes (PLEDs). 
     In some instances, the solid-state emitter array  220  may include any number of semiconductor emitters  222  capable of producing or emitting electromagnetic radiation at one or more wavelengths imperceptible to humans—i.e., semiconductor devices capable of producing or emitting electromagnetic radiation at wavelengths of less than about 390 nm or greater than about 700 nm. Non-limiting examples of non-visible light producing semiconductor emitters  222  include infrared LEDs, near-infrared LEDs, ultraviolet LEDs, and near-ultraviolet LEDs. In some implementations, a solid-state emitter array  220  producing or emitting electromagnetic radiation at wavelengths imperceptible to humans may be inserted into a hollow member  210  that includes, in part or in whole, one or more materials or coatings capable of producing or providing a visible light output when exposed to the electromagnetic radiation produced or emitted by the solid-state emitter array  220 . 
     The substrate  224  carries at least a portion of the solid-state emitter arrays  220 . In some instances, the substrate  224  may include one or more flexible materials, for example polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”). In embodiments, the substrate  224  may include a light-colored or other highly reflective material, for example white PET. In some instances, the substrate  224  may include a laminated structure having one or more flexible conductors  226  disposed between two layers. A flexible substrate  224  may facilitate inserting the solid-state emitter array  220  into the hollow member  210 . 
     The one or more flexible conductors  226  electrically couples some or all of the solid-state emitter arrays  220  to the contactor  140 . In embodiments, the one or more flexible conductors  226  may extend from an end of the substrate  224  proximate the first end of the hollow member  210 . In embodiments, the one or more flexible conductors  226  may extend from an end of the substrate  224  proximate the second end of the hollow member  210 . In embodiments, the contactor  140  traps the one or more flexible conductors  226  extending from the substrate  224  against the substrate  224  or the inside surface  214  of the hollow member  210 . In such instances, the tensioner  146  (e.g., a Vlier pin spring or similar force-producing device) forces the contact element  142  against the flexible conductor  226 , forming an electrical coupling between the contactor  140  and the respective flexible conductor  226  when the hollow member  210  is inserted into the gap  130  in the end cap  100 . 
     In embodiments, some or all of the one or more flexible conductors  226  may extend beyond the first peripheral edge  216  of the hollow member  210 , may wrap around the first peripheral edge  216  and extend for a distance along the outside surface  212  of the hollow member  210  as depicted in  FIG. 2 . Wrapping some or all of the one or more flexible conductors  226  around the first peripheral edge  216  of the hollow member  210  may facilitate the establishment of the electrically conductive coupling between the contactor  140  and the respective flexible conductor  226  by holding the respective flexible conductor  226  in position as the hollow member  210  is slideably inserted into the gap  130  in the end cap  100 . 
     Although not depicted in  FIG. 2 , in some instances one or more flexible conductors  226  may extend from a second end of the substrate  224  and may be proximate the inside surface  214  of the hollow member  210  at the second peripheral edge of the hollow member  210 . In such instances, each of the one or more contactors  140  in the end cap  100  proximate the second peripheral edge of the hollow member  210  electrically couples a respective conductive member  160  to a respective flexible conductor  226  extending from the second end of the substrate  224 . In embodiments, some or all of the one or more flexible conductors  226  may extend beyond the second peripheral edge of the hollow member  210 , may wrap around the second peripheral edge and extend for a distance along the outside surface  212  of the hollow member  210 . ( FIG. 4  shows an embodiment with end caps  100  installed at both peripheral edges of hollow member  210 .) 
       FIG. 3  is a high-level logic diagram of a method  300  of providing a solid-state lighting device such as the solid-state lighting device  200  described in detail with regard to  FIG. 2 , in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The method commences at  302 . 
     At  304 , a substrate  224  that includes at least one solid-state emitter array  220  is disposed in whole or in part in the interior space  218  of a hollow member  210 . In embodiments, at least a portion of the substrate  224  may be disposed proximate an inside surface  214  of the hollow member  210 . In embodiments, the hollow member  210  includes at least a first open end that forms a first peripheral edge  216  and may include a second open end that forms a second peripheral edge. One or more flexible conductors  226  electrically coupled to some of all of the at least one solid-state array  220  may extend from the first end of the substrate  224  proximate the first peripheral edge  216  of the hollow member  210 . In embodiments, one or more flexible conductors  226  may extend from the second end of the substrate  224  proximate the second peripheral edge of the hollow member  210 . 
     At  306 , the at least one flexible conductor  226  extending from the first end of the substrate  224  is disposed proximate the inside surface  214  of the hollow member  210 . In embodiments, the at least one flexible conductor  226  may extend to the first peripheral edge  216  of the hollow member  210 . In other embodiments, the at least one flexible conductor  226  may extend beyond the first peripheral edge  216  of the hollow member  210 . In such embodiments, the at least one flexible conductor  226  may wrap around the first peripheral edge  216  of the hollow member  210 . Further, in such embodiments, the at least one flexible conductor  226  may extend for a distance along the outside surface  212  of the hollow member  210 . 
     In embodiments, the at least one flexible conductor  226  extending from the second end of the substrate  224  is disposed proximate the inside surface  214  of the hollow member  210 . In some instances, the at least one flexible conductor  226  may extend to the second peripheral edge of the hollow member  210 . In other instances, the at least one flexible conductor  226  may extend beyond the second peripheral edge of the hollow member  210 . In such instances, the at least one flexible conductor  226  may wrap around the second peripheral edge of the hollow member  210 . Further, in such instances, the at least one flexible conductor  226  may extend for a distance along the outside surface  212  of the hollow member  210 . 
     At  308 , the first peripheral edge  216  of the hollow member  210  is slideably inserted into the gap  130  formed by the inside surface  112  of the outer wall  110  extending from the first side  104  of the base  102  of the end cap  100  and the outside surface  124  of the inner wall  120  extending from the first side  104  of the base  102  of the end cap  100 . 
     In embodiments, the second peripheral edge of the hollow member  210  may be slideably inserted into the gap  130  formed by the inside surface  112  of the outer wall  110  extending from the first side  104  of the base  102  of a second end cap  100  and the outside surface  124  of the inner wall  120  extending from the first side  104  of the base  102  of the second end cap  100 . 
     At  310 , the at least one flexible conductor  226  extending from the first end of the substrate  224  is electrically coupled to a conductive member  160  extending from a second side  106  of the base  102  of the end cap  100 . In embodiments, a contactor  140  electrically coupled the at least one flexible conductor  226  to the conductive member  160 . The contactor  140  may be disposed in whole or in part in the inner wall  120  of the end cap  100  and a contact element  142  may exert a force directed outward from the outside surface  124  of the inner wall  120  that traps the at least one flexible conductor  226  between the contact element  142  and the substrate  224  or the inside surface  214  of the hollow member  210 . 
     In embodiments, at least one flexible conductor  226  extending from a second end of the substrate  224  may be electrically coupled to a conductive member  160  extending from a second side  106  of a second end cap base  102 . In embodiments, a contactor  140  electrically coupled the at least one flexible conductor  226  to the conductive member  160 . The contactor  140  may be disposed in whole or in part in the inner wall  120  of the second end cap base  102  and a contact element  142  may exert a force directed outward from the outside surface  124  of the inner wall  120  that traps the at least one flexible conductor  226  between the contact element  142  and the substrate  224  or the inside surface  214  of the hollow member  210 . 
     An end cap apparatus for use with a hollow member containing at least one solid-state emitter may include a base having a first side and an opposed second side. An outer wall having a perimeter, an inside surface, and an outside surface, the outer wall may extend a first distance from the first side of the base. An inner wall having a perimeter, an inside surface, and an outside surface, the inner wall may extend a second distance from the first side of the base A gap may be formed between the outside surface of the inner wall and the inside surface of the outer wall. The end cap apparatus may also include at least one contactor disposed at least partially in the inner wall. The at least one contactor may extend beyond the outside surface of the inner wall and may exert a force directed outwardly from the outside surface of the inner wall. 
     A solid-state lighting device may include a hollow member that has at least a first open end forming a first peripheral edge. The lighting device may further include at least one solid-state emitter disposed on a substrate. In embodiments, the substrate may be disposed proximate at least a portion of an interior surface of the hollow member. In embodiments, the substrate may include at least one flexible conductor disposed proximate the first open end of the hollow member. The solid-state lighting device may further include an end cap apparatus. The end cap apparatus may include a base having a first side and an opposed second side. An outer wall having a perimeter, an inside surface, and an outside surface, the outer wall may extend a first distance from the first side of the base. An inner wall having a perimeter, an inside surface, and an outside surface, the inner wall may extend a second distance from the first side of the base. A gap may be formed between the outside surface of the inner wall and the inside surface of the outer wall. The end cap apparatus may also include at least one contactor disposed at least partially in the inner wall. The at least one contactor may extend beyond the outside surface of the inner wall and may exert a force directed outwardly from the outside surface of the inner wall. The at least one contactor may electrically couple a conductive member on the second side of the end cap base to the at least one flexible conductor when the hollow member is received in the gap between the inner wall and the outer wall. 
     A solid-state lighting method may include disposing a substrate that includes at least one solid-state emitter in an interior space of a hollow member having at least a first open end that defines a first peripheral edge. The method may further include disposing at least one flexible conductor electrically coupled to the at least one solid-state emitter along a portion of an inside surface of the hollow member, proximate at least the first open end of the hollow member. The end cap and the hollow member may be joined or otherwise coupled by slideably inserting at least the first peripheral edge of the hollow member into a gap formed between an inside surface of an outer wall that extends from a first side of an end cap base and an outside surface of an inner wall that extends from the first side of the end cap base. Power may be supplied to the at least one solid-state emitter by electrically coupling each flexible conductor to a respective conductive member extending from a second side of the end cap base by trapping the flexible conductor between the inside surface of the hollow member and a respective contactor disposed at least partially in the inner wall extending from the end cap base. 
     The terms and expressions which have been employed herein are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention, in the use of such terms and expressions, of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described (or portions thereof), and it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the claims are intended to cover all such equivalents.