Patent Publication Number: US-8534867-B1

Title: LED light modules and outdoor light fixtures incorporating such light modules

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Applications No. 61/120,489, filed Dec. 8, 2008 and No. 61/151,201, filed Feb. 10, 2009, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to a light module for use in low voltage outdoor lighting systems and more particularly to a light module having a light emitting diode (“LED”) for a light source and driver circuitry located integral to a printed circuit board (“PCB”) and optical components including filters and reflectors that are incorporated in the module. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Environmental lighting, particularly outdoor lighting, is well known in commercial or public settings such as parks and schools. Such lighting is also popular in residential applications, both to enhance the appearance and safety of the outdoor area and for security, to illuminate dark areas around a building or in a yard which may provide hiding places and unobserved entry points for intruders. 
     Conventional landscape and outdoor lighting systems include one or more lighting fixtures which are connected to either a 12 V transformer or a standard 120 VAC line. Some lighting fixtures enclose a halogen lamp or incandescent bulb within a housing, and include a reflector assembly and a lens or window within the housing. These fixtures may be used for highlighting features such as trees or statues, i.e., up-lighting or for pathway or ground lighting. 
     As technology has advanced and “green” technologies have become more cost-efficient to manufacture, LED lighting systems are becoming more popular as replacements for existing lighting systems. LED components use five to ten times less energy than a fluorescent light and produce significantly more lumens for a given input energy level. In addition to the energy savings from lower power consumption in conventional low voltage lighting systems, LEDs are especially important for use in solar-based lighting systems, where energy efficiency is essential to maximize the period of illumination produced by the stored charge in one or more batteries connected to the photovoltaic solar panel. Due to their solid state construction, LED light sources tend to be more durable and have much longer lives than more traditional lighting solutions such as incandescent and fluorescent lighting. LEDs are versatile in their ability to deliver virtually any color light by combining different red, blue and green arrays. LEDs are ecologically desirable since, unlike their fluorescent counterparts, they contain no lead or mercury. These and other benefits associated with LEDs make them attractive replacements for conventional incandescent, halogen and fluorescent light sources in many applications, including outdoor lighting systems. 
     One drawback of LEDs is that due to the relatively intense light that is generated across a very small surface area, thermal management becomes a major issue. Unless this heat is properly dissipated, the lifespan of the LED may be greatly reduced. To provide heat management, conventional LED light devices often incorporate heat sink components. In some prior art devices, an LED is mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) which has holes through which solder or metal paste is flowed to conduct heat from the LED to the air or to a metal slug that conducts heat away from the PCB. In addition, driver circuitry is required for providing input voltage to the LED. The driver circuit, which includes integrated circuits (op-amps and/or transistors) resistors, capacitors, diodes and inductors, protects the LEDs from excessive current by pulsing the input voltage. The driver also regulates the light output. The LED driver is frequently configured in a single module as a can or disk with wires extending from it to allow for connection to an input voltage source, e.g., batteries or cable connected to a lighting system transformer, and to the PCB on which the LED is mounted. The LED driver is usually encapsulated in an epoxy potting material to protect the circuitry from harsh environments and moisture. In an outdoor lighting fixture, the LED driver will often be housed within the post or stem of the fixture, at a distance from the LED light device. This tends to make connection of the LED to the driver a challenge, particularly when the LED must be replaced. 
     Accordingly, placing an LED lighting component with its circuitry inside lighting fixtures and other structures can be daunting with various space constraints, thermal management and electrical incompatibility. As a result, lighting fixtures utilizing LED light sources are not readily available in conventional outdoor lighting systems. 
     Thus, the need remains for an outdoor light fixture that is attractive, uses an LED lighting component, is easy to manufacture and service, and may be used to retrofit conventional lighting fixtures. The present invention is directed to such a device. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an advantage of the present invention to provide an outdoor light fixture having an LED lighting assembly, where the LED lighting assembly includes an LED component and its related driver circuitry module coupled to a single PCB. Benefits associated with LED lighting assembly described herein include the ability to utilize LED lighting components in pathway lighting fixtures. Furthermore, by placing an LED lighting component and its associated driver circuitry on a single PCB, the lamp assembly may be used to retrofit currently existing pathway light fixtures. 
     Light output is maximized by combinations of optical elements (filters and diffusers), reflectors and lenses that may be combined with the LED lighting assembly to produce a lighting module that can be incorporated into a new fixture design or retrofitted into existing low power fixtures. 
     In one aspect of the invention, a light module is provided for use in a lighting fixture having a base with an interior cavity, the light module includes a printed circuit board dimensioned to be received within the interior cavity of the base, the printed circuit board having an upper surface and a lower surface. An array of LED elements is mounted on the upper surface of the printed circuit board along with one or more LED drivers mounted on the upper surface of the printed circuit board in electrical communication with the LED elements. An electrical connector extends from the lower surface of the printed circuit board for attachment to an electrical socket within the fixture. A thermal conductor is disposed on the lower surface of the printed circuit board. A reflector array comprises an integrated array of individual parabolic reflectors, where each individual reflector disposed at a position corresponding to a position of an LED element within the array of LED elements. Fastening means releasably attach each of the printed circuit board, the thermal conductor and the reflector array to a support surface within the interior cavity of the base. At least one optical element is releasably mounted on top of the reflector array by a set of mating bayonet fasteners. Each optical element has such fasteners on its upper and lower surfaces to allow stacks of optical elements to be releasably attached on top of the reflector array. An optional adapter ring may be releasably attached on top of the at least one optical element using the same bayonet fasteners, with a window snapped into the upper portion of the adapter ring. In an alternative embodiment, a right angle reflector may be attached to the top of the light module for use in a light fixture requiring radial light emission. 
     In another aspect of the invention, a light module for a lighting fixture having a base including an interior cavity includes a printed circuit board dimensioned to be received within the interior cavity of the base, the printed circuit board having a top surface and a bottom surface. An electrical connector extends from the bottom surface of the printed circuit board for attachment to an electrical socket within the base. A plurality of LED elements and one or more LED driver are mounted on the top surface of the printed circuit board, where the LED elements and LED driver are in electrical communication with the electrical connector. A thermal conductor is attached to the bottom surface of the printed circuit board, wherein the thermal conductor comprises contact surfaces that contact at least one inner surface of the interior cavity of the base. A light-directing element is disposed above each LED element, wherein the light-directing elements are arranged in an array. Fastening means are provided for releasably attaching the printed circuit board and the thermal conductor within the interior cavity of the base. At least one optical element is releasably disposed on top of the array of light-directing elements. In one embodiment, the light-directing element is a lens, such as a vertical-emitting lens or a side-emitting lens. In another embodiment, the light-directing element is a parabolic reflector. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of individual parabolic reflectors is integrally formed into a reflector array configured to match the layout of at least a portion of the LED elements. 
     In still another aspect of the invention, a light module is provided for use in a lighting fixture having a lamp support base for retaining an electrical socket. The light module includes a printed circuit board releasably attached to the lamp support base with an electrical connector extending from the bottom surface of the printed circuit board for connection to the electrical socket. One or more LED elements and at least one LED driver are mounted on the printed circuit board so that the LED elements and the at least one LED driver in electrical communication with the electrical connector. A thermal conductor is in thermal contact with each of the printed circuit board and the lamp support base. A light-directing element is disposed above the one or more LED elements. 
     Thermal management for optimizing the life and efficiency of the light module is provided by a combination of heat sinks at the interior of the fixture and radiators on the exterior of the fixture. In preferred embodiments, the base of the fixture housing includes ribs or fins that dissipate heat that is conducted away from the light module. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention and from the attached drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a pathway light fixture according to the present invention. 
         FIGS. 2A-B  are side and perspective cross-sectional views, respectively, of the fixture head;  FIG. 2C  is an exploded perspective view of the fixture head. 
         FIG. 3A  is a side elevation of a lamp assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3B  is an exploded view of the lamp assembly of  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the lamp assembly of  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 5A  is a side elevation of a lamp assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5B  is an exploded view of the lamp assembly of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the lamp assembly of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 7  is a top elevation of a lamp assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  are perspective views of the top and bottom, respectively, of an alternative embodiment of the lamp assembly according to the present invention. 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  are perspective and exploded side views, respectively, of a lamp assembly with reflectors for optimizing light output and an optional filter. 
         FIGS. 10A-D  show a 3 LED lamp assembly, where  FIG. 10A  is a perspective view of the PCB, LEDs and drivers;  FIG. 10B  is a perspective view of the lamp assembly with filters and parabolic reflectors;  FIG. 10C  is a top view of the lamp assembly with filters; and  FIG. 10D  is an exploded side view of the lamp assembly with filters and parabolic reflectors. 
         FIGS. 11A-C  illustrate a 6 LED assembly with lenses and parabolic reflectors where  FIG. 11A  is a top view;  FIG. 11B  is a side view; and  FIG. 11C  is a perspective view. 
         FIG. 12  is a top view of a 9 LED assembly with lenses and parabolic reflectors. 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of a pathway light fixture incorporating the reflectors of  FIGS. 9A  and B. 
         FIG. 14A  is a perspective view of an uplight fixture incorporating the LED lamp assembly with parabolic reflectors and filters. 
         FIG. 14B  is a cross-sectional perspective view of the fixture of  FIG. 14A  with multiple LEDs. 
         FIG. 14C  is a cross-sectional side view of the fixture of  FIG. 14A . 
         FIGS. 15A-15B  are a front plan view and a cross-sectional view of a hanging light fixture incorporating the LED lamp assembly with parabolic reflectors and filters. 
         FIG. 16  is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a spot light fixture with an integrated heat sink. 
         FIG. 17  is a partially exploded perspective view of the fixture of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 18  is an exploded perspective view of a LED light module according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of an optical element of the LED light module of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a reflector assembly of LED light module of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of an adapter ring of the LED light module of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 22  is a side view of an assembled LED light module of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIGS. 23A and 23B  illustrate an exemplary spot light fixture with the inventive LED light module and a conventional halogen light source, respectively. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a pathway lighting fixture generally designated by reference numeral  100 . The lighting fixture  100  includes a stem in the form of a generally elongated tubular post  102  with a first end and a second end, the first end to which is attached to the lower end of the socket housing  104 , and a lens assembly  108 , which encloses the electrical components in a moisture-proof enclosure, disposed in the upper end of lens support  106 , and a symmetrically flared reflector  110 . Post  102  and reflector  110  should be made of a durable and aesthetically pleasing material. In the preferred embodiment, post  102  and reflector  110  are formed from solid copper, which is intended to oxidize to a verde finish and, thus, is preferably uncoated. Other corrosion resistant materials may be used as well, including stainless steel, anodized aluminum, powder-coated or painted metal, or high temperature plastics or composites. 
     The elements of lighting fixture  100  are shown in  FIGS. 2A-C . Tubular post  102  has a first (upper) end, a second (lower) end, and a substantially hollow interior  142  through which electrical wires  128  pass to provide connection to a cable connected to a voltage source (not shown). In some embodiments, the voltage source is a low voltage (12 V) transformer which is connected to 120 VAC. 
     In the socket assembly, socket housing  104  is generally cylindrical in shape and fits within the upper end of post  102 . Socket housing  104 , which molded or machined from a thermally conductive material, such as metal, retains socket  118  which receives electrical posts  117  that extend from the bottom of lamp assembly  116  to provide electrical connection to the lamp assembly  116 . Socket  118  is preferably a two-hole socket of the type commonly used for halogen bulbs such as 2 pin JC- or MR-type bulbs, since an object of the present invention is to provide simple means for replacement of conventional halogen bulbs with the LED lamp assembly  116 . Lamp assembly  116  is held firmly in place on top of socket housing  104  by screws  119  which are received in threaded bores  121 . Screws  119  may also provide additional thermal conduction from the lamp assembly to socket housing  104 . Wires  128  extend through socket housing  104  where they are connected at their upper ends to socket  118 . The other ends of wires  128  are fed down through interior  142  of post  102  for connection to an input voltage source such as a battery connected to a solar PV panel or a low voltage transformer. 
     Lens support  106  has an exterior shape that is generally cylindrical or a frustum, as shown, with a hollow interior. The central bore of lens support  106  is threaded to mate with external threads on socket housing  104 . In the preferred embodiment, lens support  106  is formed from brass or other conducting material to further disperse heat from the socket housing  104 . Annular channels  124  may be formed in the outer surface to provide the dual functions of: 1) facilitating grasping the lens assembly during disassembly and reassembly of the fixture and 2) acting as heat radiating fins to provide further heat dissipation for lamp assembly  116 , as will be discussed in more detail below. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B and  5 A,  5 B, lamp assembly  116  is provided in both assembled and exploded views, respectively. Lamp assembly  116  includes an LED component  200  having an LED bulb  205  and a driver circuitry module  220  coupled to a PCB  210 . In some embodiments, LED component  200  is coupled to driver circuitry module  220 . The driver circuitry module  220  is preferably used to covert the incoming voltage from the voltage source (not shown) to an appropriate voltage for the LED component  200 , e.g., stepping up or stepping down the voltage as desired. 
     PCB  210  includes a heat sink  230  integrated therein. For example, in one embodiment, PCB  210  includes metal paste that is used to fill through-holes  225  in the PCB to form metal plugs that conduct heat from the LED component, thereby acting as a heat sink such that the heat is transferred from the front of PCB  210  immediately below the LED component  200  to the back of the heat sink PCB  210  and to the top of socket housing  104 . PCB  210  includes mounting holes  215  through which screws  119  may be inserted to provide physical connection and, possibly, additional thermal conduction, to socket housing  104 . 
     Also integral to PCB  210  are a plurality of electrical posts  117  which extend through and are connected to PCB  210  via electrical conductors (not shown). As described above, electrical posts  117  are plugged into socket  118  in communication with electrical wires  128 , which provide connection to a cable connected voltage source (not shown). Thus, electrical posts  117  provide power to the components within lamp assembly  116 . In one embodiment, the electrical posts  117  are dimensioned and spaced to fit into a socket that is intended for use with conventional halogen bulbs, e.g., MR16 and the like. 
     Lamp assembly  116  further includes a lens assembly  250  for directing light away from the LED, i.e., a light-directing element. Lens assembly  250  may include a side emitter lens  252  such as shown in  FIG. 3 , or may include a vertical emitter lens  262  such as shown in  FIG. 5 . Both side emitter lens  252  and vertical emitter lens  262  preferably include a base portion  254 ,  264  and a top portion  256 ,  266 , respectively. As used herein, the base portion refers to the portion of the lens that is in contact with a housing component, as will be now discussed. 
     Referring to both  FIGS. 3 and 4 , in an exemplary embodiment, lens assembly  250  having a side emitter lens  252  includes a housing component  258 , formed at the base portion  254  of side emitter lens  252 . Housing component  258  includes one or more feet  259  which provide attachment to PCB  210 . As is appreciated, base portion  254  of side emitter lens  252  allows light from LED bulb  205  to diffuse through the lens so that the surroundings may be provided with light. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , in an exemplary embodiment, lens assembly having a vertical emitter lens  262  includes a housing component  268 , formed at the base portion  264  of vertical emitter lens  262 . Housing component  268  includes one or more feet  269  which provide attachment to PCB  210 . As is apparent from  FIG. 5 , feet  269  surround vertical emitter lens  262 , partially enclosing vertical emitter lens  262 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the top portion  266  of vertical emitter lens  262  includes a concave portion or a recess  280  allowing for LED bulb  205  to be received within the vertical emitter lens  262 . Similar to side emitter lens  252 , base portion  264  of vertical emitter lens  262  allows light from LED bulb  205  to diffuse through the lens so that the surroundings may be provided with light. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 2 , in the preferred embodiment, socket housing  104 , also referred to as the base, is formed from brass or other conductive material. An epoxy  136 , silicone or other adhesive is used to attach the base  104  to post  102 , and provides insulation between the outer surface of socket housing  104  and the inner surface of post  102  to minimize direct metal-to-metal contact and the resulting possible enhancement of corrosion by galvanic action between the brass and copper. 
     As described above, lens support  106  is also formed from brass or other conducting material and may include annular channels  124  formed in the outer surface of lens support  106 . The proximity of PCB  210  to socket housing  104  (e.g., PCB  210  abutting socket housing  104 ) and the proximity of socket housing  104  to lens support  106  (e.g., socket housing  104  abutting lens support  106 ) provides a channel for heat dissipation for PCB  210 . By virtue of their inherent shape, annular channels  124  behave as heat fins, aiding in dissipating heat generated by lamp assembly  116 . The depth of the annular channels may be adjusted depending on the anticipated degree of thermal dissipation. For example, a fixture intended for relatively high lumen output will have a greater number of LEDs and, thus, may need deeper channels for increased heat dissipation. Thus, the thermal management of the lamp assembly  116  is much more efficient than previous known systems. 
     In some embodiments, sockets  118  are formed from a non-conductive body of plastic or other durable, non-conductive materials. A pair of metal posts or conductors  117  passes through the body where they are configured to receive the electrical wiring of lamp assembly  116  at a first end. At the second end, conductive wires  128  enter the sockets  118  where they are attached to the metal posts  117  to provide for connection to a low voltage cable and voltage source, such as a transformer. Socket  118  is inserted through a bore  120  formed in socket housing  104  where it is firmly held by an interference fit. The outer surface of the socket may be configured with a series of small vertically aligned ribs (not shown) to enhance the grip between the outer surface of socket  118  and the inner surface of the socket bore  120 . 
     In the lens assembly  108 , reflector  110  is generally bell shaped with a crown portion  110   a  which is generally cylindrical and a skirt portion  110   b  which flares out from the crown portion  110   a  to form a frustum. Reflector  110  may be formed by machining, die casting, molding, or any other procedure appropriate for the selected materials. In the preferred embodiment, reflector  110  is formed from copper or brass, but may also be formed from aluminum or stainless steel, which may be powder coated. Other shapes may be substituted as long as a sufficient recess is provided to enclose the lamp and socket sufficiently to prevent direct viewing of the lamp from above the fixture. For example, tulip or other bell-like flower shapes, pyramids, half-shells, such as a scallop shell, or cones may be used. The shapes are not limited to rounded or symmetrical shapes. Optionally, a reflector liner  112  formed from a plastic or polymer, preferably white or light colored, may be attached to the underside of reflector  110  to enhance reflectivity. As illustrated, liner  112  is attached via a screw to the interior of crown portion  110   a . Liner  112  is molded to fit closely around the outer edges of lens  115  where it may be held in place by either an epoxy adhesive (for permanent attachment) or by a silicone channel ring (for releasable attachment) such as that described in U.S. application Ser. No. 12/581,688, filed Oct. 19, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     A cylindrical lens  115 , which surrounds lamp assembly  116 , has an outer diameter and thickness adapted to fit within channel  132 , which is formed in the upper edge of lens support  106 , and an outer diameter to fit closely within crown portion  110   a  of reflector  110 . Lens  115  can be transparent or translucent glass, plastic or similar material, preferably impact resistant and capable of withstanding outside environmental conditions without degradation. In the preferred embodiment, lens  115  is a frosted, tempered glass to serve as a diffuser, providing uniform dispersion of light and optimal tolerance of moisture, temperature and sunlight exposure. A diffuser can also be provided by forming a knurled, ribbed or other roughened texture on either the inner or outer surface of lens  115 . An adhesive  138 , such as epoxy, silicone or other adhesive is placed in channel  132  to provide a seal against moisture intrusion and to act as a shock-absorber for the lens. Reflector  110  is mounted concentrically atop lens  115 , with the upper portion of lens  115  inserted into the crown portion  110   a  of reflector  110  and fixed in place with the application of an epoxy, or silicone-based or similar adhesive that can create a watertight seal. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a lamp assembly  316  is shown including a plurality of LED &amp; lens assemblies  250  and driver circuitry modules  220  on PCB  210 . In each location on the PCB  210  immediately below an LED/lens assembly, through-holes are formed with a conductive material to conduct heat away from each LED to the bottom of the PCB, which will be in contact with a heat sink such as socket housing  104 . In some embodiments, the operation of lamp assembly  316  is similar to lamp assembly  116 . 
     Benefits associated with the lamp assemblies described herein include the ability to utilize LED lighting components in existing lighting fixtures currently configured for two-pin halogen lamps. Furthermore, by placing an LED lighting component and its associated driver circuitry on a single PCB, the lamp assembly may be used to retrofit currently existing pathway light fixtures. Lastly, utilizing lens support  106 , and in particular annular channels  124 , for heat dissipation allows the present lamp assemblies to operate efficiently and without premature burnout. 
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  illustrate an alternative embodiment of the LED assembly for use in lighting fixtures. Mounted on PCB  310 , which has a diameter on the order of 2.5 cm (˜1 in.), is a single LED and lens  350  at the center of the PCB  310 . The lens has a similar configuration to that described with reference to  FIG. 6 . Driver components  320 ,  322  and  324  are distributed around the board. Two pin connectors  330  extend from the underside of PCB  310  to plug into a standard two pin socket as is normally used with halogen lamps. On the front side of the board, pin connectors are in electrical communication with the driver components  320 ,  322  and  324  which are in electrical communication with the LED (not shown) located beneath the lens  350 . Through holes  315  are dimensioned to accept a screw (not shown) for securing the LED lamp assembly to the socket housing, such as socket housing  104  shown in  FIG. 2   a . Smaller through holes are formed through the board at positions equidistant from the board&#39;s center, where the LED is located. 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  illustrate an enhancement to the LED lamp assembly of  FIG. 8 . The layout of the board  310 , LED  305  and driver components  320 ,  322  and  324  are the same as those shown in  FIG. 8 . However, a combination of reflectors and an optional filter provide several advantages over the embodiment of  FIG. 8 . Attached on top of the board  310  is a parabolic reflector assembly  340  which has a flattened area and an opening at its center to fit over the LED so that the LED is aligned with the opening, so that the light emitted by the LED is directed through the opening. At least the inner surface of the parabolic reflector  342  of reflector assembly  340  is mirror coated to provide a highly reflective surface to maximize light transmission outward from the LED. Each parabolic reflector in the assembly is a light-directing element. Reflector assembly  340  is preferably formed from polycarbonate or other appropriate plastic which is coated with an aluminum reflective surface either on over the entire component or only on the upper surface. Mounting pins  344  extend downward from reflector assembly  340  and are inserted into corresponding through-holes (not shown) formed in board  310 . Pins  344  are preferably secured in place with an adhesive, but may also be press fit into closely dimensioned holes for a firm fit. Alternatively, pins  344  may be hollow with a bore threaded to accept a mounting screw so that the reflector assembly  340  can be removeably attached. Extending upward from the upper surface of the reflector assembly  340  are extensions  345  of pins  344 . The extensions  345  are dimensioned to fit within openings  346  of an optional colored filter  360  which will allow customization of the color of light emitted by the LED lamp assembly. As is known in the art, LEDs are “binned” based on flux, color (dominant wavelength) and forward voltage. The more specific the performance requirements of an LED, the narrower the binning, and the more expensive the LED. The ability to select custom optical elements (filters or diffusers) to be used with LEDs allows more flexibility with the color control, allowing the use of less costly, e.g., standard, LEDs while still retaining the ability to specify desired wavelengths in a fixture. The filter  360  is preferably releasably retained on the extensions  345  so that it may be changed or removed if desired. 
     A right angle reflector assembly  370  is affixed on the top of reflector assembly  340  and, if used, filter  360  to direct light radially from the LED. As with reflector assembly  340 , right angle reflector assembly  370  is preferably formed from plastic, such as polycarbonate and coated with a reflective material, such as aluminum, to create a mirrored surface at least on the conical lower surface  376  of the reflector assembly  370 . Extending downward from the upper edges of the reflector assembly  370  are legs  372  and alignment feet  374  which are configured to releasably snap lock into notches  348  formed in the outer ring of parabolic reflector assembly  340 . Alternatively, the right angle reflector assembly may be attached to the reflector assembly by other attachment methods, including screws, or a bayonet type coupling (not shown). The high reflectivity of the right angle reflector ensures that the light is transmitted radially out of the LED lamp assembly with maximum efficiency. 
       FIGS. 10A-10D  illustrate an alternative embodiment which combines a multiple LED arrangement with parabolic reflectors and filters. On PCB  410 , three LEDs  405  and  406  are positioned among the driver components  420 ,  422  and  424 . As illustrated, two different types of LEDs are used to provide a mix of colors or other characteristics. All three may be the same type of LED, or three different types may be used, depending on the desired effects. Through-holes  415  in board  410  provide means for firmly attaching the LED assembly to a socket housing. Pins  430  extend from the bottom of PCB  410  for insertion into a socket. Through-holes  412  provide means for attaching parabolic reflector assembly  450  to the board  410 . Parabolic reflector assembly  450  includes an annular frame portion from which extend support legs  454 , the feet of which snap into holes  412 . A separate parabolic reflector  456  is provided for each LED  405 ,  406  so that the reflector  456  fits closely around the LED for efficient light transfer away from the LED. Extending upward from the frame of reflector assembly  450  is a set of notched tabs or latch  452  (three are shown) which are configured to receive pegs  462  which extend from the edges of filters  460  to firmly but releasably retain the filter(s)  460  in position on top of the reflector assembly. A single color or frosted filter may be used or multiple filters may be combined to create a desired effect. 
       FIGS. 11A-11C  illustrate a multi-LED arrangement with 9 LEDs. The LEDs are divided into three groups of three. A group of three LEDs  505  and parabolic reflector assembly  542  with a parabolic reflector  544  corresponding to each LED group are covered by a single filter  540  (or group of filters). Thus, the entire LED lamp assembly has three filters  540  within the outer dimension of the PCB  510 . Different types of drivers  522 ,  524  are used to maximize capacity while fitting in the available area on the PCB  510 . Prongs  530  extending from the bottom of the PCB  510  fit into a standard two-prong socket.  FIG. 12  illustrates a variation of the 9 LED lamp assembly with slightly different positioning of the drivers  620 ,  622  on PCB  610 . LEDs  605 , parabolic reflector arrays  642  with parabolic reflectors  644  and filters  640   
       FIG. 13  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the pathway light fixture with a single LED lamp assembly  700 . As illustrated, the hood assembly includes a hood  702 , a molded hood liner/reflector  704 , a cylindrical lens/diffuser  706 , a metal cap  710  and a mounting screw  712 . A silicone seal or sleeve  708  can be used to form a substantially watertight seal between the diffuser  706  and the reflector  704  at the top and between the diffuser  706  and the housing  750  at the bottom. Similar hood assemblies are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,387,409 of Beadle, and application Ser. No. 12/581,688, also of Beadle, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. A parabolic reflector  740  surrounds the LED to maximize the amount of light directed upward, while the right angle reflector  770  reflects the light outward from the fixture&#39;s axis, to maximize the light emitted from the fixture. An optional color filter  760  may be supported and attached on top of parabolic reflector  740 . The LED assembly  700  is retained within metal housing  750  with good thermal contact between the back of LED assembly  700  and the support surface of the housing  750 . Ribs  752  serve as a heat sink as well as contributing to the aesthetics of the fixture. Electrical connections to the LED assembly are made by way of the pin  754  which extends down into a bore formed in the housing. 
       FIGS. 14A-14C  provide different views of a spot light fixture  800  that incorporates a multi-LED lamp assembly on PCB  810  with parabolic reflectors  840  for reflecting the light upward through one or more filters  860  that are supported within frame  864  which is enclosed within housing  804 . Base  865  is preferably brass or similar heat-conducting metal. Fins  870  formed integrally with based  865  draw heat away from the LED assembly for thermal management. Window  806  encloses the entire lighting assembly (lamp assembly, reflectors and filter(s)) to prevent contamination from entering the fixture. The fixture  800  is shown mounted on a knuckle joint  808  such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,902,200 of Beadle. 
       FIGS. 15A-15B  illustrate a hanging light fixture  900  with the multi-LED lamp assembly on the PCB  916  along with corresponding electrical and optical components, including parabolic reflectors  912  and snap-on filters  918  similar to those described in the preceding embodiments. The PCB  916  is attached via screws  914  to the inner surface of the base  908 , which is preferably formed from brass or a similar heat-conducting metal. Ribs  904  formed in the base serve as heat sinks. A shroud  902 , preferably formed from copper, brass, stainless steel or other coated or treated metal, hangs down from base  908  and is secured in place by set screw  906 . A ring  910 , preferably formed from the same material as the base, extends from the top of base  908  to provide means for hanging the fixture from a structure, tree limb or other appropriate support. 
       FIGS. 16 and 17  illustrate a spot light fixture  950  with enhanced thermal management function and which incorporates a lighting module that provides increased versatility in light manipulation. As shown in  FIG. 16 , the fixture  950  includes a shroud  952 , a base  954  with radially-extending ribs  960  for improved heat dissipation due to their size (compared with prior embodiments), and a mounting/support means  956 , which in this case, is a knuckle joint. The construction of the fixture is shown in  FIG. 17 . In particular, light module  970  is enclosed within the assembled shroud  952  and base  954 . In one embodiment, the bottom surface of light module  970  is mounted directly onto a flat surface at the bottom of a cavity within base  954 , in the same manner as the embodiments of  FIGS. 14 and 15 . In an alternative embodiment, an optional generally cylindrical heat sink  971  may be attached to the bottom of light module  970  and inserted into the base cavity to provide increased surface area in the form of the cylindrical fins for thermal conduction to the interior sidewall of base  954 . In this embodiment, thermal grease may be used to further enhance conduction. 
     The details of light module  970  are illustrated in  FIGS. 18-21 . Light module  970  is an assembly of six to eight individual components consisting of thermal conductor mount  972 , LED-driver board  974 , parabolic reflector array  975 , diffuser  976  and/or one or more filters  978 , and, optionally, adaptor ring  980  and diffuser window  981 . Reflector array  975 , LED-driver board  974  and thermal conductor mount  972  are attached to the inner surface of base  954  of the fixture using mounting hardware  982 . In a preferred embodiment, the disk-shaped thermal conductor mount  972  is faced on one or both sides with a double-sided adhesive coating to provide easy attachment to the bottom of LED-driver board  974  and/or to the inner support surface of the fixture base, e.g., base  954  of  FIG. 17 . As illustrated, mounting hardware  982  consists of three screws which are inserted through openings in each of the reflector array, PCB and thermal conductor mount  972  to be screwed into corresponding threaded bores formed in the interior of base  954 . More or fewer fasteners may be used if appropriate. It may be desirable to utilize captive screws with their shells affixed in the reflector array  975  to prevent loss of the screw and to facilitate installation and removal. 
     Additional details of the construction of reflector array  975  can be seen in  FIG. 20 . The array illustrated is configured for a nine LED assembly  974  with nine individual parabolic reflectors  977  integrally molded in the array at locations to correspond to the layout of the LEDs  984  on the LED board  974 . Bosses  973  receive the mounting hardware  982  and provide a fixed spacing between the array  975  and the LED board  974 . As will be readily apparent to those in the art, more or fewer LEDs may be used, with the configuration of the reflector array adapted to the appropriate number of LED elements on the LED board  974 . A male latch  986  is formed at uniformly spaced positions around the outer edge of the reflector array  975 . The male latch  986  is one half of a bayonet-style fastener which mates with a female latch  988  that extends from the bottom of whichever of diffuser  976  and/or filter  978  (collectively referred to as optical elements) is intended to directly abut the top of reflector array  975 . Bayonet fasteners or connectors, which are well known in the art, include a male side with one or more pins or tabs, and a female receptor with matching “L” slots to keep the two parts locked together. Note that in the present description, although both parts of the bayonet fastener are referred to as “latches”, it should be understood that the female latch corresponds to the slot and the male latch corresponds to the pin or tab. For attachment, the male and female latches (bayonet fasteners) are aligned and the two optical elements are pressed together, after which one of the diffuser or filter and the reflector array is rotated to engage the two components in a bayonet mount. As illustrated, each component has three latches spaced equally around the outer edges of the component, e.g., at 120°, but any appropriate number of latches may be used, for example, from one to four latches would be practical for use in the present invention. More may be used, but would not measurably improve the stability of the assembly. In the exemplary embodiment, the optical elements (diffuser and filters) each have a male latch  990  at the edges of their top surfaces and a female latch  988  at their bottom surfaces, allowing multiple filters to be stacked together and firmly but releasably secured by aligning the latches and rotating the two components to engage the corresponding latches. Typically, a quarter turn or less will be sufficient to engage the latches. With each diffuser and filter configured in the same manner, a virtually unlimited number of combinations of filter and window options are possible. Optional adapter ring  980  has female latches  992  extending downward from its lower edge for mating with the male latches  986  at the top of diffuser  976  or filter  978 . The adapter ring  980  is securely but releasably fastened to the uppermost filter or diffuser, thus providing a module with robust construction that may be used for installation in a new low voltage or solar operation or as a replacement for existing incandescent or halogen bulbs. It should be noted that while the latches are described as being male at the top and female at the bottom of each component, the arrangement may be reversed, e.g., female latch on top, male latch at the bottom, as long as the relative order of the latches remains that same for all components in the stack to allow adjacent components to be secured. A two pin connector  998  extending from the bottom of the LED/driver board (in the same configuration as in previously-described embodiments) provides for connection of the lighting module to a two pin socket such as those used for conventional halogen bulbs. 
     The upper edge of adapter ring  980  has a lip  994  configured for receiving a glass or plastic window  981 , which snaps into the lip  994  to be secured in place at the top of the stack of components that form the module. The window  981  may be a clear lens, may be frosted to reduce glare, i.e., a diffuser, or may be colored to create additional effects. Other modifications will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the adapter ring and window may be replaced with a right angle reflector such as that shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 9  for use in path lights and other fixtures in which radial light emission is appropriate. The reflector may be attached in a manner similar to that described above, by way of legs and mounting pins inserted through corresponding openings (not shown) in the optical elements. Preferably, however, similar bayonet fasteners can be formed in an annular base to which the pins extending downward from reflector are attached. As above, the legs serve as spacers that ensure correct separation between the optical element and the reflector surface. However, unlike the prior embodiment, the annular base provides the means for connection of the right angle reflector to the element immediately below. It should be noted that incorporation of the bayonet fastener in an annular base of the right angle reflector would permit direct attachment of the right angle reflector to the top of the reflector array  975  if no optical elements are to be used. 
     The lighting module described above provides a versatile, robust device for increasing the options for use of LED light sources in lighting fixtures. The use of a standard two pin connector allows the lighting module to be retrofitted into existing lighting systems that are configured for halogen or incandescent bulbs, providing a more energy efficient lighting system.  FIGS. 23A and 23B  illustrate how the same spot fixture can use either a conventional halogen lamp light source or a LED light module as described above. The same LED light module may be utilized in new fixtures specifically designed for use with such light sources. Preferably, for thermal management, the fixture should include a heat dissipation mechanism such as the radiating fins shown in the embodiments of FIGS.  2  and  14 - 17 . 
     The foregoing detailed description of preferred embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the specific details disclosed herein. Rather, the present invention extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses as fall within the scope of the appended claims.