Patent Publication Number: US-9410675-B1

Title: Elongated beam light emitting diode lighting device

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Light emitting diode (LED) lighting devices are replacing incandescent lamp lighting devices in many applications including flashlights, automotive tail lamps, buoy lights, etc. LED light sources or lamps offer high efficiency; however, when employed in a lighting device, the efficacy of the lighting device depends upon the beam pattern of the lighting device relative to the requirements for the beam pattern of the emerging light. 
     The light emitted from an individual LED lamp can have a number of patterns depending upon the construction of the LED lamp. However, it is common for the light to be distributed within a hemisphere about an axis. 
     It is common for a lighting device to require an emerging light pattern different from the emitted light pattern from the LED lamp and therefore an optic or lens is necessary to redirect the light and modify the emitted light pattern from the LED lamp to match the required emerging light pattern for the lighting device. 
     In addition to matching the requirement for a particular emerging light pattern from the lighting device in order to maximize the efficacy of the lighting device, the lens should be designed to maximize the percentage of light emitted from the LED lamp which adds to the emerging light pattern from the lighting device. 
     In addition to having a required emerging light pattern, some lighting devices may also require that they appear evenly illuminating when viewed from outside the lighting device. In order to comply with that requirement, the lens should be designed such that the surface of the lighting device appears evenly illuminating. 
     Some lighting devices may also have size limitations and need to comply with a requirement that the lens be designed to minimize its size. 
     Some lighting devices may also require high-intensity emerging light beam patterns requiring a plurality of LEDs. For these devices, the lens must be designed such that a plurality of lenses can be assembled within the size limitations of the lighting device with each lens directing its emitted light into a common beam. 
     Some lighting devices may also be required to emit a light beam which is elongated beyond an angular beamwidth of eighty degrees. 
     Some lighting devices may also require a smooth and/or flat exterior surface permitting easy cleaning. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It is noted that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a lighting device according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  is a view of lighting assembly L 1  removed from  FIG. 1  in some embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  is a view across  33 ′ of  FIG. 2  in some embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  is a view across  44 ′ of  FIG. 3  in some embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view taken across  55 ′ of  FIG. 2  in some embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  is a  FIG. 5  cross-sectional view with ray traces entering and leaving complex lens CL in some embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view taken across  77 ′ of  FIG. 2  in some embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view taken across  88 ′ of  FIG. 3  in some embodiments. 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of alternate one lighting assembly L 1 A 1  in some embodiments. 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of alternate two lighting assembly L 1 A 2  in some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of one or more embodiments the present disclosure. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, examples and are not intended to be limiting. The present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed. 
     Further, spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. The spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. The apparatus may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may likewise be interpreted accordingly. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a composite lighting device  50  which is a combination of four individual lighting assemblies L 1 , L 2 , L 3  and L 4 . Alternatively, composite lighting device  50  has more or less individual lighting assemblies depending upon the intensity of the emerging light beam required for lighting device  50 , in at least some embodiments. Lighting assemblies L 1 , L 2 , L 3  and L 4 , according to some embodiments, are identical or similar such that when assembled the lighting assemblies form smooth, flat and rectangular exterior light emerging Surface ST. The construction of lighting device  50  according to some embodiments is configured to achieve one or more of the following characteristics: an emerging light beam elongated beyond 80°, a smooth exterior surface, a flat exterior surface, a rectangular exterior surface, an optical design which maximizes the percentage of light emitted from the LED lamp which adds to the emerging light pattern required the lighting device, an exterior surface which appears to be evenly illuminating, a design which minimizes the size of the lighting device, a design permitting a plurality of lighting assemblies adequate for providing the intensity required of the lighting device and also within the size limitations of the lighting device. 
       FIG. 2  is a front view of lighting assembly L 1  removed from lighting device  50  of  FIG. 1 . Lighting assembly L 1  according to some embodiments has a rectangular contour having a width W and height H such that it may be assembled with lighting assemblies L 2 , L 3  and L 4  to form lighting device  50  having a rectangular configuration. In some embodiments, lighting assemblies L 1  L 2 , L 3  and L 4  have square light emerging surfaces resulting in lighting device  50  having a square light emerging surface. Lighting assemblies L 1 , L 2 , L 3  and L 4  according to some embodiments are similar or identical such that they easily fit together forming a continuous smooth and flat exterior emerging light surface ST of lighting device  50 . Since, in some embodiments, each lighting assembly is designed to appear evenly illuminating and the lighting assemblies are configured to be assembled with minimal space between them, lighting device  50  also appears to be evenly illuminating. In some embodiments, exterior surface S 2  is curved or has facets to direct the emerging light as required for specific uses of lighting device  50 . 
       FIG. 3  is a top view of lighting assembly L 1  taken across  33 ′ of  FIG. 2 , according to some embodiments, showing light emitting diode (LED) Diode D and complex lens CL. Complex lens CL, according to some embodiments, is configured to collect light emitted from diode D within included angle A 4 . In some embodiments, angle A 4  ranges from 60° to 80°. In some embodiments, angle A 4  is 70°. In various embodiments, angle A 4  varies depending on a number of features including the pattern of light emitted from the LED, efficacy required of lighting assembly L 1 , and limitations on the geometry of lighting device  50 . 
       FIG. 4  is a view of lighting assembly L 1  across  44 ′ of  FIG. 3 , according to some embodiments, showing a view of complex lens CL comprising quadrants Q 1 , Q 2 , Q 3  and Q 4 . lighting assembly L 1 , according to some embodiments, is symmetrical about plane P 1  and plane P 2 . Therefore, according to some embodiments, the concepts and optical performance provided in the present disclosure for quadrant Q 1  of the  FIG. 4  view of lighting assembly L 1 , including complex lens CL, apply, due to symmetry, to the remaining three quadrants Q 2 , Q 3  and Q 4 . In the present embodiment, plane P 1  is a vertical plane and plane P 2  is a horizontal plane that intersect at emitted light pattern axis X of the light emitted from diode D. In some embodiments, plane P 1  may not be vertical and plane P 2  may not be horizontal; however they remain orthogonal planes. In some embodiments diode D emits light within a hemisphere about axis X with most of the light emitted within 80° of axis X. 
     In some embodiments, complex lens CL includes first surface S 1  which is a surface of revolution about revolution axis AX and comprises light condensing refracting surfaces R 1  and R 2 . In some embodiments, first or impinging light surface S 1  has a single refracting surface or any number of refracting surfaces in order to achieve additional control of the light emerging from complex lens CL. First surface S 1  is the impinging light or interior surface whereat the light emitted from Diode D enters complex lens CL. Due to symmetry, surface S 1  is in quadrants Q 1 , Q 2 , Q 3  and Q 4 . In the present embodiment, surface S 1  is a 140° surface of revolution about revolution axis AX, therefore intersecting light rays diverging from plane P 1  by 70° in quadrants Q 1  and Q 3  and intersecting light rays diverging from plane P 1  by 70° in quadrants Q 2  and Q 4 . The angle of revolution A 4  of surface S 1  in the present environment is 140°, or twice the angle of revolution of surface S 1  about axis X in quadrant Q 1 . The angle of revolution of surface S 1 , according to some embodiments, is different than 140°. In some embodiments, the angle of revolution ranges from 120° to 160°. In addition, according to some embodiments, the individual refracting surfaces which form surface S 1  have distinct angles of revolution. 
     In some embodiments, complex lens CL also includes top mirror M 1  which is a surface of revolution about revolution axis AX. In some embodiments, top mirror M 1  is composed of a multiplicity of mirror segments comprising a multiplicity of contours in order to achieve a desired distribution of the light emerging from complex lens CL. In some embodiments, top mirror M 1  is a 140° surface of revolution about revolution axis AX diverging from plane P 1  by 70° in quadrant Q 1  and diverging from plane P 1  by 70° in quadrant Q 2 . Angle A 4  represents the divergence of top mirror M 1  about plane P 1  quadrant Q 1 . In some embodiments, the angle of revolution of top mirror M 1  is equal to the angle of revolution of surface S 1 . In some embodiments, the angle of revolution of top mirror M 1  and the angle of revolution of surface S 1  are not equal. In at least some embodiments the surface of revolution created by the 140° total angle of revolution of top mirror M 1  would change from 140° in response to changes in the emerging light pattern of diode D or changes in the sizing or configuration of lighting assembly L 1 . 
     According to the present embodiment, complex lens CL also includes side mirror M 4  which is comprised of mirrors M 2  and M 3 , which are curved and perpendicular to plane P 2 . In various embodiments, mirror M 4  is curved, flat or comprises segmented flat surfaces. In some embodiments, side mirror M 4  is perpendicular to plane P 2 . In various embodiments, mirror M 4  includes a single mirror or any number of mirrors in place of mirrors M 2  and M 3  to effect a desired distribution of the light emerging from complex lens CL. In some embodiments, mirrors, whether or not integral surfaces of complex lens CL, achieve reflectivity because their orientation relative to the rays of impinging light create total internal reflection. In some embodiments, complex lens CL is a solid lens molded of an optical plastic such as acrylic or polycarbonate. 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view taken across  55 ′ of  FIG. 2 , representing plane P 1 .  FIG. 5  shows refracting surface R 1  forming a 28 degree included angle A 1  with diode D, in some embodiments.  FIG. 5  additionally shows refracting surface R 2  forming a 59 degree included angle A 2  with diode D, in some embodiments. Included angle A 1  and included angle A 2  add up to form total angle AT which total 87 degrees, in some embodiments. Total angle AT represents, according to some embodiments, the light collected for quadrant Q 1  of complex lens CL. Since LEDs may emit almost all of their light within 80° of the axis of their emitted light pattern, complex lens CL in quadrant Q 1  is configured to collect most of the light emitted by diode D in quadrant Q 1 . Therefore, due to the symmetry of complex lens CL about planes P 1  and P 2 , complex lens CL is configured to collect most of the light emitted by diode D. The angles disclosed in the present embodiment are changed for some embodiments in order for lighting device  50  to achieve specific requirements. In some embodiments, angle A 1  has a range from 25° to 30°. In some embodiments, angle A 2  has a range from 55° to 63°. 
       FIG. 6  is the  FIG. 5  cross-sectional view with ray traces of light entering and leaving complex lens CL in plain P 1  in quadrant Q 1 , according to some embodiments. For the present embodiment, the light emitted by diode D includes a first portion of light rays B 1  and a second portion of light rays B 2 . The first portion of light rays B 1 , according to the present embodiment, includes all rays within angle A 1 , an angle of 28° about axis X. These are also the rays which intersect refractive surface R 1 . According to some embodiments, the first portion of light rays B 1  includes alternate sizes of angle A 1 . The second portion of light rays B 2 , according to the present embodiment, includes all rays within angle A 2  which is exterior to an angle of 28° about axis X and interior to an angle of 87° about axis X. These are also the rays which intersect refractive surface R 2  and which—to be later described—are directed by refractive surface R 2  towards a top mirror. According to some embodiments, the second portion of light rays B 2  includes alternate sizes of angle A 2 . 
       FIG. 6  shows a first segment of the first portion of light rays B 1 S 1  and a first segment of the second portion of light rays B 2 S 1  emitted from diode D in quadrant Q 1 . Quadrants Q 2 , Q 3  and Q 4  have similar light rays emitted from diode D.  FIG. 6  shows the first segment of the first portion of light rays B 1 S 1  leaving diode D in a diverging pattern, intersecting surface R 1 , refracted towards parallelism with plane P 2  and directed towards surface S 2  and directed such that they pass through complex lens CL, emerging from complex lens CL at surface S 2 . 
       FIG. 6  also shows the first segment of the second portion of light rays B 2 S 1  leaving diode D in a diverging pattern, intersecting surface R 2 , refracted towards parallelism towards top mirror M 1 . At top mirror M 1  the first segment of the second portion of light rays B 2 S 1  are reflected to remain parallel but directed towards parallelism with plane P 2  and directed towards surface S 2  such that they pass through complex lens CL, emerging from complex lens CL at surface S 2 . 
     The first segment of the first portion of light rays B 1 S 1  and the first segment of the second portion of light rays B 2 S 1  are not parallel after they are refracted by surfaces R 1  and R 2 , respectively. However, top mirror M 1  redirects the first segment of the second portion of light rays B 2 S 1  such that they become parallel to plane P 1  and therefore parallel to the first segment of the first portion of light rays B 1 S 1 . Therefore, the first segment of the first portion of light rays B 1 S 1  and the first segment of the second portion of rays B 2 S 1  in  FIG. 6  pass through complex lens CL as parallel rays emerging from surface S 1  as concentrated light. In some embodiments, refractive surface R 1  and refractive surface R 2  are contoured such that the refracted light is not parallel but diverging. This configuration results in a diverging beam spread of emerging light, which for some embodiments is desirable. 
       FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view taken across  77 ′ of  FIG. 2  representing plane P 2 . In  FIG. 6 , the first segment of the first portion of light rays B 1 S 1  in plane P 1  appear to emerge from emerging light or exterior surface S 2  without changing direction (without refraction).  FIG. 7  shows additional light rays of the first segment of the first portion of rays B 1 S 1  which are now in plane P 2  rather than in plane P 1 . Looking at typical light ray LR which intersects surface S 2  forming included angle AR, it can be seen that this ray and this group of rays forming the first segment of the first portion of light rays B 1 S 1  in plane P 2  rays do not intersect surface S 2  perpendicularly but intersect surface S 2  forming a variety of included angles of intersegment with surface S 2 . This configuration results in light rays emerging from surface S 2  at a variety of angles relative to surface S 2  with increased refraction for rays which intersect surface S 2  with increased angular divergence from plane P 1 . This configuration effects spreading the first segment of the first portion of light rays B 1 S 1  along plane P 2  and perpendicular to plane P 1 . 
     It can be seen in  FIG. 7  that light impinging upon surface S 2  within a 40° angle of divergence from plane P 1  is refracted and passes through surface S 1 . The light, however, does not pass directly through (without bending) surface S 1  and does not remain within a 40° angle of divergence from plane P 1 . Upon refraction, some of the light is spread such that its angle of divergence from plane P 1  approaches 90°. This configuration would appear to effect an emerging elongated light beam having a beam spread of almost 180°, considering that the beam spread is on both sides of plane P 1 . However, the emerging beam spread is far less than 180° because the amount of light being widely spread is minimal and is not adequate to intensify the beam at wide angles such that the beam would be considered as extending to 180°. This configuration uses side mirrors to reflect light that would be totally internally reflected such that it intersects surface S 1  and is refracted to add additional light to the elongated beam. This additional light added to the beam increases the fringe intensity and therefore the beamwidth of the elongated beam. Spreading the light along plane P 2  effects this light contributing to a light beam elongated along plane P 2  and also abets making surface S 2  appear evenly illuminating. Having surface S 2  appear evenly illuminating achieves an objective which may be required of lighting device  50 . 
     Looking again at  FIG. 7 , light ray LR intersects surface S 2  and also forms included angle AR with plane P 1 . Based upon simple geometry it can be seen that angle AR is equal to the included angle between light ray LR and a normal to surface S 2 —not shown—at point of intersection LRX of light ray LR and surface S 2 . Hence, included angle AR is equal to the angle of incidence—relating to light ray LR and surface S 2 . In some embodiments, complex lens CL is constructed of polycarbonate plastic and has a critical angle of approximately 40°. In some embodiments, complex lens CL has a critical angle having a range of 35° to 45°. Angle AR of  FIG. 7  is approximately 38° and therefore light ray LR is refracted and exits complex lens CL at surface S 2 . However, adjacent light rays forming included angles with plane P 1  exceeding the critical angle do not exit from surface S 2  and do not contribute to the emerging light beam because, due to total internal reflection, these rays are reflected back into complex lens CL. 
     In the present embodiment, light rays which emerge from surface S 1  directed to intersect surface S 2  such that they pass through surface S 2  (they do not intersect surface S 2  such that they experience total internal reflection) represent the first segment of the first portion of light rays B 1 S 1 . Other light rays which emerge from surface S 1  directed such that, if they intersected surface S 2 , would be substantially reflected back into surface S 2 , represent the second segment of the first portion of light rays B 1 S 2 , which may have angles of divergence about plane P 1  of at least the critical angle of complex lens CL. 
     In the present embodiment, side mirror M 4  is configured within complex lens CL such that it intersects the second segment of the first portion of light rays B 1 S 2  at an angle which employs total internal reflection at side mirror M 4  to redirect these rays to intersect surface S 2  at an angle such that they are refracted and pass through surface S 2  to contribute to the emerging elongated light beam. Side mirror M 4  therefore intersects light rays which would otherwise be trapped within complex lens CL due to total internal reflection at surface S 2 . Side mirror M 4  subsequently reflects the second segment of the first portion of light rays B 1 S 2  and directs them such that they intersect surface S 2  at angles of incidence permitting them to emerge from surface S 2 . Finally, the rays may intersect and emerge from surface S 2  at a variety of angles. This results in light rays emerging from surface S 2  at a variety of angles relative to surface S 2  with increased refraction for rays which intersect surface S 2  at increased angular divergence from plane P 1 . This effects spreading the second segment of the first portion of light rays B 1 S 2  along plane P 2  and perpendicular to plane P 1 . Spreading the second segment of the first portion of light rays B 1 S 2  along plane P 2  at a variety of angles adds to the elongated beam created by the first segment of the first portion of light rays B 1 S 1 . Adding light beyond the critical angle divergence from plane P 1  increases the intensity beyond the critical angle and therefore extends the acceptable intensity of the elongated beam beyond the critical angle. Spreading the light along plane P 2  adds to the light beam elongated along plane P 2  and also abets making surface S 2  appear evenly illuminating. Having surface S 2  appear as evenly illuminating achieves an objective which may be required of lighting device  50 . 
     In some embodiments side mirror M 4  additionally reflects light towards intersecting plane P 1  such that, if extended, it would intersect plane P 1 . This adjustment in the design allows a reduction of the width of lighting assembly L 1  and therefore the width of lighting device  50 . Minimizing the size of lighting device  50  beneficially makes it more compact. In addition, by reducing the exterior surface ST, it makes the exterior surface appear more evenly illuminating. 
     Hence, both the first segment of the first portion of light rays B 1 S 1  and the second segment of the first portion of light rays B 1 S 2  contribute to an emerging light beam elongated along plane P 2  and both abet making surface S 2  appear evenly illuminating. The fact that surface S 2  is rectangular and evenly illuminating, combined with the fact that similar lighting devices L 2 , L 3  and L 4  are assembled to create surface ST of lighting device  50 , results in lighting device  50  having a surface capable of appearing to be evenly illuminating. 
     As previously indicated, side mirror M 4  includes mirrors M 2  and M 3 , and these mirrors can be adjusted to direct their reflected light at a variety of angles and still be in a position to effect total internal reflection. By adjusting these mirrors to direct the reflected light to converge towards plane P 1 , the present embodiment reduces the width W of complex lens CL, thereby achieving, according to some embodiments, an objective of minimizing size which may be required of lighting device  50 . 
     Looking again at  FIG. 7 , it can be seen that, according to some embodiments, both the first segment of the first portion of rays B 1 S 1  and the second segment of the first portion of light rays B 1 S 2  emerge from surface S 2  immediately adjacent to edge E. This is beneficial in abetting lighting assemblies L 1  through L 4  being assembled to form lighting device  50  without dark zones between them and thereby providing an evenly illuminating face for complex lens CL, which may be an objective for lighting device  50 . In addition, exterior surface S 2  of lighting assembly L 1  is flat and smooth such that, when a plurality of similar lighting assemblies such as lighting assemblies L 2 , L 3  and L 4  are assembled to form lighting device  50 , it has a smooth flat surface which may be desirable for many applications. 
       FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view taken across  88 ′ of  FIG. 3  representing plane P 3 . In  FIG. 8 , the second segment of the first portion of light rays B 1 S 2  are refracted at refractive surface R 1  where they are brought towards parallelism and directed towards side mirror M 4 , whereat they are reflected towards surface S 2  such that they may emerge from light assembly L 1 .  FIG. 8  traces the rays up until side mirror M 4 , but does not trace the rays actually intersecting or reflecting from side mirror M 4 . However, according to some embodiments, side mirror M 4  is perpendicular to plane P 1 ; therefore since the light impinging on side mirror M 4  is parallel to plane P 1 , side mirror M 4  reflects the light without spreading it along plane P 1 . Nevertheless, the reflected light intersects surface S 2  and is spread along plane P 2 , widening the emerging light beam, reducing dark spots within the light beam, and making the surface of complex lens CL appear more evenly illuminating, in some embodiments. 
     Also, in the embodiment of  FIG. 8 , the second segment of the second portion of light rays B 2 S 2  are refracted at refractive surface R 2  where they are brought towards parallelism and directed towards top mirror M 1 , whereat they are reflected towards second portion side mirror M 4 S. At side mirror M 4 S, they are reflected towards surface S 2 , intersecting surface S 2  at an angle such that they pass through surface S 2  to emerge from light assembly L 1 . According to some embodiments, second portion side mirror M 4 S is perpendicular to plane P 2 . Since the light impinging on second portion side mirror M 4 S is parallel to plane P 1 , according to some embodiments, second portion side mirror M 4 S reflects the light without spreading it along plane P 1 . However, as the reflected light intersects and is refracted at surface S 2 , it may be spread along plane P 2 , widening the emerging light beam, reducing dark spots within the light beam, and making the surface of complex lens CL appear more evenly illuminating, in some embodiments. In  FIG. 8 , according to some embodiments, second portion side mirror M 4 S is identical in contour to side mirror M 4 . According to some embodiments, second portion side mirror M 4 S is identical in contour and an extension of side mirror M 4 . In some embodiments, second portion side mirror M 4 S and side mirror M 4  have different contours. Second portion side mirror M 4 S is configured to intersect and reflect the second segment of the second portion of light rays B 2 S 2  before they intersect surface S 2  and would otherwise be reflected back into complex lens CL and fail to contribute to the light beam emerging from complex lens CL. 
       FIGS. 9 and 10  disclose alternate one lighting assembly L 1 A 1  and alternate two lighting assembly L 1 A 2 , either of which may substitute for lighting assembly L 1  of  FIG. 7 . According to some embodiments, the alternate lighting assemblies reduce the size and complexity of the optics for lighting device  50 ; however, the alternative lighting assemblies also reduce the percentage of light emitted from diode D which contributes to the emerging beam pattern. The alternate lighting assemblies provided in  FIGS. 9 and 10  show refractive surfaces R 1 A 1  and R 2 A 2  concentrating the impinging light but not necessarily making it parallel. Configuring these surfaces to concentrate but not to parallelism has a first advantage in that they can collect more light. It also has a second advantage in that the light can be made to spread along plane P 1  in addition to its being spread along plane P 2 . This configuration widens the emerging light beam. In addition, it makes the exterior surface of the lighting device appear evenly illuminating when viewed from angles diverging from plane P 2 . Although this concept of having refractive surfaces R 1 A 1  and R 2 A 2  or the equivalent light impinging surface S 1  concentrating the impinging light but not necessarily making it parallel is shown only in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , all parts of the concept could be used in lighting device L 1 . 
       FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of alternate lighting assembly one UAL which replaces surface S 1  of lighting assembly L 1  of  FIGS. 5 and 6  with alternate one impinging surface S 1 A 1  comprising alternate one refractive surface R 1 A 1 , in some embodiments. Alternate one lighting assembly UAL according to some embodiments, collects only the alternate one first portion of light rays B 1 A 1  of the light emitted from diode D. In  FIG. 9 , alternate one first portion of light rays B 1 A 1  emitted from diode D within alternate one angle A 1 A 1  about axis X intersect alternate one refractive surface R 1 A 1 , whereat they are refracted to become more concentrated about plane P 2 . Although more parallel, plane P 2  the light rays may not be parallel to plane P 2 . Alternate one angle A 1 A 1  of  FIG. 9  can be substantially larger than angle A 1  of  FIG. 5  due to the difference in the required bending of the light rays. Since alternate one angle A 1 A 1  may be larger than angle A 1  of  FIG. 5 , alternate one refractive surface R 1 A 1  collects a larger percentage of the light emitted from Diode D than surface R 1  of  FIG. 5 . Therefore, alternate one angle A 1 A 1  may, according to some embodiments, collect sufficient light such that an additional light reflective surface such as reflective surface R 2  of  FIG. 5 , which refracts additional light towards a top mirror such as mirror M 1  of  FIG. 5 , is not required. 
     In addition to bringing alternate one first portion of light rays B 1 A 1  towards parallelism, alternate one reflective surface R 1 A 1  directs a first segment of alternate one first portion of light rays B 1 S 1 A 1  to intersect alternate one exterior surface S 2 A 1 . Alternate one reflective surface R 1 A 1  additionally directs a second segment of alternate one first portion of light rays B 1 A 1  to intersect a side mirror (not shown), whereat some or all of the light rays are reflected towards alternate one exterior surface S 2 A 1 . An additional cross-section similar to  FIG. 7  relating to lighting assembly L 1  is not shown for alternate lighting assembly L 1 A 1  because it has functioning similar to that of  FIG. 7 . Specifically, it has a second segment of light rays (like the second segment of the first portion of light rays B 1 S 2  of  FIG. 7 ) intersecting a side mirror (like side mirror M 1  of  FIG. 7 ) and reflected towards alternate one exterior surface S 2 A 1  (like surface S 2  of  FIG. 7 ). 
       FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of alternate two lighting assembly L 1 A 2 , which replaces surface S 1  of lighting assembly L 1  of  FIGS. 5 and 6  with alternate two impinging surface S 1 A 2  comprising alternate two refractive surface R 2 A 2 , in some embodiments. Alternate two lighting assembly L 1 A 2 , according to some embodiments, collects only the alternate two first portion of light rays B 1 A 2  of the light emitted from diode D. In  FIG. 10 , the alternate two first portion of light rays B 1 A 2  emitted from diode D within alternate two angle A 1 A 2  about axis X intersect alternate two refractive surface R 1 A 2 , whereat they are refracted to become more concentrated and directed towards alternate two top mirror M 1 A 2 , whereat a first segment of the first portion of alternate two light rays B 1 S 1 A 2  are reflected and directed to intersect and emerge from alternate two exterior surface S 2 A 2  to add to the emerging light beam. Alternate two angle A 1 A 2  of  FIG. 11  can be substantially larger than angle A 1  of  FIG. 5  due to the difference in the required bending of the light rays. Since alternate two angle A 1 A 2  may be larger than angle A 1  of  FIG. 5 , alternate two refractive surface R 2 A 2  may collect a larger percentage of the light emitted from Diode D than surface R 1  of  FIG. 5 . Therefore, according to some embodiments, alternate two angle A 1 A 2  may collect sufficient light such that an additional refractive surface such as refractive surface R 1  of  FIG. 5 , which refracts light towards parallelism with plane P 2 , is not required. 
     Alternate two top mirror M 1 A 2  additionally reflects and directs a second segment of the alternate two first portions of light rays B 1 A 2  to intersect a side mirror which reflects and directs the rays towards alternate two exterior surface S 2 A 2 , in some embodiments. An additional cross-section, as provided in  FIG. 8  of lighting assembly L 1 , is not shown for alternate two lighting assembly L 1 A 2  because it would be similar to  FIG. 8  showing a second segment of the first portion of alternate two light rays (like the second segment of the second portion of light rays B 2 S 2  of  FIG. 8 ) directed by a top mirror (like top mirror M 1  of  FIG. 8 ) towards a side mirror (like side mirror M 4  of  FIG. 8 ), whereat the rays are reflected towards alternate two exterior surface S 2 A 2  (like exterior surface S 2  of  FIG. 8 ). 
     It will be readily seen by one of ordinary skill in the art that the disclosed embodiments fulfill one or more of the advantages set forth above. After reading the foregoing specification, one of ordinary skill will be able to affect various changes, substitutions of equivalents and various other embodiments as broadly disclosed herein. It is therefore intended that the protection granted hereon be limited only by the definition contained in the appended claims and equivalents thereof.