Abstract:
A portable LED strip kit with detachable connection apparatus that includes a LED strip that is powered portably. A LED controller assembly controls the operation of the LED strip. A power supply unit provides electrical power to the external LED strip, wherein the power supply unit includes a battery. Also, an electrical connector provides electrical connections to the LED strip. An enclosure provides housing for the LED controller circuit, the power supply unit, and the switches, receivers, or sensors, wherein the enclosure protects components inside from external elements. A detachable connection apparatus that allows the LED strip to be attached to a variety surfaces and can be removed and reapplied to different compatible surfaces and objects.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention generally relates to a portable light emitting diode (LED) strips, and more particularly to a kit consisting of an assembly of electrical and detachable connection components allowing the use of LED strips in a portable manner. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This section is intended to provide a background or context to the disclosed embodiments that are recited in the claims. The description herein may include concepts that could be pursued, but are not necessarily ones that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated herein, what is described in this section is not prior art to the description and claims in this application and is not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section. Advances in LED lighting have brought about many new possibilities in lighting. For example, the small size and low power consumption of current LED arrays has enabled many new applications for portable lighting that were not practical with incandescent light bulbs. These include LED strips that can be worn on clothing by persons or animals, can be attached to portable objects, or attached to places or objects where extension cables may be impractical or undesirable. 
         [0003]    There are still limitations in the possible uses of portable LED strips due to a number of factors. Thus it would be desirable to increase the flexibility and versatility of LED strips so that they can be used more effectively and easily in portable applications. For example, to use LED strips portably, each of the necessary components need to be purchased separately and require the user to have an advanced knowledge in electronics to understand what is needed and how to assemble each component with the others. Additionally, there is a lack of mechanisms provided that allow for the temporary or detachable connection of LED strips. The primary options available today are generally to use a weak bonding 3M sticky glue backing or no attachment mechanism at all. Lastly in prior portable LED assemblies, the electrical controller that controls the LEDs and the battery are typically mounted in separate locations. This requires two separate units to be mounted thus adding to the bulk and complexity of the LED system. This makes the LED assembly less useful for wearable applications, where simple, small, and concealable mounting is desired. Also, in some portable LED assemblies, where the controller and battery are located in different locations, exposed wiring is needed to provide electrical connections between the two components. This increases the likelihood of damage or disconnection of the components, particularly in portable applications where there may be significant movement or exposure to the elements that can cause the external electrical connections to be damaged or disconnected. 
         [0004]    Thus it would be desired to provide a portable LED strip with a detachable connection mechanism that overcomes the limitations described above. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    This section is intended to provide a summary of certain exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments that are disclosed in this application. 
         [0006]    One aspect of the disclosed embodiments relates to an LED strip with a detachable connection mechanism that can be connected to a compatible receiving surface. An LED controller provides appearance control of the LED strip. A power supply unit provides electrical power to the LED strip and the LED controller. Also, an electrical connector provides an electrical connection to the external LED strip. 
         [0007]    An advantage of the present invention is that it provides a partially preassembled kit of components that facilitates the use of LED strips in a portable manner. The advantage of providing a detachable connection mechanism with the LED strips is that it allows for the user to apply and remove the LED strips wherever and whenever they would like. This greatly increases the versatility in how LED strips can be used and reused for a growing variety of uses. Not all people who want to use portable LED strips want to apply the LED strips permanently to a surface. 
         [0008]    Another advantage is that the portable LED strip kit provides all of the necessary parts and some component assembly to use LED strips in a portable manner. Prior assemblies require the individual component to be purchased separately and advanced assembly methods requiring the knowledge in electrical engineering. Most people do not have the advanced knowledge and skills to build and use an LED strip portably. 
         [0009]    These and other advantages and features of disclosed embodiments, together with the organization and manner of operation thereof, will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The disclosed embodiments are described by reference to the attached drawings. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  shows a block diagram of a portable LED assembly in accordance with an example embodiment. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  shows a top view of a portable LED strip kit with a detachable connection mechanism in accordance with an example embodiment. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  shows a bottom view of the portable LED strip with the detachable connection mechanism shown in  FIG. 2  in accordance with an example embodiment. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  shows a top view of an alternative portable LED strip kit with a detachable connection mechanism in accordance with an example embodiment. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  shows a bottom view of the alternative portable LED strip kit with a detachable connection mechanism in  FIG. 4  in accordance with an example embodiment. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  shows a top view of an alternative portable LED strip kit with a detachable connection mechanism in accordance with an example embodiment. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  shows a top view of an alternative portable LED strip kit with a detachable connection mechanism in accordance with an example embodiment. 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  shows a bottom view of an alternative portable LED strip kit with a detachable connection mechanism in accordance with an example embodiment. 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  shows a side view of the alternative portable LED strip kit with a detachable connection mechanism in  FIG. 8  in accordance with an example embodiment. 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  shows a top view of an alternative portable LED strip kit with a detachable connection mechanism in accordance with an example embodiment. 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  shows a cross-section view of the alternative portable LED strip kit with a detachable connection mechanism in  FIG. 10  in accordance with an example embodiment. 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  shows a bottom view of the alternative portable LED strip kit with a detachable connection mechanism in  FIG. 10  in accordance with an example embodiment. 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  shows a top view of a connection pouch accessory that provides a detachable connection mechanism for a component of the portable LED strip kit in accordance with an example embodiment. 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  shows a side view of  FIG. 13  of a connection pouch accessory that provides a detachable connection mechanism for a component of the portable LED strip kit in accordance with an example embodiment. 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  shows a side view of an alternative connection mechanism to that shown in  FIG. 14  in accordance with an example embodiment. 
           [0026]      FIG. 16  shows a bottom view of the connection pouch accessory that provides a detachable connection mechanism for a component of the portable LED strip kit in  FIG. 15  in accordance with an example embodiment. 
           [0027]      FIG. 17  shows another side view of the alternative connection pouch shown in  FIG. 15 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0028]    In the following description, for purposes of description and not limitation, details and descriptions are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from these details and descriptions. 
         [0029]    Additionally, in the subject description, the word “exemplary” is used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. 
         [0030]      FIG. 1  shows a block diagram of a portable LED assembly  10  in accordance with an example embodiment. An LED control assembly  12  is connected to an LED strip  14 . The LED control assembly  12  contains all of the electrical circuitry necessary to control to the LED strip  14 , as described in more detail below. The LED strip  14  may comprise an array of LEDs, such as a strip of surface mounted LEDs. The LED strip may comprise individually addressable LEDs such as the BGreenBid WS2812b LED Pixel Strip with an IP68 waterproofing rating. Alternatively, the LED strip may also comprise addressable LEDs such as the TaoTronics® TT-SL001 12 volt LED strip with an IP65 waterproofing rating. 
         [0031]    The portable LED assembly  10  also includes a cable  16  that provides an electrical connection between the LED control assembly  12  and the LED strip  14 . The cable  16  carries the appropriate number of wires to provide electrical power and control signals to the LED strip  14 . The LED assembly  10  also provides a power supply unit  18 , which is used to directly provide power to the LED control assembly  12 . The portable LED assembly may also include a wireless controller  20 , which may allow a user to wirelessly control the operation of the LED strip  14  in some embodiments. 
         [0032]      FIG. 2  shows a top view of the portable LED strip kit with detachable connection apparatus  22  in accordance with an example embodiment. An LED strip  14  is connected to a cable  16  which is connected to an enclosure  24  containing the power supply  18  and LED control assembly  12 . The portable LED strip kit with detachable connection apparatus  22  also includes a patch of loop Velcro  26 , a strip of loop Velcro  28 , a tube of industrial adhesive  30 , and a patch of hook Velcro  32 . 
         [0033]    Further details regarding the LED control assembly  12  and its functions in accordance with various embodiments are described in the attached Appendix. 
         [0034]      FIG. 3  shows a bottom view of the LED strip  14  shown in  FIG. 2  in accordance with an example embodiment. Attached to the bottom of the LED strip  14  is a strip of hook Velcro  34 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 4  shows a top view of the portable LED strip kit with detachable connection apparatus  22  in accordance with an example embodiment. An LED strip  14  includes an integrated LED control assembly  12  with a wireless receiver  13  on the end. The integrated LED control assembly  12  is connected to a cable  16  which is connected to the power supply  18 . The power supply  18  has a magnet  19  attached to it. The integrated LED control assembly  12  is controlled by a wireless controller  20 . 
         [0036]    The LED control assembly  12  is mounted to the end of the LED strip  14 , which is controlled via wireless signal by a wireless device  20 . A wireless receiver  13  is mounted on the LED control assembly  12 , which is used to receive a signal from a wireless receiver  20 , and control the color, brightness, and pattern of the LED strip  14 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 5  shows a bottom view of the LED strip  14  shown in  FIG. 4  in accordance with an example embodiment. Attached to the bottom of the LED strip  14  are magnets  40 , which permit the portable LED strip kit with detachable connection apparatus  22  to be removably attached to any metal objects. In one embodiment, the portable LED strip kit with detachable connection apparatus  22  is attached to metal portions of a bicycle or other vehicle. 
         [0038]      FIG. 6  shows a top view of the portable LED strip kit with detachable connection apparatus  22  in accordance with an example embodiment. Strap and buckle clips  42  are attached to an LED strip  14 . The LED strip  14  is connected to a cable  16  which is connected to the enclosure  24 . The strap and buckle clips  42  enable the portable LED strip kit with detachable connection apparatus  22  to be attached to a variety of objects, such as the arm or leg of a person. 
         [0039]      FIG. 7  shows a top view of the portable LED strip kit with detachable connection apparatus  22  in accordance with an example embodiment. A strap with a male buckle clip  41  and a strap with a female buckle clip  43  are attached to each end of an LED strip  14 . The LED strip  14  is connected to a cable  16  which is connected to the enclosure  24 . The strap with male and female buckle clips  41  and  43  permits the portable LED strip kit with detachable connection apparatus  22  to be removably attached to objects such as the arm or leg of a user. 
         [0040]      FIG. 8  shows a bottom view of the LED strip  14  with male snap buttons  44  attached to the bottom. Female snap buttons  46  will be attached to receiving surface, such as clothing or a backpack, to act as a compatible and detachable connection mechanism. 
         [0041]      FIG. 9  shows a side view of the LED strip  14  shown in  FIG. 8   
         [0042]      FIG. 10  shows a top view of a protective sleeve  50  covering the LED strip  14 , which is connected to a cable  16  that is connected to an enclosure  24 . The protective sleeve  50  would be transparent enough in at least one area, so that the light from the LED strip  14  would be visible. Additional surrounding areas of the protective sleeve  50  may not need to be transparent, since only certain areas of the LED strip  14  will be able to illuminate. The protective sleeve  50  would provide durability and protection to the LED strip  14 . Additionally, the protective strip  50  may optionally provide the benefit of dispersing the light from the LED strip  14  to provide an alternative esthetic appearance. The protective sleeve may be removable or may be installed to remain geminately over the LED strip  14 . The protective strip  50  may comprise a variety of materials including, canvas, cloth, rubber, silicon, plastic, or materials of the like. 
         [0043]      FIG. 11  shows a cross-section view of the protective sleeve  50  and the LED strip  14  shown in  FIG. 10 . Hook style Velcro  52  is connected on the bottom side of the protective sleeve  50  to provide a means of detachable connection. 
         [0044]      FIG. 12  shows a bottom view of the protective sleeve  50  shown in  FIG. 10 . Hook style Velcro  52  is connected on the bottom side of the protective sleeve  50  to provide a means of detachable connection. 
         [0045]      FIG. 13  shows a top view of a connection pouch  54 . The connection pouch  54  has loop style Velcro  58  on top, and two flaps  56  with hook style Velcro  57  underneath. Inside the connection pouch  54  contains the enclosure  24 , which is connected to a cable  16 . The connection pouch  54  allows the enclosure  24  to be mounted a variety of different ways, while not being limited to one permanent mounting method. The connection pouch  54  may comprise a variety of materials including, canvas, cloth, rubber, silicon, plastic, metal, or materials of the like. 
         [0046]      FIG. 14  shows a side view of the connection pouch  54  from  FIG. 13 . The connection pouch  54  is containing the enclosure  24  inside. An access cutout  62  also user access to the button controls  60  mounted on the exterior of the enclosure  24 . The connection pouch  54  has loop style Velcro  58  on top, and two flaps  56  with hook style Velcro  57  underneath. A connector clip  64  is mounted on the bottom of the connection pouch  54 , to allow the connection pouch and its contents to be easily clip connected to an appropriate surface or object. 
         [0047]      FIG. 14  shows a side view of the connection pouch  54  from  FIG. 13 . The connection pouch  54  is containing the enclosure  24  inside. An access cutout  62  also user access to the button controls  60  mounted on the exterior of the enclosure  24 . The connection pouch  54  has loop style Velcro  58  on top, and two flaps  56  with hook style Velcro  57  underneath. These flaps  56  are sewn to the connection pouch  54  by thread  68 . A connector clip  64  is mounted on the bottom of the connection pouch  54 , to allow the connection pouch and its contents to be easily clip connected to an appropriate surface or object, such as a user&#39;s belt or pocket. 
         [0048]      FIG. 15  shows a side view of an alternative connection pouch  54  to that shown in  FIG. 14 . Instead of the connector clip  64 , A hoop  66  is attached to the connection pouch  54  to allow the user to attach the connector pouch  54  and its contents to objects such as a belt or other clip and strap like objects. The hoops  66  can be made of a variety of fabrics, plastics, or metals, which may give the hoops a flexible and elastic shape or a stiff rigid one. An object such as a belt can be passed through the hoops  66 , which will allow the connection pouch  54  to be securely fastened to the belt. Additionally, the hoops  66  allow the user to quickly mount the connection pouch  54  to things such as dog collars, rods, canes, suspenders, or other straps and objects that can be slipped through the hoops  66 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 16  shows a bottom view of the alternative connection pouch  54  shown in  FIG. 15 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 17  shows a different side view of the alternative connection pouch  54  shown in  FIG. 15 . 
         [0051]    The foregoing description of embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.