Patent Description:
In many known power/signal systems, there is a problem with providing power to many devices while trying to create good wire management. Additionally, there is a problem with providing power to many devices while creating a dynamic or flexible system that allows for device relocation, addition of devices, and removal of devices for the power/signal systems. Existing solutions provide cable raceways with multiple connection points (outlet strip approach) or power track systems (track lighting approach). Although many conductors for power and signal combinations can be used, the "outlet strip approach" lacks flexibility and expandability for adding or relocating devices. Traditional powered track systems lack easy ways to incorporate many power and signal conductors. Additionally for each conductor added to the traditional power track systems the connector required to access those conductors grows significantly in complexity and size.

<CIT> discloses a magnetic track and lighting system. <CIT> discloses a retail product display system that includes a shelf support track, a demonstration product track and a communication track. <CIT> discloses a low voltage power supply assembly that includes a magnetic connection. <CIT> discloses a connector for a track network that includes an insulative body, an electrically conductive contact block, at least one contact screw, and a conductor retainer.

The present invention provides a low voltage power assembly as claimed in claim <NUM>.

The low voltage power system may include a configuration of ferrous material, conductive material, and nonconductive materials arranged in such a way as to provide a method for power and/or signal distribution to a mating device, such as to a set of magnetic LED modules or other similar low voltage power devices. Generally, low voltage power systems and low voltage power devices have a voltage of approximately <NUM> volts or less.

The low voltage power system may include a configuration of conductive material and mechanical connections arranged in such a way as to provide a method for power and/or signal distribution to a mating device, such as to a set of mechanically-connected low voltage power devices.

Although the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims, the following presents a general summary of aspects of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention and various features of it and in order to provide a general overview and context for the more detailed description that follows.

The low voltage power assembly comprises: (a) a track that includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the track is powered from a low voltage power source; and (b) a power connector assembly that connects to the track both through a mechanical connection and a low voltage power connection. The power connector assembly may be configured to provide low voltage power through the track to a low voltage power device. The track may include two conductive plates that connect to the power connector assembly providing the low voltage power connection. Additionally, the track may include one or more mechanical connection plates that connect to the power connector assembly providing the mechanical connection. The low voltage power device may be, for example, an LED lighting system for a merchandise display system.

The low voltage power assembly may comprise: (a) a track that includes one or more mechanical connection plates and one or more conductive plates adjacent to one another, wherein the track is powered from a power source; and (b) a printed circuit board that connects to the track both through a mechanical connection and a low voltage power connection. The printed circuit board may be configured to provide power through the track to a power device. The printed circuit board may include one or more contacts that connect to the one or more conductive plates on the track providing the power connection. Additionally, the printed circuit board may include one or more mechanical connectors that connect to the one or more mechanical connection plates on the track providing the mechanical connection. The power device may be, for example, an LED lighting system for a merchandise display system.

The low voltage power assembly may comprise: <NUM>) a track that includes one or more conductive plates, one or more mechanical plates, and one or more metal plates, wherein the track is powered from a low voltage power source; <NUM>) a first power connector assembly that connects to the track, wherein the one or more conductive plates connect to the first power assembly providing a low voltage power connection, and further wherein the one or more metal plates connect to the first power assembly providing a magnetic connection; and <NUM>) a second power connector assembly that connects to the track, wherein the one or more conductive plates connect to the second power assembly providing a low voltage power connection, and further wherein the one or more mechanical connection plates connect to the second power assembly providing a mechanical connection. The first and the second power connector assemblies may be configured to provide low voltage power through the track to a low voltage power device.

Other objects and features of the invention will become apparent by reference to the following description and drawings.

A more complete understanding of the present invention and certain advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following detailed description in consideration with the accompanying drawings, in which:.

The reader is advised that the attached drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

In the following description of various example structures in accordance with the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration of various structures in accordance with the invention. Additionally, it is to be understood that other specific arrangements of parts and structures may be utilized, and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. Also, while the terms "top" and "bottom" and the like may be used in this specification to describe various example features and elements of the invention, these terms are used herein as a matter of convenience, e.g., based on the example orientations shown in the Figures and/or the orientations in typical use. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a specific three dimensional or spatial orientation of structures in order to fall within the scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims.

<FIG> illustrate examples of a low voltage power supply with magnetic connections. These systems allow for an easy method of distributing both power and other signals without the need for complex wiring and secondary wire management. Additionally, the attachment of devices to the track system is magnetic. Uses for the systems include but are not limited to retail environments that may require periodic/regular relocation of devices connected to the distribution track. These systems are intended to distribute both power while allowing the easy movement and placement of connected devices such as lighting systems for the retail merchandise display systems.

Generally, the low voltage power system may be utilized as a distribution track with a magnetic power connector connected both magnetically and for power to the distribution track. In one example, a lighting assembly or lighting bar with one or more magnetic connector lighting systems, such as LEDs or other types of lights. The example low power voltage system may include a configuration or assembly of ferrous material, conductive material, and nonconductive materials arranged in such a way as to provide a method for power and/or signal distribution to a mating device. The mating device may include a set of magnetic LED modules. The mating device may include magnetic materials, such as magnets or magnetic coils, conductive materials, nonconductive materials, and electronics. The conductive materials may be for example spring contacts. The electronics may utilize the distributed power and/or signals.

In <FIG>, an example low power voltage system <NUM> is shown. In this example, the low voltage power system <NUM> is an exemplary lighting system. Those of skill in the art will recognize that any low voltage power system may be utilized without departing from these examples. The example lighting system <NUM> may also be a track and connector assembly <NUM> for use with a retail merchandise display system. The track and connector assembly <NUM> may include a track <NUM> and a power connector assembly <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the track and connector assembly <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates an exploded perspective view of the track and connector assembly <NUM> to include both the track <NUM> and the power connector assembly <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates an exploded perspective view of the power connector assembly <NUM>. Generally, the power connector assembly <NUM> connects to the track <NUM> both through a magnetic connection and a power connection. The power connector assembly <NUM> may connect to the track <NUM> on any part of the track <NUM>.

The track <NUM> may include a first end assembly <NUM> and a second end assembly <NUM>. The first end assembly <NUM> may be non-powered. The second end assembly <NUM> may include a powered top portion <NUM>, a powered bottom portion <NUM>, and one or more track power contacts <NUM>. Generally, the powered portion (both top <NUM> and bottom <NUM>) may provide a power source to the track <NUM> through the one or more track power contacts <NUM>. The track <NUM> may include one or more bus bars <NUM> for the power connection and a metal plate <NUM> for the magnetic connection. The bus bars <NUM> may be conductive plates or other surfaces and materials that allow the distribution of power. The metal plate <NUM> may be any ferrous plate or other surfaces and materials for magnetic connections. Those of skill in the art will recognize that any material, shape, form, or type of conductive material may be utilized for the bus bars <NUM>. Additionally, those of skill in the art will recognize that any material, shape, form, or type of ferrous material may be utilized for the metal plates <NUM>, such as brass. The track <NUM> may also include a track mounting bracket <NUM>. The track mounting bracket <NUM> may be utilized to mount to the merchandise display system, thereby allowing the track and connector assembly <NUM> to attach to the merchandise display system at any preferred location. Those of skill in the art will recognize that the merchandise display system may include multiple tracks <NUM> and multiple power connector assemblies <NUM> without departing from this example.

The power connector <NUM> may include a housing which may include a first or left housing <NUM> and a second or right housing <NUM>. Within the left housing <NUM> and the right housing <NUM> may include one or more power connector contacts <NUM>. The power connector contacts <NUM> may be configured and located in line with the powered bus bars <NUM> on the track <NUM>. One or more power connector jacks <NUM> may be electronically connected to the power connector contacts <NUM>. The power connector jacks <NUM> may then provide power to a low voltage power device. The low voltage power device may include various lighting systems, such as individual LEDs or other such similar low voltage power assemblies for the merchandise display system.

Additionally, the power connector <NUM> may include a magnetic source <NUM> or mating device. The magnetic source may be a magnetic coil, magnet, or induction coil. Other magnetic or mating devices may be utilized without departing from this example. The magnetic source <NUM> may be configured and located in line with the metal plate <NUM> on the track <NUM>. The magnetic source <NUM> allows the power connector <NUM> and any low voltage power supply assemblies connected to the power connector <NUM> the ability to be moved along the entire length of the track <NUM>. For example, individual LEDs may be utilized and moved along the entire length of the track <NUM>.

In <FIG>, another example low voltage power supply system <NUM> is shown. In this example, a lighting system <NUM> is utilized as the low voltage power supply system, however other low voltage power supply systems may be utilized without departing from these examples. For example, the example lighting system <NUM> may also be a track and connector assembly <NUM> for use with a retail merchandise display system.

The track and connector assembly <NUM> may include a track <NUM> and a power connector <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the track and connector assembly <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a cross-section view of the track and connector assembly <NUM> to include both the track <NUM> and the power connector assembly <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the track <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the power connector assembly <NUM>. Generally, the power connector assembly <NUM> connects to the track <NUM> both through a magnetic connection and a power connection. The power connector assembly <NUM> may connect to the track <NUM> along any portion of the track <NUM>.

The track <NUM> may include one or more conductive plates <NUM> and one or more ferrous plates <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, a plurality of insulative materials <NUM> may be located between each of the ferrous plates <NUM> and the conductive plates <NUM>. Those of skill in the art will recognize that any material, shape, form, or type of ferrous material may be utilized for the ferrous plates <NUM>. Additionally, those of skill in the art will recognize that any material, shape, form, or type of conductive material may be utilized for the conductive plates <NUM>, such as brass. The track <NUM> may also include a track mounting bracket (not shown in this example). The track mounting bracket may mount to the merchandise display system, thereby allowing the track and connector assembly <NUM> to attach to the merchandise display system at any preferred location. In another aspect, the track may be a freestanding track without the need for a track mounting bracket. Those of skill in the art will recognize that a merchandise display system may include multiple tracks <NUM> and multiple power connector assemblies <NUM> and low voltage power supply systems without departing from this example.

As illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the power connector <NUM> may include a printed circuit board <NUM> which houses the electronics for the power connector <NUM>. In this example, a lighting assembly <NUM> that includes one or more LEDs <NUM> and/or other light sources known and used in the art may be electronically connected to the printed circuit board <NUM>. Other low voltage power supply devices may be utilized and electronically connected to the printed circuit board <NUM> without departing from this example. Additionally, the power connector <NUM> may include one or more power connector contacts <NUM>. The power connector contacts <NUM> may be configured and located in line with the conductive plates <NUM> on the track <NUM>. The power connector contacts <NUM> may be defined by spring contacts or any other type of power contacts known and used in the art. The power contacts <NUM> may then provide power to the lighting assembly <NUM>, such as individual LEDs or other such similar lighting assemblies for the merchandise display system.

Additionally, the power connector <NUM> may include a magnetic source <NUM> or mating device. The magnetic source may be a magnetic coil, magnet, or induction coil. Other magnetic or mating devices may be utilized without departing from this example. The magnetic source <NUM> may be configured and located in line with the ferrous plates <NUM> on the track <NUM>. The magnetic source <NUM> allows the power connector <NUM> and any lighting assemblies <NUM> (or low voltage power connectors) to be connected to the power connector <NUM> with the ability to be moved along the entire length of the track <NUM>.

These examples illustrated in <FIG> solve the problem with providing power to many devices while trying to create good wire management, and also creating a dynamic or flexible system that allows for device re-location, addition of devices, and removal of devices for the power/signal system. Existing solutions include cable raceways with multiple connection points (outlet strip approach) or powered track systems (track lighting approach). However these traditional approaches fall short in several ways. Although many conductors for power and signal combinations can be used, the "outlet strip approach" lacks flexibility and expandability for adding or relocating devices. Traditional powered track systems lack easy ways to incorporate many power and signal conductors. Additionally for each conductor added to the traditional power track systems the connector required to access those conductors grows significantly in complexity and size.

The purpose of these examples illustrated in <FIG> is to provide a "break away" connection. Another purpose of these examples illustrated in <FIG> is to provide an easy to use power and signal distribution track system. Track lighting is a good example of a powered track system intended for distributing power to many devices, however current track lighting systems do not use magnetic attachment methods and are not intended for distributing more than power for connected devices. These examples are intended to distribute both power while allowing the easy movement and placement of connected devices such as lighting systems for the retail merchandise display systems.

Examples of retail uses for this example are under-shelf or display-case lighting that may require spot lights for product specials. Spot light modules such as the proof of concept prototype could be used to add lighting in a dynamic, modular, and reconfigurable way. Examples of non-retail applications might include systems which use sensor modules that communicate via additional conductors in the configuration or assembly. This type of application would allow for easy customization of the sensor system.

If additional voltages are added to the configuration of products, additional configurations of products that require different voltages could be connected on the same distribution track such that the devices contacts make contact only with the conductors required. In an example, there may two bus bars and/or conductive plates. In another example, there may be four bus bars and/or conductive plates in order to handle various additional voltages.

Other devices using this distribution track may separate the magnetic connector from the device itself by using a corded magnetic connector. This allows for many types of devices (especially larger devices) to make use of the distribution track. One example might be embedded hardware devices which use the distribution track as a means for getting power and for intercommunications between embedded devices utilizing additional signal conductors.

Another advantage of this example is that the distribution track implementations may incorporate many conductors for power and/or signal and may only grow in size as conductors are added. The additional conductors for power and/or signal may not increase the complexity because the access of one conductor does not interfere with the other conductors as it does in the traditional powered track approach. This characteristic allows the design technique to be scalable for many applications.

LED lighting systems may be utilized with these examples as a low voltage power supply with magnetic connections, and specifically LED lighting systems utilized with a retail merchandise display system. LED lighting systems as disclosed in <CIT>, published as <CIT>, and <CIT>, granted as <CIT>.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, as illustrated in <FIG>, a power assembly may utilize a mechanical connection instead of the magnetic connection as described above. The power assembly may be a low voltage power assembly. Additionally, high voltage power assemblies may utilize the mechanical connections disclosed without departing from this disclosure. The mechanical connection may be a snap connector or other kinds of mechanical connections known and used in the art. As was described above, the power assembly may comprise a track that includes one or more conductive plates and a mechanical connector, wherein the track is powered from a power source; and a power connector assembly that connects to the track, wherein the one or more conductive plates connect to the power assembly providing a power connection, and further wherein the mechanical connector connects to the power assembly providing a secure connection. This power connector assembly may be configured to provide power through the track to a power device.

Generally, below, a low voltage power system will be described. The low voltage power system may be utilized as a distribution track with a mechanical power connector connected both mechanically and for power to the distribution track. The exemplary low power voltage system may include a configuration or assembly of conductive materials arranged in such a way as to provide a method for power and/or signal distribution to a mating device. The mating device may include a set of mechanically connected low voltage power modules. One example low voltage power module may be a mechanically connected LED module. The mating device may include various mechanically connected configurations, such as snap fit connections, bolted assemblies, threaded metal inserts, hook and loop type fasteners, molded in threads, push-on/turn-on fasteners, rivets, press-fits, or similar mechanical-type connection devices. The conductive materials may be for example spring contacts or any other similar conductive contact material. The electronics may utilize the distributed power and/or signals.

As illustrated in one embodiment in <FIG>, an exemplary low power voltage system <NUM> is shown. In this example, the low voltage power system <NUM> is an exemplary lighting system. Those of skill in the art will recognize that any low voltage device or power system may be utilized without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The exemplary lighting system <NUM> may also be a track and connector assembly <NUM> for use with a retail merchandise display system. The track and connector assembly <NUM> may include a track <NUM> and a power connector assembly <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the track and connector assembly <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a close-up perspective view of the power connector assembly <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a cross-section perspective view of the power connector assembly <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a cross-section view of the power connector assembly <NUM>. Generally, the power connector assembly <NUM> connects to the track <NUM> both through a mechanical connection and a power connection. The power connector assembly <NUM> may connect to the track <NUM> on any part of the track <NUM>.

The track <NUM> may include a first end assembly <NUM> and a second end assembly <NUM>. The first end assembly <NUM> may be non-powered. The second end assembly <NUM> may include a powered top portion <NUM>, a powered bottom portion <NUM>, and one or more track power contacts <NUM>. Generally, the powered portion (both top <NUM> and bottom <NUM>) may provide a power source to the track <NUM> through the one or more track power contacts <NUM>. The track <NUM> may include one or more bus bars <NUM> for the power connection and a mechanical connection track or surface <NUM> for the mechanical connection. The bus bars <NUM> may be conductive plates or other surfaces and materials that allow the distribution of power. The mechanical connection track or surface <NUM> may be any plate or other surfaces and materials for mechanical connections as will be explained in more detail below. Those of skill in the art will recognize that any material, shape, form, or type of conductive material may be utilized for the bus bars <NUM>. Additionally, those of skill in the art will recognize that any material, shape, form, or type of material may be utilized for the mechanical connection track or surface <NUM>. The track <NUM> may also include a track mounting bracket <NUM>. The track mounting bracket <NUM> may be utilized to mount to the merchandise display system, thereby allowing the track and connector assembly <NUM> to attach to the merchandise display system at any preferred location. Those of skill in the art will recognize that the merchandise display system may include multiple tracks <NUM> and multiple power connector assemblies <NUM> without departing fromthe scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

The power connector <NUM> may include a housing which may include a first or left housing <NUM> and a second or right housing <NUM>. Within the left housing <NUM> and the right housing <NUM> may include one or more power connector contacts <NUM>. The power connector contacts <NUM> may be configured and located in line with the powered bus bars <NUM> on the track <NUM>. One or more power connector jacks <NUM> may be electronically connected to the power connector contacts <NUM>. The power connector jacks <NUM> may then provide power to a low voltage power device. The low voltage power device may include various lighting systems, such as individual LEDs, other lighting sources, powered track devices, or other such similar low voltage power assemblies for a track system.

Additionally, the power connector <NUM> may include a mechanical connector <NUM> or mating device. The mechanical connector <NUM> may cooperate and engage the mechanical connection track <NUM> to connect the power connector <NUM> to the track <NUM>. The mechanical connector <NUM> and the mechanical connection track <NUM> may be one of various different mechanical connector assemblies without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, in the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the mechanical connector <NUM> and the mechanical connection track <NUM> may be a snap fit connector, and more specifically a cylindrical type snap fit connector. In other examples of this embodiment, the mechanical connector <NUM> and the mechanical connection track <NUM> may be a different type of snap fit connector, such as a cantilever beam snap fit connection or a spherical type snap fit connection. Other types of mechanical connections known and used in the art may be utilized between the mechanical connector <NUM> and the mechanical connection track <NUM> in other examples, such as bolted assemblies, threaded metal inserts, hook and loop type fasteners, molded in threads, push-on/turn-on fasteners, rivets, press-fits, or similar mechanical-type connection devices. The mechanical connector <NUM> may be configured and located in-line with and the mechanical connection track <NUM> on the track <NUM> such that the mechanical connector <NUM> engages and/or cooperates with the mechanical connection track <NUM> to connect the power connector <NUM> to the track <NUM>. The mechanical connector <NUM> allows the power connector <NUM> and any low voltage power supply assemblies connected to the power connector <NUM> the ability to be moved along the entire length of the track <NUM>. For example, individual LEDs, other lighting sources, or powered track devices may be utilized with the power connector <NUM> and be moved along the entire length of the track <NUM>.

Additionally, in another aspect of this invention, a low voltage power system may be utilized as a distribution track that includes <NUM>) one or more mechanical power connector connected both mechanically and for power to the distribution track and <NUM>) one or more magnetic power connector connected both magnetically and for power to the distribution track. Both the mechanical power connector and the magnetic power connector may be utilized and defined as above. Both the mechanical power connector and the magnetic power connector may be utilized without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

The reader should understand that these specific examples are set forth merely to illustrate examples of the invention, and that the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims. Many variations in the lighting assemblies may be made from the specific structures described above without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claim 1:
A low voltage power assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
a track (<NUM>) having a first end (<NUM>) and a second end (<NUM>) opposite the first end (<NUM>), wherein the track (<NUM>) is powered from a low voltage power source, wherein the track (<NUM>) includes two conductive materials (<NUM>) and a mechanical connection track (<NUM>);
a power connector assembly (<NUM>), wherein the power connector assembly (<NUM>) is configured to provide low voltage power through the track (<NUM>) to a low voltage power device;
the power connector assembly (<NUM>) comprising a housing, one or more power connector contacts (<NUM>), and one or more power connector jacks (<NUM>); wherein the one or more power connector contacts (<NUM>) are located in line with the two conductive materials (<NUM>) of the track (<NUM>),
wherein the one or more power connector contacts (<NUM>) electrically connect to the two conductive materials (<NUM>) to provide a low voltage power connection with the track (<NUM>), and the one or more power connector contacts (<NUM>) also electrically connect to the one or more power connector jacks (<NUM>);
wherein the one or more power connector jacks (<NUM>) are configured to provide the low voltage power to the low voltage power device,
the power connector assembly (<NUM>) further including a mechanical connector (<NUM>), wherein the mechanical connector (<NUM>) cooperates and engages the mechanical connection track (<NUM>) to form a mechanical connection to connect the power connector assembly (<NUM>) to the track (<NUM>),
wherein the mechanical connection track (<NUM>) includes a groove, configured to receive the mechanical connector (<NUM>), positioned below a top surface of the track (<NUM>), and wherein the groove is positioned between the two conductive materials (<NUM>), and
wherein the mechanical connector (<NUM>) and the groove form a snap-fit connection.