Patent Document

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/502,217 filed Apr. 16, 2012, which entered the national stage under 35 U.S.C. 371 from PCT/US2010/052579 filed Oct. 14, 2010, which claims benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/252,277 filed Oct. 16, 2009, the entireties of which are both incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This disclosure relates generally to light emitting diodes (LEDs), and, more particularly, to a structurally self-sustaining modular light emitting diode assembly. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    Large and complex lighting systems may be used to create interesting lighting shapes in freestanding, wall-mounted or suspended configurations. However, lighting possibilities have been hindered by the logistics and delicacy of conventional lighting solutions. Additionally, the construction of such systems is complicated by the logistics for the supply of electrical power, transmission of data between lighting fixtures and associated controllers, and structural support. Associated wiring between light fixtures is time consuming and hard to conceal. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, sacrifices must be made with respect to the aesthetic design of conventional lighting systems. The difficulty in concealing the wiring associated with conventional lighting systems adversely affects the visible results obtainable with such systems. Additionally, conventional lighting systems do not provide the capability to create structures or geometric interconnected shapes. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0007]    In one aspect of this disclosure, a modular light emitting diode assembly system is disclosed in which substantially all visible wiring between lighting elements is eliminated. The system includes a tubular light-diffusing assembly and an intermediate electrical connector. Multiple tubular light diffusing assemblies may be physically connected to form a structure or desired geometric shape of interconnected tubular light diffusing assemblies. Electrical power and/or data is distributed between the tubular light diffusing assemblies via the intermediate electrical connectors and structural support for the assembly is provided by interconnection of the individual tubular light diffusing assemblies. 
         [0008]    In another aspect of this disclosure, a modular light emitting diode assembly system includes first and second tubular light diffusing assemblies. Each light diffusing assembly includes a tube section having at least one internally mounted light emitting diode, an electrical connector electrically connected to the at least one internally mounted light emitting diode, and an end cap mounted on an end of the tube section, the end cap including a port for receiving the electrical connector. An intermediate connector is releasably connected to the end cap to connect the first tubular light diffusing assembly to the second tubular light diffusing assembly. The intermediate connector includes a first electrical connector that releasably engages the electrical connector in the first tubular light diffusing assembly and a second electrical connector that releasably engages the electrical connector in the second tubular light diffusing assembly to electrically connect the light emitting diode in the first tubular light diffusing assembly to the light emitting diode in the second light diffusing assembly. 
         [0009]    The foregoing has outlined rather generally the features and technical advantages of one or more embodiments of this disclosure in order that the following detailed description may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of this disclosure will be described hereinafter, which may form the subject of the claims of this application. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    This disclosure is further described in the detailed description that follows, with reference to the drawings, in which: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an illustrative tubular light diffusing assembly with an illustrative example end cap installed on each end of the assembly; 
           [0012]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of the end cap of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 1B  is a cross section view of the end cap of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 1C  is a cross section view of the end cap installed on one end of the illustrative tubular light diffusing assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of an example locking ring for a modular LED assembly; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an example intermediate connector for a modular LED assembly; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3A  is a cross section view of the intermediate connector of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3B  is an exploded view of the intermediate connector of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an example power supply for a modular LED assembly; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4A  is a cross sectional illustrative view of a power supply connected to a locking ring; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4B  is a front perspective view a power supply attachment; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4C  is a perspective view of a power supply installed within a configuration of power supply attachments; 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an example freestanding base for a modular LED assembly; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of the freestanding base of  FIG. 5  connected to a power supply, locking ring and tubular light diffusing assembly; 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an illustrative assembled modular LED assembly; 
           [0026]      FIG. 6A  is an enlarged is an example perspective view of a central region of an illustrative assembled modular LED assembly; 
           [0027]      FIG. 6B  is a cross section view of the central conical power supply module connected to multiple conical power supply attachments; 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  is an enlarged, partial perspective view of six illustrative, interconnected modular LED assemblies; 
           [0029]      FIG. 7A  is an exploded view of a central hub for interconnecting the six illustrative, interconnected modular LED assemblies of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 7B  is a cross section view of the central hub of  FIG. 7A ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 7C  is a perspective view of an example electrical insert that fits within the central hub of  FIG. 7A : 
           [0032]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of two illustrative, interconnected modular LED assemblies; 
           [0033]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of two illustrative modular LED assemblies interconnected at approximately 90° to one another; 
           [0034]      FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of a 90° intermediate connector connecting the two illustrative modular LED assemblies of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of three illustrative interconnected modular LED assemblies; 
           [0036]      FIG. 10A  is a perspective view of an example intermediate connector connecting the three illustrative modular LED assemblies of  FIG. 10 ; and 
           [0037]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of four illustrative interconnected modular LED assemblies. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0038]    This application discloses a modular lighting system that utilizes light emitting diodes (LEDs). A LED is a semiconductor diode that efficiently converts electrical energy into electromagnetic radiation at visible wavelengths by electro-luminescence. Examples of known LEDs include inorganic LEDs, organic LEDs (both polymer (PLEDs) and flexible (FLEDs)), as well as phosphor-based LEDs and quantum dot LEDs. In general, LEDs are very durable and have very long lives, making them an ideal solution for a modular self-supporting lighting system with integrated electrical connections. The modular LED assembly utilizes a selection of components to create a system of interlocking components that may be combined to form a wide variety of desired shapes and configurations. Additionally, the components are designed so as to be structurally and electrically self sufficient, so that no external support or additional electrical coupling is required. Moreover, the modular LED assembly disclosed herein eliminates substantially all visible wiring between lighting elements. 
         [0039]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary assembled LED tubular light diffusing assembly  100 . Tubular light diffusing assembly  100  includes of a tube section  101  for diffusing light emitted by one or more internally mounted LEDs. The tube section  101  may be baffled (or otherwise textured) to better diffuse light across the tube. An end cap  102  is positioned on each end of the tube section  101 . End caps  102  preferably have electrical port openings  103  for receiving an electrical plug connection. In the preferred embodiment, electrical port openings  103  are designed as female openings for receiving a male electrical plug connection. 
         [0040]      FIG. 1A  illustrates the end cap  102 , which is generally cylindrical with an open end  102   a  and a closed end  102   b . As mentioned above, end cap  102  preferably has an electrical port opening  103  in its closed end  102   b  for receiving an electrical plug connection. End cap  102  may also have protrusions  104   a ,  104   b , which releasably lock end cap  102  (and the tubular light diffusing assembly  100  in turn) to a locking ring (described later below). 
         [0041]      FIG. 1B  is a cross section view of end cap  102 , which illustrates locking tab  105 . Locking tab  105  may be an internally projecting circumferential surface or flange of end cap  102 , which acts as an interlocking component with a raised, externally projecting circumferential surface or flange of tube section  101 . Locking tab  105  is preferably includes a seat  109  defined by an inwardly projecting, circular wall  109   a  formed on the interior side of the closed end  102   b  to facilitate securing the end cap  102  to tube section  101 . Alternatively, a clip, pin, fastener or the like (not shown) may be used to connect the end cap  102  to the tube section  101 . The seat  109  receives an end of the tube section  101 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 1C  is a cross section view of an end cap  102  installed on an end of tube section  101 . As mentioned above, tube section  101  may include texturing  106  to evenly diffuse light across the tube. Texturing  106  may be baffling, fluting or any other pattern suitable for light diffusion. Texturing  106  may be, for example, internal (as shown), external or built into the physical structure of tube section  101 . 
         [0043]    Tube section  101  preferably includes a raised, outwardly projecting circumferential surface  105   a , which interlocks with the raised, internally projecting circumferential surface  105  of the end cap  102  to mount the end cap on the end of the tube section. 
         [0044]    Electrical connector  108  is provided to supply electrical continuity to the LED mounting rail  107 . LED mounting rail  107  preferably physically supports at least one LED light, and contains electrical pathways to provide all mounted LEDs with power and/or data. LED mounting rail  107  may also include bypass electrical pathways so that electrical continuity is not interrupted across the tubular light diffusing assembly, or to other LEDs in the event of single or multiple LED failure. Electrical connector  108  is preferably received within the end cap electrical port opening  103 . The electrical connector  108  is preferably recessed with the opening  103  so that the connector is not flush with the closed end  102 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 2  illustrates a section of a locking ring  201  for a modular LED assembly. Locking ring  201  may be formed from two sections  201   a  and  201   b . The sections  201   a ,  201   b  may be joined together by inserting pins  201   d  projecting from one section into corresponding indents or openings  201   c  formed in the other section. The surface of locking ring  201  is preferably part textured and part flat for easy manual handling. Texturing  203  provides a gripping surface for handling of the locking ring  201 . One or more flat regions  202  are preferably provided between textured regions  203  to provide alternative regions of grip, or the ability to use a tool (e.g., a wrench) to rotate or otherwise turn the locking ring  201 . 
         [0046]    Locking ring  201  also preferably includes an inwardly projecting circumferential flange  204  on its inner edge for releasably engaging a corresponding indent or recess on another component of the modular LED assembly. Locking ring  201  may also include a T-shaped or L-shaped groove  205  on its inner surface for receiving another component of the modular LED assembly. Groove  205  is preferably defined by a narrow channel that extends from an edge of locking ring  201  and terminates in a perpendicular channel set parallel to the edge of the locking ring. For example, protrusions  104  on end cap  102  (from  FIG. 1A ) may slide into a respective groove  205  of locking ring  201  and then twist to releasably lock tubular light diffusing assembly  100  (with attached end caps  102 ) to the locking ring. 
         [0047]      FIGS. 3 ,  3 A and  3 B illustrate an intermediate connector  301  for a modular LED assembly. Intermediate connector  301  preferably includes a cylindrically shaped housing having at least two protruding male electrical connectors  302   a ,  302   b  protruding from opposing sides of the intermediate connector  301 . Electrical connectors  302   a ,  302   b  are preferably electrically coupled via internal electrical junction  303 . Internal electrical junction  303  may be wiring, circuitry, or any other suitable connection for communicating electrical power and/or data between connectors  302   a ,  302   b.    
         [0048]    Intermediate connector  301  preferably facilitates the electrical connection between two components of the modular LED assembly by allowing standardization of all electrical connectors of the other components of the modular LED assembly. For instance, if one wished to connect two tubular light diffusing assemblies, each assembly would need a male and female electrical port. This would limit the permutations in which one could assemble the modular LED assembly. By utilizing the intermediate connector  301 , the electrical ports or connectors on tubular light diffusing assemblies may be standardized (e.g., all female connectors). This would then allow other components of the modular LED assembly to be arranged in any configuration desired. 
         [0049]      FIG. 4  illustrates an illustrative conical power supply connector  401  for a modular LED assembly. Conical power supply connector  401  preferably provides the ability to supply electric current and data to the modular LED assembly. An electrical port  402  may provide electrical power and/or data to the conical power supply  401 . The illustrative conical power supply connector  401  may include a raised edge with an external circumferential flange or groove  403 . The circumferential flange or groove  403  may releasably engage the internally projecting circumferential flange  204  of the locking ring  201  (from  FIG. 2 ), or an internal circumferential groove (as described above). 
         [0050]      FIG. 4A  is a cross section view of the conical power supply connector  401  for a modular LED assembly. Conical power supply connector  401  is preferably adapted to receive an external power connector  406  through connector port  402 . External power connector  406  may be fastened to the body of conical power supply connector  401  in a conventional manner, such as (but not limited to) using indent tabs, friction of the plug body, magnets, etc. Conical power supply connector  401  may also receive electric power and/or data through another component of the modular LED assembly, in which case it may act as a central hub, rather than a power supply. As an alternative, conical power supply connector  401  may also include symmetrical top and bottom ends (preferably formed from two interlocking sections) to allow for two connections to other components of the modular LED assembly. An electrical port opening  405  may be provided in top cover plate  404  for mounting an electrical connector (not shown), which is preferably electrically connected to the external power connector  406 . 
         [0051]    A locking mechanism may also be provided to secure conical power supply connector  401  to a locking ring  201  (from  FIG. 2 ), and subsequently, for instance, to a tubular light diffusing assembly  100 . Longitudinally extending members  407  may project from the interior surface of the conical power supply connector  401  to provide rigidity for conical power supply  401  and to support the cover plate  404 . Members  407  may also provide mass with which to attach fasteners for various components (such as the top plate  404 , as shown). Conical power supply connector  401  may also include other external power/data outlets (not shown), preferably aligned along the external circumferential wall to deliver electrical power and/or data to more than one device at a time. 
         [0052]      FIG. 4B  illustrates a power supply attachment  408 . Power supply attachment  408  is adapted to provide additional mating surfaces for attaching other components of the modular LED assembly to the conical power supply (as will be described below). Power supply attachment  408  preferably includes a raised circular flange  409  that allows for fastening to a locking ring  201  (from  FIG. 2 ). The power supply attachment  408  may also include a conical recess  410  that allows for the use of an intermediate electrical connector  301  (from  FIG. 3 ,  3 A). Openings  412  are provided at the bottom of recess  410  to provide access for electrical connection to the conical power supply connector  401  (from  FIG. 4 ). The inside surface of power supply attachment  408  is preferably curved to match or otherwise correspond to the exterior surface of a conical power supply connector  401 . Securing tabs  413  may be used to hold the assembly together, as described below. 
         [0053]      FIG. 4C  illustrates an assembled hub  414 , which includes of a central conical power supply connector  401  mounted within a configuration of power supply attachments  408 . The raised flange  403  (from  FIG. 4 ) of conical power supply connector  401  is preferably elevated above the top surface of hub  414 , allowing a top connection to another component of the modular LED assembly via a locking ring  201  (from  FIG. 2 ). Ports  412  and  405  (from  FIG. 4 ) may be provided to enable electrical connection of modular LED assembly components to electrical power supply/data provided by hub  414 . Securing tabs  413  preferably align laterally with one another when hub  414  is assembled. One may secure hub  414  by inserting a fastener (e.g., screw, nut and bolt, etc.) through the securing tabs  413 . Although hub  414  is depicted as consisting of one conical power supply connector  401  and four attachments  408 , it is understood that this configuration may readily be modified or adapted to allow additional connections, angles and shapes, as required by the end-user. 
         [0054]      FIG. 5  illustrates a freestanding base  501  for a modular LED assembly. Freestanding base  501  is preferably supported by four legs  503 , which extend downward from freestanding base  501 . Freestanding base  501  preferably includes a centrally located, cylindrical fitting  502  projecting upward from the base. The fitting  502  is preferably defined by a central opening  502   a , a locking slot  502   b , and a pair of aligned pinholes  502   c . Central opening  502   a  is preferably configured to receive a conical power supply connector  401  (from  FIG. 4 ). Locking slot  502   b  is preferably L-shaped and is configured to receive an external power connector (from  FIG. 4A ) inserted within a conical power supply connector  401  (from  FIG. 4 ). The conical power supply connector  401  may be inserted into the central opening  502   a  by aligning the external connector  406  with the locking slot  502   b . Rotation of the conical power supply connector  401  caused the external connector  406  to move into the perpendicular section of the locking slot to releasably secure the conical power supply connector  401  to the freestanding base  501 . A locking pin  504  may then be removably inserted with the aligned pinholes  502  to prevent rotation and subsequent removal of the power connector  401  from the base  501 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 5A  depicts a conical power supply connector  401 , locking ring  201  and tubular light diffusing assembly  101  mounted on freestanding base  501 . Tubular light diffusing assembly  101  is preferably connected to conical power supply connector  401  via locking ring  201 . Alternatively, a clip, pin, fastener or the like (not shown) may be used to connect the end tubular light diffusing assembly  101  to conical power supply connector  401 . External power connector  406  may be plugged into or otherwise electrically connected to conical power supply connector  401  to provide the modular LED assembly with electrical power and/or data. The coupled tubular light diffusing assembly  101 , locking ring  201  and conical power supply  401  are preferably inserted into the raised fitting  502  so that the electrical power connector  406  enters the vertical section of locking slot  502  (from  FIG. 5 ). Afterwards, the coupled tubular light diffusing assembly  101 , locking ring  201  and conical power supply  401  are preferably turned so that the electrical power connector  406  reaches the terminal end of the horizontal section of locking slot  502  (from  FIG. 5 ). Locking pin  504  is then preferably inserted into pinhole  502   c  (from  FIG. 5 ) to releasably secure the assembly to the base  501 . 
         [0056]    The end caps  102 , locking ring  201 , intermediate connector  301 , power supply connector  401 , power supply attachments  408 , base  501  and other components of the modular LED assembly may be made from plastic or any other suitable material. These components may be made by injection molding or in similar manufacturing process. 
         [0057]    An illustrative assembled modular LED assembly  601  is shown in  FIG. 6 . Tube sections  101  (from  FIG. 1 ) are all connected to an assembled central hub  414  ( FIG. 4C  above). An additional conical power supply  401  may be attached to one of the light diffusing assemblies  101  and preferably receives power and/or data through external power connector  406 . Electrical power and/or data are preferably transmitted (via the electrical pathways described above) throughout the entire modular LED assembly  601 , illuminating the LEDs within each light diffusing assembly  101 . In this manner, the central hub  414  preferably includes one power/data integrated connection for multiple light diffusing assemblies  101 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 6A  is an enlarged view of the central region of the illustrative assembled exemplary modular LED assembly  601  (from  FIG. 6 ). Tube sections  101  (from  FIG. 1 ) are preferably connected to the central hub  414  via locking rings  201  (from  FIG. 2 ), which attach to the tube sections  101  via end caps  102  (from  FIG. 1B ). Alternatively, a clip, pin, fastener or the like (not shown) may be used to connect the tubular light diffusing assembly  101  to central hub  414 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 6B  is a cross section view of the central hub  414  ( FIG. 6 ), with respective attachments  408  (from  FIG. 4B ,  4 C). Electrical continuity is provided through central hub  414  via internal electrical coupling  602 , which may take the form of wiring, circuitry, or any other suitable electrical connection. Electrical couplers  602   a ,  602   b  are provided for transmission of electrical power and/or data to other components of the modular LED assembly affixed to central hub  414 . There is preferably one electrical coupler for each attachment (although only two are shown in  FIG. 6 ). Intermediate connectors  303  ( FIGS. 3 ,  3 A) are preferably positioned between central hub  414  and the affixed component of the modular LED assembly to provide electrical continuity between them. 
         [0060]      FIG. 7  illustrates another illustrative configuration of the modular LED assembly in which six tube sections  101  (with corresponding end caps  102 ) are releasably connected to one another via a central hub  701 . Each tube section  101  is preferably connected to the central hub  701  via a connector or locking ring  201  (from  FIG. 2 ) having an opening for receive the end cap  102 . The connector  201  is connected to the central hub  701  and preferably includes one or more recessed internally circumferential grooves (e.g., L-shaped or T-shaped groove) on its inner surface of the opening for releasably engaging a corresponding pin or protrusion  104  projecting from the end cap  102 , so that the pin or protrusion  104  may slide into the groove and then twist to releasably lock the end cap  102  to the connector  201 . Alternatively, a clip, pin, fastener or the like (not shown) may be used to connect the end cap  102  to the connector  201  or directly to the central hub  701 . 
         [0061]    Referring to  FIG. 7A , an intermediate connector  301  is preferably provided within the opening of the connector  201  to electrically connect each light diffusing assembly  101  to the central hub  701 . As discussed above, the intermediate connector  301  preferably includes a cylindrically shaped housing having at least two electrical connectors  302   a ,  302   b  protruding from opposing sides of the intermediate connector  301 . Electrical connectors  302   a ,  302   b  are preferably electrically coupled via internal electrical junction  303 . Internal electrical junction  303  may be wiring, circuitry, or any other suitable connection for communicating electrical power and/or data between connectors  302   a ,  302   b.    
         [0062]      FIG. 7B  illustrates a cross section of central hub  701  with an insert  702  for providing an internal electrical connection within the central hub. The insert  702  is shown in  FIG. 7C  and includes a plurality of electrical connectors  703  for engaging and electrically connecting to a corresponding electrical connector  302  of each intermediate connector  301 . Electrical connectors  703  are preferably electrically coupled via internal electrical junction  704 . Internal electrical junction  704  may be wiring, circuitry, or any other suitable connection for communicating electrical power and/or data between connectors  703 . A power supply  401  may be attached to the central hub  701  or to one of the light diffusing assemblies  101  to provide power and/or data through external power connector  406 . Electrical power and/or data are preferably transmitted (via the electrical pathways described above) throughout the entire modular LED assembly, illuminating the LEDs within each light diffusing assembly  101 . In this manner, the central hub  701  preferably includes one power/data integrated connection for multiple light diffusing assemblies  101 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 8  illustrates another illustrative configuration of the modular LED assembly in which two tube sections  101  (with corresponding end caps  102 ) are releasably, linearly (i.e. at an angle of 180°) connected to one another via a central connector  801 . The central connector  801  is preferably cylindrical shaped and includes an openings for receiving an end cap  102  from tube section  101 . An electrical connector is preferably mounted in the opening of the central connector to engage and electrically connect to the corresponding electrical connector  108  ( FIG. 1C ) located within the end cap  102 . The electrical connectors within the central connector  801  are preferably electrically connected to one another so that electrical power and/or data is preferably transmitted (via the electrical pathways described above) throughout the entire modular LED assembly, illuminating the LEDs within each light diffusing assembly  101 . Like the locking ring  201 , the central connector  801  preferably includes one or more recessed internally circumferential grooves (e.g., L-shaped or T-shaped groove) on its inner surface for releasably engaging a corresponding pin or protrusion  104  projecting from the end cap  102 , so that the pin or protrusion  104  may slide into the groove and then twist to releasably lock the end cap  102  to the central connector  801 . Alternatively, a clip, pin, fastener or the like (not shown) may be used to connect the end cap  102  to the central connector  801 . 
         [0064]      FIGS. 9 and 9A  illustrate another illustrative configuration of the modular LED assembly in which two tube sections  101  (with corresponding end caps  102 ) are releasably connected at an angle which, as shown, is approximately 90° to one another via a 90° connector (e.g., elbow)  901 . The connector  901  preferably includes a pair of openings for receiving an end cap  102  from the tube sections  101 . An electrical connector is preferably mounted in each opening of the central connector to engage and electrically connect to the corresponding electrical connector  108  ( FIG. 1C ) located within the end cap  102 . The electrical connectors within the connector  901  are preferably electrically connected to one another so that electrical power and/or data is preferably transmitted (via the electrical pathways described above) throughout the entire modular LED assembly, illuminating the LEDs within each light diffusing assembly  101 . Like the locking ring  201 , the connector  901  preferably includes one or more recessed internally circumferential grooves (e.g., L-shaped or T-shaped groove) on its inner surface for releasably engaging a corresponding pin or protrusion  104  projecting from the end cap  102 , so that the pin or protrusion  104  may slide into the groove and then twist to releasably lock the end cap  102  to the connector  901 . Alternatively, a clip, pin, fastener or the like (not shown) may be used to connect the end cap  102  to the connector  901 . 
         [0065]      FIGS. 10 and 10A  illustrate another illustrative configuration of the modular LED assembly in which three tube sections  101  (with corresponding end caps  102 ) are releasably connected to one another via a three-way connector  1001 . The connector  1001  preferably includes openings for receiving an end cap  102  from each tube section  101 . An electrical connector is preferably mounted in each opening of the connector  1001  to engage and electrically connect to the corresponding electrical connector  108  ( FIG. 1C ) located within the end cap  102 . The electrical connectors within the connector  1001  are preferably electrically connected to one another so that electrical power and/or data is preferably transmitted (via the electrical pathways described above) throughout the entire modular LED assembly, illuminating the LEDs within each light diffusing assembly  101 . Like the locking ring  201 , the connector  1001  preferably includes one or more recessed internally circumferential grooves (e.g., L-shaped or T-shaped groove) on its inner surface for releasably engaging a corresponding pin or protrusion  104  projecting from the end cap  102 , so that the pin or protrusion  104  may slide into the groove and then twist to releasably lock the end cap  102  to the connector  1001 . Alternatively, a clip, pin, fastener or the like (not shown) may be used to connect the end cap  102  to the connector  1001 . 
         [0066]      FIG. 11  illustrates another illustrative configuration of the modular LED assembly in which four tube sections  101  (with corresponding end caps  102 ) are releasably connected to one another via a four-way connector  1101 . The connector  1001  preferably includes openings for receiving the end cap  102  from the tube sections  101 . An electrical connector is preferably mounted in each opening of the connector  1101  to engage and electrically connect to the corresponding electrical connector  108  ( FIG. 1C ) located within the end cap  102 . The electrical connectors within the connector  1101  are preferably electrically connected to one another so that electrical power and/or data is preferably transmitted (via the electrical pathways described above) throughout the entire modular LED assembly, illuminating the LEDs within each light diffusing assembly  101 . Like the locking ring  201 , the connector  1001  preferably includes one or more recessed internally circumferential grooves (e.g., L-shaped or T-shaped groove) on its inner surface for releasably engaging a corresponding pin or protrusion  104  projecting from the end cap  102 , so that the pin or protrusion  104  may slide into the groove and then twist to releasably lock the end cap  102  to the connector  1101 . Alternatively, a clip, pin, fastener or the like (not shown) may be used to connect the end cap  102  to the connector  1101 . 
         [0067]    By a combination of some or all of the above-described modular LED assembly components, a wide variety of shapes and configurations may be created. For instance, if one wished to use the system to decorate the entrance to a social venue, a modular LED assembly may be configured in the shape of an arch or a doorway to frame the entrance. Alternatively, if one wished to decorate the ceiling of a large hall, stars and other desired shape configurations of modular LED assemblies may be formed, using different angled connectors and can be suspended from the ceiling. 
         [0068]    It should be understood that the components disclosed herein might be altered in design or shape to suit the needs of the end user. For instance, the tubular light diffusing assembly may be curved instead of straight as depicted in  FIG. 1 . This would enable a user to create circular or rounded shapes as well. Alternatively, the interlocking components between the tubular light diffusing assemblies may be curved as well, enabling a user to lock components together at different angles. 
         [0069]    The modular LED assemblies described herein may utilize one or more hub assemblies or connectors having one power/data integrated connection with multiple ports for interconnected light diffusing assemblies. 
         [0070]    In addition, the end caps  102  on each light diffusing assembly  100  may be wired or strung together to provide an electrical connection for the distribution of power and/or data to a multiplicity of tubular light diffusing assemblies with all wiring being readily concealed, even in cases where the tubular light diffusing assemblies are deployed vertically (such as (but not limited to) lining a runway, stairs or the like). Similarly, an end cap on the tubular light diffusing assembly may be recessed within a structure or surface (such as (but not limited to) a stage, wall, display case, or any other structure or architectural application) where concealed wiring is desired. In this manner, the recessed end caps of tubular light diffusing assemblies may be wired or strung together through the opposing or non-viewable side of the structure or surface to conceal the wiring. In this manner, custom artistic creations of tubular light diffusing assemblies may be created, such as, for example, recessing thirty light diffusing assemblies into a globe using shallow angles between the tubular light diffusing assemblies to create a “sea urchin”-like concept or recessing seven light diffusing assemblies into a small half circle table mount to create a custom centerpiece for a special event. 
         [0071]    The independent units may also be controllable as well, to enable variation of the lighting display. For instance, the tubular light diffusing assemblies may be coordinated to blink on and off in a pattern, creating an illusion that light is traveling through the assembly. The control communication mechanism is preferably a wireless mechanism, such as a wireless data interface. Alternatively, it may be a wired electrical connection as well, preferably built into the power and/or data delivery mechanism. The lights may be controlled via a dedicated console or other similar hardware. Alternatively, a computer with a software program may control them. 
         [0072]    Having described and illustrated the principles of this application by reference to one or more preferred embodiments, it should be apparent that the preferred embodiment(s) may be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from the principles disclosed herein and that it is intended that the application be construed as including all such modifications and variations insofar as they come within the spirit and scope of the subject matter disclosed herein.

Technology Category: 2