Conventional parabolic aluminized reflector (PAR) and multi-faceted reflector (MR) halogen lamps, also known as flood lamps, are used in a variety of contexts because of their white light (generally 2800-3200 K) and narrow beam spread (generally 8-60 degrees). However, halogen lamps operate at high temperatures and are capable of reaching temperatures of 260° C. (500° F.) or more during operation. Thus, halogen lamps can be dangerous. The high heat output of halogen lamps means they are also inefficient, as a significant fraction of energy is converted to infrared radiation instead of visible radiation. In order to help protect against lamp breakage due to the high operating temperature of PAR and MR halogen lamps or due to possible contact of the lamp with moisture, a main portion of most PAR and MR halogen lamps is made of hard-pressed glass.
Attempts have been made to use compact fluorescent lamps or light emitting diode (LED) lamps to provide a safer and/or more efficient alternative to PAR and MR halogen lamps. However, while successful in certain aspects, such attempts have generally failed to adequately replicate the narrow beam spread, high lumen output, and other optical qualities of PAR and MR halogen lamps.
Thus, a need exists in the art for a safe and efficient replacement for PAR and MR halogen lamps while meeting both of the desired criteria described above and still other criteria. A further need also exists for an efficient lamp that is an aesthetic match in shape, size, and appearance to the traditional halogen PAR or MR lamp.
The following and other advantages are provided by the light emitting diode (LED) flood lamp described herein. The LED flood lamp provides a lamp with the look and lighting characteristics of a traditional parabolic aluminized reflector (PAR) or multifaceted reflector (MR) halogen lamp, but which operates more efficiently and at lower temperatures. Thus, amongst various features, the LED flood lamp disclosed herein provides a flood lamp with the design appearance of a PAR or MR halogen lamp. Additionally, the LED flood lamp disclosed herein seeks to substantially replicate the narrow beam spread and high lumen output of PAR and MR halogen lamps via a reflector configured to direct the light of the LEDs present in the LED flood lamp, a lens configured to act as an optics controller, and thus control beam spread, and/or the LED configuration within the LED flood lamp. The reflector and lens may be integrated as part of the LED flood lamp or may be a separate assembly which may, in certain embodiments, include an LED mounting surface and other components required for an operational working lamp, as will be described in further detail below. In various embodiments, the LED flood lamp may include vents to allow fluid (e.g., air, water, or the like) to pass through a portion of the LED flood lamp and assist with heat dissipation.
In various embodiments, a light emitting diode (LED) flood lamp is provided. The LED flood lamp may include a base cap configured to be secured within a lighting fixture socket and make an electrical connection with at least one electrical component of the lighting fixture socket; a first housing having a first end and a second end, the first end secured to the base cap; a second housing having at least in part a partially conical shape, an end of the second housing having a smaller diameter secured to the second end of the first housing; at least one LED secured within the second housing and positioned such that light emitted by the LED is directed generally toward an end of the second housing having a larger diameter; driver circuitry secured within the LED flood lamp between the end of the base cap and the at least one LED, the driver circuitry configured to supply electricity from the base cap to the at least one LED; a reflector having a partially conical shape and configured to be secured at least partially within the second housing; and a diffuser element configured to diffuse the light emitted by the at least one LED and secured to at least one of a wider end of the reflector or the end of the second housing having the larger diameter.
In various embodiments, an LED flood lamp having vents is provided. The LED flood lamp may include a first housing comprising a seat having at least one vent disposed therein; a second housing having a narrow end and a wide end, the narrow end secured to the first housing such that the narrow end is in contact with at least a portion of the seat, the second housing having an outer surface and an inner surface extending between the narrow end and the wide end, the inner and outer surfaces connected at the wide end and open at the narrow end, the inner surface including one or more fins; wherein fluid may flow through the at least one vent and into the space between the outer surface and the inner surface.
Brief reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
Additional details regarding various features illustrated within the figures are described in further detail below.
The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, this invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
As shown in
In any of the above-described embodiments, the combination of the base cap 18, the first housing 13, the second housing 11, the reflector 17, and the lens 12 may provide a sealed LED flood lamp 10. In other words, various combinations of the base cap 18, the first housing 13, the second housing 11, the reflector 17, and/or the lens 12 may provide a chamber within the LED flood lamp 10 that is protected from water, humidity, dust, and/or the like. In other embodiments, the first housing 13, the second housing 11, the reflector 17, and/or the lens 12 may comprise one or more vents. For example, in the fourth exemplary embodiment illustrated in
Generally considered, various embodiments of the second exemplary embodiment of the LED flood lamp 100 may comprise a base cap 118 configured to mechanically and/or electrically connect the LED flood lamp to a lighting fixture and/or the like. The base cap 118 may be configured to secure the LED flood lamp within the socket. For example, the base cap 118 may be configured to screw, snap, rotate into the socket or secure the LED flood lamp 100 via a friction fitting. The base cap 118 may be any of a variety of base caps commonly known in the art. For example, in various embodiments, base cap 118 may comprise a threaded portion configured to screw the LED flood lamp 100 into a light socket. In other embodiments, base cap 118 may comprise a two pin, turn and lock, bayonet, or other mechanism configured to facilitate engagement and/or locking relative to an adjacent light socket, as is commonly known and understood in the art.
In various embodiments, the base cap 118 may be configured to secure the LED flood lamp into a socket of a lighting fixture, lamp, wall sconce, can, spotlight, or other socket. The base cap 118 may be configured to connect the electrical components of the LED flood lamp (e.g., driver circuitry 16 and/or the at least one LED 115) to line voltage or to another source of electrical power. For example, the base cap 118 may be include one or more electrical contacts configured to provide an electrical connection to corresponding contacts within the socket. The base cap 118 may also be configured to receive the electrical power and transmit the electrical power to the driver circuitry 16.
In various embodiments, base cap 118 is made of metal, such as aluminum, stainless steel, or the like, or any other material commonly known and recognized to be suitable for such applications. For example, the base cap 118 may be an E26, E27, E11, E12, E14, E17, side double prong, bottom double prong, pin, wedge, E39, E40, GU, and/or other base.
In various embodiments, the LED flood lamp 100 comprises a first housing 113. The first housing is configured to at least provide structural support for the LED flood lamp. For example, the first housing 113 may be configured to be a rigid and/or a light-weight housing. For example, the first housing 113 may be made of plastic or other appropriate material. In various embodiments, the first housing may be configured to connect the base cap 118 to the flood lamp 100.
In various embodiments, the driver circuitry 16 may be mounted within the first housing 113. In various embodiments of the LED flood lamp 100, the driver circuitry may be configured to condition and/or control the electrical current received from the electrical power source (e.g., via the base cap 118) and provided to the at least one LED 115. In various embodiments, the driver circuitry 16 may be integrally mounted to an interior wall of the first housing 113, mounted on a board positioned within first housing (e.g., secured along a cross-section of the first housing, suspended along the axis of the first housing), and/or the like.
In various embodiments, driver circuitry 16 may comprise various circuitry portions. In various embodiments, driver circuitry 16 may comprise circuitry portions configured to convert alternating current to direct current, convert the electrical power received via the electrical power source (e.g., via the base cap 118), and/or control the light function of the LEDs, such as allowing the LEDs to be dimmed or the like. The driver circuitry 16 may comprise circuitry portions which are distinct or circuitry portions configured to enact various functions, such as the examples listed above, with a single circuitry portion. A variety of driver circuitry 16 is known and well understood in the art. In some embodiments, the driver circuitry 16 may be mounted in the base cap 118, or other position within the LED flood lamp 100.
The LED flood lamp 100 may further comprise a second housing 111. The second housing 111 may be configured to provide structural support for the LED flood lamp 100, act as a heat sink for the electrical components of the LED flood lamp (e.g., the driver circuitry 16, the at least one LED 115, and/or the like), act as a heat radiator, and/or the like. For example, the second housing 111 may be configured to absorb heat emitted by the electrical components of the LED flood lamp 100 and/or radiate the heat emitted by the electrical components into the environment surrounding the LED flood lamp.
In various embodiments, the second housing 111 may be at least partially conical in shape (e.g., part of the second housing 111 may be shaped as a partial right circular cone). For example, the second housing 111 may have a circular, elliptical, polygonal, or irregular cross-section. The cross-sectional diameter of the second housing 111 may increase uniformly over at least part of the length of the second housing. The end of the second housing 111 having the smaller cross-sectional diameter may be configured to securely attach to the first housing 113. A longitudinal axis of the second housing 111 may be defined such that
As noted above, the second housing 111 may be configured to act as a heat sink and/or a heat radiator. Thus, in various embodiments, the second housing 111 may be made of aluminum and/or other appropriate material. In various embodiments, the second housing 111 may be finished to provide a shiny silver appearance or finished in another manner to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
In various embodiments, the LED flood lamp 100 comprises a reflector 117. The reflector 117 may be a partially conical reflector (e.g., at least a portion of the reflector 117 may be shaped as a partial right circular cone). For example, the reflector 117 may have a circular, elliptical, polygonal, or irregular cross-section. The cross-sectional diameter of the reflector 117 may increase uniformly over at least part of the length of the reflector. In some embodiments, the shape of the reflector 117 may substantially mirror the shape of the second housing 111, in part or in its entirety. In various embodiments, the reflector 117 may be configured to at least partially fit within the second housing 111. The reflector 117 may be configured to securely attach to the second housing 111. A longitudinal axis of the reflector 117 may be defined such that
In various embodiments, the reflector 117 may also be configured to act as a heat sink and/or heat radiator for the electrical components of the LED flood lamp 100 (e.g., the driver circuitry 16, the at least one LED 115, and/or the like). For example, the reflector 117 may be configured to absorb heat emitted by the electrical components of the LED flood lamp 100 and/or radiate the heat emitted by the electrical components into the environment surrounding the LED flood lamp.
In various embodiments, the reflector 117 may be configured to condition the light emitted by the LED flood lamp 100. For example, the reflector 117 may be configured to reflect at last some of the light incident upon it and emitted by the at least on LED 115 to condition the beam of light emitted by the LED flood lamp 100. For example, the reflector 117 may be configured to condition the light emitted by the at least one LED 115 into a beam having an opening angle α defined by the angle between the longitudinal axis of the reflector and the opening of the reflector opposite the second housing 111 as shown in
To provide at least the above-noted benefits and advantages, in various embodiments, the internal surface of the reflector 117 may be smooth. In other embodiments, the internal surface of the reflector 117 may be multi-faceted. For example, the internal surface of the reflector 117 may be at least partially covered in a uniform pattern of reflective surfaces. The reflective surfaces may be configured to reflect light incident thereupon such that the reflected light is incident upon the lens 112, the edges of the beam of light emitted by the LED flood lamp 100 are well defined, and/or is otherwise conditioned as appropriate for the application. In various embodiments, the internal surface of the reflector 117 may be configured to condition the light emitted by the at least one LED 215 into a beam emitted along the longitudinal axis of the reflector.
In various embodiments, the reflector 117 may be made of plastic, ceramic material, metal, aluminum, glass, hard-pressed glass or some other suitable material. In various embodiments, the exterior surface of the reflector 117 may be coated with a coating 117A that provides a shiny silver appearance. In some such embodiments, the exterior surface of the reflector 117 may be aluminized to provide a shiny silver appearance or finished to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
In various embodiments, the internal surface of the partially conical reflector 117 may be configured to control the beam spread. In various embodiments, the reflector 117 may be configured to confine the beam to an angle of 7-70 degrees. In various embodiments, the reflector 117 may be configured to confine the beam to an angle of less than 8 degrees. In other embodiments, the reflector 117 may be configured to confine the beam to an angle of 8-15 degrees, 8-20 degrees, 24-30 degrees, 35-40 degrees, or 55-60 degrees. In yet other embodiments, the reflector 117 may be configured to confine the beam to an angle of greater than 60 degrees (e.g., 68 degrees) or any suitable angle.
In various embodiments, a lens 112 or other light diffuser may be affixed atop the reflector 117, enclosing the at least one LED 115 within the LED flood lamp 100. For example, in various embodiments, the lens 112 maybe secured via a snap-on connection, a friction fit, adhesive, and/or the like.
In various embodiments, the surface of lens 112 may be textured or patterned. For example, the surface of the lens 112 may have a uniform or irregular pattern, texture, or translucent/opaqueness pattern may thereon. In other embodiments, the surface of lens 112 may be substantially smooth, as may be desirable in certain applications. In some embodiments, the lens 112 may be concave, convex, or substantially flat (e.g., approximately planar). For example, in embodiments wherein the lens 112 is substantially flat, the lens may be approximately a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the reflector 117. In embodiments wherein the lens 112 is concave or convex, the optical axis of the lens may be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the reflector 117. Therefore, the reflector 117 and the lens 112 may be configured to condition the beam of light emitted from the LED flood lamp.
In various embodiments, the lens 112 may be configured to act as an optic controller. In various embodiments, the lens 112 may act to give the appearance of a sharp beam edge without the use of a mask. In various embodiments, the lens 112 may be made out of glass. In other embodiments, the lens 112 may be made out of hard glass. In some embodiments, the lens 112 may be made out of plastic or some other commonly known and used material.
In various embodiments, the lens 112 may be configured to allow at least a fraction of the light emitted by the at least one LED 115 to pass through the lens 112. In particular embodiments, the lens 112 may be configured to allow at least 10% of the light emitted by the at least one LED 115 to pass through the lens. In various embodiments, the lens 112 may be configured to allow 10-95% of the light emitted by the at least one LED 115 to pass through the lens. In other embodiments, the lens 112 may be configured to allow 5-25%, 20-50%, 40-60%, 50-80% of the light emitted by the at least one LED 115 to pass through the lens. In some embodiments, the lens 112 may be configured to allow a significant fraction of light emitted by the at least one LED to pass through the glass lens. In particular embodiments, the lens 112 may be configured to allow greater than 50% or greater than 80% of the light emitted by the at least one LED 115 pass through the lens. In various embodiments, the translucency of the lens 112 may not be uniform across the entire lens. For example, in one embodiment, the center portion of the lens 112 may be configured to allow 90% of the light incident thereon to pass through the lens, while the outermost portion of the lens may be configured to allow less than 5% of the light incident thereon to pass through the lens. The translucency of the lens 112 may vary smoothly, in striations, or irregularly over the surface of the lens.
In various embodiments, the lens 112 may be configured to control the beam spread. In some embodiments, the lens 112 may act as an optics controller. In various embodiments, the lens 112 may be configured to confine the beam to an angle of 7-70 degrees. In various embodiments, the lens 112 may be configured to confine the beam to an angle of less than 8 degrees. In other embodiments, the lens 112 may be configured to confine the beam to an angle of 8-15 degrees, 8-20 degrees, 24-30 degrees, 35-40 degrees, or 55-60 degrees. In yet other embodiments, the lens 112 may be configured to confine the beam to an angle of greater than 60 degrees (e.g., 68 degrees) or any angle appropriate for the application. For example, in some embodiments, the lens 112 may be transparent and/or translucent across the entire lens. In other embodiments, the lens 112 may be at least partially opaque around the edge of the lens and transparent and/or translucent in the center of the lens. For example, the lens 112 may be configured to allow more light to pass through the center of the lens and less light to pass through the edge of lens. In some embodiments, the shape of the lens (e.g., concave, convex, or substantially flat) may be configured to control the beam. For example, the curvature of the lens 112 may be configured to focus the beam of light emitted by the LED flood lamp 100 into a beam of a particular opening angle, width, and/or the like. As noted above, the reflector 117 may be configured to condition the beam of light emitted by the LED flood lamp 100 in place of and/or in addition to the lens 112.
In various embodiments, at least one LED 115 may be mounted within the LED flood lamp 100 such that light emitted by the at least one LED 115 is generally directed toward the lens 112. In various embodiments, the at least one LED 115 may be secured within the second housing 111 and/or the reflector 117. In various embodiments, the at least one LED 115 may have a light temperature of 2800-3200 K. In other embodiments, the at least one LED 115 may have a light temperature of around 2000-2800 K. In still other embodiments, the at least one LED 115 may have a light temperature of around 3000-7000 K.
In yet other embodiments, the at least one LED 115 may be a colored LED, such as a red, green, or blue LED. In various embodiments, the one or more LED 115 secured within the LED flood lamp 100 may be different colors. For example, one embodiment may have three red LEDs, three green LEDs and 10 white LEDs mounted within the LED flood lamp 100. In some such embodiments, the different color LEDs may be controlled independently. For example, in such an embodiment, any red LEDs secured within the LED flood lamp 100 may be controlled independently from any green LEDs secured within the LED flood lamp 100, or the like.
In various embodiments, the at least one LED 115 may be configured to provide light of at least 200 lumens. In some embodiments, the at least one LED 115 may be configured to provide light of at least 1,000 lumens. In other embodiments, the at least one LED 115 may be configured to provide light of at least 2,500 lumens. In still other embodiments, the at least one LED 115 may be configured to provide light of at least 5,000 lumens. In yet other embodiments, the at least one LED 115 may be configured to provide light of at least 7,500 lumens. In still other embodiments, the at least one LED 115 may be configured to provide a beam of any of a variety of lumens, as may be desirable for various applications.
In various embodiments, an LED flood lamp 10 may further comprise a heat sink 19. As noted above, in some embodiments, the second housing 111 and/or the reflector 117 may be configured to act as a heat sink. In embodiments wherein the second housing 111 and/or the reflector 117 are configured to act as the heat sink, the following discussion of the heat sink 19 may also relate to the second housing and/or the reflector. In other embodiments, the LED flood lamp 100 may comprise a distinct and separate heat sink component 19 relative to those elements previously described herein. In various such embodiments, the heat sink 19 may be partially conical in shape. In various embodiments, the shape of the heat sink 19 may substantially mirror the shape of the second housing 111. A longitudinal axis may be defined along the length of the heat sink 19. In various embodiments, the longitudinal axis of the heat sink 19 may be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the second housing 111. In some such embodiments, the heat sink 19 may comprise a plurality of fins transverse to the partially conical structure of the heat sink. In other embodiments, the heat sink 19 may be smooth or ribbed or otherwise configured. In embodiments wherein the heat sink comprises a ribbed partially conical structure, the ribs may be parallel or transverse to the axis of the partially conical structure. In various embodiments, the heat sink 19 may comprise slits in the partially conical structure of the heat sink. In various embodiments, heat sink may be made of aluminum or some other suitable material. In various embodiments, the heat sink may be mounted within the first housing 113, the second housing 111, and/or reflector 117. In other embodiments, the heat sink 19 may be constructed from any of a variety of materials and/or mounted in any of a variety of way within the LED flood lamp 100, as may be desirable for purposes of ensuring sufficient heat dissipation.
Heat sink may be configured to dissipate heat produced by the at least one LED 115, driver circuitry 16, and/or other heat source within the LED flood lamp 100. In various embodiments, heat sink may be in contact with the reflector 117 to increase heat dissipation (e.g., the reflector 117 may act as a heat radiator). In other embodiments, the heat sink may not be in contact with the reflector 117 and may dissipate heat by radiating the heat as infrared radiation, or the like. In various embodiments, the heat sink 19 may comprise fins that are configured to radiate heat. In other embodiments, one or more additional components may be incorporated so as to further facilitate heat dissipation, as may be desirable and/or necessary for certain applications.
In some such and still other embodiments, the heat sink may be in contact mechanically with a floodlight assembly, such the non-limiting example of a separate reflector housing 20. In other embodiments, the heat sink may be configured in any of a variety ways, provided such facilitates a desired degree of heat dissipation with respect to the LED flood lamp 100 and associated assembly described herein.
Generally considered, various embodiments of the third exemplary embodiment of the LED flood lamp 200 may comprise a base cap 218 configured to mechanically and/or electrically connect the LED flood lamp to a lighting fixture and/or the like. As described above, the base cap 218 may be configured to secure the LED flood lamp within the socket and/or place the electrical components of the LED flood lamp 200 (e.g., the driver circuitry 16 and/or at least one LED 215) with an electrical power source. In various embodiments, base cap 218 is made of metal, such as aluminum or the like, or any other material commonly known and recognized to be suitable for such applications. For example, the base cap 218 may be an E26, E27, E11, E12, E14, E17, side double prong, bottom double prong, pin, wedge, E39, E40, GU, and/or other base.
In various embodiments, the LED flood lamp 200 comprises a first housing 213. The first housing is configured to at least provide structural support for the LED flood lamp. For example, the first housing 213 may be configured to be a rigid and/or a light-weight housing. For example, the first housing 213 may be made of plastic or other appropriate material. In various embodiments, the first housing may be configured to connect the base cap 218 to the flood lamp 200.
As described above, in various embodiments, the driver circuitry 16 may be mounted within the first housing 213. In other embodiments, the driver circuitry 16 may be mounted on the LED mounting surface 214, in the base cap 218, or other position within the LED flood lamp 200.
The LED flood lamp 200 may further comprise a second housing 211. The second housing 211 may be configured to provide structural support for the LED flood lamp 200, act as a heat sink for the electrical components of the LED flood lamp (e.g., the driver circuitry 16, the at least one LED 215, and/or the like), act as a heat radiator, and/or the like. For example, the second housing 211 may be configured to absorb heat emitted by the electrical components of the LED flood lamp 200 and/or radiate the heat emitted by the electrical components into the environment surrounding the LED flood lamp.
As noted above, in various embodiments, the second housing 211 may be at least partially conical in shape (e.g., part of the second housing 211 may be shaped as a partial right circular cone). For example, the second housing 211 may have a circular, elliptical, polygonal, or irregular cross-section. The cross-sectional diameter of the second housing 211 may increase uniformly over at least part of the length of the second housing. The end of the second housing 211 having the smaller cross-sectional diameter may be configured to securely attach to the first housing 213. A longitudinal axis of the second housing 211 may be defined such that
As noted above, the second housing 211 may be configured to act as a heat sink and/or a heat radiator. Thus, in various embodiments, the second housing 211 may be made of aluminum and/or other appropriate material. In various embodiments, the second housing 211 may be finished to provide a shiny silver appearance or finished in another manner commonly known in the art to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
In various embodiments, the LED flood lamp 200 comprises a reflector 217. The reflector 217 may be a partially conical reflector (e.g., at least a portion of the reflector 117 may be shaped as a partial right circular cone). For example, the reflector 217 may have a circular, elliptical, polygonal, or irregular cross-section. The cross-sectional diameter of the reflector 217 may increase uniformly over at least part of the length of the reflector. In some embodiments, the shape of the reflector 217 may substantially mirror the shape of the second housing 211, in part or in its entirety. In various embodiments, the reflector 217 may be configured to at least partially fit within the second housing 211. The reflector 217 may be configured to securely attach to the second housing 211. A longitudinal axis of the reflector 117 may be defined such that
In various embodiments, the reflector 217 may also be configured to act as a heat sink and/or heat radiator for the electrical components of the LED flood lamp 200 (e.g., the driver circuitry 16, the at least one LED 215, and/or the like). For example, the reflector 217 may be configured to absorb heat emitted by the electrical components of the LED flood lamp 200 and/or radiate the heat emitted by the electrical components into the environment surrounding the LED flood lamp.
As described above, in various embodiments, the reflector 217 may be configured to condition the light emitted by the LED flood lamp 200. To provide at least the above-noted benefits and advantages, in various embodiments, the internal surface of the reflector 217 may be smooth. In other embodiments, the internal surface of the reflector 217 may be multi-faceted. For example, the internal surface of the reflector 217 may be at least partially covered in a uniform pattern of reflective surfaces 217A. The reflective surfaces 217A may be configured to reflect light incident thereupon such that the reflected light is incident upon the lens 212, the edges of the beam of light emitted by the LED flood lamp 200 are well defined, and/or is otherwise conditioned as appropriate for the application. In various embodiments, the internal surface of the reflector 217 may be configured to condition the light emitted by the at least one LED 215 into a beam emitted along the longitudinal axis of the reflector.
In various embodiments, the reflector 217 may be made of plastic, ceramic material, metal, aluminum, glass, hard-pressed glass or some other suitable material. In various embodiments, the exterior surface of the reflector 217 may be coated with a coating that provides a shiny silver appearance. In some such embodiments, the exterior surface of the reflector 217 may be aluminized to provide a shiny silver appearance or finished to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
In various embodiments, the internal surface of the partially conical reflector 217 may be configured to control the beam spread. In various embodiments, the reflector 217 may be configured to confine the beam to an angle of 7-70 degrees. In various embodiments, the reflector 217 may be configured to confine the beam to an angle of less than 8 degrees. In other embodiments, the reflector 217 may be configured to confine the beam to an angle of 8-15 degrees, 8-20 degrees, 24-30 degrees, 35-40 degrees, or 55-60 degrees. In yet other embodiments, the reflector 217 may be configured to confine the beam to an angle of greater than 60 degrees (e.g., 68 degrees) or any suitable angle.
In various embodiments, a lens 212 or other light diffuser may be affixed atop the reflector 217, enclosing the at least one LED 215 within the LED flood lamp 200. For example, in various embodiments, the lens 212 maybe secured via a snap-on connection, a friction fit, adhesive, and/or the like. For example, the lens 212 may have four prongs configured to snap into corresponding slots located around the opening of the reflector, as illustrated in
As described above, in various embodiments, the surface of lens 212 may be smooth, textured or patterned. In some embodiments, the lens 212 may be concave, convex, or substantially flat (e.g., approximately planar). For example, in embodiments wherein the lens 212 is substantially flat, the lens may be approximately a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the reflector 217. In embodiments wherein the lens 212 is concave or convex, the optical axis of the lens may be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the reflector 217. Therefore, the reflector 217 and the lens 212 may be configured to condition the beam of light emitted from the LED flood lamp.
In various embodiments, the lens 212 may be configured to act as an optic controller. In various embodiments, the lens 212 may act to give the appearance of a sharp beam edge without the use of a mask. In various embodiments, the lens 212 may be made out of glass. In other embodiments, the lens 212 may be made out of hard glass. In some embodiments, the lens 212 may be made out of plastic or some other commonly known and used material.
In various embodiments, the lens 212 may be configured to allow at least a fraction of the light emitted by the at least one LED 215 to pass through the lens 212. In particular embodiments, the lens 212 may be configured to allow at least 10% of the light emitted by the at least one LED 215 to pass through the lens. In various embodiments, the lens 212 may be configured to allow 10-95% of the light emitted by the at least one LED 215 to pass through the lens. In other embodiments, the lens 212 may be configured to allow 5-25%, 20-50%, 40-60%, 50-80% of the light emitted by the at least one LED 215 to pass through the lens. In some embodiments, the lens 212 may be configured to allow a significant fraction of light emitted by the at least one LED to pass through the glass lens. In particular embodiments, the lens 212 may be configured to allow greater than 50% or greater than 80% of the light emitted by the at least one LED 215 pass through the lens.
In various embodiments, the lens 212 may be configured to control the beam spread. In some embodiments, the lens 212 may act as an optics controller. In various embodiments, the lens 212 may be configured to confine the beam to an angle of 7-70 degrees. In various embodiments, the lens 212 may be configured to confine the beam to an angle of less than 8 degrees. In other embodiments, the lens 212 may be configured to confine the beam to an angle of 8-15 degrees, 8-20 degrees, 24-30 degrees, 35-40 degrees, or 55-60 degrees. In yet other embodiments, the lens 212 may be configured to confine the beam to an angle of greater than 60 degrees (e.g., 68 degrees) or any angle appropriate for the application. For example, in some embodiments, the lens 212 may be transparent and/or translucent across the entire lens. In other embodiments, the lens 212 may be at least partially opaque around the edge of the lens and transparent and/or translucent in the center of the lens. For example, the lens 212 may be configured to allow more light to pass through the center of the lens and less light to pass through the edge of lens. In some embodiments, the shape of the lens (e.g., concave, convex, or substantially flat) may be configured to control the beam. For example, the curvature of the lens 212 may be configured to focus the beam of light emitted by the LED flood lamp 200 into a beam of a particular opening angle, width, and/or the like. As noted above, the reflector 217 may be configured to condition the beam of light emitted by the LED flood lamp 200 in place of and/or in addition to the lens 212.
In various embodiments, at least one LED 215 may be mounted within the LED flood lamp 200 such that light emitted by the at least one LED 215 is generally directed toward the lens 212. In various embodiments, the at least one LED 215 may be secured within the second housing 211 and/or the reflector 217. In some embodiments, the at least one LED 215 may be mounted on a board and/or an LED mounting surface 214. In various embodiments, the at least one LED 215 may have a light temperature of 2800-3200 K. In other embodiments, the at least one LED 215 may have a light temperature of around 2000-2800 K. In still other embodiments, the at least one LED 215 may have a light temperature of around 3000-7000 K.
In yet other embodiments, the at least one LED 215 may be a colored LED, such as a red, green, or blue LED. In various embodiments, the one or more LED 215 secured within the LED flood lamp 200 (e.g., mounted on the LED mounting surface 214) may be different colors. For example, one embodiment may have three red LEDs, three green LEDs and 10 white LEDs mounted within the LED flood lamp 200. In some such embodiments, the different color LEDs may be controlled independently. For example, in such an embodiment, any red LEDs secured within the LED flood lamp 200 may be controlled independently from any green LEDs secured within the LED flood lamp 200, or the like.
In various embodiments, the at least one LED 215 may be configured to provide light of at least 200 lumens. In some embodiments, the at least one LED 215 may be configured to provide light of at least 1,000 lumens. In other embodiments, the at least one LED 215 may be configured to provide light of at least 2,500 lumens. In still other embodiments, the at least one LED 215 may be configured to provide light of at least 5,000 lumens. In yet other embodiments, the at least one LED 215 may be configured to provide light of at least 7,500 lumens. In still other embodiments, the at least one LED 215 may be configured to provide a beam of any of a variety of lumens, as may be desirable for various applications.
In various embodiments, the at least one LED 215 may be mounted on LED mounting surface 214. The mounting board 214 may be configured to provide structural support to the at least one LED 215 and/or to provide an electrical connection between the at least one LED 215 and the driver circuitry 16 or source of electrical power. In various embodiments, the at least one LED 215 may be manufactured on the LED mounting board 214 or the at least one LED 215 may be soldered onto and/or otherwise secured to the LED mounting board. The LED mounting board 214 may be mounted within the second housing 211 and/or the reflector 217 such that light emitted by the at least on LED 215 is generally directed toward the lens 212.
As noted above, in various embodiments, an LED flood lamp 10 may further comprise a heat sink 19. In some embodiments, the second housing 211 and/or the reflector 217 may be configured to act as a heat sink. In other embodiments, the LED flood lamp 200 may comprise a distinct and separate heat sink component 19 relative to those elements previously described herein. The heat sink 19 may be configured to dissipate heat produced by the at least one LED 215, driver circuitry 16, and/or other heat source within the LED flood lamp 200. In various embodiments, the heat sink 19 may be in thermal contact with the LED mounting surface 214. In other embodiments, one or more additional components may be incorporated so as to further facilitate heat dissipation, as may be desirable and/or necessary for certain applications.
In various embodiments, the heat sink may be in mechanical contact with the LED mounting surface 214. In some such embodiments, the LED mounting surface 214 may be affixed atop the heat sink. In some such and still other embodiments, the heat sink may be in contact mechanically with a floodlight assembly, such the non-limiting example of a separate reflector housing 20. In other embodiments, the heat sink may be configured in any of a variety ways, provided such facilitates a desired degree of heat dissipation with respect to the LED flood lamp 200 and associated assembly described herein.
As noted above, in various embodiments the LED flood lamp 300 includes at least one pair of vents 321, 322. The vents 321, 322 may allow fluid (e.g., air, water, and/or the like) to flow through at least a part of the LED flood lamp 300. The vents 321, 322 may be configured to allow the fluid passing through the vents to assist with cooling the LED flood lamp 300. For example, air passing through the vents 321, 322 may be heated by heat emitted by the electrical components of the LED flood lamp 300 (e.g., the driver circuitry 16, at least one LED 215 and/or the like) absorbed and re-emitted by the radiator 317 and/or the second housing 311. In various embodiments, at least one vent 321 may be located near the end of the second housing 311 that securely attaches to the first housing 313. At least one corresponding vent 322 may be located at the end of the second housing 311 near where the reflector 317 attaches to the second housing. The red arrows in
In various embodiments, the vents 321, 322 may be elliptical, circular, polygonal, or irregular in shape. In one embodiment, in which the vents are elliptically shaped or have another shape with a defined major axis, the first set of vents 321 may be configured such that the major axis of the vent is approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the second housing 311. The second set of vents 322 may be configured such that the major axis of the vent is approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second housing 311. Such a configuration may increase the heat radiated by the reflector 317 into the fluid passing through the LED flood lamp 300 and/or provide improved draining of the fluid through the second set of vents 322.
The base cap 318, first housing 313, reflector 317, and lens 312 may be configured to provide a sealed chamber 319 within the LED flood lamp 300. Thus, the electrical components of the LED flood lamp 300 (e.g., driver circuitry 16, the at least one LED 315, and/or the like) may not come into contact with the fluid (e.g., air, water, and/or the like) flowing through the vents 321, 322.
As shown in
Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/388,752, filed Jul. 29, 2021, which application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/929,885, filed Jul. 15, 2020 (now U.S. Pat. No. 11,105,472); which application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/715,511, filed Dec. 16, 2019 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,746,391); which application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/293,337, filed Mar. 5, 2019 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,539,315); which application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/911,514, filed Mar. 5, 2018 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,260,731); which application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/754,894, filed Jun. 30, 2015 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,909,753); which application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/269,866, filed May 5, 2014 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,103,510); which application further claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/826,609, filed May 23, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/863,063 filed Aug. 7, 2013; the contents of all of which as are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
61826609 | May 2013 | US | |
61863063 | Aug 2013 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 17388752 | Jul 2021 | US |
Child | 17960466 | US | |
Parent | 16929885 | Jul 2020 | US |
Child | 17388752 | US | |
Parent | 16715511 | Dec 2019 | US |
Child | 16929885 | US | |
Parent | 16293337 | Mar 2019 | US |
Child | 16715511 | US | |
Parent | 15911514 | Mar 2018 | US |
Child | 16293337 | US | |
Parent | 14754894 | Jun 2015 | US |
Child | 15911514 | US | |
Parent | 14269866 | May 2014 | US |
Child | 14754894 | US |