Patent Application
20060203488
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention provides a cylindrically shaped device having a plurality of LEDs mounted therein, the light generated thereby being directed to an art object located adjacent thereto.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Devices for illuminating art objects, such as paintings, have long been available in the prior art. Typically, the illuminating device comprises a single incandescent bulb mounted within a housing, the illumination emitted by the bulb being directed over the surface of the painting or other works of art.
While the technology underlying the use of incandescent lights is familiar, there are a number of shortcomings that make their use less than ideal. For example, the incandescent light sources adapted for this use typically have a short life expectancy after which time they must be replaced, thereby, incurring maintenance costs related to labor, replacement parts, and inventory overhead and storage. In addition, incandescent lights consume a relatively large amount of power and generate heat and UV light, UV Light being harmful to paintings.
Furthermore, incandescent light sources typically employ a single lighting filament or alternatively multiple lighting filaments electrically connected in series. Consequently, the failure of any one filament results in the complete failure of the light source. Such an all-out failure results in increased costs for replacement bulbs.
In typical museum settings, these added costs can seriously impact budget considerations.
What is thus desired is to provide a source for illuminating art objects, such as paintings, for viewing wherein the light source has a relatively long life, has low power requirements and wherein heat generation is minimized.
The present invention provides a source of illumination comprising an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB) which in turn is secured to the inner wall of a cylindrically shaped frame member in a preferred embodiment. The frame member has a cutout portion through which the illumination generated by the LEDs, when energized, is emitted and illuminates an adjacent object, such as a piece of art. The frame member has an end portion which enables it to partially swivel about its horizontal axis when mounted in a socket. In a preferred embodiment, 64 LEDs are utilized, the LEDs being energized by the rectified output from a conventional AC power source or directly from a DC power source.
The present invention thus provides an improved source for illuminating objects and in particular, art objects, enabling the object to be easily viewed, the source having a relatively long life and reduced power requirements which, in turn, generates minimal heat. This latter feature provides the additional benefit of preserving the object from possible damage caused by excessive heat generated by conventional illumination devices.
For a better understanding of the present invention as well as other objects and further features thereof, reference is made to the following description which is to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing wherein:
Referring now to
Device 10 comprises a frame member 16 having a printed circuit board (PCB) 18 positioned within slots formed in the frame member 16. A plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 20 are mounted to PCB 18 in a conventional manner. In a preferred embodiment, sixty four LEDs as illustrated are utilized although more or less LEDs could be utilized. Lug 26 on frame member 16 and lug 28 on socket 30 are provided to limit the rotation of frame member 16 about axis 22 with respect to fixed socket 30 to one complete turn and then back again to protect the electrical connection 32 and to enable the direction of the light emitted by the LEDs to be adjusted. Although not illustrated, an AC power source is connected to socket 30 via connection 32, the AC power being rectified by a circuit on PCB 18 to provide the necessary dc voltage to energize the LEDs 20. Alternately, a DC power source can be utilized to power the LEDs, the source in this case preferably being 12 volts DC. PCB 18 slides into two channels formed in the interior surface of frame member 16 as shown in
The electrical connections from the rectified AC power source to the LEDs 20 have not been illustrated since it utilizes conventional techniques.
The rectified power energizes the LEDs, the light emitted thereby illuminating the adjacent object.
The present invention thus provides a LED device specifically adapted to illuminate a work of art, such as a painting, and as a result, eliminate the deleterious effects of illumination generated by incandescent bulbs that are typically used to illuminate such works of art.
While the invention has been described with reference to its preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its essential teachings.
