The present invention is directed to an LED socket and more specifically, an LED socket that is attachable to a display panel.
LEDs are small light bulbs that fit easily into electrical circuits. Conventional incandescent bulbs contain a filament, which eventually burns out. The incandescent bulbs also emit high temperatures, posing a potential fire risk. Unlike conventional incandescent light bulbs, LEDs do not include a filament. LEDs are illuminated by the movement of electrons in a semiconductor material, and have a longer useful life, comparable with that of a transistor. In addition, LEDs are available in various colors such as red, orange, amber, yellow, green, blue and white. Further, LEDs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes.
LEDs having circular cross-section are common and are easy to install on electrical enclosures by drilling, punching or molding an opening suitable for the diameter of the LED. Adhesive may be used to secure the LED in its socket or soldered to PCBs. LED clips may also be used to secure LEDs in position. LEDs are also available in cross-section shapes that are square, rectangular or triangular. A variety of colors, sizes and shapes of LEDs are available. LEDs also vary in their viewing angle. The viewing angle defines the beam spread of the emitted light. Standard LEDs have a viewing angle of 60° but others have a narrower, more focused beam of 30° or less.
It is desirable to mount light emitting diodes (LEDs) in various locations to provide lighting effects because of their variety and versatility. An LED is an appropriate illumination source for a theatre curtain, because of the low heat dissipated during illumination and because of the extended operational life span. Therefore, there is a need for an LED socket for attaching an LED to a display. Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
The present invention is directed to an LED electrical connector. The LED connector includes a housing portion having a base portion, a backplate portion, and a contact arrangement. The base portion and backplate portion are detachably coupled to form a hollow interior for housing the contact arrangement and a channel for receiving an electrical cable. The base portion has a collar portion disposed on a first surface for receiving an LED, a pair of apertures for receiving a pair of LED contact legs, and latching arms for coupling to the backplate portion. The contact arrangement includes a first contact portion having points formed thereon, and a first mating terminal electrically in common with the points. The first mating terminal frictionally engages one of the anode or cathode legs of the LED. A second contact portion has points formed thereon and a second mating terminal interconnected to the points by a resistor. The second mating terminal configured to frictionally engage one of an anode and a cathode legs of the LED. wherein the first contact portion points and the second contact portion points pierce an insulating jacket of the electrical cord to electrically engage a first conductor and second conductor of the cable, to energize the LED.
The present invention is also directed to any application where a string of LEDs would be required.
An advantage of the present invention is the capability to mount an LED or multiple LEDs on a display.
Another advantage of the present invention is the ability to terminate multiple sockets to the same power cord to create an emitted light pattern with the multiple LEDs.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
Referring now to
The resistor 48 provides resistance connected in series with the anode leg 54 of the LED circuit 56 (See, e.g.,
The base portion 14 and the backplate 30 clamp together to form a unitary electrical connector. Latching arms 62 are disposed at intervals about the periphery of the base portion. The arms 62 have a lip 66 that engages with a shelf portion 64 of the backplate 30 to compress the cable 28 between the backplate 30 and the base portion 14. The multiconductor cable 28 enters and exits the electrical connector 10 through opposing notches 68 arranged at diametrically opposing sides of base portion 14. The cable 28 passes through the electrical connector 10 along the top of the divider wall 44. The insulating jacket of the cable 28 is penetrated by the contact points 46, as discussed above. The top of the divider wall 44 may optionally include conical barbs 70 molded on the divider wall 44. The barbs 70 impinge on the insulating layer of the cable 28 to frictionally restrain the cable 28 from axial displacement once the backplate 30 and the base portion 14 are clamped in place. The bottom surface 42 includes studs 72 that cooperate with spring members 74 in apertures 76 to retain the contact portions 40a, 40b against the bottom surface 42. Spring members 74 are sufficiently flexible to bend when pressed down on the studs 72 and grip the studs without the contact portions 40a, 40b backing off of the studs 72.
In the manner described above, a multiconductor cable 28 may be strung along a rear surface of a display board or other apparatus, and a series of electrical connectors 10 attached to the cable 28, with the LED 12 facing the opposite surface such that the LED 12 protrudes through the display board to provide decorative or functional lighting appearing as points of light, with the remainder of the electrical connector 10 substantially concealed by the display board.
While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, 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 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 the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.