Patent Grant
11668442
The present invention relates generally to a flat rope light string system and more particularly to a flat rope light string system employing light emitting diodes (LEDs).
Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are increasingly employed as a basic lighting source in a variety of forms, including decorative lighting, for reasons among the following. First, as a device, LEDs have a very long lifespan, compared with common incandescent and fluorescent sources, with typical LED lifespan at least 100,000 hours. Second, LEDs have several favorable physical properties, including ruggedness, cool operation, and ability to operate under wide temperature variations. Third, LEDs are currently available in all primary and several secondary colors, as well as in a “white” form employing a blue source and phosphors. Fourth, with newer doping techniques, LEDs are becoming increasingly efficient, and colored LED sources currently available may consume an order of magnitude less power than incandescent bulbs of equivalent light output. Moreover, with expanding applications and resulting larger volume demand, as well as with new manufacturing techniques, LEDs are increasingly cost effective.
Various LED light strings have been proposed for decorative illumination purposes. Most LED light sets and rope lights, including flat rope lights come with a variety of lighting options. Most are rotating color combinations or have the ability to change colors as desired, within a limit. Those LED light sets where colors can be programmed or selected by the user, have the entire set change to any one color at a time. One example of this is commonly referred to as a dual colored light string. This type of LED light string takes advantage of the fact that LEDs only illuminate when a voltage is applied in the correct direction. By coupling two LEDs together in parallel, anode to cathode and cathode to anode, so that only one of the LEDs will light with each voltage polarity, a dual color light string can be created. This type of light string may emit white light when a positive voltage is applied and multi-colored light when a negative voltage is applied. While multiple variations of this kind of dual-polarity LED light string are known, such LED light strings are not capable of placing different combinations of LEDs on the light string in specific locations to be energized in a forward and reverse bias as selected by a controller.
Exemplary LED-based light strings are described in the literature which employ purely parallel wiring of discrete LED lamps using a step-down transformer and rectifier power conversion scheme. The LED light string descriptions found in the prior art convert input electrical power, usually assumed to be the common U.S. household power of 110 VAC to a low voltage, nearly DC input.
Thus, conventional LED light string controllers are lacking in certain aspects. In particular, none of the prior art LED light string controllers disclose an LED light string that includes different combinations of LEDs on a light string in specific locations, under control of a controller that can easily and conveniently select a plurality of LED light display patterns that correspond to pre-arranged lighting color schemes applicable to holidays and other events.
Conventional flat rope systems lack in one additional aspect. Namely, these conventional systems utilize three LEDs in parallel where all of the LEDs change to the same color at the same time and do not have the capability to dynamically change the display pattern over in accordance with pre-programmed event patterns.
In one exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a lighting system. The lighting system includes a plurality of lighting assemblies; a first controller coupled to a power source at a first connection and at least one of the plurality of lighting assemblies at a second connection, each of said plurality of lighting assemblies including a plurality of lighting elements, each of said plurality of lighting elements including a plurality of pairs of different colored lights, each of said plurality of pairs including a first light and a second light, said first light of said light pair activated via a first voltage polarity and said second light of said light pair activated via a second voltage polarity, said first controller having a switch with a plurality of switch positions including: a first switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of lighting assemblies by applying said first voltage polarity on a first connection lead, said first voltage polarity biasing said first light in each of said plurality of pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; a second switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of lighting assemblies by applying said second voltage polarity on said first connection lead, said second voltage polarity biasing said second light in each of said plurality of pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; a third switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of lighting assemblies by applying said first voltage polarity on a second connection lead, said first voltage polarity biasing said first light in each of said plurality of pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; and a fourth switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of lighting assemblies by applying said second voltage polarity on said second connection lead, said second voltage polarity biasing said second light in each of said plurality of pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; a second controller coupled to one of the plurality of lighting assemblies; and a communication device configured to communicate with the first controller and the second controller.
In another exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a lighting system. The lighting system includes a plurality of lighting assemblies; a first controller coupled to a power source at a first connection and at least one of the plurality of lighting assemblies at a second connection, each of said plurality of lighting assemblies including a plurality of lighting elements, each of said plurality of lighting elements including a plurality of pairs of different colored lights, each of said plurality of pairs including a first light and a second light, said first light of said light pair activated via a first voltage polarity and said second light of said light pair activated via a second voltage polarity, said first controller having a switch with a plurality of switch positions including: a first switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of lighting assemblies by applying said first voltage polarity on a first connection lead, said first voltage polarity biasing said first light in each of said plurality of pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; a second switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of lighting assemblies by applying said second voltage polarity on said first connection lead, said second voltage polarity biasing said second light in each of said plurality of pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; a third switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of lighting assemblies by applying said first voltage polarity on a second connection lead, said first voltage polarity biasing said first light in each of said plurality of pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; and a fourth switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of lighting assemblies by applying said second voltage polarity on said second connection lead, said second voltage polarity biasing said second light in each of said plurality of pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; a second controller coupled to a first one of the plurality of lighting assemblies; a third controller coupled to a second one of the plurality of lighting assemblies; and a communication device configured to communicate with the first controller, the second controller, and the third controller.
In another exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a system. The system includes a plurality of flat rope light strings, and a controller coupled to a power source at a first connection and at least one of the plurality of flat rope light strings at a second connection, said second connection including a plurality of connection leads, said second connection being polarized such that said plurality of flat rope light strings is capable of one connection orientation at said second connection, each of said plurality of flat rope light strings including a plurality of lighting elements, each of said plurality of lighting elements including a plurality of pairs of different colored lights, each of said plurality of pairs including a first light and a second light, said first light of said light pair activated via a first voltage polarity and said second light of said light pair activated via a second voltage polarity. Said controller has a switch with a plurality of switch positions including a first switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of flat rope light strings by applying said first voltage polarity on a first connection lead, said first voltage polarity biasing said first light in each of said plurality of pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; a second switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of flat rope light strings by applying said second voltage polarity on said first connection lead, said second voltage polarity biasing said second light in each of said plurality of pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; a third switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of flat rope light strings by applying said first voltage polarity on a second connection lead, said first voltage polarity biasing said first light in each of said plurality of pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; and a fourth switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of flat rope light strings by applying said second voltage polarity on said second connection lead, said second voltage polarity biasing said second light in each of said plurality of pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements. Said plurality of lighting elements of said plurality of flat rope light strings form a grid.
In another exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a system. The system includes a plurality of flat rope light strings; and a controller coupled to a power source at a first connection and at least one of the plurality of flat rope light strings at a second connection, said second connection including three connection leads, said second connection being polarized such that said plurality of flat rope light strings is capable of only one connection orientation at said second connection, each of said plurality of flat rope light strings including a plurality of lighting elements, each of said lighting elements including three pairs of different colored lights, each of said three pairs including a first light and a second light, said first light of said light pair activated via a first voltage polarity and said second light of said light pair activated via a second voltage polarity. Said controller has a switch with a plurality of switch positions including a first switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of flat rope light strings by applying said first voltage polarity on a first connection lead, said first voltage polarity biasing said first light in each of said three pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; a second switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of flat rope light strings by applying said second voltage polarity on said first connection lead, said second voltage polarity biasing said second light in each of said three pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; a third switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of flat rope light strings by applying said first voltage polarity on a second connection lead, said first voltage polarity biasing said first light in each of said three pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; a fourth switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of flat rope light strings by applying said second voltage polarity on said second connection lead, said second voltage polarity biasing said second light in each of said three pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; a fifth switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of flat rope light strings by applying said first voltage polarity on a third connection lead, said first voltage polarity biasing said first light in each of said three pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; and a sixth switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of flat rope light strings by applying said second voltage polarity on said third connection lead, said second voltage polarity biasing said second light in each of said three pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements. Said plurality of lighting elements of said plurality of flat rope light strings form a mat. Said plurality of lighting elements of said plurality of flat rope light strings forming the mat includes a plurality of rows of flat rope strings.
Embodiments of the present invention provide a unique multi-color light emitting diode (LED) flat rope light string system including a controller for coordinating the illumination of the different multi-colored LED lights in accordance with a series of selectable color displays via a switching mechanism. The multi-colored LED lights being selected at a time of manufacture and contained within a single light string in pairs or among several interconnected LED light strings. The flat rope light string system uniquely providing a capability for realizing a plurality of different holiday patterns not available heretofore in conventional light string systems. Capabilities are provided to allow a customer, at a time of manufacture, to select the location and color for different multi-colored LEDs in the bulb housings of the flat rope light string system of the invention. A customer may also select, at a time of manufacture, which LEDs are to be energized such that the flat rope light string system illuminates specific illumination patterns representing a specific desired holiday, special event, sports team or display. The customer specific set of selected multi-colored LEDs along with the customer specific selectable patterns can be conveniently printed on the box display at the time of manufacture. That is, the invention uniquely provides customers with the capability of selecting preset holiday display patterns, known in advance of purchase. To the best of knowledge, these capabilities are not available anywhere in the prior art.
According to one aspect, the present invention provides unique light string system construction layout features including, for example, unique layout features of conductor pathways on a singular common insulator thereby allowing for multiple interconnections, which in turn provides for complex circuit paths to the LEDs in the bulb housings utilizing fewer current carrying conductors than used in the prior art. By utilizing unique layout features of conductor pathways on a singular common insulator, in a manner to be described in detail below, the LED light string system of the invention may be more easily mass produced in a continuous method of automated fabrication.
Various embodiments of the flat rope light string system of the invention may comprise at least one light string, coupled to and controlled by a controller. The one or more light strings being comprised of a plurality of bulb housings, each bulb housing having a plurality of LEDs, the LEDs being organized in pairs with each pair being configured in a back-to-back configuration such that a positive bias energizes a first LED of an LED pair and a negative bias energizes the second LED of the LED pair. Advantageously, the unique back-to-back configuration allows the LEDs to be alternatively energized in each pair such that a first LED from each pair is energized in a forward direction in a first phase of operation followed by the corresponding LED of the pair being energized in a reverse direction, in a second phase of operation. Where energizing the respective LED pairs occurs at a selectable energizing frequency, typically in the range of 120-180 Hz AC to obtain unique color output patterns not achievable by existing prior art flat rope light string systems.
The controller is arranged to change the color patterns of the at least one light string of the flat rope light string system of the invention by energizing and de-energizing the individual leads of the light strings and their polarity. In an illustrative example, the LED pairs within the respective bulb housings are electrically coupled such that a first positive voltage polarity is applied, via the controller, to the at least one light string to provide a turn-on bias to all of the positively biased LEDs in the LED pairs of the plurality of bulb housings, with a second negative voltage polarity being subsequently applied to the at least one light string to provide a turn-on bias to all of the negatively biased LEDs in the LED pairs of the plurality of bulb housings. The LED pairs being pre-determined at the time of manufacture. A resulting display illuminates a different color of in dependence of the type of bias being applied.
The controller of the flat rope light string system is preferably electrically coupled in parallel to the at least one light string, and in the case where there are at least two light strings, the at least two light strings are preferably coupled together in series via harnesses, which may, in some embodiments, be polarized harnesses for making the mating connection between the at least two light strings.
In various embodiments, the flat rope light string system includes; a voltage conversion module for converting a high voltage AC electric power source to a low voltage AC electric power source; a rectifier for accepting an input electrical power source to provide an output DC electrical power to the at least one light string and a controller electrically coupled to a power source at a first connection and electrically coupled, in parallel, to a plurality of light strings at a second connection, the second connection being preferably polarized. The plurality of light strings preferably having a polarized connector at one end for connection to the second connection of the controller such that the light strings are capable of only one connection orientation at the second connection, the light strings having a plurality of bulbs containing a first color LED and a second color LED, the LEDs within the bulbs electrically coupled so that a first voltage polarity applied to the light string provides a turn-on bias to the first color LEDs within the bulbs and a second voltage polarity applied to the light string provides a turn-on bias to the second color LEDs within the bulbs, the controller having switching means with a plurality of switch positions including: a first switch position for providing electrical power at the second connection to the LED light string by applying the first voltage polarity on a first connection lead, the first voltage polarity biasing the first color LED among the plurality of different colored lights within the lighting elements; the second switch position for providing electrical power at the second connection to the LED light strings by applying a second voltage polarity on the first connection lead, the second voltage phase biasing a second color LED among the plurality of different colored lights within the lighting elements; and a third switch position for providing electrical power at the second connection to the light string by simultaneously applying the first voltage polarity and the second voltage polarity on a third connection lead, the plurality of applied voltage phases simultaneously biasing the first color LED and the second color LED within the bulbs, the lighting element including a diffusion element for blending the colors of the plurality of biased lights. In some embodiments, it is contemplated to have six or more switch positions, each switch position corresponding to a different combination of connection lead and applied voltage polarity.
In one embodiment, a flat rope light string system includes a controller coupled to a power source at a first connection and at least one light string at a second connection, the second connection including at least two connection leads, the second connection being polarized such that the at least one light string is capable of only one connection orientation at the second connection, the at least one light string containing a plurality of lighting elements arranged in pairs, the controller having a switch with a plurality of switch positions, including: a first switch position for providing electrical power at the second connection to the light string by applying a first voltage polarity on a first connection lead, the first voltage phase biasing a plurality of first lights among the plurality of different colored lights within the lighting elements; a second switch position for providing electrical power at the second connection to the at least one light string by applying a second voltage phase on the first connection lead, the second voltage polarity biasing a plurality of second lights from among the plurality of different colored lights within the light elements; and a third switch position for providing electrical power at the second connection to the at least one light string by alternately applying the first and second voltage polarities at the second connection lead.
In another embodiment, a flat rope light string system includes a controller coupled to a power source at a first connection and at least one light string at a second connection, the second connection including at least three connection leads, the second connection being polarized such that the at least one light string is capable of only one connection orientation at the second connection, the at least one light string containing a plurality of lighting elements arranged in pairs, the controller having a switch with a plurality of switch positions, including: a first switch position for providing electrical power at the second connection to the light string by applying a first voltage polarity on a first connection lead, the first voltage polarity positively biasing a plurality of first lights among the plurality of different colored lights within the lighting elements; a second switch position for providing electrical power at the second connection to the at least one light string by applying a second voltage polarity on the first connection lead, the second voltage polarity negative biasing a plurality of second lights among the plurality of different colored lights within the light elements; and a third switch position for providing electrical power at the second connection to the at least one light string by applying the first voltage polarity on the second connection lead, the second voltage polarity positively biasing a plurality of second lights among the plurality of different colored lights within the light elements; and a fourth switch position for providing electrical power at the second connection to the at least one light string by applying the first voltage polarity on the second connection lead, the second voltage polarity negatively biasing a plurality of second lights among the plurality of different colored lights within the light elements; and a fifth switch position for providing electrical power at the second connection to the at least one light string by applying the first voltage polarity on the third connection lead, the first voltage polarity positively biasing a plurality of second lights among the plurality of different colored lights within the light elements; and a sixth switch position for providing electrical power at the third connection to the at least one light string by applying a second voltage polarity on the second connection lead, the second voltage polarity negatively biasing a plurality of second lights among the plurality of different colored lights within the light elements; and a seventh switch position for providing electrical power simultaneously at the first, second and third connections to the at least one light string by applying the second voltage polarity on the second connection lead, the second voltage polarity negatively biasing the plurality of different colored lights within the light elements; and an eighth switch position for providing electrical power simultaneously at the first and third connections to the at least one light string by applying a first voltage polarity on the second connection lead, the first voltage polarity positively biasing a plurality of first and third lights from among the plurality of different colored lights within the light elements; and a ninth switch position for providing electrical power simultaneously at the first and third connections to the at least one light string by applying a second voltage polarity on the second connection lead, the second voltage polarity negatively biasing the plurality of different colored lights within the light elements; and a tenth switch position for providing electrical power simultaneously at the first and third connections to the at least one light string by alternatingly applying a first voltage polarity on the second connection lead and a second voltage polarity on the second connection lead, the first voltage polarity positively biasing a plurality of first lights among the plurality of different colored lights within the lighting elements, the second voltage polarity negatively biasing a plurality of second lights from among the plurality of different colored lights within the light elements; and an eleventh switch position for providing electrical power simultaneously at the first, second and third connections to the at least one light string by simultaneously applying a first voltage polarity on the second connection lead and a second voltage polarity on the first and third connection leads, the first voltage polarity positively biasing a plurality of first lights among the plurality of different colored lights within the lighting elements, the second voltage polarity negatively biasing a plurality of second and third lights from among the plurality of different colored lights within the light elements;
In certain preferred aspects of the invention, the plurality of different colored lights are multicolored LEDs and the lighting element is a bulb containing the multicolored LEDs.
In one aspect, the two or more light strings of a flat rope light string system comprise a plurality of multi-colored LEDs placed in lighting elements at specific locations on a flat rope. The specific bulb placements being determined at a time of manufacture. The LEDs capable of being energized in a forward or reverse bias, as selected by a controller. The energizing state allowing the multi-colored LEDs to change from one holiday pattern to another
In another aspect, LED pairs are connected back-to-back in bulb housings on a flat rope of a flat rope light string system. The LED pairs capable of being energized in a forward and reverse bias as selected by a controller. “Back to back” LEDs herein, shall refer to LEDs that are connected in reverse parallel such that the anode of the first LED is connected to the cathode of the second LED and the anode of the second LED is connected to the cathode of the first LED, resulting in the LEDs being illuminated individually when the electrical current is applied in one direction one is illuminated and the other being illuminated when the electrical current is reversed.
In one embodiment, a circuit layout of the flat rope light string system is made in a continuous extrusion process with layers added by automated or semi-automated machinery. The continuous extrusion process provides flat conductors deposited on a singular common insulation. Further, this process results in fewer current carrying conductors than conventional LED light strings. The construction of the inventive flat rope string of LEDs versus a string of LEDs as is common in the art, advantageously eliminates a multiplicity of parts and materials, for example, the need for sockets for each bulb, bulb bases for the bulbs and terminals in the sockets and the material cost fabrication cost and labor to assemble the parts.
In one embodiment, the flat rope light string system is made in a continuous extrusion process with layers added by automated or semi-automated machinery. The continuous extrusion process provides flat conductors deposited on a singular insulated surface. The invention further applies to a method of constructing a flat rope light string system. The method includes predetermining an arrangement and color of a plurality of multicolored LEDs in an LED light string at a time of manufacture, predetermining a proper biasing of a plurality of leads within the LED light string, coupling a controller to the LED light string, biasing the plurality of the multicolor LEDs within each lighting element on the light string via the controller.
Various embodiments may achieve one or more advantages. For example, under control of the controller, the various switch positions of the controller provide a plurality of preprogrammed color displays based on factory pre-set LED color combinations of the LED pairs and positions in the at least one light string, thereby providing unique color display options as compared to conventional rotating color combinations associated with conventional LED light strings. The possible arrangements of individual LED color selections is unique and virtually boundless by virtue of being selected at a time of manufacture to allow the illumination of specific pre-programmed patterns. For example, the holiday patterns as shown in the detailed charts. Notably, unlike conventional flat rope flat rope light string systems, customization of the lighting patterns of the flat rope light string system of the invention is achieved by requiring pre-programming of the lighting patterns at the time of manufacture.
It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parenthesis shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The article “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.
The details of various embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
The various embodiments and variations thereof illustrated in the accompanying figures and/or described herein are merely exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is to be appreciated that numerous variations of the invention have been contemplated as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure. Rather, the scope and breadth afforded this document should only be limited by the claims provided herein while applying either the plain meaning to each of the terms and phrases in the claims or the meaning clearly and unambiguously provided in this specification.
To facilitate a clear understanding of the present invention, illustrative examples are provided herein which describe certain aspects of the invention. However, it is to be appreciated that these illustrations are not meant to limit the scope of the invention, and are provided herein to illustrate certain concepts associated with the invention.
It is also to be understood that certain aspects of the present invention may be implemented in various forms of hardware, software, firmware, special purpose processors, or a combination thereof. Preferably, certain aspects of the present invention may be implemented in software as a program tangibly embodied on a program storage device. The program may be uploaded to, and executed by, a machine comprising any suitable architecture. Preferably, certain aspects of the invention are implemented on a computer platform having hardware such as one or more central processing units (CPU), a random-access memory (RAM), and input/output (I/O) interface(s). The computer platform may also include an operating system and microinstruction code. The various processes and functions described herein may either be part of the microinstruction code or part of the program (or combination thereof) which is executed via the operating system. In addition, various other peripheral devices may be connected to the computer platform such as an additional data storage device and a printing device.
Although the physical construction and electrical circuit layout of the circuits have been specifically disclosed, those of skill in the art will appreciate that alternative physical constructions and electrical arrangements may exist to accomplish the above-described functions without departing from the teaching of the present invention
While the present embodiment describes a flat rope light string system 100 having three LED light strings 132A-C, it is contemplated to utilize more or less light strings depending upon the application.
As stated above, the light strings 132A-C comprise eight bulb housings 138, each bulb housing 138 including a single dual color light-emitting diode (LED) pair (i.e., two LEDs) configured in a back-to-back orientation. Upon insertion of all the LED light elements {A/B, C/D, E/F, G/H} into sockets of the light strings 132A-C, the single lead circuit of the light strings are completed. It should be noted that the LEDs are arranged in the bulb housings in a back-to-back configuration such that a positive bias energizes a first LED of each LED pair and a negative bias energizes a second LED of each LED pair. Thus, the LEDs are biased and thereby illuminated in each light string 132A-C according to the following table:
Notably, an applied positive voltage is applied to LED's {A,C,E,G} simultaneously. Similarly, an applied negative voltage is applied to LED's {B,D,F,H} simultaneously. Similarly,
Controller 126 provides various switching functions to control the light strings 132A-C. It is understood that the flat rope light string system 100 may be organized in any feasible arrangement given the power supply capabilities of controller 126.
Operation of the switching functions of controller 126 is described as follows.
With switch button 127 of controller 126 positioned in a first rotary position, a positive polarity (+) DC voltage is conducted through the light strings 132A-C, coupled across conductor 131 and common return 133. In this first switch position, all of the positively biased LEDs within each of the respective bulbs housings 138 are illuminated, as further indicated in the table above. In accordance with the LED arrangement, a single-color positively biased LED from among the 2 LEDs of each LED pair will be illuminated in each bulb housing 138 in each light string 132A-C while positioned in this first rotary position.
With switch 127 of controller 126 positioned in a second rotary position, a negative polarity (−) DC voltage is conducted through the light strings 132A-C, coupled across conductor 131 and common return 133. In this second switch position, all of the negatively biased LEDs within each of the bulb housings 138 will be illuminated, as indicated in the table above. In accordance with the LED arrangement, a single-color negatively biased LED will be illuminated in each LED pair in each of the bulb housings 138 of light strings 132A-C. See table above.
According to the table above, the positively biased LEDs labeled {A, C, E, G} in each light string 132A-C will be illuminated by the first positive polarity (+) DC voltage in the first switch position. Thereafter, the negatively biased LEDs labeled {B, D, F, H} will be illuminated in each LED light string by the second negatively biased (−) DC voltage in the second switch position.
With switch 127 of controller 126 positioned in a third rotary position, with the input power maintained as 115 VAC and 120 Hz AC, both the positively biased LEDs {A, C, E, G} and the negatively biased LEDs {B, D, F, H} will be alternately illuminated as biased by an appropriate phase of the AC power cycle. More particularly, in this third switch position, the AC input power simultaneously provides two different DC power components, having two different polarities. For example, the two different polarities correspond to a positive DC level and a negative DC level, where each level (+/−) can range substantially between 18-24 volts DC. The different sets of LEDs {A, C, E, G} and {B, D, F, H} in each LED light string 132A-C appear to the eye to illuminate simultaneously in this third rotary position. In a practical application, the “flicker” that is taking place electrically through the alternation of the phases is likely to be imperceptible to the human eye and the light string will have the appearance of having all the LEDs, {A, C, E, G} and {B, D, F, H}, in each LED light string 132A-C on simultaneously. In this fashion, more than two colors may be obtained from a single light element.
Alternatively, or in addition, remote control capability may be added for switching the controller 126. For example, in an embodiment shown in
Referring now to
Referring now to
With reference back to the circuit depictions of
With continued reference to
According to one aspect, the apertures 185 for housing the LEDs lie axially and centrally along the length of the insulator substrate 172. However, it is contemplated that the apertures can lie in a different pattern in other embodiments. The apertures 185 provide a novel and convenient means to provide power to the LEDs 181, 183 and are known to people having ordinary skill in the art. However, other means for conveying power to the LEDs 181, 183, as will be described in detail below.
In contrast to the circuit construction of the invention, shown in
A drawback of existing flat rope LED systems of the prior art, such as the one shown in
The conventional flat rope LED system 190 shown in
As stated above, a drawback of existing flat rope LED systems of the prior art, such as the one shown in
A first advantage afforded by the circuit construction of embodiments of the invention, as exemplified by the circuit construction of
A second advantage afforded by the circuit construction of embodiments of the invention, is the absence of resistors and capacitors on the top layer of the flat rope LED system, such as those shown in the prior art construction of
A third advantage afforded by the circuit construction of embodiments of the invention, is the use of a single layer of foil conductors. In contrast to using a single layer of foil of conductors, the prior art construction of
With reference to
Referring to row 1 of the color output chart of
Upon switching the controller 127, 157 from the first switch position to the second switch position, a negative polarity DC voltage is generated energizing LEDs “B”, “F”, “J”, “N” and LEDs “B, D, F and H” in each of the LED light strings 132A-C of flat rope light string systems 100, 110 of
Upon switching the controller 127, 157 from the second switch position to the third switch position, an alternating 120 Hz output is generated that generates an alternating positive polarity DC voltage and negative polarity DC voltage, as described above, at a rate of 120 Hz. In this third switch position, the resulting illumination (i.e., actual color output) will be white a combination of pastel colors corresponding to Easter, as shown in the last column of the chart.
Although the physical construction and electrical circuit layout illustrated in
Referring now to
Referring to
Alternatively, or in addition, remote control capability may be added for switching the controller 226. Wireless receiver/transmitter head 228 may be included in controller 226 for coordinating wireless communication with remote 229 having its own wireless receiver/transmitter head (not shown). A push-button switch on the remote is used to switch the switch position of the controller and wireless signals are exchanged between the receiver/transmitter.
Although the physical construction and electrical circuit layout of
Referring now to
The circuit layout 240 of
In one aspect, a key difference between the circuit construction shown in
In a further aspect, a second key difference between the circuit construction shown in
LED “A” is paired with LED “B” in a back-to-back configuration in a first bulb housing 239 of string set 231-A. LEDs “A” and “B” are pre-selected at the time of manufacture as “white” and “orange”. The pre-selected color pairings allow for certain desired display patterns (e.g., Christmas, everyday events, national holidays, etc.) which illuminate in various switch positions of the light string system. The illuminations are described in detail in the color output chart of
With reference to the color output chart of
With reference to row 2 of the color output chart of
With reference to row 3 of the color output chart of
With reference to row 4 of the color output chart of
With reference to row 5 of the color output chart of
With reference to row 6 of the color output chart of
With reference to row 7 of the color output chart of
With reference to row 8 of the color output chart of
With reference to row 9 of the color output chart of
With reference to row 10 of the color output chart of
With reference to row 11 of the color output chart of
With reference to row 12 of the color output chart of
Referring now to
Referring initially to
The flat rope light string system 300 includes two LED light strings 350-1 and 350-2, where each string set comprises eight LED bub housings 353. Each LED light string 350-1 and 350-2 is wired in parallel between electrical connectors {324 and common 330} and {332 and common 330}. The LED light strings sets 350-1 and 350-2 are coupled together via a harness 340. Harnesses 340 may be comprised of any of the standard male-female mating systems typically used for making electrical connections for light strings. Further, harnesses 340 may be polarized so that only one connection orientation is possible in making the mating connection between the two light strings.
Each LED bulb housing 353 of LED light string sets 350-1 and 350-2 is comprised of 2 pairs of dual color LEDs, for a total of four LEDs per bulb housing 353. For example, LED bulb housing 1 of each string set 350-1 and 350-2 is comprised of two LED pairs. For example, in one bulb housing 353 there is shown a first LED pair (A,B) and a second LED pair (C,D).
Each of the LEDs in the respective LED pairs having a back-to-back configuration, as described above.
Although the physical construction and electrical circuit layout of
With reference now to
In operation, AC electrical power (e.g. 115 VAC) is provided to the HI/LO-AC/DC adapter 320. With push button switch 327 positioned to select a first switch position, a positive polarity DC voltage (+) is conducted through the LED light strings 350-1 and 350-2, coupled across connectors 324 and 330 (common). Each positively biased LED within each of the four bulb housings of LED light strings 350-1 and 350-2, coupled in parallel to connectors 324 and 330, will be simultaneously illuminated in this first switch position. For example, in the first switch position positively biased LEDs (A, E, I, M) of bulb housings 1-4 in each of LED light string 350-1 and 350-2 will be positively biased and will be illuminated in accordance with the positive polarity DC voltage (+).
Depressing push button switch 327 a second time results in the selection of a negative polarity DC voltage (−) conducted through the LED light strings 350-1 and 350-2, coupled across connectors 324 and 330. Each negatively biased LED coupled across connectors 324 and 330 within each bulb housing will be illuminated in this second switch position. For example, LEDs (B, F, J, N) will be negatively biased in this second switch position and will be illuminated in accordance with the negative polarity DC voltage (−).
Depressing push button switch 327 a third time results in the selection of a positive polarity DC voltage (+) conducted through the LED light strings 350-1 and 350-2, coupled across the connectors 322 and 330. Each positively biased LED within each bulb housing coupled to connectors 322 and 330 will be illuminated in this third switch position. For example, LEDs (C, G, K, O) will be positively biased and will be illuminated in accordance with the positive polarity DC voltage (+).
Depressing push button switch 327 a fourth time results in the selection of the positive polarity DC voltage (+) conducted through the LED light strings 350-1 and 350-2, coupled across connectors 322 and 330. Each positively biased LED coupled across connectors 322 and 330 within each bulb housing coupled to connectors 322 and 330 will be illuminated in this fourth switch position. For example, LEDs (D, H, L, P) will be illuminated in this fourth switch position.
Depressing push button switch 327 a fifth time results in the selection of 120 Hz AC input power. In this fifth switch setting, both sets of LEDs (A,E,I,M) and (B,F,J,N) will light alternately as biased across connectors 324 and 330, by the appropriate phase of the AC power cycle at a rate of 120 Hz. In other words, the 120 Hz AC input power simultaneously provides two different DC power components, having two different phases, to the respective sets of LEDs so that both sets of LEDs appear to illuminate simultaneously. In a practical application, the “flicker” that is taking place electrically through the alternation of the phases is likely to be imperceptible to the human eye and the light strings 350-1 and 350-2 will have the appearance of having all the LEDs, (A,E,I,M) and (B,F,J,N), on simultaneously.
Depressing push button switch 327 a sixth time results in the selection of 60 20 Hz AC input power. In this sixth switch setting, both sets of LEDs (A,E,I,M) and (B,F,J,N) will light alternately as biased across connectors 324 and 330, by the appropriate phase of the AC power cycle at a rate of less than 60 Hz, typically but not exclusively 20 Hz. In other words, the 20 Hz AC input power alternating provides two different DC current directions having two different phases, to the respective sets of LEDs so that both sets of LEDs appear to illuminate alternatingly. This is simple no power components simply positive and negative being replaced to reverse the polarity and illuminate the other LED in the back-to-back pair. In a practical application, the positive current direction is on for 1 to 2 seconds, followed by the negative current direction being on for 1 to 2 seconds in the light strings 350-1 and 350-2. In this manner, the light strings will have the appearance of having all the LEDs, (A,E,I,M) and (B,F,J,N), on in alternating fashion or flashing on and off.
Alternatively, or in addition, remote control capability may be added for switching the controller326. Wireless receiver/transmitter head 328 may be included in controller 326 for coordinating wireless communication with remote 329 having its own wireless receiver/transmitter head. A push-button switch on the remote 329 is used to switch the switch position of the controller 326 and wireless signals are exchanged between the receiver/transmitter.
Referring now to
Although the physical construction and electrical circuit layout of
A key feature of the circuit layout shown in
Referring to
With reference now to
Advancing controller 404 to the second switch position, results in the selection of a negative polarity DC voltage (−) conducted in series, through the bulb housings of LED light strings 431-A through 431-H, coupled across connector 413 and common connector 405. Each negatively biased LED coupled across connectors 413 and 405 within each bulb housing 431-A through 431-H is activated and will therefore be illuminated in this second switch position. For example, all of the LEDs labeled “B” will be negatively biased (activated) in this second switch position and will be illuminated in accordance with the negative polarity DC voltage (−). The resulting illumination emanating from the respective light strings 431-A through 431-H in this second switch position is a combination of (red, green, yellow, blue) corresponding to Christmas events, as described in the last two columns of
Advancing controller 404 to the third switch position, results in the selection of a positive polarity DC voltage (+) conducted in parallel through the bulb housings of LED light strings 431-A through 431-H coupled across the connector 411 and common connector 405. Each positively biased LED within the single bulb housing of LED string sets 431-A through 431-H coupled to connector 411 and 405 will be activated and therefore illuminated in this third switch position. For example, each LED labeled “C” will be positively biased (activated) and will be illuminated in accordance with the positive polarity DC voltage (+). The resulting illumination emanating from the respective light strings 431-A through 431-H in this third switch position is a combination of (orange, purple, green, purple) corresponding to Christmas events, as described in the last two columns of
Advancing controller 404 to the fourth switch position, results in the selection of a negative polarity DC voltage (−) conducted in series through the respective housings, of LED light strings 431-A through 431-H, coupled across connectors 411 and 405. Each negatively biased LED coupled across connectors 411 and 405 within the bulb housings of LED light strings) 431-A through 431-H coupled to connectors 411 and 405 will be activated and therefore illuminated in this fourth switch position. For example, all of the LEDs labeled “D” will be negatively biased (activated) and will be illuminated in accordance with the, negative polarity DC voltage (−). The resulting illumination emanating from the respective bulb housings of LED light strings 431-A through 431-H in this fourth switch position is a combination of (red, white, green, white) corresponding to Christmas events, Italian events, Mexican events, as described in the last two columns of
Advancing controller 404 to the fifth switch position, results in the selection of a positive polarity DC voltage (+) conducted in series through the bulb housings of LED light strings 431-A through 431-H, coupled across connectors 409 and 405. Each positively biased LED coupled across the bulb housing of string sets 431-A through 431-H coupled to connectors 409 and 405 will be illuminated in this fifth switch position. For example, each LED labeled “E” will be positively biased (activated) and will be illuminated in accordance with the positive polarity DC voltage (+). The resulting illumination emanating from the respective light strings 431-A through 431-H in this fifth switch position is a combination of (purple, orange, purple, green) corresponding to Mardi Gras events, as described in the last two columns of
Advancing controller 404 to the sixth switch position, results in the selection of a negative polarity DC voltage (−) conducted in series through the bulb housings of LED light strings 431-A through 431-H, coupled across connectors 409 and 405. Each negative biased LED coupled across connectors 409 and 405 within the bulb housings of string sets 431-A through 431-H) coupled to connectors 409 and 405 will be illuminated in this sixth position. For example, all of the LEDs labeled “F” will be negatively biased (activated) and will be illuminated in accordance with the negative polarity DC voltage (−). The resulting illumination emanating from the respective light strings 431-A through 431-H in this sixth switch position is a combination of (red, white, red, white) corresponding to Christmas events and Valentine day events, as described in the last two columns of
Advancing controller 404 to the seventh switch position, results in the selection of a positive polarity DC voltage (+) conducted in series through the bulb housings of LED light strings 431-A through 431-H, coupled across connectors 407 and 405. Each positively biased LED coupled across connectors 407 and 405 within the bulb housings of string sets 431-A through 431-H) coupled to connectors 407 and 405 will be illuminated in this sixth position. For example, all of the LEDs labeled “G” will be positively biased (activated) and will be illuminated in accordance with the positively polarity DC voltage (+). The resulting illumination emanating from the respective light strings 431-A through 431-H in this sixth switch position is a combination of (red, white, blue, white) corresponding to National events, as described in the last two columns of
Advancing controller 404 to the eighth switch position, results in the selection of a negative polarity DC voltage (−) conducted in series through the bulb housings of LED light strings 431-A through 431-H, coupled across connectors 407 and 405. Each negative biased LED coupled across connectors 407 and 405 within the bulb housings of string sets 431-A through 431-H coupled to connectors 407 and 405 will be illuminated in this eighth position. For example, all of the LEDs labeled “H” will be negatively biased (activated) and will be illuminated in accordance with the negative polarity DC voltage (−). The resulting illumination emanating from the respective light strings 431-A through 431-H in this eighth switch position is a combination of (green, red) corresponding to Christmas events, as described in the last two columns of
Advancing controller 404 to the ninth switch position, results in the selection of an alternating 120 Hz voltage input that alternates between a positive polarity DC voltage (+) and a negative polarity DC voltage (−) conducted through the LED light strings 431-A through 431-H across connectors 413 and 405. Each positively and negatively biased LED coupled across connectors 413 and 405 within the bulb housings of string sets 431-A through 431-H will be alternately illuminated (activated) in this ninth switch position. For example, each LED labeled “A” all of the LEDs labeled “B” will be alternately illuminated in this ninth switch position. The resulting illumination emanating from the respective light strings 431-A through 431-H in this ninth switch position is a combination of (pink, light green, light green, light yellow, light blue).
System 500 may also include an electrical connector 550. Electrical connector 550 may be any suitable component for electrically connecting system 500 to another component or assembly (e.g., another system 500, an electrical power source, or any other suitable electrical component). Electrical connector 550 may be an electrical plug, an electrical socket, or any other suitable electrical component. For example, electrical connector 550 may include a plurality (e.g., two) of male pins 555 that may be connected to another electrical component (e.g., to a socket). Electrical connector 550 may for example be attached to an end portion of system 500 (e.g., to the end of system 500 that may be a flat rope light system). System 500 may include electrical connectors 550 that may be attached to multiple end portions of system 500 to electrically attach system 500 to a plurality of electrical components. For example, system 500 may include a plurality of electrical connectors 550 that may connect a plurality of systems 500 together to form a light assembly (e.g., a lighting mat or a mat-like assembly as described for example regarding
System 600 may include a plurality of electrical connectors 650 that may be similar to electrical connector 550 described above. System 600 may also include an electrical connector 6131 that may be similar to electrical connector 131 and an electrical connector 6133 that may be similar to electrical connector 133. Electrical connector 6133 may be a common return lead that may be electrically connected to each of electrical connectors 650 (e.g., electrically connecting switch 6157 to each of electrical connectors 650). Electrical connector 6131 may electrically connect switch 6157 to each of electrical connectors 650.
System 600 may be electrically connected to a plurality of other electrical components (e.g., other systems 500 and/or 600, an electrical power source, or any other suitable electrical component) via electrical connectors 650. For example, electrical connectors 650 may connect a plurality of systems 500 and/or systems 600 together to form a light assembly (e.g., a lighting mat or a mat-like assembly as described for example regarding
System 700 may also include one or more electrical connectors 750 that may be similar to electrical connector 550. Electrical connector 750 may connect system 700 to another component or assembly (e.g., system 500, system 600, another system 700, an electrical power source, or any other suitable electrical component). Electrical connector 750 may include a plurality (e.g., two) of male pins 755 that may be similar to male pins 555. System 700 may be connected via one or more electrical connectors 750 to other exemplary electrical components as described for example herein to form a light assembly (e.g., a lighting mat or a mat-like assembly as described for example regarding
System 800 may also include one or more electrical connectors 850 that may be similar to electrical connector 550. Electrical connector 850 may connect system 800 to another component or assembly (e.g., system 500, system 600, system 700, another system 800, an electrical power source, or any other suitable electrical component). Electrical connector 850 may include a plurality (e.g., two) of male pins 855 that may be similar to male pins 555. System 800 may be connected via one or more electrical connectors 850 to other exemplary electrical components as described for example herein to form a light assembly (e.g., a lighting mat or a mat-like assembly as described for example regarding
System 900 may also include one or more electrical connectors 950 that may be similar to electrical connector 550. Electrical connector 950 may connect system 900 to another component or assembly (e.g., system 500, system 600, system 700, system 800, another system 900, an electrical power source, or any other suitable electrical component). Electrical connector 950 may include a plurality (e.g., two) of male pins 955 that may be similar to male pins 555. System 900 may be connected via one or more electrical connectors 950 to other exemplary electrical components as described for example herein to form a light assembly (e.g., a lighting mat or a mat-like assembly as described for example regarding
As illustrated in
Systems 1020 and 1030 may be generally similar to systems 700, 800, and 900. In at least some exemplary embodiments, system 1020 may include 12 LED bulb housings that may be similar to LED bulb housing 132. System 1020 may include system 700 (e.g., including 8 LED bulb housings) attached to system 900 (e.g., including 4 LED bulb housings). In at least some exemplary embodiments, system 1030 may include 16 LED bulb housings that may be similar to LED bulb housing 132. System 1030 may include two systems 700 (e.g., each including 8 LED bulb housings) attached to each other.
System 1000 may also include an electrical component 1055 (e.g., a controller) and an electrical component 1060 (e.g., an electrical plug that may be connected to an electrical power source such as a wall socket). Electrical component 1055 may be any suitable component for controlling an operation of system 1000 such as, for example, a housing including switches that may be actuated by a user. For example, electrical component 1055 may be a foot pedal including push-button switches. Electrical component 1060 may provide any desired current and voltage to system 1000 such as any desired current and voltage of AC and/or DC electricity. In at least some exemplary embodiments, electrical component 1060 may be an AC/DC, HI/LO adapter. System 1000 may also include a remote control components that may remotely control an operation of system 100. Electrical components 1055 and 1060 may be electrically connected to structural member 1010 via a power connector 1065. Power connector 1065 may be any suitable component for transferring AC/DC electricity of any suitable level such as, for example, an electrical wire, an electrical cord, an electrical cable, a light string, and/or any other suitable member for transferring electricity.
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
System 1400 may include a plurality of electrical connections 1470. As illustrated in
System 1600 may include any desired number of rows. For example as illustrated in
In at least some exemplary embodiments, a single strand of LEDs may be extended in a straight-line method so that a variety of interconnected LED strings may form a mat, grid, or “mat”-like assembly that may display a desired design or figure (e.g., as illustrated in
In at least some exemplary embodiments, the exemplary disclosed system may include a plurality of flat rope light strings, and a controller coupled to a power source at a first connection and at least one of the plurality of flat rope light strings at a second connection, said second connection including a plurality of connection leads, said second connection being polarized such that said plurality of flat rope light strings is capable of one connection orientation at said second connection, each of said plurality of flat rope light strings including a plurality of lighting elements, each of said plurality of lighting elements including a plurality of pairs of different colored lights, each of said plurality of pairs including a first light and a second light, said first light of said light pair activated via a first voltage polarity and said second light of said light pair activated via a second voltage polarity. Said controller may have a switch with a plurality of switch positions including: a first switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of flat rope light strings by applying said first voltage polarity on a first connection lead, said first voltage polarity biasing said first light in each of said plurality of pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; a second switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of flat rope light strings by applying said second voltage polarity on said first connection lead, said second voltage polarity biasing said second light in each of said plurality of pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; a third switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of flat rope light strings by applying said first voltage polarity on a second connection lead, said first voltage polarity biasing said first light in each of said plurality of pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; and a fourth switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of flat rope light strings by applying said second voltage polarity on said second connection lead, said second voltage polarity biasing said second light in each of said plurality of pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements. Said plurality of lighting elements of said plurality of flat rope light strings form a grid. Said plurality of lighting elements of said plurality of flat rope light strings forming the grid includes a plurality of rows of flat rope strings, each of the plurality of rows of flat rope strings including a plurality of flat rope strings that are connected to each other. The plurality of rows of flat rope strings may include 24 rows, and each of the 24 rows includes four flat rope strings connected to each other, each of the four flat rope strings including eight lighting elements. The exemplary disclosed system may further include a voltage conversion module for converting a high voltage AC electric power source to a low voltage AC electric power source, and a rectifier for accepting an input electrical power source to provide an output DC electrical power to the at least one flat rope light string. The plurality of lighting elements of the grid may display a color pattern of a design selected from the group consisting of a holiday design, a sports team design, a sports team design, and a national flag. The plurality of lighting elements of the grid may display a color pattern of a design selected from the group consisting of a 4th of July design including a star, a college flag, a football team flag, a Valentine's heart, a Christmas bell, a shamrock, an Italian flag, a Mexican flag, an Irish flag, a French flag, a Mardi Gras flag, and a Halloween pumpkin. Each of the plurality of flat rope light strings may be a rigid assembly including a bent portion. The plurality of rigid assemblies may include bent portions are connected together to form a decorative assembly shaped as a Christmas tree. Each of said plurality of flat rope light strings may include a plurality of plugs or sockets. Said plurality of flat rope light strings may be connected to each other via the plurality of plugs or sockets and form the grid.
In at least some exemplary embodiments, the exemplary disclosed system may include a plurality of flat rope light strings; and a controller coupled to a power source at a first connection and at least one of the plurality of flat rope light strings at a second connection, said second connection including three connection leads, said second connection being polarized such that said plurality of flat rope light strings is capable of only one connection orientation at said second connection, each of said plurality of flat rope light strings including a plurality of lighting elements, each of said lighting elements including three pairs of different colored lights, each of said three pairs including a first light and a second light, said first light of said light pair activated via a first voltage polarity and said second light of said light pair activated via a second voltage polarity. Said controller may have a switch with a plurality of switch positions including: a first switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of flat rope light strings by applying said first voltage polarity on a first connection lead, said first voltage polarity biasing said first light in each of said three pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; a second switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of flat rope light strings by applying said second voltage polarity on said first connection lead, said second voltage polarity biasing said second light in each of said three pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; a third switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of flat rope light strings by applying said first voltage polarity on a second connection lead, said first voltage polarity biasing said first light in each of said three pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; a fourth switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of flat rope light strings by applying said second voltage polarity on said second connection lead, said second voltage polarity biasing said second light in each of said three pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; a fifth switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of flat rope light strings by applying said first voltage polarity on a third connection lead, said first voltage polarity biasing said first light in each of said three pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; and a sixth switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of flat rope light strings by applying said second voltage polarity on said third connection lead, said second voltage polarity biasing said second light in each of said three pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements. Said plurality of lighting elements of said plurality of flat rope light strings may form a mat; and said plurality of lighting elements of said plurality of flat rope light strings forming the mat may include a plurality of rows of flat rope strings. Each of the plurality of rows of flat rope strings may include a plurality of flat rope strings that are connected to each other. The plurality of lighting elements of the mat may display a color pattern of a design selected from the group consisting of a holiday design, a sports team design, a sports team design, and a national flag. The exemplary disclosed system may further include a seventh switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of flat rope light strings by simultaneously applying said second voltage polarity on said first, second and third connection leads, said second voltage polarity biasing said second light in each of said three pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; an eighth switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of flat rope light strings by applying said first voltage polarity on said first and third connection leads, said first voltage polarity biasing said first light in each of said three pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; a ninth switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of flat rope light strings applying said second voltage polarity on said first and third connection leads, said second voltage polarity biasing said second light in each of said three pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; a tenth switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of flat rope light strings by alternatingly applying said first voltage polarity on said first connection lead and said second voltage polarity on said third connection lead, said first voltage polarity biasing said first light in each of said of said three pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements, and said second voltage polarity biasing said second light in each of said pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; and an eleventh switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of flat rope light strings by simultaneously applying: said second voltage polarity on said first and third connection leads, biasing said first light in each of said three pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements, and said first voltage polarity on said second connection lead biasing said first light in each of said three pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; a twelfth switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of flat rope light strings by alternatingly applying: said first voltage polarity on said first connection lead, biasing said first light in each of said pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements, said first voltage polarity on said second connection lead biasing said first light in each of said three pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements, said second voltage polarity on said third connection lead, biasing said second light in each of said three pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements, and said second voltage polarity on said second connection lead biasing said second light in each of said three pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements. The exemplary disclosed system may further include a voltage conversion module for converting a high voltage AC electric power source to a low voltage AC electric power source; and a rectifier for accepting an input electrical power source to provide an output DC electrical power to the at least one flat rope light string.
In at least some exemplary embodiments, the exemplary disclosed system may include a plurality of flat rope light strings; and a controller coupled to a power source at a first connection and a plurality of flat rope light strings at a second connection, said second connection including at least two connection leads, said second connection being polarized such that said plurality of flat rope light strings is capable of only one connection orientation at said second connection, each of said plurality of flat rope light strings including a plurality of lighting elements, each of said plurality of lighting elements including one or more electrically coupled pairs of different colored lights, each of said one or more electrically coupled pairs including a first light activated via a first voltage polarity and a second light activated via a second voltage polarity. Said controller may have a switch with a plurality of switch positions including: a first switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of flat rope light strings by applying said first voltage polarity on a first connection lead, said first voltage polarity biasing said first light in each of said two electrically coupled pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; a second switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of flat rope light strings by applying said second voltage polarity on said first connection lead, said first voltage polarity biasing said first light in each of said two electrically coupled pairs of different colored lights within each of said pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; a third switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of flat rope light strings by applying said first voltage polarity on a second connection lead, said first voltage polarity biasing said first light in each of said two electrically coupled pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; and a fourth switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of flat rope light strings by applying said first voltage polarity on said second connection lead, said first voltage polarity biasing said first light in each of said two electrically coupled pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements. Said plurality of lighting elements of said plurality of flat rope light strings form a grid that includes a plurality of rows of flat rope strings, each of the plurality of rows of flat rope strings including a plurality of flat rope strings that are connected to each other. The plurality of rows of flat rope strings may include 24 rows, and each of the 24 rows includes four flat rope strings connected to each other, each of the four flat rope strings including eight lighting elements. Said plurality of different colored lights may be multicolored LEDs and said lighting element is a bulb containing said multicolored LEDs. The exemplary disclosed system may further include a fifth switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of flat rope light string by alternatingly applying: said first voltage polarity on said first connection lead, said first voltage polarity biasing said first light in each of said two electrically coupled pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; said second voltage polarity on said first connection lead, said second voltage polarity biasing said second light in each of said two electrically coupled pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; and a sixth switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of flat rope light string by alternatingly applying: said second voltage polarity on said third connection lead, said first voltage polarity biasing said first light in each of said two electrically coupled pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; and said second voltage polarity on said third connection lead said first voltage polarity biasing said first light in each of said two electrically coupled pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements. The exemplary disclosed system may further include a voltage conversion module for converting a high voltage AC electric power source to a low voltage AC electric power source, and a rectifier for accepting an input electrical power source to provide an output DC electrical power to the at least one flat rope light string.
Control assembly 4610 may include a control adapter box and a plurality of connectors 4612. Control assembly 4610 may include a primary controller 4630 and a communication device 4635. Primary controller 4630 may be generally similar to the exemplary disclosed controllers described herein such as, for example, controller 126. Communication device 4635 may be any suitable communication device for transmitting and/or receiving data and signals such as, for example, a transmitter, a receiver, or a transceiver. For example, communication device 4635 may serve as a remote receiver. Primary controller 4630 and communication device 4635 may be integrally formed in a single control assembly 4610. Primary controller 4630 and/or communication device 4635 may also be separate components.
Remote controllers 4620 may be built-on controls (e.g., built on the exemplary disclosed light strings) that may include remote receivers that may communicate with and/or receive data and/or signals from communication device 4635. As illustrated in
Remote controllers 4620 may respond to signals transmitted by communication device 4635 that may address (e.g., individually address) each remote controller 4620. Control assembly 4610 (e.g., primary controller 4630) may provide system 460) (e.g., substantially all multi-color flat rope leads) with the current direction and thereby the planned display patterns, while also controlling individual remote controllers 4620 (e.g., via communication device 4635). Primary controller 4630 may thereby allow selected light strings to either follow a primary set of signals or vary from those signals by changing their output currents as directed by communication device 4635 (e.g., via signals transferred by communication device 4635 to respective remote controllers 4620). The signals provided by communication device 4635 may for example address primary controller 4630 and/or each, some, or all remote controllers 4620.
Adapter box 4810 may include one or more individual added controllers (e.g., similar to remote controller 4620 and/or the exemplary disclosed components of adapter box 4710) that may be disposed at a connection of a connector of the exemplary disclosed lighting assembly (e.g., light string as described above in
System 4900 may include a remote controller 4920 that may be similar to remote controller 4620. System 5000 may include a remote controller 5020 that may be similar to remote controller 4620. System 5100 may include a remote controller 5120 that may be similar to remote controller 4620. Remote controllers 4920, 5020, and 5120 may be built-on controls having a receiver. For example as illustrated in
System 5200 may also include a communication device 5235 that may be similar to communication device 4635. Communication device 5235 may be for example a multi-addressable transmitter that may communicate with (e.g., and separately address) remote controllers 5220 and electrical component 1055 that may be a primary control (e.g., a master receiver control). Electrical component 1055 may be a controller similar to primary controller 4630.
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
In at least some exemplary embodiments, the exemplary disclosed remote-controllable controllers (e.g., remote controllers 4620 as well as the other exemplary disclosed remote controllers) may be controlled by a same remote control transmitter (e.g., communication device 4630 as well as the other exemplary disclosed transmitters) that may address each remote controller (e.g., including a remote receiver) individually. The exemplary disclosed remote controllers may allow the signals of the exemplary primary controllers (e.g., primary controller 4630 as well as the other exemplary disclosed primary controllers) to be passed on to the exemplary disclosed lighting assemblies (e.g., rope light strings) or to be changed or varied by respective exemplary disclosed remote controllers.
In at least some exemplary embodiments, the exemplary lighting system may include a plurality of lighting assemblies; a first controller coupled to a power source at a first connection and at least one of the plurality of lighting assemblies at a second connection, each of said plurality of lighting assemblies including a plurality of lighting elements, each of said plurality of lighting elements including a plurality of pairs of different colored lights, each of said plurality of pairs including a first light and a second light, said first light of said light pair activated via a first voltage polarity and said second light of said light pair activated via a second voltage polarity, said first controller having a switch with a plurality of switch positions including: a first switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of lighting assemblies by applying said first voltage polarity on a first connection lead, said first voltage polarity biasing said first light in each of said plurality of pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; a second switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of lighting assemblies by applying said second voltage polarity on said first connection lead, said second voltage polarity biasing said second light in each of said plurality of pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements: a third switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of lighting assemblies by applying said first voltage polarity on a second connection lead, said first voltage polarity biasing said first light in each of said plurality of pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; and a fourth switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of lighting assemblies by applying said second voltage polarity on said second connection lead, said second voltage polarity biasing said second light in each of said plurality of pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; a second controller coupled to one of the plurality of lighting assemblies; and a communication device configured to communicate with the first controller and the second controller. The one of the plurality of lighting assemblies may be controlled by a signal transferred by the first controller via the second connection. The one of the plurality of lighting assemblies may be controlled by a varied signal that is based on the second controller varying a signal transferred by the first controller. The one of the plurality of lighting assemblies may be controlled by either a signal transferred by the first controller via the second connection or a varied signal that is based on the second controller varying the signal transferred by the first controller. The second controller may vary the signal transferred by the first controller based on a signal or data transferred by the communication device. Said plurality of lighting elements of said plurality of lighting assemblies may form a grid. Said plurality of lighting assemblies may be a plurality of flat rope light strings. The communication device may be a transmitter and the second controller includes a receiver configured to receive signals or data from the transmitter. Said second connection may be polarized such that said plurality of lighting assemblies is capable of one connection orientation at said second connection. The exemplary disclosed lighting system may also include a voltage conversion module for converting a high voltage AC electric power source to a low voltage AC electric power source, and a rectifier for accepting an input electrical power source to provide an output DC electrical power to the at least one of the plurality of lighting assemblies. Each of the plurality of lighting assemblies may be a rigid assembly including a bent portion.
In at least some exemplary embodiments, the exemplary lighting system may include a plurality of lighting assemblies; a first controller coupled to a power source at a first connection and at least one of the plurality of lighting assemblies at a second connection, each of said plurality of lighting assemblies including a plurality of lighting elements, each of said plurality of lighting elements including a plurality of pairs of different colored lights, each of said plurality of pairs including a first light and a second light, said first light of said light pair activated via a first voltage polarity and said second light of said light pair activated via a second voltage polarity, said first controller having a switch with a plurality of switch positions including: a first switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of lighting assemblies by applying said first voltage polarity on a first connection lead, said first voltage polarity biasing said first light in each of said plurality of pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; a second switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of lighting assemblies by applying said second voltage polarity on said first connection lead, said second voltage polarity biasing said second light in each of said plurality of pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; a third switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of lighting assemblies by applying said first voltage polarity on a second connection lead, said first voltage polarity biasing said first light in each of said plurality of pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; and a fourth switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of lighting assemblies by applying said second voltage polarity on said second connection lead, said second voltage polarity biasing said second light in each of said plurality of pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; a second controller coupled to a first one of the plurality of lighting assemblies; a third controller coupled to a second one of the plurality of lighting assemblies; and a communication device configured to communicate with the first controller, the second controller, and the third controller. The first one and the second one of the plurality of lighting assemblies may be controlled by either a signal transferred by the first controller via the second connection or a varied signal that is based on the second controller or the third controller varying the signal transferred by the first controller. The second controller or the third controller may vary the signal transferred by the first controller based on a signal or data transferred by the communication device. Said plurality of lighting assemblies may be a plurality of flat rope light strings. Each of the plurality of lighting assemblies may be a rigid assembly including a bent portion. The plurality of rigid assemblies including bent portions may be connected together to form a decorative assembly shaped as a Christmas tree.
In at least some exemplary embodiments, the exemplary lighting system may include a plurality of flat rope light strings; a first controller coupled to a power source at a first connection and at least one of the plurality of flat rope light strings at a second connection, each of said plurality of flat rope light strings including a plurality of lighting elements, each of said plurality of lighting elements including a plurality of pairs of different colored lights, each of said plurality of pairs including a first light and a second light, said first light of said light pair activated via a first voltage polarity and said second light of said light pair activated via a second voltage polarity, said first controller having a switch with a plurality of switch positions including: a first switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of flat rope light strings by applying said first voltage polarity on a first connection lead, said first voltage polarity biasing said first light in each of said plurality of pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; a second switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of flat rope light strings by applying said second voltage polarity on said first connection lead, said second voltage polarity biasing said second light in each of said plurality of pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; a third switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of flat rope light strings by applying said first voltage polarity on a second connection lead, said first voltage polarity biasing said first light in each of said plurality of pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; and a fourth switch position for providing electrical power at said second connection to said plurality of flat rope light strings by applying said second voltage polarity on said second connection lead, said second voltage polarity biasing said second light in each of said plurality of pairs of different colored lights within each of said plurality of lighting elements; a second controller coupled to one of the plurality of flat rope light strings; and a communication device configured to communicate with the first controller and the second controller. The one of the plurality of flat rope light strings may be controlled by either a signal transferred by the first controller via the second connection or a varied signal that is based on the second controller varying the signal transferred by the first controller. Said plurality of lighting elements of said plurality of flat rope light strings may form a grid. The communication device may be a transmitter and the second controller may include a receiver configured to receive signals or data from the transmitter.
While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. There may be aspects of this disclosure that may be practiced without the implementation of some features as they are described. It should be understood that some details have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the focus of the disclosure. The disclosure is capable of myriad modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive in nature.
This application is a continuation-in part of U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 16/852,828 filed on Apr. 20, 2020, and entitled “Multi-Color Flat Rope Light String System,” which is a continuation-in part of U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 16/588,537 filed on Sep. 30, 2019, and entitled “Multi-Color Flat Rope Light String System,” issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,631,386 on Apr. 21, 2020, the entire disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7859196 | Lee | Dec 2010 | B2 |
| 9609709 | Keller | Mar 2017 | B2 |
| 20120299480 | Peting | Nov 2012 | A1 |
| 20150102731 | Altamura | Apr 2015 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20220003365 A1 | Jan 2022 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16852828 | Apr 2020 | US |
| Child | 17480260 | US | |
| Parent | 16588537 | Sep 2019 | US |
| Child | 16852828 | US |
