The disclosure relates generally to lighting systems and more particularly to a surface mounted lighting systems.
With conventional “pot light” and other ceiling lighting systems, installation typically requires drilling and hammering items into the ceiling and wall, and usually requires a professional electrician to perform the installation. What is needed is a ceiling lighting system that can be easily and quickly installed without tools and drilling that can be manually installed by the homeowner without the need for hiring a professional electrician. The below described novel surface mounted electrical device/lighting system is directed to overcoming the above issues with installation of current ceiling lighting systems.
A novel surface mounted electrical device system is disclosed, which in one non-limiting embodiment can be a lighting system having a pair of copper foils/strips (“copper strips”) extending along a majority of, if not the entire, length of a removable guide tape. The copper strips are provided with adhesive on their opposite side for securement to the intended surface (e.g. ceiling, wall, etc.) in a room. One or more lights (e.g. 12V LED light) can be adhered to the surface secured copper tape, after the guide tape is removed, to create an electrical connection/communication between the tape and light(s). An electrical controller can also be adhered to the copper tape preferably similar to how the lights are secured to the copper tape to create an electrical connection/communication between the electrical controller and the copper tape and for sending power to the light(s) when the electrical controller is turned on or otherwise instructed. Though the electrical controller is preferably electrically connected to an electrical outlet within the room for receiving power, it is also within the scope of the disclosure that the electrical controller can also be powered by battery (rechargeable and/or non-rechargeable battery(ies)). Though optional, a remote controller can also be preferably provided for allow the user to remotely and wirelessly electrically communicate with the electrical controller to operate the lighting system.
Though not considered limiting, the disclosed system is preferably for use as a ceiling lighting system. Other non-limiting examples of electrical devices that can be mounted, with or without the lights also mounted, include a ceiling fan, audio speakers, security cameras, etc.
The disclosed lighting system allows a user to relatively quickly, safely and easy manually install a lighting system in a room without any drilling into the walls or ceilings of the room and without having to hire a professional electrician.
As seen in the drawing figures, a novel surface mounted lighting/electrical device system is shown and generally designated lighting/electrical device system 100 (collectively “lighting system 100”). In a preferred non-limiting embodiment, lighting system 100 can comprise a first strip or length of conductive material, a second strip or length of conductive material, one or more electrical devices in electrical communication with the first conductive strip and the second conductive strip and an electrical device controller also in electrical communication with the first conductive strip and the second conductive strip.
Though not considered limiting, the first conductive strip can be a length of a copper member/copper tape/copper foil 110 (collectively “copper strip 110”) and the second conductive strip can be a length of a copper member/copper tape/copper foil 140 (collectively “copper strip 140”).
The electrical device can be one or more lights 180, a ceiling fan, audio speakers, etc., or a combination thereof, which are in electrical communication with copper strip 110 and copper strip 140. Though preferably the audio speakers are wireless (i.e. Bluetooth communication), it is within the scope of the disclosure to include wired speakers also with system 100. Additional mounting connecter/holders would also be preferably provided for securing a ceiling fan give the additional weight considerations of a fan as compared to the weight of light 180.
As mentioned above, the electrical device/light controller 220 is also in electrical communication with copper strip 110 and copper strip 140. As seen in
Preferably, an optional remote controller 400 can be provided for wireless communication with light controller 220 to control lighting system 100. Though not considered limiting, remote controller 400 can be used to turn the one or more lights 180 “on” and “off”, as well as for dimming and/or controlling the brightness of light(s) 180. A remote holder 430 can be provided and mounted to a wall 490 or other surface for holding or storing remote controller 400. In an alternative embodiment (or in addition to providing remote controller 400), one or more control buttons can be provided and accessed by a user directly on light controller 220 for controlling light(s) 180.
Preferably, copper strip 110 and copper strip 140 can be provided together on a piece of corresponding length of adhesive tape 500, with strips 110 and 140 spaced apart in a preferred parallel relationship to each other. Tape 500 (containing strips 110 and 140) can be provided in a roll form. In one non-limiting installation method, a user/installer can roll a desired length of tape needed and cuts such length from the remaining roll. Tape 500 preferably provides the preferred mechanism for securing the associated copper strips/tape 110 and 140 to the surface (e.g. ceiling, wall, etc.). Tape 500 acts as a guide for strips 110 and 140 to help ensure that strips 110 and 140 are secured to the surface at a preferred consistent distance 113 (i.e. substantially parallel) between strips 110 and 140. As seen in
To install strips 110 and 140, after unrolling a desired length of guide tape 500 with strips 110 and 140 and cover paper(s) 528 or cutting such desired length from the roll, cover paper(s) 528 is removed (i.e. pulled off) exposing adhesive 532 (preferably nonconductive) to allow strips 110 and 140 to be secured to (i.e. stuck on, etc.) the desired surface (e.g. ceiling, wall, etc.). At this point, associated length of tape 500 is preferably still secured to strips 110 and 140. With strips 110 and 140 properly secured, the user than removes the length of tape 500 to expose and make accessible the other side 114 and 144 (i.e. previously covered by tape 500) of strips 110 and 140, respectively, for securement of light 180 or other electrical device and/or controller 220, which will be discussed in more detail below. Preferably, tape 500 can be clear, transparent or translucent, though such is not considered limiting.
In one non-limiting embodiment the electrical device to be secured to the copper strips can be one or more lights, such as light 180 (See
Each contact member 202 and 204 are preferably multi-layered and constructed similar to each other, such that the description for the layers of contact member 202, also apply for contact member 202. Additionally, the back surface of controller 220 also contains a pair of similar contact members for electrically connecting controller 220 to strips 110 and 140, such that the discussion of the layers for contact member 202 is also applicable for the description of the contact members of controller 220. The permanent layers making up the contact member can comprise foam tape 206 (preferably double sided, though not limiting), a conductive member (preferably in the non-limiting form of copper tape/foil 208 and conductive adhesive 210. Prior to attaching light 180 or controller 220, a removable cover 212 (preferably in the non-limiting form of a removable paper cover) can be provided over conductive adhesive 210, such that the adhesive of conductive adhesive is protected and not exposed prior to use. When light 180 (or controller 220) is to be attached to the surface, paper cover 212 is removed to expose conductive adhesive 210 and allow such adhesive to secure light 180 or controller 220 to the surface.
The foam strips 206 of contact members 202 and 204 can be attached to back surface 188 by conventional means (i.e. adhesive, glues, tapes, etc.) and can be preferably positioned side by side to each other. Contact members 202 and 204 provide for a “positive” and “negative” electrical connection for light 180 (or other electrical device) with the copper strips 110 and 140 secured to the surface. Preferably, the space between contact members 202 and 204 is the same or similar to space/distance 113 between strips 110 and 140 disposed on the surface. The double-sided copper tape 208 on top of foam strips 206 can be provided with conductive adhesive on both sides, with a portion of wire 214a or 214b sandwiched in between foam 206 and copper 208. Wires 214a and 214b preferably deliver electrical energy for running the preferred LED light 180 or other electrical device and communicate with a positive and negative electrical connection on the circuit board within light 180 or controller 220. One wire 214a or 214b is electrically connected (e.g. soldered, etc.) to the positive connection and the other wire 214b or 214a is electrically connected to the negative connection. The opposite ends of wire 214a and 214b are electrically connected with associated contact members 202 and 204. Preferably, the left positioned contact member (i.e. using arrow marking 196 as a positional basis) can be designated or configured for the negative connection.
As mentioned above, release paper 212 is pulled off from both contact members 202 and 204 (i.e. either separate release papers for each contact member or a single larger release paper covering both contact members) or otherwise removed when installing light 180, and light 180 can then be stuck to or onto the installed copper tape/strips 110 and 140.
A first surface of foam tape 206 is adhered or otherwise secured to back surface 188 of light 180. The conductive member (e.g. copper tape 208) is attached to other opposite surface of foam tape 206 with a second end portion of electrical wire 214a sandwiched between conductive member 208 and foam tape 206 of first contact member 202 and with a second end portion of electrical wire 214b sandwiched between conductive member 208 and foam tape 206 of second contact member 204, such that electrical wires 214a and 214b are in electrical connection and communication with their associated conductive member 208. The first opposite end portion of electrical wire 214 can be contained within light housing 182 and electrically connected to the light circuitry/electronics/circuit board contained within light housing. Preferably, a hole or opening 215 can be provide in back surface 188 or another area of light housing 182 to allow wire 214 to extend out of light housing 182 and make contact with conductive member 208.
Conductive adhesive 210 is provided over the outer surface of conductive member 208 and helps to ensure a proper electrical communication/connection between conductive member 208 and either conductive strip 110 or 140, when light 180 or controller 220 is secured to the surface, in addition to securing the electrical devices (e.g. lights 180, etc.) and controller 220 to the surface.
As referenced above, the preferred LED lights of lights 180 can be controlled through controller 220 which is also electrically connected to conductive strips 110 and 140 similar to how lights 180 are connected. Where the system is used with other electrical devices (e.g. ceiling fan, audio equipment, security cameras, etc.), controller 220 can be used for controlling such other electrical devices. Thus, controller 220 also includes a housing 222 and has similar contact members 202 and 204 on a back surface of housing 222, similar to light 180. The controller contact members are thus also preferably side by side and represent the “positive” and “negative” for the electrical circuit. The above description of the preferred multi layers contact members 202 and 204 for light 180 also applies to the description for the preferred multi layers contact member 202 and 204 for controller 220. Accordingly, the contact members for light 180 and for controller can be constructed and function operate similarly/identically. Also, similar to light 180, an output electrical wire will be sandwiched in the multi-layer contact members for controller 220 at one end and will be in communication with the controller circuitry/electronics disposed within controller housing 222 at its opposite second end. As such, when installing controller 220, the release paper is pulled off contact members 202 and 204 to expose the conductive adhesive which is used to stick controller 220 on the previously copper tape/conductive strips 110 and 140. Once completed, a preferred 120V to 12V AC to DC adaptor 272 can be conventionally plugged into an electrical outlet 274 and through an electrical cord 276 running from adaptor 272 plugged into or connected with controller 220 to provide for an electrical connection between 272 and controller 220. By using adaptor 272, system 100 can be a 12V low voltage electrical device/lighting system 100. Accordingly, in a first preferred embodiment, a surface mounted low-voltage (e.g. 12V DC, etc.) LED lighting kit can be provided. In an alternative embodiment, controller 220 can be powered by one or more batteries (rechargeable or nonchargeable) as opposed to powering controller 220 through an existing electrical outlet and requiring adaptor 272 to convert the voltage to low DC voltage.
One or more control buttons can be provided directly on controller 220 for controlling operation of light 180 or other electronic device and/or a remote controller 400 can be provided for sending commands remotely to controller 220 by a user for controlling operation of light 180 (i.e. on, off, dimness level, strobing, flashing etc.) or other electric device mounted through system 100. Remote controller 400 communicates with controller 220 through conventional electronic communication/wireless technologies and all are considered within the scope of the disclosure. An optional remote-control holder 430 can also be provided and preferably also surface mounted to provide for safe storage of remote control 400, while also making it easy to find remote control 400 when needed. Remote control 400 can be preferably used/operated while stored in holder 430 or can also be removed from holder 430 and similarly used/operated. Any conventional technology now known or later developed can be used for providing electrical communication (i.e. wireless) between remote controller 400 and controller 220.
An optional triangle or similar shaped member can be provided and used as a tool for the user when cutting an end of guide tape 500, with strips 110 and 140. The triangle member aids the user in cutting tape 500 and strips 110 and 140 at the proper angle (i.e. 45°, 135°, etc.) so that the end can be positioned with a similar shaped end of an adjacent tape 500 (strips 110 and 140) (See
Preferably, corner member 380, plus/cross shaped electrical connector 620, T shaped electrical connector 670, connector member 680, connector member 690 and any other similar purposed conductive connector for electrically connecting adjacent conductive/copper strips (collectively referred to as “electrical connector”) can be provided to achieve a “series” electrical connection between the adjacent conductive/copper strips. However, depending on the designed of the conductive strip pattern/lighting configurations, the electrical connector may be used to also create a “parallel” electrical connection between adjacent conductive/copper strips.
After removing guide tape 500 from the copper tape/strips 110 and 140 mounted on the intended surface, the strips 110 and 140 can be painted or left as is. Preferably, lights 180 and controller 220 are stuck on to copper tape/strips 110 and 140 without requiring any further mounting. Thus, the instruments preferably used for installing system 100 can be merely measuring tape, a pen/marker and scissors. Tape 500, along with attached strips 110 and 140 can be cut at an angle so that corner pieces or other shaped relationships can be formed between adjacent strips, with an optional yet preferred corner member 380, connector 620, connector 670 or other similar electrical connector disposed over the ends of the adjacent strips to ensure a proper electrical connection between the two strips 110/140.
As mentioned above, in addition to lights 180, other electrical accessories/modules can be used and secured in the above described connection/plug in configurations such as, without limitation, ceiling fans, speakers, USB charges, security cameras, etc., while still allowing the described system easy to use and plug and play.
Preferably, the conductive adhesive used and described above, can be a conductive acrylic adhesive though such is not considered limiting and other conductive adhesive materials can be used and are considered within the scope of the disclosure.
All components of the present disclosure lighting/electrical device system and their attachment locations, materials, angular relationships, conductive materials, light types, bulb types, sizes, shapes, attachment mechanisms, electrical connections, electrical communications, electrical circuitry, electrical devices (in lieu or in addition to lights), power sources, light controllers, remote types, dimensions, values, etc. discussed above or shown in the drawings, if any, are merely by way of example and are not considered limiting and other component(s) and their attachment locations, materials, angular relationships, conductive materials, light types, bulb types, sizes, shapes, attachment mechanisms, electrical connections, electrical communications, electrical circuitry, electrical devices (in lieu or in addition to lights), power sources, light controllers, remote types, dimensions, values, etc. currently known and/or later developed can also be chosen and used and all are considered within the scope of the disclosure.
Unless feature(s), part(s), component(s), characteristic(s) or function(s) described in the specification or shown in the drawings for a claim element, claim step or claim term specifically appear in the claim with the claim element, claim step or claim term, then the inventor does not consider such feature(s), part(s), component(s), characteristic(s) or function(s) to be included for the claim element, claim step or claim term in the claim when and if the claim element, claim step or claim term is interpreted or construed, whether during prosecution of this application or in litigation or similar proceeding. Similarly, with respect to any “means for” elements in the claims, the inventor considers such language to require only the minimal amount of features, components, steps, or parts from the specification to achieve the function of the “means for” language and not all of the features, components, steps or parts describe in the specification that are related or could be attributed to the function of the “means for” language.
While the disclosure has been described and disclosed in certain terms and has disclosed certain embodiments or modifications, persons skilled in the art who have acquainted themselves with the disclosure, will appreciate that it is not necessarily limited by such terms, nor to the specific embodiments and modification disclosed herein. Thus, a wide variety of alternatives, suggested by the teachings herein, can be practiced without departing from the spirit of the disclosure, and rights to such alternatives are particularly reserved and considered within the scope of the disclosure.
This application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/773,970, filed Jan. 27, 2020, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
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6183104 | Ferrara | Feb 2001 | B1 |
6492595 | Sexton | Dec 2002 | B2 |
7429186 | Mrakovich | Sep 2008 | B2 |
10969090 | Novakovic | Apr 2021 | B1 |
20050042942 | Sexton | Feb 2005 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 16773970 | Jan 2020 | US |
Child | 17002526 | US |