Method and Assembly for Replacing Fluorescent Lights

Abstract

End caps that attach to any standard tubing to facilitate mounting a tube with LEDs into an existing fluorescent lamp cabinet. The tube can be cut to a desired length. The end caps can be supported by the fluorescent fixtures or mounting brackets in the cabinet. An assembly comprising a light emitting diode (LED) lamp for replacing fluorescent tube lights.

We claim as follows: 
     
         1 . A method of providing light emitting diode (LED) lighting in a fluorescent lamp cabinet, the method comprising:
 cutting tubing to a predetermined length;   providing at least one non-conductive end cap in accordance with  claim 6 ;   fitting the at least one non-conductive end cap to at least one side of the tube without a screw or other connectors;   attaching at least one LED to the tube; and   mounting the tube into a fluorescent lamp cabinet, the tube being supported by the end caps attached directly or indirectly to the cabinet.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  in which mounting the tube into the fluorescent lamp cabinet comprises supporting at least one of the end caps by a fluorescent lamp mounting fixture. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  in which supporting at least one of the end caps by a fluorescent lamp mounting fixture comprises inserting a portion of the at least one end cap into the fluorescent lamp mounting fixture. 
     
     
         4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . An end cap for mounting within a lighting cabinet a light emitting diode (LED) lamp assembly including a hollow tube upon which LEDs are mounted, the end cap comprising:
 a body section;   a first mating structure on a first end of the body section, the first mating section including:
 a channel within the body section, the channel shaped to accommodate insertion of the hollow tube; and 
 a mating member shaped to be inserted into the hollow tube and circumscribed by the channel; 
 the first mating structure fitting to the end of the hollow tube and retained by friction without screws or other connectors; and 
   a second mating structure for holding the end cap with the attached hollow tube in place in the lamp cabinet, the second mating structure shaped to mate with, and be supported by, a fluorescent lamp fixture;   in which the body section and the first and second mating structures are formed as part of a single integral structure.   
     
     
         7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . The end cap of  claim 6  in which the single integral structure comprises plastic or rubber. 
     
     
         10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . The end cap of  claim 6  in which the first mating structure mates with a cylindrical, triangle-shaped, square-shaped, or hexagonal-shaped hollow tube. 
     
     
         13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . A kit for replacing fluorescent tube lights, the kit comprising:
 two end caps in accordance with  claim 6 ;   at least one light emitting diode (LED) that attaches to at least one side of the tube; and   an LED power supply for supplying power to the at least one LED.   
     
     
         21 . The kit of  claim 20 , in which the at least one light emitting diode comprises at least one trimmable light emitting diode strip. 
     
     
         22 . The kit of  claim 20 , in which the tube has a cylindrical, triangle-shaped, square-shaped, or hexagonal-shaped cross-section. 
     
     
         23 . A light emitting diode (LED) lamp for mounting in a cabinet designed to contain a fluorescent lamp, the LED lamp comprising:
 a tube similar in length to a fluorescent tube for which the cabinet is designed;   two end caps in accordance with  claim 6 , one end cap disposed at each end of the tube;   at least one LED attached to at least one side of the tube; and   an electrical connector for connecting the at least one LED to an LED power supply for supplying power to the at least one LED.   
     
     
         24 . The LED lamp of  claim 23 , in which the hollow tube has a cylindrical, triangle-shaped, square-shaped, or hexagonal-shaped cross-section. 
     
     
         25 . The end cap of  claim 6  in which the mating member extends past the top of the channel. 
     
     
         26 . The end cap of  claim 6  in which the second mating structure mates with a bi-pin fluorescent fixture. 
     
     
         27 . The end cap of  claim 6  in which the second mating structure mates with recessed double contact fixture.