Elemental Led, Inc.

Mentor Acquisition One, LLC

Mark D Kelley

Andreas Dankelmann

Ralph F Osterhout

Russell Petersen

Computer glasses

Embodiments of the invention relate to connectors for connecting strips of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) end-to-end and for connecting a single strip of LEDs to a power source. The connectors define a compartment to receive a strip of LEDs. Tabs extending inwardly from the sides of the connector retain the strip. Electrical contact with the strip is made by a pair of spring clip contacts that bear against electrical terminals on the strip. A hinged lid has an opening positioned so as not to obstruct the last LED on the strip, and carries a downwardly-facing block that bears against the spring clip ends to keep them in contact with the terminals of the strip. In a strip-to-power connector, the connector defines one compartment for each conductor, and each conductor carries connecting structure. Ends of the spring clip connectors carry complementary connecting structure.

Connector for light-emitting diode strip

An LED lighting kit comprises an extrusion, an LED strip, a tapered wedge, and a mounting clip. The clip is sized and shaped to springably engage ledges in a first channel of the extrusion when the strip is mounted. In one aspect, two extrusions are butted end-to-end and are aligned by inserting the tapered wedge into the first channel of each extrusion prior to butting them together. The extrusion contains a second channel that houses the LED strip. A translucent diffuser is springably inserted into the second channel, thereby diffusing light that is emitted by the LED strip. End caps are inserted into the ends of the extrusion to complete the light kit. At least one of the end caps has a hole to admit electrical wires to power the LED strip.

LED linear lighting strip

An LED connector half () mates with a wire connector half () to connect a light strip () comprising LEDs () to a pair of wires. The LED half includes a hinged top () with an opening () to admit an end LED on the strip when the top is closed, securing the strip to the connector half without blocking the LED. The wire half secures a pair of wires () to terminals () in a housing (). The wire half is inserted into the LED half, connecting the Electrodes and terminals. The halves are held together by a tongue () and socket (). In another aspect, a connector () joins two light strips by capturing the LEDs at the ends of the strips in openings () and clamping conductive electrodes () against the strips by closing a lid () against the body, without obscuring LED light output.

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Oakland, CA, United States of America

Mark D Kelley