Led illumination source with improved visual characteristics

Abstract

An illumination source is disclosed that features, in one embodiment, an at least generally conical body extending outward along an axis of illumination, a socket supported with respect to the body having a pair of connector surfaces for receiving power and having an axis of insertion at least generally parallel to the axis of illumination, and one or more LED illumination elements supported with respect to the body such that at least a portion of their illumination axes are at least generally parallel to the axis of illumination of the source. A power supply has electrical inputs operatively connected to the socket and electrical outputs operatively connected to the LED illumination elements, and a front face is positioned opposite the socket along the illumination axis. An optical light-directing element is provided separate from any optical process or packaging surfaces built onto the LEDs, is disposed between the LED illumination elements and the front face, and has medial and distal ends, with the distal end being spaced away from the front face.