Retrofit System and Method for Replacing Linear Fluorescent Lamp with LED Modules

Abstract

A system for replacing linear fluorescent lamps with LED modules in a cabinet sign includes an LED module support structure. The LED module support structure may be attached to the raceways of the cabinet sign or to the sockets formerly used for mounting fluorescent lamps between the raceways.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for replacing linear fluorescent lamps with LED modules in a cabinet sign having raceways, said cabinet sign being previously constructed and arranged for mounting linear fluorescent lamps in sockets between the raceways, said system comprising:
 an extruded hollow LED module support structure cut substantially to the length of a linear fluorescent lamp; and   connecting said extruded hollow LED module support structure to the raceway using an engagement of an end of said extruded hollow LED module support structure with one or both of the linear fluorescent lamp sockets.   
     
     
         2 . The system as defined in  claim 1  wherein said engagement is with the interior of the linear fluorescent lamp socket, a cross section of said extruded hollow LED module support structure includes a square central opening, wherein said square central opening is sized to fit the interior of the linear fluorescent lamp socket. 
     
     
         3 . The system as defined in  claim 2  wherein said cross section further includes:
 opposing outer flanges; and 
 a rectanglular shape surrounding said square central opening. 
 
     
     
         4 . The system as defined in  claim 3  wherein quarter-arc portions are formed in the outer edges of said opposing outer flanges to enable locating an LED module therebetween. 
     
     
         5 . The system as defined in  claim 4  further including a cover portion constructed and arranged for a snap-fit engagement with said opposing flanges. 
     
     
         6 . The system as defined in  claim 2  wherein said square central opening fits around a protrusion within the linear fluorescent lamp socket. 
     
     
         7 . The system as defined in  claim 1  further including a substantially U-shaped sleeve constructed and arranged to fit around said extruded hollow LED module support structure and a plate interfitting therewith to surround said hollow LED module support structure and to cover the wires running between the LED modules. 
     
     
         8 . The system as defined in  claim 1  wherein said engagement includes an adapter having two ends, said adapter being constructed and arranged to fit within the hollow portion of said extruded hollow LED module support structure on one end and engage one linear fluorescent lamp socket on the other end. 
     
     
         9 . The system as defined in  claim 1  wherein said extruded hollow LED module support structure is formed in multiple sections which are connected to one another using a block which fits within the hollow portion of said extruded hollow LED module support structure. 
     
     
         10 . A system for replacing linear fluorescent lamps with light emitting diode (LED) modules in a cabinet sign having raceways, said cabinet sign being previously constructed and arranged for mounting, between the raceways, linear fluorescent lamps in linear fluorescent lamp sockets, said system comprising:
 an extruded hollow LED module support structure having a first end and a second end; and   an engagement of at least one of said first end and said second end with one of the linear fluorescent lamp sockets.   
     
     
         11 . The system as defined in  claim 10  wherein said engagement is with the interior of the linear fluorescent lamp socket, a cross section of said extruded hollow LED module support structure includes a square central opening, wherein said square central opening is sized to fit the interior of the linear fluorescent lamp socket. 
     
     
         12 . The system as defined in  claim 11  wherein said cross section further includes:
 opposing outer flanges; and 
 a rectangular shape surrounding said square central opening. 
 
     
     
         13 . The system as defined in  claim 12  wherein quarter-arc portions are formed in the outer edges of said opposing outer flanges to enable locating an LED module therebetween. 
     
     
         14 . The system as defined in  claim 11  wherein said square central opening fits around a protrusion within the linear fluorescent lamp socket. 
     
     
         15 . The system as defined in  claim 10  wherein said engagement includes an adapter having two ends, said adapter being constructed and arranged to fit within the hollow portion of said extruded hollow LED module support structure on one end and engage one linear fluorescent lamp socket on the other end. 
     
     
         16 . The system as defined in  claim 14  wherein said engagement of said adapter with one linear fluorescent lamp socket comprises a rectangular opening which is sized to fit around a protrusion within the linear fluorescent lamp socket.