Diffused flexible led linear light assembly

Abstract

A diffused flexible LED linear light assembly ( 100 ) includes a flexible LED linear light component ( 102 ) having a flexible base ( 104 ) with individual LEDs ( 106 ) spaced longitudinally along the direction of the component ( 102 ). A partially translucent housing ( 120 ) houses the flexible LED linear light component ( 102 ). A curved section ( 124 ) of the translucent housing ( 120 ) varies in thickness in its lateral surfaces. The thickness may be varied so as to allow a relatively higher percentage of light transmission in areas of weakest LED output strengths. This light output intensity through the translucent housing, in view of the thickness variation, is substantially even or constant circumferentially and radially through the translucent section ( 124 ) of the translucent housing ( 120 ).

1 . A method of forming a flexible LED linear light assembly, the method comprising:
 providing at least a portion of an outer housing of a flexible linear light assembly, wherein the outer housing includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a curved portion extending between the first and second sidewalls, and a channel formed between the first and second sidewalls;   providing a flexible linear light component having a plurality of LEDs;   moving the outer housing and the flexible linear light component through an extrusion to position the flexible linear light component within the channel   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the channel is formed by a pair of inwardly directed projections extending inward from the first and second sidewalls toward one another. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the outer housing includes a base positioned between the first and second sidewall. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the linear light component is positioned between the inwardly directed projections and the base. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the thickness of the curved portion of the outer housing is varied along at least a segment of the curved portion. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein said thickness of said translucent section of said translucent housing is varied in cross-section so as to allow light transmission in areas of weakest LED output strength. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein moving the outer housing and the flexible linear light component through an extrusion comprises simultaneously moving the housing and flexible linear light component through an extrusion. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the curved portion of the outer housing is translucent. 
     
     
         9 . A light assembly adapted for use as an LED-based source of light for utilitarian and/or decorative purposes, said light assembly comprises:
 an elongated flexible LED linear light component having a plurality of spaced-apart LEDs supported on a base;   a translucent housing having an elongated configuration for laterally enclosing said flexible LED linear light component, said housing or lens have at least a portion thereof forming a section having translucent properties;   end means for enclosing said elongated flexible LED linear light component at a lead end and a trailing end, said end means comprising an end cap lead end and an end cap trailing end;   each of said end caps comprises an inner projection for purposes of anchoring and securing the respective end cap to said translucent housing; and   said end caps are structured and said inner projections are sized so that each of said end caps is mounted flush with an outer surface of said translucent housing profile, without steps or other discontinuities between the outer surfaces of the end caps and the outer surface of the translucent housing.   
     
     
         10 . The light assembly of  claim 9 , characterized in that said inner projections are formed integral with an outer wall of said end cap corresponding to said particular inner projection. 
     
     
         11 . The light assembly of  claim 9 , characterized in that each of said inner projections comprises a semi-circular cross-sectional profile, having a curved or arcuate shape, said shape corresponding to a shape of said inner surface of said translucent housing to which said inner projection is adhered. 
     
     
         12 . The light assembly of  claim 9 , characterized in that each of said end caps is sealed with said flexible translucent housing through the use of an adhesive having water resistant and UV-stable properties. 
     
     
         13 . The light assembly of  claim 9 , characterized in that each of said end caps is further sealed to said flexible translucent housing through the use of a coating material suitable for bonding and sealing the assembly. 
     
     
         14 . The light assembly of  claim 9 , characterized in that each of said inner projections is of an arcuate shape having a beveled terminal end. 
     
     
         15 . The light assembly of  claim 9 , characterized in that at least of one of said end caps comprises one or more apertures for receiving electrical conductive means from a source of electrical power and into said translucent housing for electrical connection to said flexible LED linear light component.