LIGHTING SYSTEM AND METHOD

Abstract

A system (100) and method (900) for illuminating the interior space (90) of a trailer (84). The system (100) can utilize a power box (200) to draw and store electricity from a tractor (82) and use that electricity to activate LED assemblies (300) within the trailer (84) is untethered from the tractor (82). The lights (310) can be activated by a motion sensor (340) associated with the location of the lights (310) being activated.

Claims

1. A system (100) that is adapted for use in the selective illumination of the interior (90) of a trailer (84) of a tractor (82), said system (100) comprising: a power box (200) positioned within the interior of the trailer (84); and a light assembly (300) positioned within the interior of the trailer (84); wherein said light assembly (300) is adapted to illuminate the interior (90) of the trailer (84); and wherein said power box (200) provides electricity to said light assembly (300).

2. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the trailer (84) is not tethered to the tractor (82).

3. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the trailer (84) is tethered to the tractor (82).

4. The system (100) of claim 1, said system (100) further comprising a plurality of said light assemblies (300), said plurality of light assemblies (300) including a first light assembly (300) and a second light assembly (300) wherein said first light assembly (300) operates independently of said second light assembly (300).

5. The system (100) of claim 4, wherein each said light assembly (300) includes a plurality of lights (310) that receive power from said power box (200) and a motion sensor (340) that selectively activates said lights (310) on said light assembly (300).

6. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein said power box (200) is positioned above a rib (92) in the interior (90) of the trailer (84).

7. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein said light assembly (300) is positioned above a rib (92) in the interior (90) of the trailer (84).

8. The system (100) of claim 1, said power box (200) including a battery (210) for storing electricity and a charging assembly (220) for charging said battery (210).

9. The system (100) of claim 1, said system (100) further comprising a connector (400) between said power box (200) and said light assembly (300).

10. The system (100) of claim 9, said system (100) further comprising a plurality of connectors (400), said plurality of connectors (400) including a first connector (400) adapted to draw power from the tractor (82) to said power box (200) and a second connector (400) deliver power from said power box (200) to said light assembly (300).

12. The system (100) of claim 9, said plurality of connectors (400) including a trailer harness (410), a 6-way connector (412), a splitter harness (440), a molex connector (442), and a jumper harness (470).

13. The system (100) of claim 1, said system (100) further comprising a solar charging kit (500) that is adapted to charge said power box (200).

14. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein said light assembly (300) includes a plurality of lights (310) that are LEDs, a light guide (355) for each said light (310), a control board (320) for turning said lights (310) on and off, a self-adhesive sticker (330) for securing said light assembly (300) within the interior (90) of the trailer (84), wherein said light guide (355) has a conical shape, and wherein said plurality of lights (310) cannot be activated by any component other than the motion sensor (340) within that same said light assembly (300).

15. A system (100) that is adapted for use in the selective illumination of the interior (90) of a trailer (84) of a tractor (82), said system (100) comprising: a power box (200) positioned within the interior (90) of the trailer (84), said power box (200) including a battery (210) for storing electricity and a charging assembly (220) for charging said battery (210); a light assembly (300), said light assembly (300) including a light (310) that receives power from said battery (210) and a motion sensor (340) for triggering the activation of said lamp (310) using electricity from said power box (200); and a plurality of connectors (400) for delivering electricity to and from the power box (200).

16. A system (100) that is adapted for use in the selective illumination of the interior (90) of a trailer (84) of a tractor (82), said system (100) comprising: a power box (200) positioned within the interior of the trailer (84); and a light assembly (300) positioned within the interior of the trailer (84); wherein said light assembly (300) is adapted to illuminate the interior (90) of the trailer (84); and wherein said power box (200) provides electricity to said light assembly (300).

17. A method (950) for illuminating an interior (90) of a trailer (84) that is adapted to be pulled by a tractor (82) with a lighting system (100) that includes a power box (200) and a lighting assembly (300) positioned within the interior (90) of the trailer (84), said method (900) comprising: activating (960) the light assembly (300) using a motion sensor (320); and deactivating (970) the light assembly (300) after no subsequent motion is detected by the motion sensor (320) after a predefined period of time.

18. The method (950) of claim 17, wherein the trailer (84) is not tethered to the tractor (82).

19. The method (950) of claim 17, wherein said lighting system (100) includes a plurality of lighting assemblies (300), wherein each said lighting assembly (300) has its own said motion sensor (320), and wherein each said lighting assembly (300) operates independently of other lighting assemblies (300).

20. The method (950) of claim 17, wherein said power box (200) and said light assembly (300) are positioned above a plurality of ribs (92) in the interior (90) of the trailer (84).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Different examples of various attributes, components, and configurations that can be incorporated into the system are illustrated in the drawings described briefly below. No patent application can expressly disclose in words or in drawings, all of the potential embodiments of an invention. In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the principles, functions, and modes of operation of the system are illustrated in certain preferred embodiments. However, it must be understood that the system may be practiced otherwise than is specifically illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope.

[0014] FIG. 1A is a perspective diagram illustrating an example of a truck that can utilize the system.

[0015] FIG. 1B is a rear-view diagram illustrating an example of a truck that can utilize the system.

[0016] FIG. 1C is a rear diagram illustrating an example of an interior space that is behind the rear doors of the trailer in FIG. 1B.

[0017] FIG. 1D is a rear-view diagram of the interior space illustrating an example of ribs dividing the space into cargo space and overhead space.

[0018] FIG. 1E is a side view diagram illustrating an example of a trailer that can utilize the system that is detached from the tractor, an illustration that includes the interior space.

[0019] FIG. 1F is a side view diagram illustrating an example of the trailer, including ribs that mark the border of the cargo space and the overhead space.

[0020] FIG. 1G is a top view diagram of the interior space that corresponds with the side view of FIG. 1F.

[0021] FIG. 1H is a diagram similar to that of 1G except where panels fill the gaps between the ribs.

[0022] FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating an example of the three categories of assemblies and components that comprise the system.

[0023] FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating an example a system that includes an option solar charging kit that provides an additional way to charge the batter in the power box.

[0024] FIG. 2C is a top-view block diagram illustrating an example of the system that includes 1 power box and 8 LED assemblies, with the connectors, power box, and light assemblies being positioned in the overhead space.

[0025] FIG. 2D is a top-view block diagram illustrating an example of the system that includes 1 power box, 8 LED assemblies, 1 trailer harness 410, 4 splitter harnesses, and 3 jumper harnesses.

[0026] FIG. 2E is an example of a view of the ceiling from within the interior space in which the system has been installed.

[0027] FIG. 3A is a block diagram illustrating examples of the different components that can included in the power box.

[0028] FIG. 3B is an exploded view diagram illustrating an example of a power box.

[0029] FIG. 3C is a vertical view diagram illustrating an example of the power box.

[0030] FIG. 3D is a front view diagram illustrating an example of the power box

[0031] FIG. 3E is a rear-view diagram illustrating an example of the power box.

[0032] FIG. 3F is a side view diagram illustrating an example of the power box.

[0033] FIG. 3G is an exploded view diagram illustrating an example of the charging module assembly.

[0034] FIG. 3H is an exploded view diagram illustrating an example of the charging module assembly that includes a gasket and a grommet.

[0035] FIG. 4A is a block diagram illustrating an example of the different components that can be included in the light assembly.

[0036] FIG. 4B is an exploded perspective view diagram illustrating an example of a light assembly.

[0037] FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the circuit board that can be used in the light assembly.

[0038] FIG. 4D is a top view of the light assembly, the side that faces into the interior when mounted in the interior.

[0039] FIG. 4E is a side view diagram illustrating an example of the light assembly.

[0040] FIG. 4F is a bottom view diagram illustrating an example of the of the light assembly.

[0041] FIG. 4G is a front view diagram illustrating an example of the of the light assembly.

[0042] FIG. 4H is a front view diagram illustrating an example of the of the light assembly.

[0043] FIG. 4I is a top view diagram illustrating an example of a light guide.

[0044] FIG. 4J is a side view diagram illustrating an example of a light guide.

[0045] FIG. 5A is a block diagram illustrating an example of connectors that can be used to form electrical circuits with the power box and light assemblies.

[0046] FIG. 5B is a perspective view diagram illustrating an example of a trailer harness.

[0047] FIG. 5C is a perspective view diagram illustrating an example of a splitter harness.

[0048] FIG. 5D is a perspective view diagram illustrating an example of a jumper harness.

[0049] FIG. 5E is a block diagram illustrating an example of the different connections between the components of the system.

[0050] FIG. 5F is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of connectors.

[0051] FIG. 6A is a flow chart diagram illustrating an example of a method for installing the system.

[0052] FIG. 6B is a flow chart diagram illustrating an example of a method of using the system components as installed.

[0053] The system can be further understood by the text description provided below in the Detailed Description section.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] The invention relates generally to the systems and methods for illuminating a space. More specifically, the invention is system and method for lighting the interior of a trailer (collectively the system). All element names and element numbers are listed and defined in Table 1 below.

I. ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0055] Different examples of various attributes, components, and configurations that can be incorporated into system 100 are illustrated in the drawings and described in Table 1. However, no patent application can expressly disclose in words or in drawings, all of the potential embodiments of an invention in a comprehensive manner. In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the principles, functions, and modes of operation of the system 100 are illustrated in certain preferred embodiments. However, it must be understood that the system 100 may be practiced otherwise than is specifically illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope. Alternative embodiments of the system 100 can be described and categorized on the basis of a variety of variables, such as number of LED assemblies, different types of ways to recharge the battery 210, different positional and geometry configurations within the interior space 90, etc.

II. ADVANTAGES TO USERS

[0056] The system can be implemented in such a manner as to vastly improve the safety and productivity of loading and unloading trucks.

[0057] The battery in the power box allows the system to illuminate the interior of a truck even when the trailer is not tethered to the tractor and its power source.

[0058] The system is highly configurable, so the different numbers of light assemblies can be installed in different configurations to meet the needs of the particular operating environment as well as the operators of the truck.

[0059] The components of the system are easy to install. When coupled with the highly modular nature of the components, it would be easy to sell the system as kits!

[0060] Current lighting solutions are difficult to fasten to specific locations, and they are easily damaged by high temperatures, the impact of condensation on electronic components, and the physical impact of loading and unloading cargo from the cargo area. The system can be implemented almost exclusively in the unused or at least underused overhead space above the ribs and above the cargo space of the interior. Only the very thin light assemblies take up any cargo space, and as recess lights, they take only a sliver.

[0061] The power box which in a preferred embodiment is affixed to a surface in the overhead space provides an electrical infrastructure that is useful for lighting, is capable of being charged through variety of different means, including the battery in the tractor, a connected solar power assembly, or even by plugging in to a conventional power outlet. That electrical infrastructure can find additional uses in the future that have little to do with lighting.

[0062] By using smart processors, energy consumption can be minimized, risk to equipment avoided, and the storing of electricity for a later time can be maximized. The system can deliver 5-8 hours of lighting between charges, which is more than enough for a typical loading and unloading of the cargo area.

[0063] By including a motion detector in each lighting assembly, illumination is provided as needed. There is no reason to light up an entire 53-foot-long trailer if only a small portion is being used. Each lighting assembly is smart with its own infrared sensor, LED lights, and motion detector.

III. GLOSSARY OF TERMS

[0064] All terminology associated with an element number is defined in Table 1 below.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Ele- ment Num- Element ber Name Definition/Description 80 Truck A vehicle that includes a trailer 84 for carrying cargo and a tractor 82 for enabling the movement of the trailer 84 and the cargo within the trailer 84. The system 100 can be implemented in a wide variety of different operating environments, but the system 100 was originally conceptualized in the context of semi-trucks. In most truck 80 embodiments, the tractor 82 can be separated from the trailer 84. The system 100 can be implemented in environments not limited to trucks 80. 82 Tractor The portion of the truck 80 that is capable of being driven as a vehicle and enabling the movement of the trailer 84. 84 Trailer The portion of the truck 80 that includes an interior 90 into which cargo can be loaded and from which cargo can be unloaded. 90 Interior The area inside the trailer 84. The inside of a trailer 84 typically includes ribs 82 which vertically divide the interior space 90 into cargo space 96 and overhead space 94. 92 Rib A member that horizontally traverses the interior 90 of the trailer 84 in a vertical position that is close to the ceiling or top of the interior 90. The system 100 is typically installed as recess lights between ribs 92, utilizing the ribs 92 to both help secure the position of the components of the system 100 as well as to partially shield the components of the system 100 from being impacted by the movement of forklifts, cargo, and operator personnel. 94 Overhead Space above and between the ribs 92 in which the Space components of the system 100 are positioned. The various connectors 400 of the system 100 can be located in the overhead space 94, which prevents components from being accidentally dislodged when cargo is loaded into or unloaded out of the interior 90. 96 Cargo Space below the ribs 92 where cargo is loaded, Space stored for transport, and subsequently loaded. 97 Gap The empty space between ribs 92. 98 Panel A tile or other thin material used to fill in a gap 97 between ribs 92. Panels 98 and ribs 92 collectively separate the overhead space 94 from the cargo space 96 and create a substantially uniform ceiling in the cargo space 94. 100 System A configuration of assemblies and components that perform the function of illuminating the interior 90 of the trailer 84 so that it can be loaded, unloaded, inspected, and otherwise utilized in an efficient and safe manner. The system 100 can include one or more power boxes 200 and one or more light assemblies 300 that are connected by one or more connectors 400. 200 Power A power box 200 is an assembly of Box components that are collectively configured to deliver electricity to one or more light assemblies 300 so that the system 100 can illuminate the interior 90 of the trailer 84. The power box 200 can include components such as a battery 210 and charging module 220. The power box 200 can enable the system 100 to function (i.e., illuminate the interior 90) even when the trailer 84 is not attached to the tractor 82 and as such is unable to draw power from the tractor 82. The power box 200 enables the system 100 to function when the tractor 82 is untethered from the trailer 84. The power box 200 can draw power from the tractor 82 when the tractor 82 is tethered to the trailer 84. 210 Battery A device for storing electricity that is capable of being recharged. A battery 210 consists of one or more cells in which chemical energy is converted into electricity and used a as a source of power. In many embodiments, the battery 210 is a 12 VDC AGM battery capable of providing between 5-8 hours of light between charging. 220 Charging An assembly that is used for charging the Module battery 210. The charging module can utilize solar power, power from the tractor 82, or an external power source such as an AC outlet to recharge the batter 210. 221 Circuit This can also be referred to as the power box circuit Board board 221 since each light assembly 300 can include its own circuit board.320. The circuit board 221 can implement a charging algorithm to ensure maximum battery life, as well as provide for over charge protection, a low voltage cut-out function, and vehicle jump start protection. The circuit board 221 can include a processor to manage the functions of the charging module 220. 222 Cover This component can also be referred to as the charging module cover 222 as other components of the system 100 can include coverage components. The cover 222 encloses the interior components of the charging module 220, such as the circuit board. The cover 222 typically constitutes the top of the charging module 220 and the top of the power box 200. 223 Case A structural component that in conjunction with the cover 222, enclose the circuit board 221. This component can also be referred to as the charging module case 223. 224 Fastener The charging module can use a variety of different fasteners 224 such as bolts, screws, nuts, washers, and other similar mechanisms. 225 Cable In a preferred embodiment the cable 225 is a Pigtail ASM cable. 226 Grommet An optional cover over the cable 225. 227 Gasket An optional component to keep moisture away from the circuit board 221. 228 Mating This plug or connector is where the 6-way Plug end of the trailer harness 410 is plugged into the charging module 220 of the power box 200. This component can also be referred to as a mating connector 228. 230 Foam A substrate of material adjacent to the battery Liner 210 that protects the battery 210 and increases the durability of the battery 210. 240 Mounting A structure used to securely position the power Plate box 200 within the interior space 90 of the trailer 84, typically in the overhead space 94. 250 Case A component of the power box 200 that consists of a surface that constraints the position of other components of the power box 200. This component can also be referred to as the power box case. 255 Cap A structural component of the power box 200 Cover that is vertically at the opposite end of the power box 200 from the charging module assembly 220 and the mating plug 228. 260 Cover A component of the power box 200 that closes off the case 250 from the exterior environment of the interior space 90. This component can also be referred to as the power box cover. 270 Wire A structural component used to secure the Guide position of the cable 225 components of the power box 200 relative to each other. 280 Fasteners Screws, bolts, washers, and other similar connectors used to secure different components of the power box 200 together. 290 Frame A structural component that interfaces between the mounting plate 240 and the rest of the power box 200. 300 Light A configuration of components that collectively Assembly receive power from the power box 200 in order to generate light within the interior space 90. The light assembly 300 can also be referred to as Lamp Assembly 300 or an LED Assembly 300, as the lamps 310 are typically LEDs 310. The LED assembly 300 can include components such as LEDs 310, circuit boards (CBs) 320, self-adhesive stickers 330, motion sensors 340, lenses 350, covers 360, bases 370, seals 380, cables 390, and fasteners 398. 310 LED or A light source. In most embodiments, a light Lamp emitting diode 310. 320 CB or A circuit board used to control the turning Control on and turning off of LEDs 310. This Board component can also be referred to as the light assembly circuit board 320. The circuit board 320 can include a processor to manage the functions of the charging module 220. 330 Self- A sticker used to secure the position of the LED adhesive assembly 300 in the interior space 90. sticker 340 Motion A device connected to the circuit board 320 Sensor such that movement of objects or people automatically triggers the activation of the desired LED or LEDs 310 based on the location of the detected movement. 350 Lens A substrate used to direct light in an efficient pattern 355 Light A structure for directing light, typically Guide cone shape and mirrored to make the resulting light less harsh to human eyes. 360 Cover A structure or surface for constraining the components of the light assembly 300. 370 Base A structure that supports the sticker 320 and the light assembly 300. 380 Seal A component that closes off the interior of the light assembly 300 from the exterior environment. 390 Cable Power line extending outward from LED assembly 300 that can be plugged into a connector 400 of the system 100, typically a splitter harness 440. 398 Fasteners Screws, bolts, nuts. washers, and other similar connectors used to secure different components of the light assembly 300 together. 400 Connector A wire of cable that is capable of delivering electrical current. 410 Trailer A connector 400 used by the system Harness 100 to connect to the power box 200 to the various light assemblies 300, the power source on the tractor 82, to ground, and optionally, to a solar power kit 500. 412 6-Way A mating mechanism on one end of the Connector trailer harness 410. 440 Splitter A connector 400 used in conjunction with jumper Harness harnesses 400 to implement a flexible, modular, and configurable chain of light assemblies 300 powered through the power box 200. The split harness has four prongs, each of which are dummy proof to prevent damage from user error. 442 Molex A mating mechanism on the splitter harness 440. Connector 470 Jumper A 1 to 1 connector used to string a long a series or Harness sequence of splitter harnesses 400. 472 Molex A mating mechanism on the jumper harness 470. Connector 500 Solar An optional assembly or kit that includes Charging solar panels which can be connected to the Kit power box 200, enabling the use of solar power to charge the battery 220. 900 Method A process relating to the system 100. 910 Installation A process for installing the system 100 Method within a particular interior space 90. The process can include steps such as analyzing the space at 912, determining a number of LED assemblies 300 at 914, and positioning the desired components of the system 100 relative to the ribs 92 in the interior space. 950 Method A process of using the system 100 of Use within a particular interior space 90. The process can include steps such as charging the battery at 952, automatically (without human intervention) detecting movement using the motion sensors at 954, automatically (without human intervention) activating the corresponding LEDs at 956, and automatically turning off the activated LEDs after a period of time at 958.

IV. OVERVIEW

[0065] The system 100 is a more resilient, modular, and efficient way to light the interior space of a trailer. It can function when the trailer is standing alone, separate, detached, and untethered from the tractor. However, while the trailer is attached to the trailer, the battery used to power to lights of the system can draw power from the tractor. The system uses sensors to only activate lights that are in areas where they are needed. The system can be sold as a kit that is implemented into existing trailers, and it is easy to configure and install. Luminosity can be customized by adding or subtracting lights, as the system can be extremely modular in its design and capabilities. The battery can be recharged through the use of solar panels, the tractor battery, or an external AC outlet.

[0066] The cone-shaped geometry of the light guide in the LED assembly makes the LED emission highly directional. This is something that is applicable for Semi trailer use from the height it is located, the brightness being omitted, and the number of lights being mounted to cover a 53-foot-long interior with overlapping lamps.

[0067] The circuit board in the light assembly can be laid out for maximum efficiency for heat, and allows prewiring, and motion sensing, and voltage regulation. There is a heat sink to hold the circuit board away from the ceiling. The size of the lamp itself to hide under a ceiling strut. It is also made of durable and light way materials to withstand the environment of the trailer, include large semi-trailers.

[0068] The power box holds the battery and a circuit board that controls the charging and utilization of the batter. The power box cane be mounted using fasteners to a surface in the trailer, preferably surfaces in the overhead space. The circuit board in the power box can recharge itself using connections for solar and reverse polarity protection. The foam mounting on the battery for durability. The power box circuit board is protected and utilizes easy to connect and disconnect cables.

[0069] The light assemblies use a highly reliable trunk cable to draw power from the battery box using durable and small connectors that are one way. Any port may work in a plug and play fashion. The operator can connect as many or as few as desired. No soldering, no scotch lock failures, and individual LEDs in need of replacing can be easily replaced on an individual basis given the modular design. The lights are placed in between the ribs, recessed, that is why they can only be so deep in their assembly. They must be below the ribs. During installation it would be wise to set them close to the rib for further protection.

[0070] The power box houses a battery that can be replaced, if need be, and it houses the circuit board for the controlling of current to lights and redirection of charge to battery for recharging. It also protects from voltage spikes and current reversal.

[0071] Because of the battery system the lights can be used for up to 5 hours continuously while the trailer is dropped, and then recharge can happen with three methods.

[0072] Each light assembly can have its own motion sensor, its own circuit board, and multiple LED lights. The circuit board can also regulate voltage and wiring that that is a long a 53 trailer present an issue with voltage drop.

[0073] The light is thin and has self-sticking adhesive. Each light has its own motion sensor it will save charge/life, and only light in area of continuous work. Each light body is made to lift the circuit board away from the hot trailer roof for longer life of the components. Each light can have a lens that directs the most efficient pattern to the trailer. Each light is pre-wired in advance prior to installation. The truck cable is already bound in loomed. The truck cable has a unique mounting attachment for the lights that can be done quickly without scotch locks or error of wiring, saving significant and avoiding the risk of lights not working. The system is truly an entire integrated system for lighting a trailer while being attached and unattached from the tractor with lights specifically designed for the needs inside of a trailer, along with a thought-out process for installation, and life longevity.

V. OPERATING ENVIRONMENT

[0074] FIG. 1A is a perspective diagram illustrating an example of a truck 80 that can utilize the system 100.

[0075] FIG. 1B is a rear-view diagram illustrating an example of a truck 80 that can utilize the system 100.

[0076] FIG. 1C is a rear diagram illustrating an example of an interior space 90 in front of the rear doors of the trailer in FIG. 1B.

[0077] FIG. 1D is a rear-view diagram of the interior space 90 illustrating an example of ribs 92 dividing the space into cargo space 96 and overhead space 94.

[0078] FIG. 1E is a side view diagram illustrating an example of a trailer 84 that can utilize the system 100 that is detached from the tractor 82, an illustration that includes the interior space 90.

[0079] FIG. 1F is a side view diagram illustrating an example of the trailer 90, including ribs 92 that mark the border of the cargo space 96 and the overhead space 94.

[0080] FIGS. 1G and 1H illustrate the gaps 97 between ribs 92, and that gaps 97 and be filled with panels 98.

[0081] Interior lighting within a trailer 84 is made very difficult by a variety of factors. The temperatures can get extremely hot. The purpose of the cargo area 96 is to load, move, and unload cargo. Any lighting configuration implemented in that environment is likely to be damaged by high temperatures and collisions that occur during the loading/unloading process. Furthermore, a trailer 84 has no electrical power when it is not tethered to the tractor 82. The system 100 was conceptualized to address these problems.

VI. SYSTEM AS A WHOLE

[0082] To provide better illumination of the trailer 84 during the loading and unloading of the cargo area 96 of the interior 90, the system 100 utilizes the components illustrated in FIG. 2A.

[0083] The power box 200 intelligently controls and manages the electrical needs of the system 100. A power box 200 is used to provide electrical power to the system 100 when the trailer 84 is untethered from the tractor 82. A circuit board 221 within the power box 200 can: (1) apply a charge algorithm to manage battery life; (2) involve protection against overcharges; (3) perform cut out function if voltage gets too low; (4) provide reverse battery protection; and (5) vehicle jump start protection.

[0084] The light assemblies 300 provide the function of illumination. The light assemblies 300 can use their own circuit board to control the activation of LED lights 310 using a motion sensor 340 sharing the same circuit board. Lights 310 are only used as needed, to minimize the draining of the battery 210 in the power box 200. The light from the LEDs 310 is filtered through a cone-shaped light guide 355 so that the light does not appear overly harsh to human beings.

[0085] These two components are electronically linked through a variety of different connectors 400. In a preferred embodiment of the system 100, a trailer harness 410 is used to put the power box 200 in the same circuit as the other components of the system 100. Alternating splitter harnesses 440 and jumper harnesses 470 have error proof mating components to prevent user error and resulting damage to the components of the system 100.

[0086] As indicated in FIG. 2B, the system can integrate with other power sources such as a solar power kit 500. Conventional electrical outlets can also be used to charge the battery 210 in the power box 200.

[0087] FIG. 2C is a block diagram illustrating an example of the system that includes 1 power box and 8 LED assemblies. This represents a desirable configuration for many semi-trailers 84. FIG. 2C represents a similar configuration, using the preferred connectors of a trailer harness 410, 4 splitter harnesses, and 3 jumper harnesses. The power box 200 and the various connectors 400 can be position in the overhead space 94, where they are unlikely to be damaged in the process of loading and unloading cargo. The only component of the system 100 that must be positioned in the cargo area 96 are the recessed lights of the light assembly 300, which can benefit from being positioned by a rib 92.

[0088] FIG. 2E is an example of a view of the ceiling from within the interior space in which the system has been installed.

[0089] The system 100 has many advantages. The configuration displayed in FIG. 2C would be the only untethered lighting kit on the market. It can provide 5-8 hours of light between charges. It can be installed easily and is highly configurable. Each light assembly 300 can include its own motion detector 340, so lights are only used as neededthere is no need to light up the entire interior 90 each time. Such as system 100 has components that can are less likely to be damaged, but if they are damaged, they can be easily replaced.

VII. POWER BOX

[0090] FIGS. 3A through 3H illustrate different components of the power box 200. In a preferred embodiment, a 12 Vdc AGM batter is used. The power box can perform the functions of an integrated battery manager using the circuit board 320 to implement a various process to prevent overcharging of the battery, damage from low-voltage, reverse battery protection, and provide a basis to jump start the truck 80. The power box 200 can provide a fast on batter connection. The power box 200 can also provide integrated resettable fuse protection.

[0091] The processing logic or brains of the power box is provided through the charging module 220 and its circuit board 221 which includes a processor.

[0092] The 6-way trailer harness 410 and the smart processor on the circuit board 221 of the charging assembly transforms the power box 200 into a manager of the electrical needs of the trailer 84. The trailer harness 410 can access trailer power, ground, inputs for the light assemblies, output for the light assemblies, as well as inputs and outputs for other sources of electricity such as a solar power assembly 500, an exterior electrical outlet, or the battery in the tractor.

[0093] The mounting plate 240 of the power box 200 allows the power box 200 to be secured in a variety of desirable and out of the way locations within the interior 80. Impact resistant polycarbonate end caps and anodized aluminum to protect the mounting from moisture and other potential environmental challenges. The batter 210 with in the power box 200 is highly modular and can be replaced without replacing the other components of the power box 200. The charging module 220 is self-contained even within the otherwise contained power box 200. The space for holding the battery 210 provides for error proof battery orientation. Power can ground terminals can be concealed within the battery body to prevent accidental electrical shorts.

[0094] The collective impact of a configuration that includes a frame, a foam liner, a self-contained charging module, a top cover and lower cap cover serve to avoid the keep the power box sealed tight from the outside world while also compartmentalizing any interior damage.

VIII. LAMP ASSEMBLY

[0095] FIGS. 4A-4J illustrated different components, views, and configurations of the light assemblies 300. The granular functionality of having local processors on the circuit boards 320 with their own lights 310 and their motion detectors 340 to control the lights 310 on that bored. The lens 350 and light guide 355 make the illumination more user friendly. The light guide 355 is cone shaped and made of reflective material in a preferred embodiment of the system 100.

[0096] The ability to add, remove, or reposition the lamp assemblies 300 (which can also be referred to as light assemblies 300) provides truck operators which an ongoing and highly flexible illumination infrastructure within the trailers of their trucks.

[0097] Each light assembly 300 can include its own circuit board and processor used to monitor, manage, and control a motion sensor and the LED lights affixed to that particular light assembly 300. Thus, the light assemblies 300 function independently of each other even if the electrical power is driven in series through the chain of connectors 400.

[0098] The circuit boards 320 and processors of the lamp assemblies 300 can perform onboard voltage compensation to provide uniform light output. The light assemblies 300 can provide on time.

[0099] In certain contexts, an adhesive may not be the most desirable way to mount the light assemblies 300, in which case cap mounts and fasteners can be used.

VIII. CONNECTORS

[0100] FIGS. 5A-5F illustrate different example of connectors 400 and different configurations of connectors 400.

[0101] The trailer harness 410 can provide a 6-way connector that integrates the power box into the different components in the trailer 84.

[0102] The splitter harness 440 in alternative sequence with the jumper harness 470 provide the ability to add lighting assemblies 300 as desired, or to remove them as desired. FIGS. 5E and 5F illustrated a configuration of connectors 400 that can be used in a preferred embodiment of the system 100.

IX. METHODS

[0103] A. Method of Installing

[0104] As illustrated in FIG. 6A, the system 100 can be installed using an installation method 910 comprising.

[0105] Assessing the needs of the space occurs at 912.

[0106] Positioning the power box 200 and light assemblies 300 occurs at 920.

[0107] Connecting the power box 200 and light assemblies 300 occurs at 930. This is done with the applicable connectors 400.

[0108] B. Method of Using

[0109] FIG. 6B illustrates an example of a method of using the installed system 100.

[0110] At 960, one or more lamp assemblies 300 are activated by the detection of motion by the application motion detector 340.

[0111] At 970, when motion is no longer detected for a predefined period of time, the lights are turned off by the circuit board 320 in control of that specific motion sensor 340 and those specific lights 310.