System and method for emergency exit LED lighting

Abstract

A system and method for emergency exit LED lighting. The emergency exit lighting fixture comprises a structure for housing at least one LED light, an LED driver electronically coupled to the LED light(s), a continuous power source, a backup power source, and a test switch. The fixture, in various configurations, may be mounted to a wall, a ceiling, or a doorway. The fixture may be tested remotely.

Claims

1. A ceiling mounted emergency exit lighting fixture comprising: an elongate substantially rigid spine extending between a first bracket end and a second bracket end; an elongate substantially rigid flat base substantially perpendicular to and coupled to said rigid spine and extending between the first bracket end and the second bracket end, having a substantially rectangular shape, a top plane, and a bottom plane; at least one LED light mounted on said bottom plane; an LED driver electronically coupled to a first power source, a backup battery containing enough power to power said at least one LED light for at least 90 minutes, said at least one LED light, and an on/off test switch; and a translucent lens panel mounted to the bottom plane and adapted to diffuse light from said LED light; wherein the fixture is mounted to a ceiling.

2. The ceiling mounted emergency exit lighting fixture of claim 1, wherein the first bracket end and the second bracket end are each adapted to be coupled to a ceiling T-grid.

3. The ceiling mounted emergency exit lighting fixture of claim 1, wherein the elongate substantially rigid flat base further comprises a first flange, a second flange, and a recessed channel between the first flange and the second flange.

4. The ceiling mounted emergency exit lighting fixture of claim 1, wherein the translucent lens comprises a cut-out, with a red or green color translucent lens panel placed within the cut-out.

5. The ceiling mounted emergency exit lighting fixture of claim 1, wherein the at least one LED light further comprises red or green LEDs.

6. The ceiling mounted emergency exit lighting fixture of claim 1, further comprising a wireless antenna electronically coupled to the on/off test switch and the LED driver.

7. The ceiling mounted emergency exit lighting fixture of claim 6, wherein said wireless antenna is adapted to receive a signal from a Wi-Fi connected smartphone application so as to activate the on/off test switch.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description when considered in connection with the following illustrative figures. In the figures, like reference numbers refer to like elements or acts throughout the figures.

(2) FIG. 1 depicts an isometric top view of a possible embodiment of the present invention that may be used in a ceiling.

(3) FIG. 2 depicts a front view of a possible embodiment of the present invention that may be used in a ceiling.

(4) FIG. 3 depicts an example flowchart detailing a typical LED driver that may be used in an embodiment of the present invention.

(5) FIG. 4 depicts a frontal view of a possible embodiment of the present invention that may be used in a wall.

(6) FIG. 5 depicts an isometric view of a possible embodiment of the present invention in an installed configuration on a cutaway wall.

(7) FIG. 6 depicts a partial isometric view of a possible embodiment of the present invention that may be used on a doorframe.

(8) FIG. 7 depicts a front view of a possible embodiment of the present invention in an installed configuration.

(9) FIG. 8 depicts an example flowchart detailing a method of testing an emergency lighting system.

(10) Elements and acts in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence or embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(11) In the following description, and for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the invention. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the relevant arts, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, known structures and devices are shown or discussed more generally in order to avoid obscuring the invention. It should be noted that there are many different and alternative configurations, devices and technologies to which the disclosed inventions may be applied. The full scope of the inventions is not limited to the examples that are described below.

(12) An embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 1. An emergency exit lighting fixture 1 may comprise the following: a first end bracket 2, a second end bracket 4, an elongate thin rigid spine 10, an elongate substantially rigid flat base 12, with a top plane 13 and a bottom plane. An LED light may be coupled to the bottom plane.

(13) The emergency exit lighting fixture 1 may further comprise a substantially thicker portion support rim 6 for stability, structural support, and ease of manufacture. The support rim 6 may be solid, hollow, or a combination thereof. The support rim 6 may be coupled to the rigid spine 10 and comprise up to half of the width of the emergency exit lighting fixture 1. The rigid spine 10 may further comprise a plurality of holes 8 and 9 so that the fixture can pair with complementary hanging device(s) so that it may be suspended from a ceiling, such as with one or more wires or supports holding the fixture through the holes 8 and/or 9. The rigid spine 10 may also comprise one or more substantially rectangular cutouts 16 through which a power source, such as a wire or a conduit with one or more wires inside, may be threaded through one or more holes 14 in the flat base 12 to power at least one LED light (not shown) coupled to the bottom plane. Additional holes 8 and/or 9 may be added to save weight and/or dissipate heat.

(14) The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 may replace a T-Grid (also known as a T-bar), as is known in the art for standard structure in drop ceilings. Flanges on standard T-Grids may support acoustic tiles, air conditioning vents, and the like. The emergency exit lighting fixture may also support acoustic tiles. T-Grids, and this embodiment of the present invention, typically come in two-foot or four-foot segments. The first end bracket 2 and the second end bracket 4 may be adapted to attach to regular T-Grids. The thicker portion 6 of the elongate rigid spine 10 may have a substantially rectangular or circular axial cross-section.

(15) The flat base 12 may further comprise one or more edge flanges, including a first edge flange 18, which may support acoustic tiles and/or a translucent lens panel 20 mounted to the flat base 12. The translucent lens panel 20 may be substantially the same size and shape as the flat base 12, or it may be smaller.

(16) The rigid spine 10 and flat base 12 may be formed from a variety of materials, such as metals, plastics, and/or wood. The rigid spine 10 and flat base 12 may be formed together as one extrusion, or they may be formed as separate pieces and coupled together through fasteners, glue, welding, and/or any other way. The rigid spine 10 may be located substantially equidistant between the edges of the flat base 12. The flat base 12 is substantially perpendicular to the rigid spine 10 and is substantially the same length as the rigid spine 10. The flat base 12 may have a substantially rectangular shape with a top plane 13 and a bottom plane.

(17) The first end bracket 2 and the second end bracket 4 may be adapted to couple with existing T-Grids or a different ceiling assembly. They may couple through the use of fasteners, glue, welding, and/or magnets. A plurality of holes 3 may be used to couple the first end bracket 2 and second end bracket 4 to existing ceiling assemblies, such as T-Grids. It is intended that the emergency exit lighting fixture be relatively easy to manufacture and install.

(18) One or more antennae may be mounted to the emergency exit lighting fixture 1 in order to receive wireless, Wi-Fi. RFID, and/or Bluetooth signals.

(19) Referring now to FIG. 2, a frontal view of the possible embodiment in FIG. 1 of the present invention is shown with a first end bracket 2, second end bracket 4, elongate thin rigid spine 10 with a support rim 6, elongate substantially rigid flat base 12 with a top plane and a bottom plane 24, first edge flange 18, second edge flange 19, translucent lens panel 20, at least one LED light 22 coupled to the bottom plane 24 and located within a recessed channel 26, and an on/off test button switch 27 along the length of the emergency exit lighting fixture.

(20) The first end bracket 2 and the second end bracket 4 may be adapted to couple with exiting T-Grids or a different ceiling assembly. They may couple through the use of fasteners, glue, welding, and/or magnets. It is intended that the emergency exit lighting fixture be relatively easy to manufacture and install. A plurality of holes 3 may be used to couple the first end bracket 2 and second end bracket 4 to existing ceiling assemblies, such as T-Grids.

(21) The edge flanges 18 may be used to support and hold acoustic ceiling tiles and/or a translucent lens panel 20. The translucent lens panel 20 may be clear, frosty, red, and/or green. The translucent lens panel 20 may also have at least one area cut out in the shape of the word EXIT. A red or green translucent lens panel may be placed within the cut out portion. The translucent lens panel 20 may also have at least one area cut out in the shape of an arrow, to indicate emergency exit direction. A red or green translucent lens panel may be placed within the cut out portion. The translucent lens panel 20 may be easily removable in order to repair and maintain the fixture, and to allow the at least one LED light 22 to be replaced if necessary. The translucent lens panel 20 may be glass and/or plastic.

(22) At least one LED light 22 may be mounted to the bottom plane 24 of the flat base 12 through glue, fasteners, welding, or any other means. The LED light(s) 22 may be red, green, yellow or white in color (i.e. they may produce light with a red, green, yellow, or white tint). The LED light(s) 22 should produce enough light to satisfy applicable emergency lighting codes and regulations. In its Life Safety Code, section 7.9, the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) states that emergency lighting must be arranged to provide initial illumination of not less than an average of one foot-candle and a minimum at any point of 0.1-foot-candle measured along the path of egress at floor level. These levels can decline to a minimum of 0.6-foot-candle average and 0.06-foot-candle at any one point at the end of 1.5-hours. One foot-candle is equivalent to 10.764 lumens per square meter or one lumen per square foot.

(23) The LED light(s) 22 may be mounted to the bottom plane 24 of the flat base 12 and within a recessed channel 26. The recessed channel 26 may be useful in directing the light produced by the LED light(s) 22 downward and preventing light diffusion to the sides or upward. The recessed channel 26 may also ease manufacture and installation of the emergency exit lighting fixture.

(24) An on/off test button switch 27 may be located along the translucent lens panel 20 so that the switch is easily accessible and easily activated to test the emergency exit lighting. Section 7.9.3 of the NFPA's Life Safety Code typically requires a monthly activation test, where the lights remain illuminated for a minimum of 30-seconds, and an annual test where the lights are activated for 1.5-hours to simulate a long-term emergency event. An alternative embodiment may have the on/off test button switch activated remotely through any of, or a combination of, wired control, wireless, Wi-Fi, RFID (radio frequency identification signal), cellular, and/or Bluetooth commands. A cellular application to activate an on/off test button switch 27 may be used. Such an application may save time and allow an interested party, such as a fire marshal, the ability to remotely test multiple emergency exit lighting fixtures at one time, and easily record the results of any such testing.

(25) The LED light(s) 22 should be electronically coupled (i.e. wired) to an LED driver. The LED light(s) 22 may be electronically coupled through a conduit or whip that snakes through one or more holes 14 in the flat base 12. An LED driver should be electronically coupled to a first, continuous power source, a backup battery containing enough power to power the LED light(s) for at least 1.5-hours, and the on/off test button switch 27. The LED driver will control the functions of the LED light(s) 22 and may be modified as necessary. The LED driver may be located at some distance from the LED light(s), for example, in a typical junction box, and may be electronically coupled to the LED light(s) through a conduit or whip. The LED driver may also be electronically coupled to one or more antennae in order to receive wireless, Wi-Fi. RFID, and/or Bluetooth signals.

(26) Referring now to FIG. 3, an example flowchart describing a possible LED driver 100 is shown. A first, or continuous, power source 110, a backup battery power source 120, and an on/off test button switch 190 may be electronically coupled to an LED driver 100 which will control one or more LED light(s) on an emergency light fixture. Other wires, such as to a centralized fire control panel and/or alarm panel, may also be electronically coupled to the LED driver 100.

(27) The LED driver 100 may continuously run while it receives power from either the first, continuous power source 110, or when that power is unavailable, from a backup battery power source 120. If an emergency alert, such as a fire alarm or burglar alarm, is activated, or the on/off test button 190 is switched to the on position, 130, the LED driver will determine if continuous power is available 140. If no emergency alert is activated and the on/off test button 190 is not switched to the on position, the LED driver will keep the LED light(s) on the emergency light fixture unpowered and off. If continuous power is available 140, the LED driver will provide that power to the LED emergency light fixture 160. If continuous power is unavailable 140, the LED driver will next determine if backup battery power is available 150. If backup battery power is available 150, the LED driver will provide that power to the LED emergency light fixture 160. If an emergency alert, such as a fire alarm or burglar alarm, is activated, or the on/off test button 190 is switched to the on position, 130, and neither continuous power 140 nor backup batter power 150 is available, then the LED emergency light fixture will be broken and will not provide emergency egress lighting, as a fault 170.

(28) Alternative LED driver embodiments may include various power sources, various emergency alerts, electronic coupling(s) to centralized location(s) and centralized computer system(s). An LED driver may also embody wired, wireless, Wi-Fi. RFID, Bluetooth, antennae, and/or other means of communicating with a computerized system in order to activate the emergency light fixture, record results of tests, perform diagnostics, or other desired features. The LED driver may also be electronically coupled to one or more antennae in order to receive wireless, Wi-Fi. RFID, and/or Bluetooth signals.

(29) Referring now to FIG. 4, a front view of a possible embodiment of the invention is shown. A first flange 30 extends between a first end 34 and a second end 36. A second flange 32 also extends between the first end 34 and the second end 36. A recessed channel 40 lies between and connects the first flange 30 and the second flange 32. The recessed channel 40 may comprise an elongate substantially rigid flat base having a substantially rectangular shape, a top plane 41, and a bottom plane. At least one LED light 42 may be mounted on the top plane 41. A translucent lens panel 38 substantially the same dimensions, or slightly larger than, the top plane 41, may be mounted between the first flange 30 and the second flange 32. A conduit 44 is used to electronically couple the LED light(s) 42 to an LED driver.

(30) The LED light(s) 42 should be electronically coupled (i.e. wired) to an LED driver. The LED light(s) may be white, red, green, or a combination thereof. The LED light(s) 42 may be electronically coupled through a conduit (also referred to as a whip) 44. An LED driver should be electronically coupled to a first, continuous power source, a backup battery containing enough power to power the LED light(s) for at least 1.5-hours, and an on/off test button switch. The LED driver will control the functions of the LED light(s) 42 and may be modified as necessary. The LED driver may be located at some distance from the LED light(s), for example, in a typical junction box. The LED driver and/or fixture may also be electronically coupled to one or more antennae in order to receive wireless, Wi-Fi. RFID, and/or Bluetooth signals.

(31) The first flange 30, second flange 32, and recessed channel 40 may be formed from a variety of materials, including metals, plastics, and/or wood.

(32) The translucent lens panel 38 may be clear, frosty, red, and/or green. The translucent lens panel 38 may also have at least one area cut out in the shape of the word EXIT. A red or green translucent lens panel may be placed within the cut out portion. The translucent lens panel 38 may also have at least one area cut out in the shape of an arrow, to indicate emergency exit direction. A red or green translucent lens panel may be placed within the cut out portion. The translucent lens panel 38 may be easily removable in order to repair and maintain the fixture, and to allow the at least one LED light 42 to be replaced if necessary. The translucent lens panel 38 may be glass and/or plastic.

(33) Referring now to FIG. 5, an isometric view of the possible embodiment in FIG. 4 is shown installed in a wall. A first flange 30 extends between a first end 34 and a second end 36. A second flange 32 also extends between the first end 34 and the second end 36. A recessed channel 40 lies between and connects the first flange 30 and the second flange 32. The recessed channel 40 may comprise an elongate substantially rigid flat base having a substantially rectangular shape, a top plane 41, and a bottom plane. A translucent lens panel 38 substantially the same dimensions, or slightly larger than, the top plane 41, may be mounted between the first flange 30 and the second flange 32. A conduit 44 is used to electronically couple at least one LED light(s) to an LED driver.

(34) The wall-mounted emergency LED light fixture may be mounted within drywall 48, or other types of wall material, and coupled to support beams 46. The recessed channel 40 should be no deeper than the thickness of the drywall 48, typically of an inch. If the recessed channel 40 is of an inch or less deep, the first flange 30 and the second flange 32 could be flush with the drywall 48. The first flange 30 and second flange 32 may be painted over, or finished to match the surrounding drywall 48.

(35) The wall-mounted emergency LED light fixture may be mounted anywhere on a wall. It may be mounted vertically, horizontally, or at an angle. At a height of two feet above the floor, the wall-mounted LED light fixture may provide enough illumination to satisfy applicable codes, and may be aesthetically pleasing. This embodiment of the invention may also be installed in a ceiling which has similar characteristics to a wall.

(36) Referring now to FIG. 6, an isometric view of a portion of a possible embodiment of the invention is shown. A doorway emergency exit lighting fixture may comprise a casing 50 with a front 52 and a back 60, a jamb 52, and a stop 54. The casing 50, jamb 52, and stop 54 may extend to the right (side casing, side jamb, and side stop), left (side casing, side jamb, and side stop), and top (top casing, top jamb, and top stop) of a doorway. The casing 50 should have at least one substantially rectangular cut-out 56 that is smaller than the casing front 52. There may be one or more cut-out(s) 56 on each of the top casing or side casings. Cut-out(s) 56 on side casings may be located two feet or more from the floor. The casing 50, jamb 52, and stop 54 may be comprised of wood, plastics, metals, or a combination thereof.

(37) A translucent lens panel 62 substantially the same dimensions, or slightly larger than, the cut-out 56, may be mounted over the cut-out 56. At least one LED light electronically coupled to an LED driver should be placed behind the translucent lens panel 62 to provide emergency exit and sign illumination. The LED light(s) may be white, red, green, or a combination thereof. The LED driver and/or fixture may also be electronically coupled to one or more antennae in order to receive wireless, Wi-Fi. RFID, and/or Bluetooth signals.

(38) The translucent lens panel 62 may be clear, frosty, red, and/or green. The translucent lens panel 62 may also have at least one area cut out in the shape of the word EXIT 64. (EXIT may be replaced with the equivalent word in any other language.) A red or green translucent lens panel may be placed within EXIT cut-out 64. The translucent lens panel 62 may also have at least one area cut out in the shape of an arrow, to indicate emergency exit direction. A red or green translucent lens panel may be placed within the arrow cut-out portion. The translucent lens panel 62 may be easily removable in order to repair and maintain the fixture, and to allow the at least one LED light to be replaced if necessary. The translucent lens panel 62 may be glass and/or plastic.

(39) An on/off test button switch 66 and an integrated speaker 68 may be located within the casing 50. The on/off test button switch 66 may be located on the casing 50 so that it is easily accessible and easily activated to test the emergency exit lighting. Section 7.9.3 of the NFPA's Life Safety Code typically requires a monthly activation test, where the lights remain illuminated for a minimum of 30-seconds, and an annual test where the lights are activated for 1.5-hours to simulate a long term emergency event. An alternative embodiment may have the on/off test button switch activated remotely through any of, or a combination of, wired control, wireless, Wi-Fi, RFID, cellular, and/or Bluetooth commands. A cellular application to activate an on/off test button switch 66 may be used. Such an application may save time and allow an interested party, such as a fire marshal, the ability to remotely test multiple emergency exit lighting fixtures at one time, and easily record the results of any such testing.

(40) The integrated speaker 68 may be electronically coupled to an LED driver or a computerized control. The integrated speaker 68 may say such things as Exit Here or Exit this way, in English or other languages. The sayings may be customized as necessary. The integrated speaker 68 may also be electronically coupled to a public address system.

(41) The doorway emergency exit lighting fixture may be installed in new construction or retrofit to existing construction. The doorway emergency exit lighting fixture may be manufactured as one extrusion, or it may be manufactured in separate pieces and coupled together through fasteners, glue, welding, or other means.

(42) Referring now to FIG. 7, a front view of the possible embodiment in FIG. 6 is shown installed in a doorway. A doorway emergency exit lighting fixture may comprise a casing 50, a jamb, and a stop 54. The casing 50, jamb, and stop 54 extend to the right (side casing, side jamb, and side stop), left (side casing, side jamb, and side stop), and top (top casing, top jamb, and top stop) of a doorway. The casing 50 should have at least one substantially rectangular cut-out 56 that is smaller than the casing front 52. There may be one or more cut-out(s) 56 on each of the top casing or side casings.

(43) A translucent lens panel 62 substantially the same dimensions, or slightly larger than, the cut-out 56, may be mounted over the cut-out 56. At least one LED light electronically coupled to an LED driver should be placed behind the translucent lens panel 62 to provide emergency exit and sign illumination. The LED light(s) may be white, red, green, or a combination thereof.

(44) The LED driver and/or a backup battery power source may be mounted in one or more junction boxes 70 or 74. A conduit 72 may connect the junction boxes 70 or 74 to the doorway emergency exit lighting fixture. The LED driver should be electronically coupled to at least one LED light(s) providing illumination.

(45) The doorway emergency exit lighting fixture may be coupled to the building structure through fasteners, glue, welding, or other means.

(46) Referring now to FIG. 8, an exemplary flowchart detailing a possible method of testing an emergency lighting system in a building is shown. An embodiment of the method may be a user initiating 200 a signal from a remote testing controller, sending 210 the signal from the remote testing controller to an emergency lighting system, receiving 220 the signal at the emergency lighting system, and 230 indicating functionality.

(47) A user may initiate 200 a signal from a remote testing controller which is a cellular telephone. A user may initiate 200 the signal through dialing a number, sending a text message, pressing a dedicated button, and/or pressing a button in a dedicated smartphone application. The remote testing controller may also be a keyfob with a dedicated button for testing an emergency lighting system.

(48) The signal may be sent 210 through Wi-Fi, infrared, RFID, Bluetooth, and/or a cellular network. The signal may be received 220 by the emergency lighting system through an antenna electronically coupled to the emergency lighting system. The emergency lighting system may be an LED emergency lighting fixture located within a building.

(49) Functionality of the emergency lighting system (that is, whether the emergency lighting system works properly or not) may be indicated 230 on the remote testing controller, on a centralized control panel, and/or on the emergency lighting system itself. The functionality, or lack thereof, may be recorded by any means. Per safety codes, emergency lighting systems should be tested once a month and every year. The method described herein may be an economical and fast method of performing these required tests.