Background of the Invention Painted lines and other markings on pavements are examples of important safety devices for guiding pedestrians, aircraft, road vehicles and other modes of transportation. At night, in heavy rainstorms, fog, snow, ice etc., there can be major problems in trying to view these markings that often apparently completely disappear from view. This can leave pilots and motorists confused causing difficulty in maintaining their position in relation to obstacles or other vehicles.

Elongated lighting systems are known. In particular embodiments, the elongated lighting system is in the form of a linear extrusion with encapsulated light emitting diodes (LEDs). Such lighting systems are installed in roads, airport runways and the like as a pavement inset, forming a lit guiding system for vehicles and people that reduces confusion and increases safety by making critical markings on the pavement visible in most weather conditions.

Elongated lighting systems typically require a channel support system that is embedded in the ground or other surface and which accommodates the elongated lighting system. The channel support system must protect the integrity of the elongated lighting system, permit easy installation of the elongated lighting system and, if necessary, permit repairs to be carried out.

Summarv of the Invention A support system for an elongated lighting system intended for use with a mounting surface, including roads and airports, has now been found.

Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention provides a support system for an elongated lighting system to be embedded in a mounting surface. The support system includes an elongated U-shaped housing. The U-shaped housing has a pair of opposed arms and an intermediate base.

The housing has at least one longitudinal groove in the intermediate base, the groove being adapted to accommodate coated electrical conductor and being of a depth to fully accommodate the electrical conductor.

In a preferred embodiment of the support system, the housing has a pair of spaced apart longitudinal grooves in a side-by-side arrangement in the intermediate base. Each of the grooves is adapted to accommodate a coated electrical conductor. The housing has support members disposed between the grooves and distal to each of the grooves, the support members being substantially coplanar. Each of the grooves is of a depth to fully accommodate the electrical conductor.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a support system for an elongated lighting system to be located on the surface of a mounting surface or partially embedded therein. The support system includes an elongated U-shaped housing. The U-shaped housing has a pair of opposed arms and an intermediate base, the housing having at least one longitudinal groove in the intermediate base. The groove is adapted to accommodate a coated electrical conductor of a depth to fully accommodate the electrical conductor. The housing tapers outwardly from each arm to a location of a mounting surface.

In a preferred embodiment of the support system, the housing has a pair of spaced apart longitudinal grooves in a side-by-side arrangement in the intermediate base. Each of the grooves is adapted to accommodate a coated electrical conductor. The housing has support members disposed between the grooves and distal to each of the grooves, the support members being substantially coplanar. Each of the grooves is of a depth to fully

accommodate the electrical conductor, the housing tapering outwardly from each arm to a location of a mounting surface.

Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention is illustrated by the embodiments shown in the drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a cross section of one embodiment of a channel support system of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a perspective view of a channel support system of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a cross section of the embodiment of Fig. 1 with an elongated lighting system; Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a cross section of a filler pad for the embodiment of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a cross section of a second embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5A is a schematic representation of a variation of the embodiment of Fig. 5; Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of a cross section of a third embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of the use of a fastener to anchor the channel system of Fig. 1; Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of the use of a fastener to anchor the channel system of Fig. 3; Fig. 9 is a schematic representation of the use of a fastener to anchor the channel system of Fig. 6; Fig. 10 is a schematic representation of a cross section of an alternate filler pad; Fig. 11 is a schematic representation of an alternate channel system; Fig. 12 is a schematic representation of a further alternate channel system; and Fig. 13 is a schematic representation of another alternate channel

system.

Detailed Description of the Invention The channel support system described herein is embedded in, or located on, a mounting surface. That mounting surface may be the ground, roads, pavement, airport runway, ship deck, building sites floors, rock tunnel face, sides of vehicles, walls, ceilings, roof tops, sign boards, posts and a wide variety of other surfaces. For convenience, the invention is generally described herein with reference to the surface being a ground surface.

Fig. 1 shows a channel support system, generally indicated by 1.

Channel support system 1 has housing 2, which has a base 3 intermediate between arms 4 and 5. Base 3 and arms 4 and 5 generally conform to a U- shape. Base 3 has two grooves 6 and 7, which extend downwardly into base 3. The external surface, or lower surface in use, of base 3 can be flat, but may also have grooves or protruding ridges to facilitate adherence to glue used to locate and retain the system in place. Base 3 has grooves 6 and 7 that are intended to contain an electrical conductor, as more clearly seen in Fig. 3.

Central support member 8 separates grooves 6 and 7. In addition, distal support member 9 is located between groove 6 and arm 4. Similarly, distal support member 10 is located between groove 7 and arm 5.

Arms 4 and 5 are shown as being inwardly arcuate, to assist in retention of an elongated lighting system within the channel support system, but in another embodiment could be straight. In the embodiment illustrated, the internal surface of arms 4 and 5 are shown with a serrated surface, 11 and 12 (see Fig. 1) respectively. In other embodiments, the surfaces are smooth. When serrated, the serrations are preferably angled downwards towards the lower interior of the channel support system, to further assist in retention of an elongated lighting system within channel support system 1.

The embodiment shown in cross section in Fig. 1 is shown in plan view in Fig. 2. For convenience, only one end of the embodiment of the channel support system is shown. Channel support system 1 has housing 2. Housing

2 has base 3 and arms 4 and 5. Arms 4 and 5 extend for the length of channel support system 1. Base 3 has elongated grooves 6 and 7 that are in a side-by-side parallel relationship throughout the length of the channel support system. Similarly, central support 8 and distal supports 9 and 10 extend for the length of the channel support system. In this plan view, serrations 12 are shown as extending for the full length, although it is understood that such serrations could be intermittent, or omitted, as noted above.

Fig. 3 shows the embodiment of Fig. 1 with an elongated lighting system in position, the support system being embedded in ground 50.

Elongating lighting system 20 is shown as resting on central support 8 and distal supports 9 and 10. In one embodiment of the invention, an adhesive strip is placed on central support 8 to assist in retaining elongated lighting system 20 in position.

Elongated lighting system 20 is shown as a LED 21 and two electrical connectors 22 and 23 that are located on opposed sides of LED 21. The position of LED 21 and two electrical connectors 22 and 23 may be varied, especially to be nearer to the bottom of elongated lighting system 20.

Electrical connectors 22 and 23 are located in an aligned position above grooves 6 and 7. Grooves 6 and 7 are shown as having coated electrical conductors 24 and 25, respectively. Coated electrical conductors 24 and 25 are separated from elongated lighting system 20 by filler pads 26 and 27, sometimes being inserted intermittently, when an electrical connection is made between the power supply viz. electrical conductors 24 and 25 and the elongated lighting system 20 with its electrical connectors 22 and 23.

In operation, it is understood that an appropriate electrical connection would be made between electrical conductors 24 and 25 and electrical connectors 22 and 23. For example, metal pins could extend from electrical conductors 24 and 25 through filler pads 26 and 27, through transparent plastic 28 to contact electrical connectors 22 and 23. It is further understood that any appropriate means of connection may be used. Preferably, such a connecting system tends to lock together the elongating lighting system 20

and the coated electrical conductors 24 and 25, respectively, thus sealing the system against penetration by fluids (e. g., water). It is further understood that the connections from underneath elongating lighting system 20 and coated electrical conductors 24 and 25, respectively, is important, since any weight on the elongating lighting system 20 (e. g., from vehicles) will enhance the electrical connection and further seal the system against water penetration.

Fig. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a filler pad 26. Filler pad 26 is shown as having a planar upper surface 30, planar sides 31 and 32 and arcuate or concave lower surface 33. It is understood that arcuate lower surface 33 is intended to conform to the shape of electrical conductors 24 and 25. Filler pad 26 would normally be made of a non-conductive material (e. g., EPDM rubber or Neoprene) and preferably would be compressible to provide support beneath the elongated lighting system.

Fig. 5 shows an alternate embodiment, with an elongated lighting system 20 in position in the channel support system. This embodiment differs from the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 in that housing 35 has shallower grooves 36 and 37, compared with the grooves of Fig. 1. The grooves 36 and 37 are of a depth such that electrical conductors 24 and 25 make direct contact with elongated lighting system 20. Filler pads 26 and 27 have been eliminated from this embodiment of the channel support system.

Fig. 5A shows a variation of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 5 with elongated lighting system 20 in position in the channel support system.

Grooves 36 and 37 are of a depth such that electrical conductors 24 and 25 make direct contact with elongated lighting system 20. Elongated lighting system 20 is shown as conforming to the shape of grooves 36 and 37.

Elongated lighting system 20 rests on distal support member 9 and 10, of the U-channel 4, as well as resting directly on electrical conductors 24 and 25.

Elongated lighting system 20 has two legs 20A and 20B that extend downwards into grooves 6 and 7, respectively. Filler pads 26 and 27 have been eliminated from this variation of the embodiment of the channel support system.

Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of the invention in which the channel

support system is intended to remain at least partially above ground level, rather than be embedded in the ground as shown previously in Fig. 3. This embodiment has the channel support system above ground level, although in other embodiments the channel support system may be partially embedded.

Arm 4 of Fig. 3, now identified as arm 40 in FIG. 6, is shown as being tapered downwards towards ground 50, being smoothly tapered wedge at taper 41 with ground 50 to ease flow of any vehicle traffic rolling over it. Arm 40 has orifice 42 in which is located a fastener (e. g., a mechanical or chemical fastener, screw, bolt, spike, etc.) generally referred to herein as spike 43.

Spike 43 has been used to locate the channel support system of Fig. 6 on ground 50.

It will be understood that the channel system may be used with connector systems, possibly with covers, and especially when used fully or partially above ground. For instance, the connector systems would provide electrical connector between modules having LEDs, and preferably would be of the same cross-section shape as a module having LEDs.

The embodiments shown in Figs. 1-5 may be embedded in the ground for installation. A groove is cut in the ground surface at a width and depth sufficient for the channel support system to be inserted in the ground. It is understood that arms 4 and 5 may be level with, or slightly below, the ground as shown in Fig. 3, so that vehicles may readily pass over the elongated lighting system. In particular, snow clearing vehicles at airports and on roadways need to be able to pass over the elongated lighting system without the blades from such vehicles either snagging on the channel support system or an elongated lighting system contained therein.

In the embodiments shown in Figs. 1-5, the channel support system is placed within the groove in the ground surface, and held in place. For example, this may be done mechanically by drilling a hole through the complete system and inserting fasteners (e. g., flush mounted expansion bolts, using hard setting epoxy resin, or other methods described herein), and/or by having adhesive underneath to assist with retention of the channel support system within the groove in the ground.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, the channel support system may be partially embedded within a groove in the ground or mounted above ground level (i. e., located on the surface of the ground). If the channel support system is partially embedded, it may be held in place by methods described above for the embedded system. Alternatively, and especially when located completely above ground level, the channel support system may be anchored in position using spikes or other means that pass through the channel system, with a flush or recessed fitting with the channel system, to anchor the system to the ground. The tapered sections 41 are normally anchored.

It is understood that the tapered sections shown in Fig. 6 may be used with any other embodiment of the channel support system described and illustrated herein. It is also understood that when the channel support system is partially embedded or mounted above ground level, the system may need tapered end section, to permit vehicles to pass over the ends without disrupting the system. The end sections may be raised asphalt or the like, or other tapered sections added to the channel support system with a lighting system therein.

Fig. 7 shows the embodiment of Fig. 1 with screw orifice 49 extending through channel system 1. Screw orifice 49 is intended for use in attachment of the channel system to a mounting surface, and would be located at periodic intervals along the length of the channel system, co-operatively located with respect to LEDs or other components of an elongated lighting system to be installed therein. It is understood that other types of orifices could be used, and that fasteners other than screws may be inserted.

Fig. 8 shows the embodiment of Fig. 3 with screw orifice 49 in the channel system, screw orifice 51 in the lighting system and screw 53 inserted therein. Screw 53 is flush with the upper surface of the lighting system, but it could be recessed. It will be noted that LEDs are absent from elongated lighting system 20, as screw orifice 51 is located between units of LEDs 28 and the electrical connectors 22 and 23.

Fig. 9 shows a similar system in the embodiment of Fig. 6. In Fig. 9

screw 53A extends through the housing of elongated lighting system 20 whereas in Fig. 8 screw 53 does not. As Fig. 9 shows a mounting surface 50, screw 53A is in use in anchoring the channel system. In Fig. 8, screw 53 is in use in attaching the elongated lighting system to the channel system. One or both types of screw systems would be used, depending on the particular end- use.

The present invention has been particularly described herein with reference to a pair of spaced apart grooves in which electrical conductors are located. However, one groove may be provided, with both electrical conductors therein, or more than two grooves may be provided so that additional wiring or cable may be installed.

The channel support system may be formed from a variety of materials.

For instance, the channel support system may be formed from rubber materials including recycled rubber, EPDM (Ethylene-Propylene-Terpolymers Rubbers), EPM (Ethylene-Propylene-Copolymer Rubbers), neoprene, stainiess steel, titanium, nickel-coated steel, or any other non-corroding metal or plastic. These need to be of sufficient hardness and corrosive resistance to withstand normal use in the particular location of use.

The channel support system may be made of a variety of techniques, especially moulding and extrusion. For instance, if the channel support system has a degree of flexibility, the channel support system may be extruded in continuous lengths and stored on rolls prior to installation. In this manner, a long length of channel support system may be installed, and subsequently continuous or modular lengths of an elongated lighting system subsequently may be installed. However, in other embodiments, the channel support system is moulded or extruded in a modular length, and in particular in a modular length that corresponds to the modular length of an elongated lighting system.

Fig. 10 shows an alternate embodiment of a filler pad, known as a packer and generally indicated by 52. Packer 52 is shown located within a channel system, shown in dotted lines. Packer 52 has upper plate 54 that rests on distal support member 9 and 10 of channel support system 1. Upper

plate 54 has two legs 56 and 58 that extend downwards into grooves 6 and 7, respectively. Legs 56 and 58 extend only partially into grooves 6 and 7, to permit electrical conductors (not shown) to be located in grooves 6 and 7 as described herein.

Packer 52 is shown with upper adhesive strip 60 and lower adhesive strip 62. Upper adhesive strip 60 is to facilitate retention of an elongated lighting system on packer 52. Lower adhesive strip 62 is to facilitate retention of packer 52 in channel system 1.

Packer 52 would be made of a material that permits access to the electric conductors through packer 52, as for the filler pads described previously.

Fig. 11 shows an alternate embodiment of channel system 1. U- shaped channel 70 has recess 72 that would accommodate an elongated lighting system. Arms 74 and 76 of U-shaped channel 70, and base 78 thereof form recess 72. Base 78 has two electrical conductors 80 and 82 embedded therein. Electrical access to electrical conductors 80 and 82 would be by penetration of base 78, or by an attached connector system from one or both ends. U-shaped channel 70 could be provided with distal support members (not shown), to provide for a filler pad or packer of appropriate shape to be inserted (e. g., to provide cushioning or other effects for the elongated lighting system).

Fig. 12 shows an alternate embodiment of the channel system. U- shaped channel 70 has recess 72, between arms 74 and 76, that would accommodate an elongated lighting system, but such a system would be shaped to key into shaped recess 83 of U-shaped channel 70. Base 78 has two electrical conductors 80 and 82 embedded therein on either side of shaped recess 83 of U-shaped channel 70. Electrical access to electrical conductors 80 and 82 would be by penetration of base 78. U-shaped channel 70 could be provided with distal support members (not shown), to provide for a filler pad or packer of appropriate shape to be inserted (e. g., to provide cushioning or other effects for the elongated lighting system).

Fig. 13 shows an alternate embodiment of the channel system. U-

shaped channel 70 has recess 72 that would accommodate an elongated lighting system. U-shaped channel 70 would have an internal channel 87.

Internal channel 87 is formed in base 78. Internal channel 87 could be a conduit for other wires or for fibre optic cable. An additional or alternate groove may be required to accommodate such wires or cable. Base 78 has two electrical conductors 80 and 82 embedded therein. Electrical access to electrical conductors 80 and 82 would be by penetration of base 78. U-shaped channel 70 could be provided with distal support members (not shown), to provide for a filler pad or packer of appropriate shape to be inserted (e. g., to provide cushioning or other effects for the elongated lighting system).

U-shaped channel 70 would preferably be provided with a connector system at each end thereof, especially when used above ground.

In alternate embodiments of the invention, central support 8 of Fig. 1 or corresponding sections in other figures may have a roughened surface to aid in retention of, for example, modules of an elongated lighting system in the channel system. In further embodiments keying devices are provided in central support 8 to retain a module, examples of which may be projections or orifices, including snap locking devices.

The channel system of the invention could be a conduit for other wires or for fibre optic cable. An additional groove may be required to accommodate such wires or cable.

The channel system may also be provided with a base suitable for attachment to a particular mounting surface. For instance, if the surface was steel (e. g., the deck of a ship), a steel base could be provided or the material of the channel selected or treated to enhance adhesion to the mounting surface.

One advantage of the channel system is that it allows for relatively easy access to the coated electrical conductors 25 and 24, so replacement of modules of the elongated lighting system 20 can be readily carried out.

The channel system, including an elongated lighting system, provides a protective shell for the electrical power distribution for the lighting. This is especially useful in environments that impose high physical or other demands

on the system, including use on roads. The system also provides quick and easy accessibility to the electrical power conductors, without digging for recovery, permitting maintenance or up-grades of the system that are less time consuming and less disruptive to users.

The surface of the channel system may be adapted to the particular end-use. In particular, the channel may be sealed to the ground, e. g., road, whether concrete, asphalt or other surface. The channel system also assists in excluding water from the lighting system. In some embodiments of the invention, particularly where the end-use is outside (e. g., in a road or runway) the channel system is provided at intervals with a groove, slot orifice or the like to permit relief from any water pressure that should occur within the channel system or exterior thereto in the groove cut into the ground surface.

In addition, the channel system provides cushioning when loaded (e. g., when a vehicle passes over the channel system and the elongated lighting system). The channel system also allows the lighting to be removed if road repairs are required, while providing secure anchoring for the system.

Electrical power connection from below the light system permits multiple power connections for redundancy and repair. It also increases the electrical connection. In use on the ground, the lighting system would tend to be urged downwards into the electrical connection, due to the weight of traffic.

Different sizes of filler or packing permit use of wire of different diameters.

Thus, the channel system of the invention is both rugged and versatile.