WO2007006130A1

WO2007006130A1 - Lighting assembly, heat sink, and handrail incorporating a lighting assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2007006130A1
Application number: PCT/CA2006/000969
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bill Seabrook
Original assignee: AIMLEDS Corp
Current assignee: AIMLEDS Corp
Priority date: 2005-06-16
Filing date: 2006-06-12
Publication date: 2007-01-18
Anticipated expiration: 2007-12-16

Abstract

A lighting assembly, a heat sink, and a handrail incorporating a lighting assembly are provided. The lighting assembly includes a mounting having an inner surface and an outer surface. The mounting defines at least one opening extending between the rearward and outer surfaces. A lighting module is positioned against the inner surface of the mounting. The lighting module includes a seat having a rearward portion and a frontward portion. A light emitting device is mounted to the frontward portion of the seat. The frontward portion of the seat is positioned in contact with the inner surface of the mounting, and the lighting module is positioned with the light emitting device in alignment with the opening in the mounting to emit light therethrough.

Description

Title: LIGHTING ASSEMBLY, HEAT SINK, AND HANDRAIL

INCORPORATING A LIGHTING ASSEMBLY

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims priority from United States application no. 60/691,041, filed June 16, 2005.

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a lighting assembly, a heat sink, and a handrail incorporating a lighting assembly.

Background of the Invention

Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are generally more energy efficient, more reliable and have longer lifetimes than other types of lighting. One performance measure of an LED is its photometric efficiency, e.g. the conversion of input energy into visible light. Photometric efficiency is inversely proportional to the junction temperature of an LED. Junction temperature also affects the operational lifetime of LEDs. Accordingly, keeping the LED junction temperature cool is an important consideration in the design of LED devices.

Traditionally, heat dissipation of LEDs was provided by the lead wires of the LED itself. However, this technique is inefficient and limits the efficiency of LED devices. Another method for controlling LED junction temperature uses a heat sink slug to draw heat away from the LED. An example of such an apparatus is described in U.S. Patent No. 6,274,924 to Carey et al., issued August 14, 2001. An LED die is attached to the heat sink slug using a thermally conductive material or submount. The heat sink slug is inserted into an insert-molded leadframe. The heat sink slug may include a reflector cup. Bond wires extend from the LED to metal leads on the leadframe. The metal leads are electrically and thermally isolated from the slug. An optical lens may be used to focus the light emitted from the LED. This apparatus is useful for dissipating heat from the LED, however it requires that the heat be dissipated to air. This problem becomes exacerbated with high wattage LEDs and multiple LED devices where heat generation is greater. A solution to the external heat dissipation is not provided by the apparatus of Carey et al.

The control and focus of the light emitted from an LED is typically provided using a collimator such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 6,547,423 to Marshall et al., issued April 15, 2003. A collimator uses a lens and refractive walls to focus the light emitted from the LED. An LED-collimator combination may be used to yield a high level of efficiency in terms of control of emitted light or luminous flux.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides a lighting assembly, a heat sink, and a handrail incorporating a lighting assembly. LEDs are thermally connected to a thermally conductive mounting for use in a lighting assembly. Multiple LEDs may be mounted, and the thermally conductive mounting may be received in a housing extending around the mounting which may be of a relatively small cross- sectional area. The housing may be tubular housing suitable for use as a handrail. The lighting assembly may also be substantially watertight. The lighting assembly may also be substantially watertight, explosion proof and/or dust proof.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a lighting assembly, comprising : a mounting having an inner surface and an outer surface, the mounting defining at least one opening extending between the rearward and outer surfaces; and at least one lighting module being positioned against the inner surface of the mounting, the lighting module including : a seat having a rearward portion and a frontward portion; and a light emitting device mounted to the frontward portion of the seat; wherein the frontward portion of the seat is positioned in contact with the inner surface of the mounting, the lighting module being positioned with the light emitting device in alignment with the opening in the mounting to emit light therethrough.

In accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a lighting assembly, comprising : a thermally conductive mounting having an inner surface and an outer surface, the mounting defining at least one opening extending between the rearward and outer surfaces; and at least one lighting module being positioned against the inner surface of the mounting, the lighting module including: a heat sink seat formed of a thermally conductive material having a rearward portion and a frontward portion; and a light emitting device thermally connected to the frontward portion of the seat; wherein the frontward portion of the seat is positioned in contact with the inner surface of the mounting, the lighting module being positioned with the light emitting device in alignment with the opening in the mounting to emit light therethrough.

In accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a heat sink for a heat emitting device, comprising : a thermally conductive mounting having an outer surface; and a heat sink seat formed of a thermally conductive material having a rearward portion and a frontward portion, the frontward portion being adapted to receive the heat emitting device; wherein the frontward portion of the seat is positioned in contact with the inner surface of the mounting.

In accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a handrail comprising a lighting assembly. The lighting assembly comprises: a mounting having an inner surface and an outer surface, the mounting defining at least one opening extending between the rearward and outer surfaces; and at least one lighting module being positioned against the inner surface of the mounting, the lighting module including : a seat having a rearward portion and a frontward portion; and a light emitting device mounted to the frontward portion of the seat; wherein the frontward portion of the seat is positioned in contact with the inner surface of the mounting, the lighting module being positioned with the light emitting device in alignment with the opening in the mounting to emit light therethrough.

In accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a handrail comprising a lighting assembly. The lighting assembly comprises: a thermally conductive mounting having an inner surface and an outer surface, the mounting defining at least one opening extending between the rearward and outer surfaces; and at least one lighting module being positioned against the inner surface of the mounting, the lighting module including : a heat sink seat formed of a thermally conductive material having a rearward portion and a frontward portion; and a light emitting device thermally connected to the frontward portion of the seat; wherein the frontward portion of the seat is positioned in contact with the inner surface of the mounting, the lighting module being positioned with the light emitting device in alignment with the opening in the mounting to emit light therethrough.

Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which show, by way of example, embodiments of the present invention, and in which :

FIG. 1 is a perspective view taken from below of one embodiment of a lighting assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view taken from above of the lighting assembly of FIG. 1 showing a conduit extending from one end thereof;

FIG. 3 is an exploded, perspective view of the lighting assembly of FIG. 1 taken from a slightly different angle than FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is an exploded view of an LED module of the lighting assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view taken from below of a trough of the lighting assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5B is a bottom view of the trough of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5C is an end view of the trough of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is an outer tubular housing of the lighting assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6B is a bottom view of the housing of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C is a partial side view of the housing of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the lighting assembly of FIG. 1 taken along an LED module;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic representation of the angles of projection of light emitted by the LED modules of the lighting assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is an elevational view of one embodiment of a handrail incorporating a lighting assembly according to the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic representation of a lighting environment having several handrails incorporating a lighting assembly according to the present invention.

Similar references are used in different figures to denote similar components.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments

Referring to FIG. 1 to 7, one embodiment of a lighting assembly 10 according to present invention will be described. The lighting assembly 10 comprises a thermally conductive mounting 12 (e.g. aluminum) having a rearward (or inner) surface 13 and a frontward (or outer) surface 14, and a longitudinal axis 16 extending along a length of the mounting 12. Openings or apertures 18 are defined in the mounting 12 along the longitudinal axis 16 at spaced intervals. Light emitting diode (LED) modules 20 are positioned against the mounting opposite the apertures 18. Each LED module 20 includes a heat sink seat 22 formed of a thermally conductive material (e.g. aluminum) having a rearward portion 24 and a frontward portion 26, an LED 28 thermally connected to the frontward portion 26 of the heat sink seat 22, and a collimator 30 operably positioned over the LED 28 for focusing the light emitted therefrom. The frontward portion 26 of the seat 22 is positioned in contact with the inner surface 13 of the mounting 12. Each LED module 20 is positioned with its LED 28 in alignment with the respective aperture 18 to emit light therethrough.

The LED modules 20 are mounted to the inner surface 13 of the mounting 12 using a thermally conductive adhesive or fixative such as thermal epoxy or thermal tape. In other embodiments the LED modules 20 are not mounted, but are held in contact with the inner surface 13. In such embodiments, a thermally conductive surface wetting component such as thermal grease may be used to improve surface contact between the inner surface 13 and the frontward portion 26. For example, in some embodiments the LED modules 20 may be received in a seat located about the aperture 18.

The heat sink seat 22 provides a mounting surface for the LED 28, and as a result of the thermal conductivity of the seat 22 and its thermal mass, provides an effective thermal sink for heat generated by the LED 28. In the shown embodiment, the heat sink seat 22 forms a block having a relatively large thermal mass that is effective as a thermal sink for heat generated by the LED 28. In some example embodiments, the thermal mass is sufficient to maintain an LED junction temperature that is less than 10⁰C higher than an ambient temperature, in some example embodiments at a temperature that is between 10⁰C and 5°C higher than an ambient temperature, and in some example embodiments at a temperature that is less than 5°C higher than an ambient temperature (e.g. 2°C). The LED modules 20 may be glued in place, or may be releasable for replacement.

As will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art, the LEDs 28 may be mounted within a die that receives electrical power for the LED 28. The die is connected to a power source such as an DC power supply (not shown). A heat sink slug formed of a thermally conductive material such as aluminum is attached to the die for drawing away heat generated by the LED 28. Insulation may also be included. The LED 28 may also include an optical reflector cup which may be attached to or integrally formed with the heat sink slug. The reflector cup may be made of thermally conductive materials such as aluminum that have been plated for reflectivity.

Many different types of LEDs are known in the art. Suitable LEDs for use in the present invention are Luxeon™ LEDs from Lumileds Lighting, LLC (San Jose, California, USA). Power consumption and colour are two relevant considerations for selecting an appropriate LED for a particular lighting application. The LEDs 28 are relatively high powered, having an input power greater than or equal to about 0.25 Watts (W). In some embodiments, LEDs having an input power between 1 to 5 W are used. In other embodiments, LEDs having an input power between 1 to 3 W are used. In yet other embodiments, LEDs having an input power of 1 W are used.

LED collimators are known in the art. Examples of a collimator that may be used with the present invention are described in U.S. Patent No. 6,547,423, issued April 15, 2003. Many different types of collimators are known. The collimator may be selected according to the properties of the light which is to be produced. The LED 28 and collimator 30 should be properly selected to obtain the desired lighting characteristics for a particular lighting task.

As shown in FIG. 4, the heat sink seat 22 defines a recess 32 in its frontward portion 26. The LED module 20 is received in the recess 32. In the shown embodiment, the heat sink seat 22 includes a seat member 34 and a seat base 36 attached to the rearward portion 24 of the heat sink seat 22. The recess 32 is defined by a bore 38 extending through the seat member 34. Seat member 34 can be a printed circuit board for operating an LED 28. Seat member 34 can be aluminum. When assembled, seat member 34 is affixed to rearward portion 24. Thermally conductive grease can be applied between seat member 34 and rearward portion 24. Optionally, the printed circuit board is removable for maintenance. The seat base 36 forms a bottom of the recess 32 with the LED module 20 mounted to the bottom of the recess 32. In the shown embodiment, the seat base 36 comprises a printed circuit board having a thermally conductive member or thermal plane, such as an aluminum plate, to assist in conducting heat away from the LED 28. The printed circuit board includes control circuitry and electrical connections for the LED 28 such as power and control circuitry. A protective cap 39, for example an epoxy cap, seals lead and terminal connections on the back of the printed circuit board for protection from moisture and other elements. When assembled, the lighting assembly may be dust proof, explosion proof and/or water proof.

In other embodiments, the printed circuit board may not include the thermally conductive member. In yet other embodiments, the heat sink seat 22 does not include a seat base 36 and the heat sink seat 22 is formed as a single component wherein the recess 32 is a defined by an opening extending therethrough. In such embodiments, the heat sink slug of the LED 28 may be mounted to a printed circuit board within the recess 32, the electrical connections of the printed circuit board extending through the opening in the heat sink seat 22. As above, in such cases the printed circuit board typically includes a metal core formed of a thermally conductive material such as aluminum.

A tubular housing 50 formed of a thermally conductive material (e.g. aluminum) extends around the mounting 12 in contact with the outer surface 14. The housing 50 defines secondary openings or apertures 52 in alignment with the apertures 18 in the mounting 12. A lens 54 is received in each of the apertures 52 in the housing 50. The lenses 54 may be secured using epoxy or other suitable adhesive. End caps 56 are located at the respective ends of the housing 50 to complete the enclosure, forming a sealed enclosure that is substantially watertight. The lenses 54 are made from clear acrylic. In one example embodiment, the lens is 0.125" thick, has an end-to-end width of 1.065", and a radius of curvature of 0.875". Other materials may also be used to construct the lenses, and other lens dimensions may be used. In other embodiments, the lenses 54 may be secured in the apertures 18 in the mounting 12 rather than the housing 50.

The housing 50 is secured to the mounting 12 using screws or other threaded fasteners which are secured into corresponding threaded holes 62 and clearance holes (e.g. countersunk) 64 in the mounting 12 and housing 50 respectively.

A driver section 60 may also be provided in the housing 50. The driver section 60 includes power and/or control wiring and optional circuitry for controlling the LED modules 20. As shown in FIG. 2, a conduit 58 carrying power and/or control wiring may be connected to the driver section 60 through an opening in one of the end caps 56. Driver section 60 can contain an electronic device for converting AC to DC power in order to run the LEDs 28 from an AC power source.

The apertures 18 are located at alternating angles with respect to each other to emit light from different sides of the assembly 10. As shown in FIG. 8, the apertures are located at alternating angles of a and β, which may be the same or different, with respect to a bottom of the mounting 12 or housing 50, or with respect to a vertical reference (V). In the shown embodiment, the apertures 18 are located at alternating angles of 30°. In other embodiments the apertures 18 may be positioned at a different angle or may be located along a common line. In the shown embodiment, the lighting assembly 10 includes 6 apertures 18 and 6 LED modules 28, however the length and spacing between the apertures are variable, and may be selected according to the needs of a particular lighting application. For example, in the shown embodiment the aperture 18 are equally spaced, however the apertures may be spaced at any interval(s).

In the shown embodiment, the mounting 12 is elongate and forms a trough with the inner surface 13 of the mounting 12 being concavely shaped. The frontward portion 26 of the seat 22 is convexly shaped. The radius of curvature of the inner surface 13 of the mounting 12 substantially corresponds to the radius of curvature of the frontward portion 26 of the seat 22. The matching shapes of the mounting 12 and heat sink seat 22 provide a relatively large surface area to dissipate heat generated by the LEDs 28. Different shapes of the mounting 12 and heat sink seat 22 are possible, provided the inner surface 13 of the mounting 12 corresponds in shape to the frontward portion 26 of the heat sink seat 22 for contact therewith.

As shown in FIG. 9 and 10, one or more lighting assemblies 10 may be received in a handrail 100 or similar structure. The handrail 100 defines auxiliary openings or apertures 102 located to correspond to the position of the apertures 52 in the housing 40. The lighting assembly 10 is self-contained and modular, and can be slid into a preformed rail, thereby facilitating the manufacture and installation of the handrail. Further, because the lighting assemblies 10 are modular, multiple lighting assemblies can be received in a single rail for longer lighting applications. In some embodiments, the housing 50 has an outer diameter of 2" and is received in a handrail 100 having an inner diameter of substantially 2".

As shown in FIG. 9, the handrail 100 is supported by posts 104 in the conventional manner, for example using mounting brackets 106 attached to stems 108 extending from post caps 110. The handrail 100 may be connected to conventional handrails and components using conventional means such as lap joints. In some applications, the driver section 60 may be incorporated into the upper portion of a post 104. From the posts 104, the lighting assemblies 10 may be connected to an external power source, e.g. via a buried connection. In this way, lighting assemblies 10 may be discretely incorporated into the lighting environment.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary lighting environment having several handrails 100 incorporating one or more lighting assemblies 10. The light emitted by the lighting assemblies 10 is indicated by reference 112. As shown in FIG. 10, the lighting assemblies 10 may be configured with the LED modules 20 at different angles to emit light from both sides of the handrails 100 or from only one side, and at any angle. As will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art, connection of the LEDs 28 to a heat sink seat 22 and thermally conductive mounting 12, and ultimately to a thermal conductive housing 50, provides an effective thermal circuit for dissipating the heat generated by the LEDs by thermal conduction. The heat is ultimately drawn away from the mounting 12 or housing 50 by convention with the air in the surrounding environment. In applications where the lighting assembly is received in a handrail 100, heat is transferred from the housing 50 to the handrail 100 before being transferred to air. This thermal circuit allows the LEDs 28 to be maintained at an LED junction temperature that is lower than is otherwise possible, improving reliability and performance of the LEDs 28.

The apertures 18 may be formed elongate allowing the LED modules to be mounted at a range of mounting positions on the mounting 12 while still allowing the LEDs 28 to emit light therethrough. In such embodiments, the secondary openings or apertures 52 in the housing 50 should be similarly elongate in shape and aligned with the apertures 18 in the mounting 12 to emit light through the secondary openings 52. When provided in a railing 100, the auxiliary openings or apertures 102 should also be similarly elongate in shape and aligned with the apertures 18 and 52 to emit light through the auxiliary openings 102. As will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art, the elongate apertures in combination with a releasable or moveable mounting allows the LED module 20 to be adjustable in relation to the mounting to direct light at adjustable angles.

If desired, the lighting assembly may also include indexing channels defined in the mounting, and indexers extending from the heat sink seat to moveably mount the LED modules. The use of indexing channels provides individually targetable (directional) lights which may be used in tight spaces where clearance around the light is limited. Indexing channels and indexers suitable for a lighting assembly have been described by the present inventor in co-pending PCT application no. PCT/CA2004/002141, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The indexing channels are elongate slots which provide a number of mounting positions for mounting the LED modules 20. The indexing channels are spaced apart to provide a desired distance between the LED modules 20. The indexer is a member attached to the LED module 20 and is adapted to be releasably/movably secured to the mounting 12. The indexer of each LED module 20 is received in a corresponding indexing channel in the mounting 12. The indexer is used to position and secure the corresponding LED module 20 to the mounting 12 at a desired position. Using the indexing mechanism, an LED module may be slid through a range of mounting positions provided by the indexing channels until the desired mounting position is obtained. An indexing path is limited by the upper and lower ends of the indexing channels which define upper and lower limit positions for the LED modules respectively. To accommodate the indexing mechanism described above, the mounting 12 may be formed as a series of angled members or facets forming the trough rather than a curved or radially formed member as described above.

Although the foregoing examples have been described using LEDs, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to lighting assemblies for LEDs, and that the lighting assembly and heat sink seat of the present invention may be adapted for use with other types of lights such as incandescent lights, if desired.

Several variations of the lighting assembly, heat sink and handrail are possible. For example, in some embodiments two or more LEDs (which may be the same or different) may be coupled to a single heat sink seat. In such cases, a collimator may be used for each LED. The collimators may be distinct components or may be integrally formed so as to share some common elements such as the lens. Further, although the lighting assembly has been described with reference to a horizontal orientation, the lighting assembly may also be used vertically. Although in the shown embodiment, the mounting 12, heat sink seat 22, and housing 50 are formed of aluminum, other suitable thermally conductive materials such as copper or steel may be also used.

The lighting assembly is relatively small in cross-section, linear and modular, all of which are advantageous for use in small spaces. The lighting assembly is modular in that two or more lighting assemblies may be combined for a particular lighting task, for example in a common handrail.

The LED or lighting module can be completely sealed with epoxy. The lighting assembly of the present invention may be used for many applications. For example, the provision of a sealed enclosure is advantageous for exterior lighting applications where the lighting assembly may encounter adverse environmental and weather conditions such precipitation, dust and/or wind. The sealed enclosure is also advantageous for applications in hazardous and/or flammable environments for so called "explosion proof" applications. Explosion proof applications are highly regulated in many jurisdictions. The sealed environment and low external heat production provided by some embodiments of the lighting assembly may be advantageous for some explosion proof applications.

The heat differential between the lighting assembly and its environment may also be recovered in a heat recovery system for heating water or other purposes, or may be used to drive a heat engine to do work which, in some applications, may be used to generate electricity if the heat differential is sufficient. An exemplary heat recovery system for a lighting assembly has been described by the present inventor in co-pending PCT application no. PCT/CA2004/002141.

The lighting module may be adjustable in relation to the mounting to adjust the direction of lighting as desired. The lighting adjustment may be radially adjustable or indexed by means of a releasable interference fit between the mounting and the LED or lighting module.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these precise embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art. All such changes and modifications are intended to be encompassed in the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A lighting assembly, comprising: a mounting having an inner surface and an outer surface, the mounting defining an opening extending between the rearward and outer surfaces; and at least one lighting module being positioned against the inner surface of the mounting, the lighting module including: a seat having a rearward portion and a frontward portion, a recess being defined in the frontward portion of the seat; and a light emitting device mounted in the recess of the frontward portion of the seat; wherein the frontward portion of the seat is positioned in contact with the inner surface of the mounting, the lighting module being positioned with the light emitting device in alignment with the opening in the mounting to emit light therethrough.

2. The lighting assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lighting module is mounted to the inner surface of the mounting.

3. The lighting assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 2, further comprising a housing extending around the mounting, the housing defining a second opening in alignment with the opening in the mounting.

4. The lighting assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inner surface of the mounting corresponds in shape to the frontward portion of the seat for contact therewith.

5. The lighting assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the opening is elongate and the lighting module is adjustable in relation to the mounting to direct light at adjustable angles through the second opening.

6. The lighting assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting forms a trough, the inner surface of the mounting being concavely shaped, the frontward portion of the seat being convexly shaped, a radius of curvature of the inner surface of the mounting corresponding a radius of curvature of the frontward portion of the seat.

7. The lighting assembly as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the housing extends longitudinally and comprises a railing.

8. The lighting assembly as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the lighting assembly has multiple mountings.

9. The lighting assembly as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the mounting is indexed by interference fit with the lighting module for indexed adjustment.

10. A lighting assembly, comprising : a thermally conductive mounting having an inner surface and an outer surface, the mounting defining at least one opening extending between the rearward and outer surfaces; and at least one lighting module being positioned against the inner surface of the mounting, the lighting module including : a heat sink seat formed of a thermally conductive material having a rearward portion and a frontward portion, a recess being defined in the frontward portion of the seat; and a light emitting device mounted in the recess of the frontward portion of the seat; wherein the frontward portion of the seat is positioned in contact with the inner surface of the mounting, the lighting module being positioned with the light emitting device in alignment with the opening in the mounting to emit light therethrough.

11. The lighting assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the lighting module is mounted to the inner surface of the mounting.

12. The lighting assembly as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein the inner surface of the mounting corresponds in shape to the frontward portion of the seat for contact therewith.

13. The lighting assembly as claimed in any one of claims 10-12, wherein the mounting forms a trough, the inner surface of the mounting being concavely shaped, the frontward portion of the seat being convexly shaped, a radius of curvature of the inner surface of the mounting corresponding to a radius of curvature of the frontward portion of the seat.

14. The lighting assembly as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the seat includes a seat member and a backing attached to the rearward portion of the seat, the recess being defined by a bore extending through the seat member, the backing forming a bottom of the recess, the light emitting device being mounted to the bottom of the recess.

15. The lighting assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein the backing comprises a printed circuit board having a thermally conductive member, the printed circuit board including control circuitry for the light emitting device.

16. The lighting assembly as claimed in claim 15, wherein the thermally conductive member of the printed circuit board comprises an aluminum plate.

17. The lighting assembly as claimed in any one of claims 10-16, wherein the light emitting device is a light emitting diode (LED).

18. The lighting assembly as claimed in claim 17, further comprising a collimator operably positioned over the LED for focusing the light emitted therefrom.

19. The lighting assembly as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 18, further comprising a housing extending around the mounting in contact with the outer surface of the mounting, the housing defining an opening in alignment with the opening in the mounting.

20. The lighting assembly as claimed in claim 19, wherein the housing is formed of a thermally conductive material.

21. The lighting assembly as claimed in claim 20, further comprising a lens received in the opening in the housing.

22. The lighting assembly as claimed in claim 21, wherein the housing is a tubular housing forming a sealed enclosure being substantial watertight.

23. The lighting assembly as claimed in claim 20, wherein the mounting, seat, and housing are formed of aluminum.

24. A heat sink for a heat emitting device, comprising : a thermally conductive mounting having an inner surface and an outer surface; and a heat sink seat formed of a thermally conductive material having a rearward portion and a frontward portion, the frontward portion being adapted to receive the heat emitting device; wherein the frontward portion of the seat is positioned in contact with the inner surface of the mounting.

25. The heat sink as claimed in claim 24, wherein the inner surface of the mounting corresponds in shape to the frontward portion of the seat for contact therewith.

26. The heat sink as claimed in claim 24 or 25, wherein the mounting forms a trough, the inner surface of the mounting being concavely shaped, the frontward portion of the seat being convexly shaped, a radius of curvature of the inner surface of the mounting corresponding to a radius of curvature of the frontward portion of the seat.

27. A lighting assembly, comprising: a mounting having an inner surface and an outer surface, the mounting defining an opening extending between the inner and outer surfaces; and at least one lighting module being positioned against the inner surface of the mounting, the lighting module including: a seat having a rearward portion and a frontward portion; and a light emitting device mounted to the frontward portion of the seat; wherein the frontward portion of the seat is positioned in contact with the inner surface of the mounting, the lighting module being positioned with the light emitting device in alignment with the opening in the mounting to emit light therethrough.

28. The lighting assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1-27, wherein the heat sink seat forms a block having a thermal mass effective as a thermal sink for heat generated by the light emitting device.

29. A handrail comprising a lighting assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 28.