Abstract: A flexible lighting device includes an elongated flexible tube with a translucent tube shell and opposed tube ends and a flexible circuit board set in the tube so that it extends between the tube ends. The flexible circuit board has opposed interior and exterior surfaces. Electrical circuitry is mounted to the circuit board and connected to an external input source and an output source of electrical power. The circuit board defines a number of cut-outs, preferably those of a generally diamond shape. The device is described in two embodiments: one with inwardly directed LEDs on the circuit board directed into the tube and one with outwardly directed LEDs on the circuit board directed out of the tube. The method of making the flexible lighting device is also described.

Abstract: A flexible lighting device, comprising an elongated flexible tube including a translucent tube shell with opposed tube ends, a flexible circuit board positioned in said tube extending between said opposed tube ends, the flexible circuit board having opposed interior and exterior surfaces. Electrical circuitry is mounted to the circuit board and connected to an external input source and an output source of electrical power. The circuit board defines a plurality of cutouts preferably generally diamond shaped. In a first embodiment, a plurality of inwardly directed LEDs are mounted to the circuit board and electrical circuitry with the LEDs positioned adjacent to the tube wall and directed into the hollow of the tube. In a second embodiment, a plurality of outwardly directed LEDs are mounted to the circuit board and electrical circuitry with the LEDs positioned adjacent to the tube wall and directed out from the hollow of the tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a brake lighting system that includes a light array which illuminates sequentially when a velocity measuring device, independent of the braking system, detects a change in velocity of the motor vehicle, and communicates the change in velocity to the array. The velocity measuring device includes, but is not limited to, a speedometer, an accelerometer, an odometer, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), or a global positioning system (GPS). The velocity measuring device produces velocity measurement data which is processed by a system clock, a velocity measuring device data interface, a pulse generator, at least two memory latches, a deceleration level detector, and a brake light interface in order to sequentially illuminate the brake light array.