Method and apparatus for retrofitting backlit signs with light emitting diode modules

A backlit sign, comprising:

• a housing having first and second side walls, wherein at least a portion of the first sidewall is translucent;
• a first support member disposed in the housing and having a first mounting surface facing the first sidewall;
• a first plurality of LEDs mounted to the first mounting surface for illuminating the first sidewall;
• first and second support arms attached to the first support member;
• a first mounting mechanism attached to the first support arm;
• a second mounting mechanism attached to the second support arm;
• each of the first and second mounting mechanisms include:
• first and second scissor arms each having an upper portion, a lower portion and a mid portion therebetween, wherein the mid portions of the first and second scissor arms are rotatably connected together and each of the lower portions includes an engagement surface that is pressed against one of the first and second sidewalls to form a friction fit therewith;
• and
• a first screw engaged with the first and second scissor arm upper portions for adjusting a distance therebetween and a separation distance between the engagement surfaces of the first and second scissor arm lower portions to increase or decrease a force with which the engagement surfaces are pressed against the sidewalls.

A method of retrofitting a backlit sign having a housing with first and second sidewalls, and a light source disposed inside a housing, wherein at least a portion of the first sidewall is translucent, the method comprising:

• removing the light source from the housing;
• inserting an LED module into the housing, the LED module including:
• a first support member disposed in the housing and having a first mounting surface,
• a first plurality of LEDs mounted to the first mounting surface for illuminating the first sidewall,
• first and second support arms attached to the first support member,
• a first mounting mechanism attached to the first support arm,
• a second mounting mechanism attached to the second support arm, and
• each of the first and second mounting mechanisms include:
• first and second scissor arms each having an upper portion, a lower portion and a mid portion therebetween, wherein the mid portions of the first and second scissor arms are rotatably connected together and each of the lower portions includes an engagement surface, and
• a first screw engaged with the first and second scissor arm upper portions for adjusting a distance therebetween and a separation distance between the engagement surfaces of the first and second scissor arm lower portions;
• and
• rotating the first screw to press the engagement surfaces against the first and second sidewalls to form a friction fit therewith for securing the LED module within the housing.