Lighting method and system

1. A lighting system comprising:

a light-emitting diode cradle securing at least one light-emitting diode;

a modular unit comprising an arcuate portion, the arcuate portion comprising at least one diffusive reflective surface adapted to receive and reflect light from the at least one light-emitting diode;

a diffusive transmissive element;

wherein the light-emitting diode cradle is positioned relative to the modular unit so that light output from the at least one light-emitting diode is directed onto the at least one diffusive reflective surface at an acute angle relative to a normal axis of a given point on the at least one diffusive reflective surface to provide diffused light; and

wherein the diffused light strikes the diffusive transmissive element for additional diffusion via angular scattering resulting in a smoother light output to an area requiring illumination and results in the at least one light-emitting diode to be completely concealed when viewed from the area requiring illumination.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the light-emitting diode cradle further comprises:

a main body having at least one opening for receiving the at least one light-emitting diode;

a first outwardly extending elongate surface extending from a first side of the main body and engaging with a track of the modular unit;

a plurality of locking tabs extending from a second side of the main body;

wherein each locking tab of the plurality of locking tabs comprises an upwardly extending latch for engaging a groove of the modular unit; and

a plurality of outwardly extending reflective tabs located adjacent each of the plurality of openings.

3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the plurality of outwardly extending reflective tabs reflect and diffuse light emitted by the at least one light-emitting diode onto the at least one diffusive reflective surface.

4. The system of claim 3 , wherein the plurality of outwardly extending reflective tabs are painted with a reflective and diffusive material.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the modular unit further comprises:

a mouth region connected to the arcuate portion and comprising a first surface and a second surface;

wherein the first and second surfaces are oppositely disposed;

a track formed between the second surface and a lip;

a mounting cavity receiving the diffusive transmissive element on an outside surface of the modular unit; and

a neck region comprising a groove interfacing with a portion of the light-emitting diode cradle.

6. The system of claim 5 , wherein the first and second surfaces are generally J-shaped.

7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the diffusive transmissive element comprises a lens having inward-curving surfaces toward the at least one light-emitting diode.

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the diffusive transmissive element is adapted to provide light transmissivity of about 60% and angular scattering of about +/−20 degrees.

9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the modular unit is formed of a unitary heat-conductive rigid material.

10. The system of claim 9 , wherein the heat-conductive rigid material comprises aluminum.

11. The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one diffusive reflective surface is painted with a reflective material.

12. The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one diffusive reflective surface is adapted to provide light reflectivity of about 60%.

13. A lighting system comprising:

a cradle securing at least one light-emitting element, the cradle comprising:

a U-shaped groove;

an elongate surface extending from the U-shaped groove; and

a locking tab comprising an upwardly extending latch;

a modular unit comprising:

a mouth region receiving at least part of and achieving interlocking engagement with the cradle, the mouth region comprising:

a first surface;

a second surface oppositely disposed relative to the first surface and comprising a lip abutting and matingly engaging the U-shaped groove, the lip forming a track receiving the elongate surface;

a neck region comprising a groove, the groove receiving and engaging the upwardly extending latch of the locking tab; and

an arcuate portion extending from the second surface and comprising a diffusive reflective surface receiving light from the at least one light-emitting element; and

wherein the at least one light-emitting element is completely concealed when viewed from an area requiring illumination.

14. The lighting system of claim 13 , further comprising:

a plurality of openings for receiving the at least one light-emitting diode; and

a plurality of outwardly extending reflective tabs located adjacent each of the plurality of openings.

15. The lighting system of claim 14 , wherein the plurality of outwardly extending reflective tabs are adapted to reflect and diffuse light emitted by the at least one light-emitting diode onto the diffusive reflective surface.

16. The lighting system of claim 15 , wherein the plurality of outwardly extending reflective tabs are painted with a reflective and diffusive material.

17. The lighting system of claim 13 , wherein the modular unit is formed of a unitary heat-conductive rigid material.

18. The lighting system of claim 17 , wherein the heat-conductive rigid material comprises aluminum.

19. The lighting system of claim 13 , wherein the cradle is positioned relative to the modular unit so that light output from the at least one light-emitting element is directed onto the diffusive reflective surface at an acute angle relative to a normal axis of a given point on the diffusive reflective surface.

20. A method comprising:

providing a cradle for securing at least one light-emitting element, the cradle comprising:

a main body;

a first outwardly extending elongate surface extending from a first side of the main body;

a plurality of locking tabs extending from a second side of the main body;

a plurality of outwardly extending reflective tabs located adjacent each of a plurality of openings; and

a groove formed between the first outwardly extending elongate surface and the plurality of outwardly extending reflective tabs;

providing a modular unit comprising:

an arcuate portion;

a mouth region connected to the arcuate portion and comprising oppositely disposed first surface and second surfaces;

a track formed between the second surface and a lip; and

a neck region comprising a groove;

inserting the cradle into the modular unit via an opening between the arcuate portion and a surface extending downwardly from the groove;

positioning the cradle so that the groove of the cradle is above the lip;

cantilevering the cradle against the surface extending downwardly from the groove until the first outwardly extending elongate surface of the cradle is positioned above the track;

applying pressure against the plurality of locking tabs towards the surface; and

wherein the at least one light-emitting element is completely concealed when viewed from an area requiring illumination.