Assemblies and methods for illuminating a display

• US 20070008453A1
• Filed: 09/13/2006
• Published: 01/11/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 04/11/1997
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Round Rock Research LLC
• Original Assignee: Round Rock Research LLC
• Inventors: Klein, Dean
• Granted Patent: US 7,630,024 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 349/58
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0021 for housing at least a part of the light source, e.g. by forming holes or recesses
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0031 Reflecting element, sheet or layer
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0055 Reflecting element, sheet or layer
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/133308 Support structures for LCD panels, e.g. frames or bezels
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/133314 Back frames
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/133608 including particular frames or supporting means
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/133611 including means for improving the brightness uniformity
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/133615 Edge-illuminating devices, i.e. illuminating from the side

Abstract

A computer display is disclosed. The computer display includes a LCD housing, a light source coupled to the LCD housing, and a LCD coupled to the LCD housing. The LCD housing conducts light from the light source to the LCD. A method for conducting light is also disclosed. The method includes generating light and conducting the generated light through a LCD housing.

Claims

1. An assembly for illuminating and protecting a liquid crystal display (LCD), the assembly comprising:

a housing made from a single light transmissive material, wherein the housing is configured to be coupled to a LCD;

a light source substantially embedded in the housing, wherein the housing is further configured to function as a light pipe for conducting light from the light source to the LCD; and

a reflective coating on at least a portion of a surface of the housing, wherein at least a portion of light from the light source is reflected by the reflective coating.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the light source comprises a fluorescent lamp.

3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the fluorescent lamp comprises an aperture positioned adjacent the housing.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the light source comprises an omnidirectional light source.

5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the single light transmissive material has the same light transmissive characteristics throughout.

6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the housing is formed in a single piece of the single light transmissive material.

7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the housing has a thickness of approximately four millimeters.

8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein a portion of the light source protrudes from the housing.

9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the single light transmissive material comprises plastic.

10. A method for illuminating a display, the method comprising:

generating light from at least one light source substantially enclosed within a display housing at least partially coated with a reflective material; and

conducting the generated light through the display housing directly to a display, wherein the display housing is made of a single translucent material configured to function as a light pipe for illuminating the display, and wherein the display housing is further configured to protect the display.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the at least one light source comprises a cold cathode fluorescent lamp.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the display comprises a liquid crystal display.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the display housing is made from a single piece of the single translucent material.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the single translucent material has the same light transmissive characteristics throughout.

15. The method of claim 10, additionally comprising allowing a portion of the generated light to leave the display housing through etched portions of the reflective material.

16. An assembly for illuminating and protecting a display, the assembly comprising:

means for housing and coupling to a display, said housing and coupling means being constructed from a single light transmissive material;

means for generating light for the display, wherein said generating means is substantially embedded in said housing and coupling means, said housing and coupling means structured to function as a light pipe to conduct light from said generating means directly to the display; and

means for reflecting at least a portion of the light from the generating means, wherein said reflecting means coats at least a portion of a surface of said housing and coupling means.

17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein said housing and coupling means is made from a single piece of the single light transmissive material.

18. The assembly of claim 16, wherein said housing and coupling means protects at least three sides of the display.

19. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the display comprises a liquid crystal display.

20. The assembly of claim 16, further comprising means for coupling the housing and coupling means to a laptop body.