Marker light fixture for scale model train

• US 20090185391A1
• Filed: 01/18/2008
• Published: 07/23/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 01/18/2008
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Mike's Train House Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Mike's Train House Incorporated
• Inventors: Jung, Young Jun, Krebiehl, David L., Wolf, Michael P.
• Application Number:
  US12/010,022
• Publication Number:
  US 20090185391A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 362/551
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 19/34 Bridges; Stations; Signalling systems
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0008 the light being emitted at the end of the fibre

Abstract

A light fixture for a scale model structure including a waveguide for transmitting light. The wave guide includes a transparent substrate; a first end for receiving light; a second end for emitting light from one or more output apertures; and a light scattering portion with an index of refraction substantially different from the transparent substrate, which scatters or reflects light received at the first end so as to emit light from the output apertures.

Claims

1. A scale model structure comprising:

at least one light fixture, said light fixture comprising

a waveguide for transmitting light, said waveguide comprising;

a transparent substrate;

a first end for receiving light;

a second end for emitting light from one or more output apertures; and

a light scattering portion with an index of refraction substantially different from the transparent substrate, which scatters or reflects light received at the first end so as to emit light from the output apertures.

2. A scale model structure as in claim 1, the light fixture further comprising an opaque outer layer covering the exterior of the waveguide, excluding the first end and the output apertures.

3. A scale model structure as in claim 1, wherein each second end has two or more output apertures emitting approximately equal amounts of light.

4. A scale model structure as in claim 3, wherein each second end has substantially orthogonal output apertures.

5. A scale model structure as in claim 1, wherein the transparent substrate is a plastic;

and the light scattering portion comprises an air gap in the transparent substrate.

6. A scale model structure as in claim 1, wherein the opaque outer layer comprises paint.

7. A scale model structure as in claim 1, further comprising a light emitting diode for inputting light to the first end of the waveguide.

8. A scale model structure as in claim 7, wherein the light emitting diode can emit multiple colors.

9. A model train comprising:

at least one light fixture, said light fixture comprising

a waveguide for transmitting light, said waveguide comprising;

a transparent substrate;

a first end for receiving light;

a second end for emitting light from one or more output apertures; and

a light scattering portion with an index of refraction substantially different from the transparent substrate, which scatters or reflects light received at the first end so as to emit light from the output apertures.

10. A model train as in claim 9, the light fixture further comprising an opaque outer layer covering the exterior of the waveguide, excluding the first end and the output apertures.

11. A model train as in claim 9, wherein each second end has two or more output apertures emitting approximately equal amounts of light.

12. A model train as in claim 11, wherein each second end has substantially orthogonal output apertures

13. A model train as in claim 9, wherein the transparent substrate is a plastic;

and the light scattering portion comprises an air gap in the transparent substrate.

14. A model train as in claim 9, wherein the opaque outer layer comprises paint.

15. A model train as in claim 9, wherein the opaque outer layer comprises plastic.

16. A model train as in claim 9, further comprising a light emitting diode for inputting light to the first end of the waveguide.

17. A model train as in claim 16, wherein the light emitting diode can emit multiple colors.

18. A light fixture for a scale model structure comprising:

a waveguide for transmitting light comprising;

a transparent substrate;

a first end for receiving light;

a second end for emitting light from one or more output apertures; and

a light scattering portion with an index of refraction substantially different from the transparent substrate, which scatters or reflects light received at the first end so as to emit light from the output apertures.

19. A light fixture as in claim 18, further comprising an opaque outer layer covering the exterior of the waveguide, excluding the first end and the output apertures.

20. A light fixture as in claim 18, wherein the second end has two or more output apertures emitting approximately equal amounts of light.

21. A light fixture as in claim 20, wherein the second end has substantially orthogonal output apertures

22. A light fixture as in claim 18, wherein the transparent substrate is a plastic;

and the light scattering portion comprises an air gap in the transparent substrate.

23. A light fixture as in claim 18, wherein the opaque outer layer comprises paint.

24. A light fixture as in claim 18, wherein the opaque outer layer comprises plastic.

25. A light fixture as in claim 18, wherein the waveguide and outer layer are constructed to pass through the exterior of a model train structure;

and the marker light at the second end of the waveguide is shaped to resemble a marker light fixture of a prototype train.