Alpha-numeric display package

• US 3,911,430 A
• Filed: 04/17/1974
• Issued: 10/07/1975
• Est. Priority Date: 04/17/1974
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Alfred S. Jankowski, John L. Moll
• Original Assignee: Alfred S. Jankowski, John L. Moll
• Inventors: Jankowski, Alfred S., Moll, John L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Pitts, Harold I.
• Application Number:
  US05/461,561
• Time in Patent Office: 538 Days
• Field of Search: 340/336,378R,366R,324R 313/498,499
• US Class Current: 340/815.42
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2224/48091 Arched
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2224/48247 connecting the wire to a bond pad of the item
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/00014 the subject-matter covered by the group, the symbol of which is combined with the symbol of this group, being disclosed without further technical details
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 33/483 Containers
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 33/54 having a particular shape
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 33/58 Optical field-shaping elements

Abstract

A package for displaying alpha-numeric characters using a plurality of discrete, light-emitting diodes, each diode having a light-emitting surface providing a point source of light corresponding to a segment of the characters when electrically activated, including a lead frame, a plurality of light-emitting diodes in the general shape of the necessary character segments arranged laterally on a supporting portion of a lead frame. The package includes a block of translucent material, part of which is beneath and supporting the lead frame and the diodes, and another part of which overlies and is bonded to the diodes and to the supporting portion of the lead frame to maintain the diodes rigidly positioned in the frame. Included are a plurality of translucent lenses formed integral with the translucent supporting material, one lens aligned with each diode, and a plurality of light pipes, one for each diode, which project the light up to a protective cover which forms the entire package.

Claims

1. An improved package for selectively displaying one of a plurality of alpha-numeric characters using a plurality of lightemitting diodes, each diode having a light-emitting surface providing a point source of light corresponding to a segment of said characters when electrically activated, comprising:

a lead-frame having a supporting portion;

a plurality of light-emitting diodes in the general shape of the necessary segments of all the alpha-numeric characters to be displayed, arranged laterally on said supporting portion of said lead-frame;

a block of plastic material, a first portion of which is beneath and supportive of said supporting portion of said lead frame beneath said diodes, and a second translucent portion of which overlies and is bonded to said diodes and to the part of said supporting portion of said lead frame surrounding said diodes, thereby maintaining said diodes rigidly positioned on said lead frame;

a plurality of translucent lenses formed integral with and of the same material as said second portion of said block of material, one lens being aligned with and adjacent to the light-emitting surface of each of said diodes;

a plurality of light pipes, one above each diode, for transmitting light therethrough; and

a protective cover enclosing all of said diodes, said supporting portion of said lead frame, and at least part of said block of translucent material, thus making a complete enclosure for said diodes.

2. The package of claim 1 further characterized by the addition of a wire bonded to each diode and to an electrically separate portion of said lead frame, said wire being enclosed and surrounded by said second portion of said block of translucent material, thereby protecting said wire from breakage and maintaining it permanently in a rigid position in said package.

3. The package of claim 1 further characterized by each of said light pipes being tapered outwardly, the smaller inside periphery of each pipe being located adjacent and aligned with said light-emitting surface of each of said diodes and its associated translucent lens, and the larger inside periphery at the outer portion of said taper being located away from said diode and adjacent said protective cover.