Optical distribution system including light guide
First Claim
1. An optical distribution system comprising in combination:
- a source of light;
means to apply light derived from said source to an area requiring illumination;
said means comprising a flexible light guide coupled in light-transmitting relation to said source, said light guide comprising a flexible core of light transmitting material; and
a sleeve of transparent or translucent material tightly surrounding said core in unbonded relationship thereto and in a manner to substantially eliminate air from the interface between said core and said sleeve, said sleeve and said core being constructed and arranged to laterally diffuse, disperse or refract through the sidewall of said sleeve a substantial component of the light traversing said core longitudinally.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A flexible transmitting guide has a substantially transparent semi-solid core to which is shrink-fitted, or otherwise tightly clad, a transparent or translucent sleeve which is designed to laterally diffuse, disperse or refract a substantial component of light away from the core as it traverses the length of the guide. Thus, the clad core appears bright along its length and functions as a primary light source. In modifications of the device, the lateral dispersion of light passing along the core is enhanced by interposing cuts or discontinuities at intervals along its surface, or by providing a sleeve comprising an emulsion of light-reflecting particles. The light source may be adjacent to or separated from the core, and may comprise either a steady state, or pulsating source, ahead of which colored filters may be inserted, if desired. Numerous indoor and outdoor applications are contemplated for light guides in accordance with the present invention, including for signs, safety vests for traffic policemen, lighted canes for the disabled, lights for instrument panels, safety lights for vehicles and ships, and lights for interior and exterior decoration.
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Citations
48 Claims
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1. An optical distribution system comprising in combination:
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a source of light; means to apply light derived from said source to an area requiring illumination; said means comprising a flexible light guide coupled in light-transmitting relation to said source, said light guide comprising a flexible core of light transmitting material; and a sleeve of transparent or translucent material tightly surrounding said core in unbonded relationship thereto and in a manner to substantially eliminate air from the interface between said core and said sleeve, said sleeve and said core being constructed and arranged to laterally diffuse, disperse or refract through the sidewall of said sleeve a substantial component of the light traversing said core longitudinally. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. The method of forming a light guide which is constructed to function as a primary light source which comprises the steps of:
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radially expanding a length of translucent or transparent flexible plastic tubing to the desired dimensions; filling said tubing with resinous plastic material which is adapted to form a flexible substantially transparent core; and polymerizing and hardening said core by baking said light guide in a hot liquid bath for 12 to 24 hours at a temperature of 125 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit, whereby said flexible plastic tubing is shrink-fitted onto said core substantially squeezing the air out of the interface between said core and said tube. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35)
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36. A light dispensing guide comprising in combination:
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a flexible core of light transmitting material; a sleeve of transparent or translucent material tightly surrounding said core in unbonded relationship thereto in a manner to substantially eliminate air from the interface between said core and said sleeve, said sleeve and said core being constructed and arranged to laterally diffuse, disperse or refract through the sidewall of said sleeve a substantial component of the light traversing said core longitudinally. - View Dependent Claims (37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48)
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Specification