Illumination devices and methods of forming same

• US 5,475,785 A
• Filed: 04/30/1993
• Issued: 12/12/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 04/30/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Walter A. Johanson
• Original Assignee: Walter A. Johanson
• Inventors: Johanson, Walter A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Gonzalez, Frank
• Application Number:
  US08/055,188
• Time in Patent Office: 956 Days
• Field of Search: 362/32, 385/133, 385/100, 385/900, 385/901
• US Class Current: 385/100
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 5/02 of prismatic shape F21V5/04 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0001 specially adapted for lighting devices or systems lighting or signalling on vehicles using light guides B60Q1/00; lighting devices for vehicle dashboards B60Q3/10; lighting devices for vehicle interior using light guides B60Q3/62; lighting devices mounted on the vehicle rear part using light guides F21S43/235; measuring arrangements having light conducting pointers G01D13/265; illumination of liquid crystal displays G02F1/1336; illuminated signs G09F13/00
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0096 the lights guides being of the hollow type
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/032 with non solid core or cladding G02B6/02295 takes precedence

Abstract

Illumination devices and methods of forming illumination devices, utilizing optical light films are disclosed. Joints useful in forming light carriers from optical light films are also disclosed.

Claims

1. A light device comprising:

a first optical light film comprising a plurality of grooves extending along a first axis of said first optical light film;

a second optical light film comprising a plurality of grooves extending along a second axis of said second optional light film;

wherein said grooves of said first optical light film are disposed at an angle to and in contact with said grooves of said second optical light film such that said first axis is arranged at an angle of at least 45°

to said second axis.

2. A light device according to claim 1 wherein said films are arranged such that said first axis and said second axis are substantially perpendicular.

3. A light carrier comprising:

an optical light tube comprising an inner surface and an outer surface;

a substrate; and

an extractor laminated to said substrate wherein said substrate-extractor laminate is disposed within and proximate to an inner surface of said tube.

4. A method of forming a light carrier comprising the steps of:

providing a first tube comprising at least one open end;

providing a guide tube comprising a longitudinal relieved portion and a cross-section dimensioned to permit said guide tube to fit at least partially within said open end of said first tube;

placing an optical light film and a protective sheet over said relieved portion;

pushing said optical light film and said protective sheet through said relieved portion into said guide tube; and

positioning said light film and said protective sheet in said first tube.

5. A method according to claim 4 wherein said positioning step comprises disposing said guide tube, said optical light film and said protective sheet within said first tube and subsequently removing said guide tube and said protective sheet.

6. A method according to claim 4 wherein said positioning step comprises pulling said optical light film and said protective sheet from said guide tube into said first tube.

7. A light carrier formed by the method of claim 4.