Illuminated line of light using point light source
First Claim
1. A light display device, comprising:
- a light guide defining an elongated optical cavity;
said light guide having a first end and a second end;
said light guide having opposing front viewing and rear reflecting surfaces;
said rear reflecting surface being curved over at least a substantial portion of said light guide;
a plurality of reflecting ridges disposed on said rear reflecting surface;
said ridges being substantially uniformly distributed along said substantial portion of said light guide;
at least one of said reflecting ridges extending across a width of said rear reflecting surface;
means adjacent to said first end of said light guide for introducing light into said light guide;
wherein said reflecting ridges of said rear reflecting surface reflect light introduced via said introducing means toward said front viewing surface to create a light display thereon.
18 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A long, thin illuminated line of light is provided for highlighting components in an automotive dashboard or interior such as a cup holder or gearshift console. A point light source such as a surface mounted LED or incandescent lamp is located at one end of a light guide. An arcuate rear reflecting surface of the light guide causes total internal reflection of the light from the point light source and produces a uniform light display at a front viewing surface. The line of light can fit into deep recesses of a plastic molded console with minimal spacing (e.g., of only about 0.10 inches) between walls. The line of light can also be used for aesthetic or functional displays such as for consumer electronic equipment and industrial controls.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. A light display device, comprising:
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a light guide defining an elongated optical cavity; said light guide having a first end and a second end; said light guide having opposing front viewing and rear reflecting surfaces; said rear reflecting surface being curved over at least a substantial portion of said light guide; a plurality of reflecting ridges disposed on said rear reflecting surface; said ridges being substantially uniformly distributed along said substantial portion of said light guide; at least one of said reflecting ridges extending across a width of said rear reflecting surface; means adjacent to said first end of said light guide for introducing light into said light guide; wherein said reflecting ridges of said rear reflecting surface reflect light introduced via said introducing means toward said front viewing surface to create a light display thereon. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A light display device, comprising:
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a light guide defining an elongated optical cavity; said light guide having a first end and a second end; said light guide having opposing front viewing and rear reflecting surfaces; said rear reflecting surface being curved over at least a substantial portion of said light guide according to an inverse square law to achieve a substantially uniform light display on said front viewing surface; a plurality of reflecting ridges disposed on said rear reflecting surface; at least one of said reflecting ridges extending across a width of said rear reflecting surface; means adjacent to said first end of said light guide for introducing light into said light guide; wherein said reflecting ridges of said rear reflecting surface reflect light introduced via said introducing means toward said front viewing surface to create a light display thereon. - View Dependent Claims (23)
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Specification