Light emitting diode linear array with lens stripe for illuminated signs

• US 6,481,130 B1
• Filed: 08/11/2000
• Issued: 11/19/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 08/11/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Leotek Electronics Corp (Lite-On Technology Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Leotek Electronics Corp (Lite-On Technology Corporation)
• Inventors: Wu, Chen-Ho
• Primary Examiner(s): Browne, Lynne H.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Hewitt, James M.
• Application Number:
  US09/637,182
• Time in Patent Office: 830 Days
• Field of Search: 405/41, 405/44, 405/46, 405/49, 405/63, 405/64, 405/72, 362/297, 362/298, 362/800, 362/812, 362/240, 362/241, 362/245, 362/31, 362/223
• US Class Current: 40/546
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 13/04 the elements being reflectors and refractors for vehicle rear lights F21S43/40
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 7/0008 providing for indirect lighting
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2103/10 comprising a linear array of point-like light-generating elements
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/003 Lens or lenticular sheet or layer
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0031 Reflecting element, sheet or layer

Abstract

A linear array of light emitting diodes with a lens stripe for evenly illuminating signs, which includes a linear array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) for producing a light output, and an elongated lens stripe. The linear array of LEDs includes an elongated mounting member and a plurality of LEDs mounted along the length of the mounting member. The elongated lens stripe is attached to the linear array of LEDs, and includes a reflector portion and a lens portion. The reflector portion has two elongated and opposing side walls that form an elongated channel. The side walls are light reflective. The LEDs are disposed inside the channel. The channel side walls reflect the light output from the LEDs toward the elongated open end of the channel. The lens portion has an elongated lens disposed along the open end of the channel for focusing the light output from the LEDs. The focused light output enters the side edge of a display board type sign for even illumination, or is projected onto the opaque front surface of a sign for even illumination.

Claims

1. A focused linear array of light emitting diodes for illuminating a sign, comprising:

a linear array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) for producing a light output, the linear array of LEDs includes;

an elongated mounting member, and

a plurality of LEDs mounted along a length of the mounting member; and

an elongated lens stripe attached to the linear array of LEDs, the lens stripe includes;

a reflector portion having two elongated and opposing side walls that form an elongated channel, the side walls are light reflective, wherein the LEDs are disposed inside the channel such that the side walls reflect the light output from the LEDs toward an elongated open end of the channel, and

a lens portion having an elongated lens disposed along the open end of the channel for focusing the light output from the LEDs onto the sign;

wherein;

the elongated lens has an entrance surface facing the channel and an exit surface opposing the entrance surface,

one of the entrance surface and the exit surface has a non-planar shape for focusing the light output from the LED'"'"'s,

the channel side walls include grooves formed therein, and

the lens portion includes tabs that engage with the grooves for securing the lens portion to the reflector portion.

2. An illuminated sign, comprising:

a sign having a front face, a rear face and a side edge; and

a focussed linear array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) for producing a light output to illuminate the sign, the focussed linear array of LEDs includes;

an elongated mounting member,

a plurality of LEDs mounted along a length of the mounting member, and

an elongated lens stripe attached to at least one of mounting member and LEDs, the lens stripe including;

a reflector portion having two elongated and opposing side walls that form an elongated channel, the side walls are light reflective, wherein the LEDs are disposed inside the channel such that the side walls reflect the light output from the LEDs toward an elongated open end of the channel, and

a lens portion having an elongated lens disposed along the open end of the channel for focusing the light output from the LEDs onto the sign to evenly illuminate the sign;

wherein;

the elongated lens has an entrance surface facing the channel and an exit surface opposing the entrance surface,

one of the entrance surface and the exit surface has a non-planar shape for focusing the light output from the LED'"'"'s,

the channel side walls include grooves formed therein, and

the lens portion includes tabs that engage with the grooves for securing the lens portion to the reflector portion.