Asymmetric alternating prism arrays

• US 6,874,913 B2
• Filed: 05/17/2002
• Issued: 04/05/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 12/02/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Reflexite
• Original Assignee: Reflexite
• Inventors: Munro, James F., Futhey, John A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Quach-Lee, Y. My
• Application Number:
  US10/151,219
• Publication Number:
  US 20020172032A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,054 Days
• Field of Search: 235/454, 235/455, 359/831, 359/833, 359/834, 362/26, 362/31, 362/330, 362/331, 362/333, 362/339
• US Class Current: 362/330
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0038 Linear indentations or grooves, e.g. arc-shaped grooves or meandering grooves, extending over the full length or width of the light guide
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0058 varying in density, size, shape or depth along the light guide

Abstract

A luminaire is provided which includes a light source, a light guide that receives light radiating from the light source, and a plurality of prisms adjacent the light guide that redirect the light from the light guide substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the light guide. The prism angles, in one embodiment, are 25°-90°-65°. The fine pitch prism arrays preferably alternate or flip-flop every few millimeters, for example, one to two millimeters to create the visual appearance of bright and dark bands which cause the structure to appear like macro prisms.

Claims

1. An optical microstructure comprising a tilted prism array that includes a cross-sectional profile that periodically alternates orientation along a first axis, the prism array including peaks and valleys, substantially all of the peaks being disposed in about a single plane.

2. The optical microstructure of claim 1 wherein the prism array includes a second cross-sectional profile that periodically alternates orientation along a second axis.

3. The optical microstructure of claim 2 wherein the prism array includes a third cross-sectional profile that periodically alternates orientation along a third axis.

4. The optical microstructure of claim 1 wherein the optical microstructure is disposed on first surface of a film, further comprising a prism array on a second surface of the film.

5. The optical microstructure of claim 4 wherein the prism array on the second surface is tilted and periodically alternates orientation along at least one axis.

6. The optical microstructure of claim 1 wherein the prism-array includes prism facets having more than one plane on at least one facet.

7. The optical microstructure of claim 1 wherein the prism array includes curved prism tips and valleys.

8. The optical microstructure of claim 1 wherein substantially all of the valleys are disposed in about a second single plane.