Illumination devices and methods for making the same

• US 9,303,829 B2
• Filed: 09/09/2014
• Issued: 04/05/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 09/11/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company (3M Company)
• Original Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company (3M Company)
• Inventors: Aeling, Ellen O., David, John R., Meis, Michael A., Steelman, Ronald S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Santiago, Mariceli
• Application Number:
  US14/480,684
• Publication Number:
  US 20140376224A1
• Time in Patent Office: 574 Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/00 Light sources using semiconductor devices as light-generating elements, e.g. using light-emitting diodes [LED] or lasers
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/60 Optical arrangements integrated in the light source, e.g. for improving the colour rendering index or the light extraction
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/68 Details of reflectors forming part of the light source
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/90 Methods of manufacture
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 19/0015 Fastening arrangements intended to retain light sources
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 19/0025 the fastening means engaging the conductors of the light source, i.e. providing simultaneous fastening of the light sources and their electric connections
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 33/60 Reflective elements
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 1/0287 having an universal lay-out, e.g. pad or land grid patterns or mesh patterns
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 1/11 Printed elements for providing electric connections to or between printed circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 1/189 characterised by the use of a flexible or folded printed circuit H05K3/326 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 2201/09681 Mesh conductors, e.g. as a ground plane
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 2201/10106 Light emitting diode [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 2201/10363 Jumpers, i.e. non-printed cross-over connections
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 2203/063 of preperforated insulating layer
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 3/222 Completing of printed circuits by adding non-printed jumper connections printed jumper connections H05K3/4685
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 3/4611 by laminating two or more circuit boards H05K3/4652 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 156/10 Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor

Abstract

The present disclosure is generally directed to illumination devices, and methods for making the same. The device, in particular, includes a first conductor layer, a first insulator layer disposed on the first conductor layer and having at least one first aperture defined therein through the first insulator layer, a second conductor layer disposed on the first insulator layer and having at least one second aperture defined therein through the second conductor layer and positioned to align with the at least one first aperture, and a light manipulation layer disposed on the second conductor layer and having at least one pair of apertures defined therein through the light manipulation layer including a third aperture and a fourth aperture, where the third aperture is positioned to align with the at least one second and first apertures.

Claims

1. An illumination device comprising:

a light reflective flexible polymeric mirror insulator first film layer, having a first side and a second side, and a set of apertures included therein;

a first conductor pattern disposed on the first side of the first film layer, the conductors of the first pattern disposed over the set of apertures;

a second conductor pattern disposed on the second side of the first film layer, the conductors of the second conductor not disposed over the set of apertures; and

,

at least one light source disposed on the second side of the first film layer and in electrical communication with the first conductor pattern through at least one aperture of the set of apertures and the second conductor pattern.

2. An illumination device according to claim 1, wherein the conductor pattern is at least one of a printed conductive ink, a metal trace, a laminated patterned conductor, or a combination thereof.

3. An illumination device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one light source comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes.

4. An illumination device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the conductors of the first and second pattern comprises a metal conductor comprised of least one of copper, silver, gold, aluminum, palladium, and titanium.

5. An illumination device according to claim 1, wherein the device is substantially planar in shape.

6. An illumination device according to claim 1, wherein the device is curved.

7. An illumination device according to claim 1 in combination with an illuminated sign, building, vehicle, or display.