Apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture for a co-extruded light pipe
US6769799B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 10, 2003 |
| Grant date | Aug 3, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 10, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/001
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A light pipe may be used to illuminate an elongated area. Light may emanate laterally relative to the axis of the light pipe, and the light intensity is substantially uniform along the length of the light pipe. The light pipe may include a translucent member and a opaque reflective member that is separated from the translucent member by an air gap. A band of reflective material may be located on an exterior surface of the translucent member. The entire light pipe may be formed by co-extrusion of the translucent member, the band of reflective material and the opaque section through a single co-extrusion die. Light emitted laterally from the translucent member toward the arcuate opaque reflective member and band of reflective material may be reflected laterally through the translucent member transverse to the axis of the light pipe, so that all light extends through the front surface of the translucent member.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.