Light guide within recessed housing
US6848822B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 31, 2002 |
| Grant date | Feb 1, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 31, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF21W2121/02
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The invention is directed to an illumination apparatus that includes a light guide within a recessed housing. A light source, such as a light emitting diode can be used to provide light to the light guide. The light is transmitted through the light guide via total internal reflection (TIR), and can be emitted in a controlled manner to ensure that a desired angular distribution of light is achieved without substantially illuminating interior side walls of the recessed housing. In this manner, efficient lighting can be provided. In one embodiment, the invention is can be implemented within a cosmetic compact that includes a mirror. The compact may incorporate aspects of the invention by implementing a light guide within a ring-shaped recess of the compact to provide facial lighting to a user.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.