Panel with micro-hole pattern in a structurally thin portion
US8450640B2 · kind B2 · utility
3Cited by
6References
10Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 24, 2011 |
| Grant date | May 28, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 5, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/24273
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An area of reduced thickness is formed in a panel, and a pattern of microscopic holes are formed in the area. The holes are filled with a light transmissive material such as a curable polymer. The thinned area may also be filled with a polymer to reinforce the thinned area and the polymer may be colored to add color to light transmitted through the pattern. The panel can form a portion of a housing surrounding a lighting source that makes the holes visible when lit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.