(12) United States Patent
`(12) United States Patent
`Parker et al.
`Parker et al.
`
`US006886956B2
`US006886956B2
`US 6,886,956 B2
`(io) Patent No.:
`US 6,886,956 B2
`(10) Patent N0.:
`May 3,2005
`(45) Date of Patent:
`*
`*May 3, 2005
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`(54) LIGHT EMITTING PANEL ASSEMBLIES
`(54) LIGHT EMITTING PANEL ASSEMBLIES
`FOR USE IN AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATIONS
`FOR USE IN AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATIONS
`AND THE T IKE
`AND THE LIKE
`Inventors: Jeffery R. Parker, Richfield, OH (US);
`(75)
`(75) Inventors: Je?'ery R. Parker, Rich?eld, OH (US);
`Mark D. Miller, Parma, OH (US);
`Mark D. Miller, Parma, OH (US);
`Thomas A. Hough, Lakewood, OH
`Thomas A. Hough, Lakewood, OH
`(US)
`(Us)
`(73) Assignee: Solid State Opto Limited (VG)
`(73) Assignee: Solid State Opto Limited (VG)
`
`( * ) Notice:
`* N '
`ot1ce:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`s bj
`yd' 1 '
`h
`r h'
`u ect to an 1sc a1mer, t e term 0 t is
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`This patent is subject to a terminal dis
`This patent is subject to a terminal dis­
`claimer.
`claimer.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 10/298,367
`(21) Appl. No.: 10/298,367
`(22) Filed:
`Nov. 18, 2002
`Nov. 18, 2002
`(22) Filed:
`(65)
`Prior Publication Data
`Prior Publication Data
`(65)
`US 2003/0095398 A1 May 22, 2003
`US 2003/0095398 Al May 22, 2003
`Related US. Application Data
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(60) Continuation of application No. 10/005,090, ?led on Dec. 5,
`(60) Continuation of application No. 10/005,090, filed on Dec. 5,
`2001, now Pat. No. 6,508,563, which is a continuation of
`application No. 09/703,088, ?led on Oct. 31, 2000, now Pat.
`2001, now Pat. No. 6,508,563, which is a continuation of
`No. 6,367,940, which is a continuation of application No.
`application No. 09/703,088, filed on Oct. 31, 2000, now Pat.
`09/167,949, ?led on Oct. 7, 1998, now Pat. No. 6,158,867,
`No. 6,367,940, which is a continuation of application No.
`which is a division of application No. 08/585,062, ?led on
`09/167,949, filed on Oct. 7, 1998, now Pat. No. 6,158,867,
`Jan. 16, 1996, now Pat. No. 5,895,115.
`which is a division of application No. 08/585,062, filed on
`Jan. 16, 1996, now Pat. No. 5,895,115.
`(51) Int. Cl.7 .............................................. .. G01D 11/28
`G01D 11/28
`(51) Int. CI.7
`(52) US. Cl. ........................... .. 362/29; 362/85; 362/26;
`362/30; 362/487; 362/543
`. 362/29; 362/85; 362/26;
`(52) U.S. CI.
`(58) Field of Search ............................... .. 362/278, 503,
`362/30; 362/487; 362/543
`362/540, 85, 511, 543, 545, 487, 459, 26,
`362/278, 503,
`(58) Field of Search
`27, 29, 30, 40/556
`362/540, 85, 511, 543, 545, 487, 459, 26,
`27, 29, 30; 40/556
`
`(56)
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`7/1960 Hardesty
`2,945,313 A
`2,945,313 A
`7/1960 Hardesty
`7/1962 Albinger, Jr.
`3,043,947 A
`3,043,947 A
`7/1962 Albinger, Jr.
`3,070,913 A
`1/1963 Miller
`3,070,913 A
`1/1963 Miller
`
`(Continued)
`(Continued)
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`AU
`AU
`EP
`EP
`GB
`GB
`GB
`GB
`W0
`WO
`W0
`WO
`wo
`W0
`
`12/1991
`A-78486/91
`12/1991
`A-78486/91
`0 453 092 A1 10/1991
`0 453 092 Al
`10/1991
`523706
`3/1939
`523706
`3/1939
`2285518 A
`7/1995
`7/1995
`2285518 A
`WO 92/05535
`4/1992
`4/1992
`WO 92/05535
`WO 96/17207
`6/1996
`6/1996
`WO 96/17207
`WO 96/27757
`9/1996
`WO 96/27757
`9/1996
`
`Primary Examiner—FayeZ G. Assaf
`Primary Examiner—Fayez G. Assaf
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Renner, Otto, Boisselle &
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Renner, Otto, Boisselle &
`Sklar, LLP
`Sklar, LLP
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`Light emitting panel assemblies include in one form of the
`Light emitting panel assemblies include in one form of the
`invention a light emitting panel member made of a trans
`invention a light emitting panel member made of a trans­
`parent resiliently deformable elastomeric material that
`parent resiliently deformable elastomeric material that
`absorbs impact without breakage for use in automotive
`absorbs impact without breakage for use in automotive
`lighting applications of various types. In another form of the
`invention, a rigid light emitting panel member may be used
`lighting applications of various types. In another form of the
`with dome switches for switch area lighting or to backlight
`invention, a rigid light emitting panel member may be used
`control buttons/key pads. Also, a rigid light emitting panel
`with dome switches for switch area lighting or to backlight
`member may be used as a structural member, and two or
`control buttons/key pads. Also, a rigid light emitting panel
`more such light emitting panel members may be stacked
`member may be used as a structural member, and two or
`together and used to light an instrument panel or the like.
`more such light emitting panel members may be stacked
`together and used to light an instrument panel or the like.
`33 Claims, 5 Drawing Sheets
`33 Claims, 5 Drawing Sheets
`
`10
`
`27
`
`/ (
`9, 3P 26
`
`10
`
`9 aftasaaB 9^
`
`IO
`
`£
`
`A
`
`25
`33
`
`31
`
`28
`
`22
`
`29 4
`•64
`
`10 *9
`
`23
`
`• 3 1 / -
`429 (
`9 ^ 2 l/
`63
`IO
`
`25-v
`
`29
`
`24
`
`31
`
`4
`
`32
`
`li
`
`"9
`
`31
`
`4
`msm (
`7?
`
`10
`
`26
`
`31
`?
`
`30
`
`33.
`
`9
`
`24
`
`25
`
`29
`•34
`
`Petitioners Koito et al. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 1
`
`

`
`US 6,886,956 B2
`US 6,886,956 B2
`Page 2
`Page 2
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`3,328,570 A
`6/1967 Balchunas
`3328570 A
`6/1967 Balch‘mas
`3,543,014 A
`11/1970 Bustad
`372572;; 2 1g 13;? sBu?tad h
`3,571,585 A
`3/1971 Schermerhorn
`3,752,974 A
`8/1973 Baker et al.
`7
`7
`C “met on‘
`/
`3,752,974 A
`8/1973 Baker et a1.
`3,761,703 A
`9/1973 Mund et al.
`3,761,703 A
`9/1973 Mund et a1.
`3,892,959 A
`7/1975 Pulles
`3,892,959 A
`7/1975 Pulles
`3,958,113 A
`5/1976 Termohlen
`3,958,113 A
`5/1976 Termohlen
`4,043,636 A
`8/1977 Eberhardt et al.
`4,043,636 A
`8/1977 Eberhardt et a1.
`4,118,111 A
`10/1978 Laesser
`4,118,111 A 10/1978 Laesser
`-
`4,177,501 A
`12/1979 Karlin
`4,177,501 A 12/1979 Karlrn
`1/1980 Laesser
`4,183,628 A
`4,183,628 A
`1/1980 Laesser
`4,257,084 A
`3/1981 Reynolds
`4,257,084 A
`3/1981 Reynolds
`-
`4,282,560 A
`8/1981 Kringel et al.
`4,282,560 A
`8/1981 Krrngel et a1.
`4,290,093 A
`9/1981 Thompson et al.
`4,290,093 A
`9/1981 Thompson et al.
`-
`-
`4,446,508 A
`5/1984 Kinzie
`4,446,508 A
`5/1984 K1nZ1e
`.
`4,542,449 A
`9/1985 Whrtehead
`4,542,449 A
`9/1985 Whitehead
`4,573,766 A
`3/1986 Bournay, Jr. et al.
`4,573,766 A
`3/1986 Bournay, Jr. et al.
`4,630,895 A 12/1986 Abdala, Jr. et a1.
`4,630,895 A
`12/1986 Abdala, Jr. et al.
`.
`4,638,131 A
`1/1987 Kidd et a1.
`4,638,131 A
`1/1987 Kidd et al.
`4,714,983 A 12/1987 Lang
`4.714.983 A
`12/1987 Lang
`4,729,185 A
`3/1988 Baba
`3/1988 Baba
`4,729,185 A
`-
`4,733,335 A
`3/1988 SerrZaWa et a1. ......... .. 362/503
`362/503
`3/1988 Serizawa et al. ..
`4,733,335 A *
`4,751,615 A
`6/1988 Abrams
`6/1988 Abrams
`4,751,615 A
`.
`4,763,984 A
`8/1988 Awar et a1.
`8/1988 Awai et al.
`4.763.984 A
`4,765,701 A
`8/1988 Cheslak
`4,765,701 A
`8/1988 Cheslak
`4,906,070 A
`3/1990 Cobb, Jr.
`4,906,070 A
`3/1990 Cobb, Jr.
`4,974,122 A 11/1990 Shaw
`4,974,122 A
`11/1990 Shaw
`4,975,808 A 12/1990 Bond et a1.
`-
`4,975,808 A
`12/1990 Bond et al.
`4,978,952 A 12/1990 Irwrn
`12/1990 Irwin
`4,978,952 A
`4,989,956 A
`2/1991 Wu et a1.
`.
`4,989,956 A
`2/1991 Wu et al.
`5,005,108 A
`4/1991 Prrstash et al.
`.
`4/1991 Pristash et al.
`5,005,108 A
`5,027,258 A
`6/1991 Schonrger et a1.
`5,027,258 A
`6/1991 Schoniger et al.
`5,056,892 A 10/1991 Cobb, Jr.
`-
`5,056,892 A
`10/1991 Cobb, Jr.
`5,070,431 A 12/1991 KltaZaWa et a1.
`.
`5,070,431 A
`12/1991 Kitazawa et al.
`5,093,765 A
`3/1992 Kashrma et a1.
`5,128,842 A
`7/1992 Kenmochi
`5,093,765 A
`3/1992 Kashima et al.
`5,134,549 A
`7/1992 Yokoyama
`5,128,842 A
`7/1992 Kenmochi
`5,136,483 A
`8/1992 Schoniger et a1.
`5,134,549 A
`7/1992 Yokoyama
`5,136,483 A
`8/1992 Schoniger et al.
`
`5/1993 Murase et al.
`5,207,493 A
`5/1993 Murase et a1.
`5,207,493 A
`11/1993 Kashima et al.
`5.262.928 A
`5,262,928 A 11/1993 Kashima et al.
`2/1994 Murase et al.
`5,283,673 A
`5,283,673 A
`2/1994 Murase et al.
`4/1994 Winston et al.
`5,303,322 A
`5,303,322 A
`4/1994 Winston et a1.
`4/1994 Gaudette
`5,307,244 A
`4/1994 Gaudette
`5,307,244 A
`8/1994 Rudisill et al.
`5,339,179 A
`.
`.
`8/1994 Rudrsrll et a1.
`5,339,179 A
`9/1994 Blonder et al.
`5,349,503 A
`5,349,503 A
`9/1994 Blonder et a1.
`12/1994 Tokunaga
`5,375,043 A
`5,375,043 A 12/1994 Tokunaga
`,,
`12/1994 Kojima et al.
`5.377.084 A
`5,377,084 A 12/1994 Ko]1ma et a1.
`_
`2/1995 Mari-Roca et al.
`5.390.085 A
`5,390,085 A
`2/1995 Marl-Roca et a1.
`2/1995 Watanabe et al.
`5,394,308 A
`5,394,308 A
`2/1995 Watanabe et a1.
`3/1995 Beeson et al.
`5,396,350 A
`5,396,350 A
`3/1995 Beeson et a1.
`.
`8/1995 Kashima et al.
`5,442,523 A
`5,442,523 A
`8/1995 Kashrma et a1.
`11/1995 Kokawa et al.
`5,467,208 A
`5,467,208 A 11/1995 Kokawa et a1.
`11/1995 Nakamura et al.
`5,467,417 A
`5,467,417 A 11/1995 Nakamura et al.
`_
`1/1996 Qiao et al.
`5,485,291 A
`5,485,291 A
`1/1996 Qrao et a1.
`_
`4/1996 Tai et al.
`5.506.929 A
`5,506,929 A
`4/1996 Tar et a1.
`5,521,342 A
`5/1996 Barley et a1.
`5/1996 Barley et al.
`5,521,342 A
`5,576,078 A 11/1996 Schatz
`11/1996 Schatz
`5,576,078 A
`5,579,134 A 11/1996 Lengyel
`11/1996 Lengyel
`5,579,134 A
`.
`.
`5,598,280 A
`1/1997 Nrshro et a1.
`1/1997 Nishio et al.
`5.598.280 A
`.
`5,598,281 A
`1/1997 Zrmmerman et al.
`1/1997 Zimmerman et al.
`5.598.281 A
`.
`5,600,462 A
`2/1997 Suzukr et a1.
`2/1997 Suzuki et al.
`5,600,462 A
`5,613,751 A * 3/1997 Parker et a1. ............... .. 362/31
`362/31
`3/1997 Parker et al
`5,613,751 A *
`.
`5,618,095 A
`4/1997 Kashrma et a1.
`4/1997 Kashima et al.
`5,618,095 A
`5,664,862 A
`9/1997 Redmond et a1.
`9/1997 Redmond et al.
`5,664,862 A
`.
`5,671,994 A
`9/1997 Tar et a1.
`9/1997 Tai et al.
`5,671,994 A
`5,711,592 A
`1/1998 Hotta
`1/1998 Hotta
`5,711,592 A
`5,719,649 A
`2/1998 Shono et a1.
`2/1998 Shono et al.
`5,719,649 A
`5,771,328 A
`6/1998 Wortman et a1.
`.
`6/1998 Wortman et al.
`5,771,328 A
`5,775,791 A
`7/1998 Yoshrkawa et a1.
`.
`7/1998 Yoshikawa et al.
`5,775,791 A
`5,779,338 A
`7/1998 Ishrkawa et a1.
`7/1998 Ishikawa et al.
`5,779,338 A
`5,808,784 A
`9/1998 Ando et a1.
`_
`9/1998 Ando et al.
`5,808,784 A
`5,851,062 A 12/1998 Shrnohara et a1.
`.
`12/1998 Shinohara et al.
`5,851,062 A
`5,961,198 A 10/1999 Hrra et a1.
`_
`10/1999 Hira et al.
`5,961,198 A
`5,971,559 A 10/1999 Ishrkawa et a1.
`70000 G d.
`6 091 547 A
`t
`1
`10/1999 Ishikawa et al.
`5,971,559 A
`7
`7
`at 1n“ e a‘
`7/2000 Gardiner et al.
`6,091,547 A
`* cited by examiner
`* cited by examiner
`
`Petitioners Koito et al. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 2
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 3, 2005
`May 3,2005
`
`Sheet 1 of 5
`Sheet 1 0f 5
`
`US 6,886,956 B2
`US 6,886,956 B2
`
`10
`
`o o
`o
`
`o
`o
`
`-?
`
`fi"
`
`"a
`
`10
`
`I
`
`• •
`
`10
`
`3
`
`13
`
`5 a
`
`\\j ,2
`
`\ i/'vX'.'Hi,
`
`'f
`
`J
`
`• | M '
`
`•
`
`*
`
` f
`
`•
`
`_4
`
`FIG.
`2
`FIG. 2
`
`FIG. I
`
`o <> o_
`o0%o
`
`FIG. 2A
`
`25
`
`23
`
`24
`
`'/0 9, 3P 26 f
`/' / / 1
`
`31 'f
`
`25
`^ 33
`
`•31/ ,
`
`-5\
`
`-/-6
`
`4g9j(^ r /
`FIG. 3
`31
`28
`V22
`FIG. 3
`
`63
`
`9
`
`'0
`21
`10
`
`r^ T
`29 4
`
`Petitioners Koito et al. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 3
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 3,2005
`May 3,2005
`
`Sheet 2 of 5
`Sheet 2 0f 5
`
`US 6,886,956 B2
`US 6,886,956 B2
`
`25
`
`29
`
`31
`/
`
`31
`
`25
`
`, g g p a a a a a c u - f a j
`r o o o
`
`\
`
`32 mm
`29
`9 10 L26 9^1 FIG. 4
`6
`^
`^
`
`35
`
`/
`CD
`O
`
`10
`
`9
`
`10
`
`9
`
`37
`
`CD
`CD
`
`•
`FIG. 5
`
`42
`
`0 •le
`
`o
`^0
`
`o-o o • \.0. L4|
`"'h^ ' f4 6
`FIG. 7A
`42
`
`O O O
`
`36
`
`- (
`
`39'
`
`• • •
`J 38
`6
`£
`^ )f)®
`_ , ^
`FIG. 6
`
`42
`J
`
`42
`4
`
`myr/^FVTpr^
`
`43 ^ 40 ^ 7A ^ 45
`FIG. 7
`
`s:
`
`41
`
`?
`57
`
`Petitioners Koito et al. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 4
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 3, 2005
`May 3,2005
`
`Sheet 3 of 5
`Sheet 3 0f 5
`
`US 6,886,956 B2
`US 6,886,956 B2
`
`51-
`
`49'.
`
`5K
`
`r* si
`
`49'
`
`53
`
`4g
`52>
`FIG. 8
`
`47
`
`57-
`
`66
`
`6
`
`a s i i-i
`^67
`FIG. II
`6CK !2
`
`9
`
`10 6|)
`
`58
`
`56
`
`9-^
`
`61^ ^
`
`57
`FIG.9 '0
`
`60
`56^.58
`
`^-61
`
`FIG. 10
`UL^ 71
`
`az
`• 13 ,—'
`14
`
`15
`
`79 ^
`70
`V 76
`
`75
`
`71 >73
`
`1
`
`13
`14
`
`FIG. 12
`,75
`
`75
`
`'5
`
`74
`
`9K
`
`/9l
`
`.91
`
`/9I
`
`b fa 6 fa
`
`FIG. 13
`
`Petitioners Koito et al. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 5
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 3, 2005
`May 3,2005
`
`Sheet 4 of 5
`Sheet 4 0f 5
`
`US 6,886,956 B2
`US 6,886,956 B2
`
`10
`
`9
`
`94
`95
`/
`\ 96\"0 109
`
`86
`
`71
`
`86
`
`75^
`
`75
`
`74
`
`93 co Q
`
`y • 106 D CO •
`CTT)
`
`"5
`98—.
`co.63
`106'TA
`101
`100
`^O)
`109
`Tfi) d99
`97
`in
`FIG. 16
`
`Q7J
`
`86
`
`86
`
`86 FIG. 14 86
`5
`
`86
`
`72
`
`CD
`
`85.
`sa
`
`•
`
`83
`
`103
`
`103'
`
`95" Vf
`•
`fu
`102 •
`•
`
`104'
`
`104
`
`•
`• 102
`• 95
`•
`•
`
`FIG. 17
`
`109
`
`hrr
`
`110
`
`/rfV
`•
`v d
`i
`FIG-J9
`FIG. 19
`
`86
`
`8i
`
`FIG. 15
`86
`
`9,
`
`109
`
`£)
`
`•
`
`95
`96-
`
`107-
`
`109-
`
`108
`
`FIG. I8
`FIG. 18
`
`Petitioners Koito et al. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 6
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 3, 2005
`May 3, 2005
`
`Sheet 5 of 5
`Sheet 5 0f 5
`
`US 6,886,956 B2
`US 6,886,956 B2
`
`9.
`
`10
`
`121
`
`118
`
`122
`
`115
`
`FIG. 20
`
`10.
`
`9
`
`l2
`9
`9
`123
`/
`7 /
`
`C] '0
`
`_ I O
`
`y
`
`-»•
`
`I26
`126
`
`,
`1
`I 26
`I25
`125
`126 FIG. 21
`
`H9
`119-
`"6
`116
`I25
`125
`
`120
`
`125.
`
`117'
`127
`
`9\
`,0N A " I y9
`
`D
`^124
`
`125
`
`127
`
`FIG. 22
`
`Petitioners Koito et al. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 7
`
`

`
`US 6,886,956 B2
`US 6,886,956 B2
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`This invention relates generally as indicated to light
`This invention relates generally as indicated to light
`emitting panel assemblies especially for automotive appli
`emitting panel assemblies especially for automotive appli­
`cations.
`cations.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`Light emitting panel assemblies are generally knoWn. The
`Light emitting panel assemblies are generally known. The
`present invention relates to certain improvements in light
`25
`present invention relates to certain improvements in light 25
`emitting panel assemblies especially for automotive appli
`emitting panel assemblies especially for automotive appli­
`cations. Also, this invention is concerned With passing/
`cations. Also, this invention is concerned with passing/
`shining light directly through a light emitting panel member
`shining light directly through a light emitting panel member
`or through holes in the panel member for performing speci
`or through holes in the panel member for performing speci­
`?ed lighting functions, for example, providing brake or turn
`30
`fied lighting functions, for example, providing brake or turn 30
`signal lights and/or turning or backup illumination for a
`signal lights and/or turning or backup illumination for a
`vehicle.
`vehicle.
`
`1
`1
`LIGHT EMITTING PANEL ASSEMBLIES
`LIGHT EMITTING PANEL ASSEMBLIES
`FOR USE IN AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATIONS
`FOR USE IN AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATIONS
`AND THE LIKE
`AND THE LIKE
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`APPLICATIONS
`This application is a continuation of Application Ser. No.
`This application is a continuation of Application Ser. No.
`10/005,090, filed Dec. 5, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,508,563
`10/005,090, ?led Dec. 5, 2001 now US. Pat. No. 6,508,563
`B2, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/703,
`B2, Which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/703,
`088, filed Oct. 31, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,367,940, dated 10
`10
`088, ?led Oct. 31, 2000, now US. Pat. No. 6,367,940, dated
`Apr. 9, 2002, which is a continuation of application Ser. No.
`Apr. 9, 2002, Which is a continuation of application Ser. No.
`09/167,949, filed Oct. 7,1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,158,867,
`09/167,949, ?led Oct. 7, 1998, now US. Pat. No. 6,158,867,
`dated Dec. 12, 2000, which is a division of application Ser.
`dated Dec. 12, 2000, Which is a division of application Ser.
`No. 08/585,062, filed Jan. 16, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No.
`No. 08/585,062, ?led Jan. 16, 1996, now US. Pat. No.
`5,895,115, dated Apr. 20, 1999.
`5,895,115, dated Apr. 20, 1999.
`
`2
`2
`in the bumper or other exterior body portions of a vehicle.
`in the bumper or other exterior body portions of a vehicle.
`The light emitting panel member may also be incorporated
`The light emitting panel member may also be incorporated
`into a trunk lid of a vehicle to provide running lights and/or
`into a trunk lid of a vehicle to provide running lights and/or
`license plate or logo illumination in the trunk lid. In appli-
`license plate or logo illumination in the trunk lid. In appli
`5 cations where the trunk lid is recessed, the panel member
`cations Where the trunk lid is recessed, the panel member
`may be rigid. However, if the trunk lid is substantially flush
`may be rigid. HoWever, if the trunk lid is substantially ?ush
`with the body exterior, the panel member is desirably
`With the body exterior, the panel member is desirably
`resiliently deformable to withstand impacts during accidents
`resiliently deformable to Withstand impacts during accidents
`without breakage of the panel member.
`Without breakage of the panel member.
`In accordance with another aspect of the invention, one or
`In accordance With another aspect of the invention, one or
`more light sources may be mounted within one or more light
`more light sources may be mounted Within one or more light
`transition areas or regions adjacent one or more light input
`transition areas or regions adjacent one or more light input
`surfaces of a light emitting panel member.
`surfaces of a light emitting panel member.
`In accordance with another aspect of the invention, one or
`In accordance With another aspect of the invention, one or
`15
`15 more light sources may be positioned adjacent one side of
`more light sources may be positioned adjacent one side of
`the panel member for causing light to shine through the
`the panel member for causing light to shine through the
`panel member or through holes in the panel member for
`panel member or through holes in the panel member for
`performing speci?ed lighting functions, for example, pro
`performing specified lighting functions, for example, pro­
`viding brake or turn signal lights and/or turning or backup
`viding brake or turn signal lights and/or turning or backup
`20
`illumination for a vehicle.
`20 illumination for a vehicle.
`In accordance With another aspect of the invention, one or
`In accordance with another aspect of the invention, one or
`more light sources may be selectively positioned along an
`more light sources may be selectively positioned along an
`edge or side of the panel member for increasing the light
`edge or side of the panel member for increasing the light
`output from selected light output areas/regions on one or
`output from selected light output areas/regions on one or
`both sides of the panel member.
`both sides of the panel member.
`In accordance With another aspect of the invention, a
`In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a
`resiliently deformable light emitting panel member may be
`resiliently deformable light emitting panel member may be
`used to backlight a liquid crystal display (LCD) and/or
`used to backlight a liquid crystal display (LCD) and/or
`multiple control sWitches or key pads of a radio or other
`multiple control switches or key pads of a radio or other
`electrical device. Such a panel member upon being engaged
`electrical device. Such a panel member upon being engaged
`by a control button/key pad Will be deformed into electrical
`by a control button/key pad will be deformed into electrical
`contact With a sWitch or other circuitry such as a printed
`circuit inWardly of the panel member for performing a
`contact with a switch or other circuitry such as a printed
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`selected sWitching function.
`circuit inwardly of the panel member for performing a
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`In accordance With one aspect of the invention, the light
`selected switching function.
`In accordance With another aspect of the invention, a rigid
`emitting panel assemblies of the present invention may
`In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the light 35
`light emitting panel member may be used to backlight an
`In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a rigid
`include a light emitting panel member made out of a suitable
`emitting panel assemblies of the present invention may
`LCD and/or multiple control buttons/key pads of a radio or
`light emitting panel member may be used to backlight an
`transparent resiliently deformable elastomeric material that
`include a light emitting panel member made out of a suitable
`other electrical device by providing holes or openings
`LCD and/or multiple control buttons/key pads of a radio or
`absorbs impact Without breakage. Such panel members are
`transparent resiliently deformable elastomeric material that
`through the panel member for movement of a portion of the
`other electrical device by providing holes or openings
`especially suitable for use both in interior automotive light
`control buttons/key pads into and out of electrical contact
`absorbs impact without breakage. Such panel members are
`through the panel member for movement of a portion of the
`ing applications to reduce the possibility of serious injury to
`With a printed circuit inWardly of the panel member. Surface
`especially suitable for use both in interior automotive light- 40
`control buttons/key pads into and out of electrical contact
`a driver or passenger of a vehicle When throWn into contact
`irregularities such as print patterns or molded in shapes may
`ing applications to reduce the possibility of serious injury to
`with a printed circuit inwardly of the panel member. Surface
`With the panel member during a traf?c accident, and in
`be provided on the panel surfaces around the holes/openings
`a driver or passenger of a vehicle when thrown into contact
`irregularities such as print patterns or molded in shapes may
`exterior automotive lighting applications to help eliminate
`to ?ood the areas around the buttons/key pads With light.
`with the panel member during a traffic accident, and in
`damage to the panel member if impacted during a traf?c
`be provided on the panel surfaces around the holes/openings
`In accordance With another aspect of the invention, a rigid
`the areas around the buttons/key pads with light.
`exterior automotive lighting applications to help eliminate
`accident.
`to flood
`light emitting panel member may be used With dome and
`damage to the panel member if impacted during a traffic
`In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a rigid
`Examples Where such a resiliently deformable light emit
`other such sWitches for sWitch area lighting. One or more
`accident.
`ting panel member may be effectively used in interior
`light emitting panel member may be used with dome and
`such rigid light emitting panel members each With its oWn
`Examples where such a resiliently deformable light emit­
`automotive lighting applications to reduce injury during
`other such switches for switch area lighting. One or more
`separate light source and transition region may support a
`ting panel member may be effectively used in interior
`accidents are steering Wheel and dash lighting applications
`such rigid light emitting panel members each with its own
`series of push buttons that ?oat on the panel members to
`for lighting controls, sWitches, instrument panels, headliner
`automotive lighting applications to reduce injury during 50 separate light source and transition region may support a
`permit the push buttons to be moved into contact With the
`lighting, logos and/or accent lighting.
`accidents are steering wheel and dash lighting applications
`series of push buttons that float on the panel members to
`dome sWitches.
`for lighting controls, switches, instrument panels, headliner
`In steering Wheel applications, a resiliently deformable
`permit the push buttons to be moved into contact with the
`In accordance With another aspect of the invention, tWo or
`lighting, logos and/or accent lighting.
`light emitting panel member may be mounted in the hub
`dome switches.
`more stacked light emitting panel members may be used to
`portion of the steering Wheel outWardly of an air bag for
`In steering wheel applications, a resiliently deformable
`light an instrument panel or the like. One of the panel
`In accordance with another aspect of the invention, two or
`lighting controls and/or sWitches or logos on the steering
`members may be used to provide general backlighting for
`light emitting panel member may be mounted in the hub 55 more stacked light emitting panel members may be used to
`Wheel hub and for accent lighting.
`graphic displays on the instrument panel, Whereas an other
`portion of the steering wheel outwardly of an air bag for
`light an instrument panel or the like. One of the panel
`panel member may be used to light dial pointers or other
`When used on a dash or other ?ush mount applications
`lighting controls and/or switches or logos on the steering
`members may be used to provide general backlighting for
`such as instrument panels and headliner lighting, a resil
`elements on the instrument panel. Common or separate light
`wheel hub and for accent lighting.
`graphic displays on the instrument panel, whereas an other
`iently deformable panel member Will absorb impact/shock,
`sources may be used to supply light to input surfaces of tWo
`When used on a dash or other flush mount applications
`panel member may be used to light dial pointers or other
`and may be contoured to match the shape of the dash or other
`or more panel members. Also, separate indicator lights may
`such as instrument panels and headliner lighting, a resil- 60 elements on the instrument panel. Common or separate light
`be provided behind the panel members for providing
`surface.
`iently deformable panel member will absorb impact/shock,
`sources may be used to supply light to input surfaces of two
`through illumination to indicators on the graphic displays of
`Examples Where such a resiliently deformable panel
`and may be contoured to match the shape of the dash or other
`or more panel members. Also, separate indicator lights may
`the instrument panel.
`member may be effectively used in exterior automotive
`surface.
`be provided behind the panel members for providing
`lighting applications to reduce or eliminate damage to the
`In accordance With another aspect of the invention, a rigid
`through illumination to indicators on the graphic displays of
`Examples where such a resiliently deformable panel
`panel member during accidents are running or accent lights
`light emitting panel member may be used as a structural
`member may be effectively used in exterior automotive 65 the instrument panel,
`lighting applications to reduce or eliminate damage to the
`In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a rigid
`panel member during accidents are running or accent lights
`light emitting panel member may be used as a structural
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`Petitioners Koito et al. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 8
`
`

`
`US 6,886,956 B2
`US 6,886,956 B2
`
`35
`
`45
`
`20
`
`4
`3
`3
`4
`a series of key pads either molded into the contoured surface
`member for graphic overlays or decals, to provide for
`member for graphic overlays or decals, to provide for
`a series of key pads either molded into the contoured surface
`or extending through openings therein;
`example lighting for designating the gear shift lever posi­
`example lighting for designating the gear shift lever posi
`or eXtending through openings therein;
`tions of a vehicle. One or more light sources may be
`FIG. 9 is a schematic side elevation view of another form
`tions of a vehicle. One or more light sources may be
`FIG. 9 is a schematic side elevation vieW of another form
`inserted/embedded within light transition regions at one or
`of light emitting panel assembly in accordance with this
`inserted/embedded Within light transition regions at one or
`of light emitting panel assembly in accordance With this
`more locations along the length of the panel member to 5
`invention used for supporting and illuminating a series of
`more locations along the length of the panel member to
`invention used for supporting and illuminating a series of
`direct light into input surfaces of the panel member. Indi­
`floating push buttons above a series of dome switches;
`direct light into input surfaces of the panel member. Indi
`?oating push buttons above a series of dome sWitches;
`cator lights may be provided adjacent an edge or side of the
`FIG. 10 is a transverse section through the assembly of
`cator lights may be provided adjacent an edge or side of the
`FIG. 10 is a transverse section through the assembly of
`panel member in line with each indicator position for
`panel member in line With each indicator position for
`FIG. 9 taken on the plane of the line 10—10 thereof;
`FIG. 9 taken on the plane of the line 10—10 thereof;
`providing increased light output at the selected position.
`providing increased light output at the selected position.
`FIG. 11 is a top plan view of another form of light
`FIG. 11 is a top plan vieW of another form of light
`Also, a movable color filter may be provided between the 10
`Also, a movable color ?lter may be provided betWeen the
`10
`emitting panel assembly in accordance with this invention
`emitting panel assembly in accordance With this invention
`panel member and label to provide a different colored light
`panel member and label to provide a different colored light
`which is also used to support and illuminate a series of
`Which is also used to support and illuminate a series of
`output at any selected gear shift position. For example, a
`output at any selected gear shift position. For example, a
`?oating push buttons;
`floating push buttons;
`movable red filter may be used to change the color of the
`movable red ?lter may be used to change the color of the
`FIG. 12 is a schematic vertical section through an instru-
`FIG. 12 is a schematic vertical section through an instru
`light output at the selected gear shift lever position from
`light output at the selected gear shift lever position from
`ment panel incorporating other forms of light emitting panel
`15 ment panel incorporating other forms of light emitting panel
`white to red.
`White to red.
`15
`assemblies in accordance With this invention;
`assemblies in accordance with this invention;
`In accordance With another aspect of the invention, the
`In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the
`FIG. 13 is a top plan vieW of a graphic overlay for the
`FIG. 13 is a top plan view of a graphic overlay for the
`light emitting panel member may have a secondary
`light emitting panel member may have a secondary
`instrument panel of FIG. 12 as seen from the plane of the
`instrument panel of FIG. 12 as seen from the plane of the
`re?ective/refractive surface for re?ecting/refracting a por
`reflective/refractive surface for reflecting/refracting a por­
`line 13—13 thereof;
`line 13—13 thereof;
`tion of the light entering an input surface of the panel
`tion of the light entering an input surface of the panel
`FIG. 14 is a top plan vieW of one light emitting panel
`member around a corner of the panel member.
`FIG. 14 is a top plan view of one light emitting panel
`member around a corner of the panel member.
`assembly in accordance With this invention incorporated in
`assembly in accordance with this invention incorporated in
`To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends,
`To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends,
`the instrument panel of FIG. 12 as seen from the plane of the
`the invention, then, comprises the features hereinafter fully
`the instrument panel of FIG. 12 as seen from the plane of the
`the invention, then, comprises the features hereinafter fully
`line 14—14 thereof;
`described and particularly pointed out in the claims, the
`line 14—14 thereof;
`described and particularly pointed out in the claims, the
`FIG. 15 is a top plan vieW of another form of light
`folloWing description and the annexed draWings setting forth
`FIG. 15 is a top plan view of another form of light
`following description and the annexed drawings setting forth
`emitting panel assembly in accordance With this invention
`25
`in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention,
`in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention, 25 emitting panel assembly in accordance with this invention
`incorporated in the instrument panel of FIG. 12 as seen from
`these being indicative, hoWever, of but several of the various
`incorporated in