JAN 2 1 zoo3
`
`U.S. UTILITY PatentApplication
`
`~-....) PATENTNUMBERand
`! 1stelll883
`,
`I 1111111~11111
`
`FILING,B";(TE
`Y0t""
`~705/2001
`
`CLASS SUBCLASS GAU
`362
`2872
`
`. -z.4
`
`EXAMINER
`~tf.F-
`
`Parker Jeffery; Miller Mark; Hough Thomas; .
`
`,,,.#"·
`
`/
`
`,.CCNTINUING DATA VER IF I / .
`THIS APF;LICATION IS A.CON OF 09/703,08810/31/2000 --:f>A_i
`WHICH!$ A..CON OF 09/167,949 10/07/1998 PAT 6,158,867
`WHICH fS ADIV OF 08/585,062 01/16/1996 PAT 5,895,115
`
`I
`
`' I" FOREIGN Ai>i"LICATIONS VERIFIE
`ll-=-::-,,.-·-
`.
`~~bo NOT PUBLISH 0
`,,_,,, _____ ..... ____________ ,,_,, ____ .._lmll"J!""---..-...-.. .......... ~~~~~~~~------~-:
`j Foreign priority claimed
`Cl yes ui1io
`I 35 use : 19 conditions met
`. ci yes ~o
`.! '/erifled and Acknow!~dged Examiners's intials
`·
`. jinLE : Light emitting panel assemblies for use in a ·
`
`i
`
`'
`
`U.S.DEPT. OF COMM./PAT.& TM-PT0-436L(Rev. 12-94)
`
`.
`
`CLAIMS ALLOWED
`
`NOTICE OF ALLOWANCE MAILED
`1 - - - -1 - - - - - - t ~~,$7~-f
`152------···· Assistant Examiner
`
`Total. Claims
`Z-~
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`Print Claim for
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`TERMINAL
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`PREPARED FOR ISSUE
`WARNING: The information disclosed herein may be restricted.
`Unauthorized disclosure may be prolu'bited by the United States
`e 1tle 35,
`Sectiqns 122, 181 and 368, Possession outside the U.S. Patent & Trademark
`Office is restricted to authorized
`lo
`and contractors onl .
`
`FILED WITH: D DISK {CRF)
`
`D CO-ROM
`
`(Attached In pocket on.right Inside flap)
`n
`
`IDT0001127
`
`Page 1 of 85
`
`TOYOTA EXHIBIT 1002
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`Page 2 of 85
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`ORIGINAL
`CLASS
`SUBCLASS
`
`3 {pz-. :Z-?
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`ISSUE SLIP STAPLE AREA (for additional cross-references\
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`CROSS REFERENCECSl
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`./ ...••....•••••• Rejected
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`IDT0001129
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`Page 3 of 85
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`

`

`SEARCH NOTES
`(List databases searched. Attach"
`search strateav inside.)
`Date Exmr.
`
`SEARCH
`
`·Class Sub. Date Exmr.
`z "i;.
`3/1-z,./o 2--
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`IDT0001130
`
`Page 4 of 85
`
`

`

`-:::,.· ·_
`
`PATENT APPLICATION SERIAL NO.
`
`~~~~~~~~~
`
`U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`FEE RECORD SHEET
`
`12/11/2001 RMEBRAHT 00000039 10005090
`01 FC:101
`740.00 OP
`02 FC:103
`126.00 OP
`
`PT0-1556
`(5/87)
`·u.s. GPO: 2000-46B-B87/39595
`
`IDT0001131
`
`Page 5 of 85
`
`

`

`-:::,
`
`.
`
`. ,; •. t/':
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`1.._
`
`Page 1of1
`
`UNITED STATES PATENT AND 'TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`' \
`
`I lllllll lllll lllll lllll lllll llllll llll llllll llll lllll lllll llllll I llll
`
`Bib Data Sheet
`
`COMMISSIONER FOR PATENTS
`UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`WAsHING10N, D.C. 20231
`www.uspto.gov
`
`CONFIRMATION NO. 9138
`
`SERIAL NUMBER
`10/005,090
`
`FILING DATE
`12/05/2001
`RULE
`
`CLASS
`362
`
`GROUP ART UNIT
`2872
`
`ATTORNEY
`DOCKET NO.
`GLOLP0106USC
`
`~PPLICANTS
`Jeffery R. Parker, Richfield, OH;
`Mark D. Miller, Parma, OH;
`Thomas A. Hough, Lakewood, OH;
`fl<* CONTINUING DATA************************* ~
`fA:1/ ~1 3 Ce==l 1 q'-1-o
`THIS APPLICATION IS A CON OF 09/703,088 10/31/2000 .
`WHICH IS A CON OF 09/167,94910/07/1998 PAT 6,158,867
`WHICH IS A DIV OF 08/585,062 01/16/1996 PAT 5,895, 115
`A/If
`
`fl<* FOREIGN APPLICATIONS ********************
`
`IF REQUIRED, FOREIGN FILING LICENSE GRANTED
`** 01/31/2002
`I
`
`Foreign Priority claimed
`
`[J yes l!l
`35 u~c 119 (•·dl ""'"'"' O '" ~ 0 M~ STATE OR
`~;.,~
`-
`Examinat's SianaKJre
`/
`/ - Initials
`
`COUNTRY
`OH
`
`SHEETS
`
`TOTAL
`
`DRAWING c;rs
`
`5
`
`2,--J
`
`INDEPENDENT
`CLAIMS
`
`~t
`
`met
`~erified and
`~cknowledQed
`~DDRESS
`Dona,ld L. Otto
`Renn.er, Otto, Boisselle & Sklar, LLP
`19th Floor
`1621 Fuclicl Avenue
`Clevei!and ,OH 44115.,.2191
`
`., ..
`
`,,
`
`:TITLE
`Light ~mitting panel assemblies for use in automotive applications and the like
`jlJ All Fees
`jlJ 1.16 Fees (Filing)-
`lJ 1.17 Fees ( Processing Ext. of
`l[J 1.18 Fees (Issue)
`l[J Other
`l[J Credit
`
`FILING FEE FEES: Aµthority has been given in Paper
`to charge/credit DEPOSIT ACCOUNT
`RECEIVED No.
`No.
`for following:
`866
`
`time)
`
`I
`I
`
`I
`I
`I
`
`IDT0001132
`
`Page 6 of 85
`
`

`

`-1...1.
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`. . . . . . . . . .
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`·.
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`Please type a plus sign (+) Inside this box ~ (!]
`j,..• ______________ _ _ _.;. ___ -+--------""T"---..;,_------iif'i!j
`··1 Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of Information unless It displays a valid OMB control
`UTILITY
`Attorne Docket No. GLOLP0106USC
`PATENT APPLICATION
`Jeffery R. Parker
`TRANSMITIAL
`
`,.
`
`A
`
`PTO/SB/05 (08-00)
`Approved for use through 10/31/2002. OMB 0651~
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COM,. ... ~,_
`
`First Inventor
`Title LIGHT EMITTING PANEL ASSEMBLIES . ·
`
`On/ for new non rovisional a
`
`lications under 37 CFR 1.53 b
`
`APPLICATION ELEMENTS
`
`/ication contents.
`
`Fee Transmittal Form (e.g., PTO/SB/17)
`1.~
`(Submit an original and d duplicate for fee processing)
`2.D
`Applicant claims small entity status.
`See 37 CFR 1.27.
`[Total Pages [2[J
`Specification
`3.~
`(preferred arrangement set forth below)
`- Descriptive title of the invention
`- Cross Reference to Related Applications
`- Statement Regarding Fed sponsored R & D ·
`- Reference to sequence listing, a table,
`or a computer program listing appendix
`- Background of the Invention
`- Brief Summary of the Invention
`- Brief Description of the Drawings (if filed')
`- Detailed Description
`- Claim(s)
`- Abstract of the Disclosure
`4. [i2J Drawing(s) (35 U.S.C. 113)
`5. Oath or Declaration
`
`r.71 Copy from a prior application (37 CFR 1.63 (d))
`b. ~ (for continuation/divisional with Box 17 completed)
`
`[Total Sheets ID )
`[ Total Pages cr:::::J )
`a. D Newly executed (original or copy)
`i. D DELETION OF INVENTOR(S)
`
`Signed statement attached deleting inventor(s)
`named in the prior application, see 37 CFR
`1.63(d)(2) and 1.33(b).
`Application Data Sheet. See 37 CFR 1.76
`
`!iZI Continuation D Divisional D Continuation-in-part(CIP)
`Examiner F. ASSAF
`
`Priorapplicationinformatlon:
`
`CJ.
`
`Assistant Commissioner for Patents
`ADDRESS TO: Box Patent Application
`Washin ton, DC 20231
`7. D CD-ROM or CD-R in duplicate, large table or
`
`Computer Program (Appendix)
`8. Nucleotide and/or Amino Acid Sequence Submission
`(if applicable, all necessary)
`
`a. 0 Computer Readable Form (CRF)
`
`b. Specification Sequence Listing on:
`i. D CD-ROM or CD-R (2 copies); or
`i LO paper
`c. D Statements verifying identity of above copies
`
`ACCOMPANYING APPLICATION PARTS
`Assignment Papers (cover sheet & document(s))
`
`9.
`
`(when there is an assignee)
`
`Attorney
`
`Citations
`
`D 37 CFR 3.73(b) Statement D Power of
`10·
`11. D English Translation Document (if applicable)
`D Copies of IDS
`D Information Disclosure
`12·
`Statement (IDS)/PT0-1449
`13.D
`Preliminary Amendment
`Return Receipt Postcard (MPEP 503)
`14.~
`(Should be specifically itemized)
`15.D
`Certified COP.Y of Priori\y Document(s)
`(if foreign priority is claimed)
`16.~
`
`Other: :KJftt~::~'.:~~:~~~~:~:~:::::::
`
`6.~
`17. If a CONTINUING APPLICATION, check appropriate box, and supply the requisite information below and in a preliminary amendment,
`or in an Application Data Sheet under 37 CFR 1. 76:
`of prior application No.:_9_2__ __ _J_J_Q_~Q_88 ____ _
`GrouplArtUnit: 28]]__ _______________ _
`
`0
`
`Customer Number or Bar Code Label
`
`or c:J Correspondence address below
`
`For CONTINUATION OR DIVISIONAL APPS only: The entire disclosure of the prior application, from which an oath or declaration Is supplied under
`Sox Sb, is considered a part of the disclosure of the accompanying continuation or divisional application and is hereby Incorporated by reference.
`The Incorporation can only be relied upon when a portion has been Inadvertently omitted from the submitted application parts.
`18. CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS
`i:,- --=-=-~ - ~- -
`-~-- =---=~~=- __ ;
`,_-_ _:~~f:a~ -::___ _ _'.'.__=-_~_-=5=-=-= --°'~~=-~
`Donald L. Otto
`Renner, Otto, Boisselle, & Sklar, LLP
`1621 Euclid A venue, 19th Floor
`Cleveland
`USA
`
`Name
`
`Address
`
`Cit
`
`Country
`
`State OH
`(216)621-1113
`
`44115-2191
`(216)621-6165
`
`Name Print/T pe
`
`Registration No. (Attorney/Agent)
`
`22,125
`
`Date 12-5-01
`Signature
`plate. Time will vary depending upon the needs of the Individual case. Any comments on
`Burden Hour Statement: This form is estimated to take 0. hours to
`the amount of time you are required to complete this form should be sent to the Chief Information Officer, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Washington, DC
`20231. DO NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED FORMS TO THIS ADDRESS. SEND TO: Assistant Commissioner for Patents, Box Patent Application,
`Washington, DC 20231.
`
`IDT0001133
`
`Page 7 of 85
`
`

`

`PTO/SB/17 (10-01)
`Approved for use through 10/31/2002. OMB 0651-0032
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Under the Paoerwork Reduction Act of 1995 no oersons are reouired to resoond to a collection of information unless It disolavs a valid OMB control number.
`Complete if Known
`
`"'
`
`r
`
`FEE TRANSMITTAL Application Number
`for FY 2002
`
`Filing Date
`
`First Named Inventor
`
`12/05/2001
`.Jt:mery I"(. rar "er
`
`Patent fees are subject to annual revision.
`
`Examiner Name
`
`"" TOTAL AMOUNT OF PAYMENT
`
`I ($)
`
`866.00
`
`Group Art Unit
`Attorney Docket No. GLOLP0106USC
`
`~
`
`I
`I
`
`FEE CALCULATION (continued)
`3. ADDITIONAL FEES
`Large
`Small
`Entity
`Entity
`Fee Fee Fee Fee
`Code ($) Code ($)
`105 130 205
`
`65 Surcharge - late filing fee or oath
`
`Fee Description
`
`127
`
`50 227
`
`25 Surcharge - late provisional filing fee or
`cover sheet
`
`139 130 139 130 Non-English specification
`
`Fee Paid
`
`METHOD OF. PAYMENT
`1. 0
`The Commissioner is hereby authorized to charge
`indicated fees and credit any overpayments to:
`Deposit I
`Account 18-0988
`Deposit I Renner, uHo, ef al
`Number
`0 Under 37 CFR 1.16 and 1.17
`D Applicant claims small entity status.
`See 37 CFR 1.27
`0
`Payment Enclosed:
`0 Check D Credit card D Money 0 Other
`Order
`FEE CALCULATION
`1. BASIC FILING FEE
`Large Entity Small Entity
`Fee Fee Fee Fee
`Code ($) Code ($)
`101 740
`201 370 Utility filing fee
`
`Account
`Name
`
`Charge Any Additional Fee Required
`
`2.
`
`Fee Description
`
`106 330
`107 510
`
`206 165 Design filing f~e
`207 255 Plant filing fee
`
`108 740
`
`208 370 Reissue filing fee
`
`114 160
`
`214
`
`80 Provisional filing fee
`
`Fee Paid
`
`Multiple Dependent
`
`Large Entity Small Entity
`Fee Fee Fee Fee
`Code($) Code ($)
`103
`18
`203
`9
`202 42
`
`102
`
`84
`
`Fee Description
`
`Claims in excess of 20
`
`Independent claims in excess of 3
`
`104 280
`
`204 140
`
`Multiple dependent claim, if not paid
`
`109
`
`84
`
`209 42
`
`110
`
`18
`
`210
`
`9
`
`•• Reissue independent claims
`over original patent
`
`•• Reissue claims in excess of 20
`and over original patent
`
`140 110 240
`
`55 Petition to revive - unavoidable
`
`581
`
`40 581
`
`40 Recording each patent assignment per
`property (times number of properties)
`
`146 740 246 370 Filing a submission after final rejection
`(37 CFR § 1.129(a))
`149 740 249 370 For each additional invention to be
`examined (37CFR§1.129(b))
`
`179 740 279 370 Request for Continued Examination (RCE)
`
`169 900 169 900 Request for expedited examination
`of a design application
`
`SUBTOTAL (2)
`
`1($) 126.00 I
`
`Other fee (specify)
`
`••or number previously paid, If greater; For Reissues, see above
`
`*Reduced by Basic Filing Fee Paid
`
`SUBMITTED BY
`
`Name (Print/Type)
`
`Do
`
`Signature
`
`22,125
`
`I
`
`SUBTOTAL (3)
`
`1($)
`
`Complete (if applicable)
`Telephone 216-621-1113
`12/05/2001
`
`Date
`
`Burden Hour Statement: This form is estimated to take 0.2 hours to complete. Time will vary depending upon the needs of the individual case. Any comments on
`the amount of time you are required to complete this form should be sent to the Chief Information Officer, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Washington, DC
`20231. DO NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED FORMS TO THIS ADDRESS. SEND TO: Assistant Commissioner for Patents, Washington, DC 20231.
`
`147 2,520 147 2,520 For filing a request for ex parte reexamination
`112 920* 112 920* Requesting publication of SIR prior to
`Examiner action
`113 1,840* 113 1,840* Requesting publication of SIR after
`Examiner action
`Extension for reply within first month
`55
`115 110 215
`116 400 216 200 Extension for reply within second month
`117 920 217 460 Extension for reply within third month
`
`128 1,960 228 980
`
`Extension for reply within fifth month
`119 320 219 160 Notice of Appeal
`,20 320 220 160
`
`Filing a brief in support of an appeal
`121 280 221 140 Request for oral hearing
`
`§ 118 1,440 218 720 Extension for reply within fourth month
`
`f1
`:;::
`l'
`~.
`t
`~'
`t
`e
`i ~
`SUBTOTAL (1) I($) 7 40. 00 I 138 1,510 138 1,510 Petition to Institute a public use proceeding
`I J
`~ ,2. EXTRA CLAIM FEES
`141 1,280 241 640 Petttion to revive - unintentional
`i
`Fee from
`142 1,280 242 640 Utility issue fee (or reissue)
`~s ~ F~ttald
`r:::EJ -20**
`i lTotal Claims
`fl
`.001
`143 460 243 230 Design issue fee
`X
`•
`j 1i;~1~r~:ndent CJ] _ 3 •• = L:QJ x I
`I ~
`I 144 620 244 310 Plant issue fee
`I
`I 122 130 122 130 Petitions to the Commissioner
`I~
`123
`50 123
`50 Processing fee under 37 CFR 1.17(q)
`126 180 126 180 Submission of Information Disclosure Stmt
`
`IDT0001134
`
`Page 8 of 85
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`

`

`--.
`
`-
`
`"EXPRESS MAIL" Mailing Label Number EF297165371 US
`Date of Deposit:
`December 5, 2001
`
`I hereby certify that this PATENT application (along with any other paper referred to as
`being attached or enclosed) is being deposited with the United States Postal Service
`"Express Mail Post Office to Addressee" service under 37 CFR 1.10 on the date
`indicated above and is addressed to:
`
`BOX PATENT APPLICATION
`U.S. PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`P.O. BOX 2327
`ARLINGTON, VA 22202
`
`David Friedman
`(Typed or printed name of Sender)
`
`f'l Ul C:\107\GLOL\P106C\37 CFR 1.10 EXPRESS MAIL.wpd
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`IDT0001135
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`Page 9 of 85
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`Initial Information Data Sheet
`
`Inventor Information
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`Inventor One Given Name::
`Family Name::
`Postal Address Line One::
`City::
`State or Province::
`Postal or Zip Code::
`Citizenship Country::
`
`Jeffery R.
`Parker
`3050 Whitetail Ct.
`Richfield •
`Ohio
`44286
`USA
`
`Inventor Two Given Name::
`Family Name::
`Postal Address Line One::
`City::
`State or Province::
`Postal or Zip Code::
`Citizenship Country::
`
`Mark D.
`Miller
`2250 W. Pleasant Valley Boad
`Parma
`Ohio
`44134
`USA
`
`Inventor Three Given Name::
`Family Name::
`Postal Address Line One::
`City:
`State or Province::
`Postal or Zip Code::
`Citizenship Country::
`
`Thomas A.
`Hough
`1368 Marlowe Avenue
`Lakewood
`Ohio
`44107
`USA
`
`Correspondence Information
`
`Name Line One::
`Name Line Two::
`Address Line One::
`Address Line Two::
`City::
`State or Province::
`Postal or Zip Code::
`Telephone One::
`Fax::
`Electronic Mail::
`
`Donald L. Otto
`Renner, Otto, Boisselle & Sklar, LLP
`1621 Euclid Avenue
`19th Floor
`Cleveland
`Ohio
`44115-2191
`(21 6) 621-111 3
`(216) 621-6165
`dotto@rennerotto.com
`
`1
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`! - - - - - - -
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`IDT0001136
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`-.::,.·.
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`Application Information
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`Title Line One::
`Title Line Two::
`Title Line Three::
`Total Drawing Sh'eets::
`Formal Drawings?::
`Application Type::
`Docket Number::
`
`Continuity Information
`
`LIGHT EMITTING PANEL ASSEMBLIES
`FOR USE IN AUTOMOTIVE
`APPLICATIONS AND THE LIKE
`5
`Yes
`Utility
`GLOLP0106USC
`
`This application is a::
`Application One::
`Filing. Date::
`!J.. ~ .. PNr" NO.
`j..&. which is a::
`c~ Application Two::
`
`g Filing Date::
`U1 U.S. Pat. No.::
`,.,
`Dated::
`15!;1
`~l
`Cl
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`which is a::
`Application Three::
`~~
`~J Filing Date::
`Cl U.S. Pat. No.::
`m Dated::
`"'i tl
`~~
`
`Continuation-
`09/703 ,088
`October 31 , 2000 .' · ·
`
`f_v J~ 7 q t/Q
`
`. J
`J .
`ontmuat1on
`C
`09/167,949
`October 7, 1 998
`6, 158,867
`December 1 2, 2000
`
`Division
`08/585,062
`January 1 6, 1 996
`5,895, 115
`April 20, 1999
`
`C:\ 107\GLOL\P106C\APPLICATION DATA SHEET.wpd
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`, NO. EF297165371US
`EXPRF.SS . :
`MAILED DL.~ 5, 2001
`
`ATTORNEY DOCKET GLOLP0106USC
`
`LIGHT EMITTING PANEL ASSEMBLIES FOR USE
`IN AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATIONS AND THE LIKE
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`This application is a continuation of Application Serial No.
`t,, 1 3(, ":/ 1 1 /f b
`now
`t.1. s · --pw..-1e11-r N • .
`.
`09/703,088, filed October 31, 2000, which is a continuation of Application
`I\
`Serial No. 09/167,949, filed October 7, 1998, now U.S. Patent No.
`
`c:2
`
`6,158,867, dated December 12, 2000, which is a division of Application
`
`Serial No. 08/585,062, filed January 16, 1996, now U.S. Patent No.
`
`10
`
`5,895,115, dated April 20, 1999.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`This invention relates generally as indicated to light emitting panel
`
`assemblies especially for automotive applications.
`
`15 ~,j,
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`Light emitting panel assemblies are generally known. The present
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`invention relates to certain improvements in light emitting panel assemblies
`
`especially for automotive applications. Also, this invention is concerned with
`
`passing/shining light directly through a light emitting panel member or
`
`through holes in the panel member for performing specified lighting
`
`20
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`functions, for example, providing brake or turn signal lights and/or turning or
`
`backup illumination for a vehicle.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the light emitting
`
`panel assemblies of the present invention may include a light emitting panel
`
`25
`
`member made out of a suitable transparent resiliently deformable
`
`elastomeric material that absorbs impact without breakage. Such panel
`
`members are especially suitable for use both in interior automotive lighting
`
`applications to reduce the possibility of serious injury to a driver or
`
`passenger of a vehicle when thrown into contact with the panel member
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`IDT0001138
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`Page 12 of 85
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`during a traffic accident, and in exterior automotive lighting applications to
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`help eliminate damage to the panel member if impacted during a traffic
`
`accident.
`Examples where such a resiliently deformable light emitting panel
`
`member may be effectively used in interior automotive lighting applications
`
`to reduce injury during accidents are steering wheel and dash lighting
`
`applicati9ns for lighting controls, switches, instrument panels, headliner
`
`lighting, logos and/or accent lighting.
`In steering wheel applications, a resiliently deformable light emitting
`
`panel member may be mounted in the hub portion of the steering wheel
`
`outwardly of an air bag for lighting controls and/or switches or logos on the
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`steering wheel hub and for accent lighting.
`When used on a dash or other flush mount applications such as
`
`instrument panels and headliner lighting, a resiliently deformable panel
`
`member will absorb impact/shock, and may be contoured to match the shape
`
`of the dash or other surface.
`Examples where such a resiliently deformable panel member may be
`
`effectively used in exterior automotive lighting applications to reduce or
`
`eliminate damage to the panel member during accidents are running or
`
`accent lights in the bumper or other exterior body portions of a vehicle. The
`
`light emitting panel member may also be incorporated into a trunk lid of a
`
`vehicle to provide running lights and/or license plate or logo illumination in
`
`the trunk lid. In applications where the trunk lid is recessed, the panel
`
`member may be rigid. However, if the trunk lid is substantially flush with the
`
`body exterior, the panel member is desirably resiliently deformable to
`
`withstand impacts during accidents without breakage of the panel member.
`
`In accordance with another aspect of the invention, one or more light
`
`sources may be mounted within one or more light transition areas or regions
`
`adjacent one or more light input surfaces of a light emitting panel member.
`
`In accordance with another aspect of the invention, one or more light
`
`sources may be positioned adjacent one side of the panel member for
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`causing light to shine through the panel member or through holes in the
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`2
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`5
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`30
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`panel member for performing specified lighting functions, for example,
`
`providing brake or turn signal lights and/or turning or backup illuminatic;m for
`
`a vehicle.
`
`In accordance with another aspect of the invention, one or more light
`
`sources may be selectively positioned along an edge or side of the panel
`
`member for increasing the light output from selected light output
`
`areas/regions on one or both sides of the panel member.
`
`In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a resiliently
`
`deformable light emitting panel member may be used to backlight a liquid
`
`crystal display (LCD) and/or multiple control switches or key pads of a radio
`
`or other electrical device. Such a panel member upon being engaged 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 selected switching function.
`
`In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a rigid light
`
`emitting panel member may be used to backlight an LCD and/or multiple
`
`control buttons/key pads of a radio or other electrical device by providing
`
`holes or openings through the panel member for movement of a portion of
`
`the control buttons/key pads into and out of electrical contact with a printed
`
`circuit inwardly of the panel member. Surface irregularities such as print
`
`patterns or molded in shapes may be provided on the panel surfaces around
`
`the holes/openings to flood the areas around the buttons/key pads with light.
`
`In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a rigid light
`
`emitting panel member may be used with dome and other such switches for
`
`switch area lighting. One or more such rigid light emitting panel members
`
`each with its own separate light source and transition region may support a
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`series of push buttons that float on the panel members to permit the push
`
`buttons to be moved into contact with the dome switches.
`
`In accordance with another aspect of the invention, two or more
`
`stacked light emitting panel members may be used to light an instrument
`
`panel or the like. One of the panel members may be used to provide general
`
`backlighting for graphic displays on the instrument panel, whereas an other
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`3
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`5
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`panel member may be used to light dial pointers or other elements on the
`
`instrument panel. Common or separate light sources may be used to supply
`
`light to input surfaces of two or more panel members. Also, separate
`
`indicator lights may be provided behind the panel members for providing
`
`through illumination to indicators on the graphic displays of the instrument
`
`panel.
`
`In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a rigid light
`
`emitting panel member may be used as a structural member for graphic
`
`overlays or decals, to provide for example lighting for designating the gear
`
`shift lever positions of a vehicle. One or more light sources may be
`
`inserted/embedded within light transition regions at one or more locations
`
`along the length of the panel member to direct light into input surfaces of the
`
`panel member. Indicator lights may be provided adjacent an edge or side of
`
`the panel member in line with each indicator position for providing increased
`
`light output at the selected position. Also, a movable color filter may be
`
`provided between the panel member and label to provide a different colored
`
`light output at any selected gear shift position. For example, a movable red
`
`filter may be used to change the color of the light output at the selected gear
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`shift lever position from white to red.
`
`In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the light emitting
`
`panel member may have a secondary reflective/refractive surface for
`
`reflecting/refracting a portion of the light entering an input surface of the
`
`panel member around a corner of the panel member.
`
`To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the
`
`invention, then, comprises the features hereinafter fully described and
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`particularly pointed out in the claims, the following description and the
`
`annexed drawings setting forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments of
`
`the invention, these being indicative, however, of but several of the various
`
`ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed.
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`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`In the annexed drawings:
`
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`Fig. 1 is a schematic top plan view of a steering wheel of a vehicle
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`incorporating one form of light emitting panel assembly in accordance with
`•t
`this invention in the hub portion of the steering wheel;
`
`Fig. 2 is a fragmentary transverse section through the panel assembly
`
`5
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`within the hub portion of Fig. 1 taken on the plane of the line 2-2 thereof;
`
`Fig. 2A is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a light output surface
`
`area of a panel assembly schematically showing a pattern of light extracting
`
`deformities on the light output surface area;
`
`Fig. 3 is a schematic end view of a rear portion of a vehicle
`
`10
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`incorporating other forms of light emitting panel assemblies in accordance
`
`with this invention;
`
`Fig. 4 is a fragmentary transverse section through the vehicle end
`
`portion and panel assemblies of Fig. 3 taken on the plane of the line 4-4
`
`thereof;
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`Fig. 5 is a schematic plan view of a radio or other electronic device
`
`incorporating another form of light emitting panel assembly in accordance
`
`with this invention;
`
`Fig. 6 is a transverse section through the assembly of Fig. 5 taken on
`
`the plane of the line 6-6 thereof;
`
`Fig. 7 is a schematic fragmentary section through a portion of a
`
`control panel incorporating another form of light emitting panel assembly in
`
`accordance with this invention;
`
`Fig. 7 A is a fragmentary top plan view of a portion of the light emitting
`
`panel member of Fig. 7 showing light extracting deformities on light emitting
`
`surfaces of the panel member around a hole or opening in the panel member
`
`in alignment with a control button/key pad;
`
`Fig. 8 is a schematic fragmentary section through a contoured surface
`
`such as the dash of a vehicle showing other forms of light emitting panel
`
`assemblies in accordance with this invention interposed between a printed
`
`circuit and a series of key pads either molded into the contoured surface or
`
`extending through openings therein;
`
`5
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`Page 16 of 85
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`5
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`10
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`Fig. 9 is a schematic side elevation view of another form of light
`
`emitting panel assembly in accordance with this invention used for
`
`supporting and illuminating a series of floating push buttons above a series
`
`of dome switches;
`
`Fig. 10 is a transverse section through the assembly of Fig. 9 taken
`
`on the plane of the line 10-10 thereof;
`
`Fig. 11 is a top plan view of another form of light emitting panel
`
`assembly in accordance with this invention which is also used to support and
`
`illuminate a series of floating push buttons;
`
`Fig. 12 is a schematic vertical section through an instrument panel
`
`incorporating other forms of light emitting panel assemblies in accordance
`
`with this invention;
`
`Fig. 13 is a top plan view of a graphic overlay for the instrument panel
`
`of Fig. 12 as seen from the plane of the line 13-13 thereof;
`
`Fig. 14 is a top plan view of one light emitting panel assembly in
`
`accordance with this invention incorporated in the instrument panel of Fig.
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`12 as seen from the plane of the line 14-14 thereof;
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`Fig. 15 is a top plan view of another form of light emitting panel
`
`assembly in accordance with this invention incorporated in the instrument
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`panel of Fig. 12 as seen from the plane of the line 15-15 thereof;
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`Figs. 16 through 18 are schematic plan views showing other forms of
`
`light emitting panel assemblies in accordance with this invention which
`
`provide a structural support for graphic overlays/decals used for example to
`
`designate the various gear shift lever positions of an engine;
`
`25
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`Fig. 19 is a fragmentary transverse section through one such light
`
`emitting panel member used as a structural support; and
`
`Figs. 20 through 22 are schematic illustrations showing light emitting
`
`panel assemblies in accordance with this invention used to provide lighting
`
`for vanity mirrors and the like.
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`6
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`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`
`Referring now in detail to the drawings, and initially to Figs. 1 and 2,
`
`there is schematically shown one form of light emitting panel assembly 1 in
`
`accordance with this invention mounted in the hub portion 2 of a steering
`
`wheel 3 of a vehicle outwardly of an air bag 4 to provide backlighting for
`
`control switches/buttons 5, the horn, logos, or other accent lighting on the
`
`steering wheel.
`
`The light emitting panel assembly 1 includes a transparent light
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`emitting panel member 8 having one or more light sources 9 mounted within
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`one or more light transition areas or regions 10 at one or both ends of the
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`panel member mounted within the air bag/steering wheel covering 11
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`outwardly of the air bag 4. In Figs. 1 and 2, two such light transition areas or
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`regions 1 O and light sources 9 are shown at one end of one or two panel
`
`. members 8 for selectively lighting one or two rows of control buttons 5. The
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`light that enters the transparent light emitting panel members 8 from the light
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`transition region(s) 10 may be emitted along the entire length of the panel
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`members or from one or more light output surface areas along their length
`
`as desired to produce a desired light output distribution to fit a particular
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`application.
`
`The light sources 9 may be mechanically held in any suitable manner
`
`in slots, cavities or openings machined, molded or otherwise formed in the
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`light transition regions of the panel assemblies. However, the light sources
`
`may be embedded, potted or bonded in the light transition regions in order to
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`eliminate any air gaps or air interface surfaces between