- FILE HISTORY .
`us 5,613,751 .
`
`.. '=" • •. ~ • .. • • :. ..
`
`'
`
`• ........ .
`
`5,613,751 .
`PATENT:
`INVENTORS: . Parker, Jeffery R.
`Miller, Mark D.
`Kelsch, Daniel N. . ..
`
`·'· ·'· · -· ~ ...
`
`TITLE:
`
`Light emitting panel assemblies
`
`APPLICATION US1995495176A
`NO:
`.FILED:.
`
`27 JUN 1995
`25 MAR 1997
`
`ISSUED:
`
`COMPILED:
`
`28 JUN 2011
`
`.... l ' • • •
`
`·,
`
`.~ ••.
`
`DDG_000115
`
`

`
`5613751
`
`1
`
`PATENT
`NUMBER
`
`__..•
`
`I
`
`1111~1 ~II IIIII illl ~~Ill~ 1~11 ~111111
`SUBC~S __ .;
`)
`J _,.
`. ..
`5613751
`~------------------------._ __________ ~ ______________ _. ____________________ ~---··
`_,...-
`OH; MARK D. MILLER, PARMA, OH~
`
`SERIAL NUMBER
`o::::; 4S~.s ~ 176
`
`FlUNG DATE CLASS
`06/:27 /9.~;
`~362
`
`PARb::Ef;~.. STRONGiSV I L.L.E ..
`~ .JEFFERY R D
`5DANIEL N. KELSCH, LAKEWOOD, OH"
`~
`t:•AT A* * * * * * :t: * * * * * * * * :t: :t: :f: * * *
`. * *~ON T I NU I NG
`VEniFIED ~
`;<g
`I
`I
`·-··-···-·--.... -......
`
`* *FOnE I GN/F'CT (.;PPL I C(-~T I 01\!!:;.~:t: * * * * * :~: :): :·>=
`VERIFIED ~
`7!JiG:
`
`---·--f--.... -
`1
`
`:·>= * *
`
`.,,
`
`FOREIGN FILING LICENSE GRANTED 08/01/95
`
`***** SMALL ENTITY ***~~
`
`FlUNG FEE
`RECEIVED
`
`AITORNEY'S
`DOCKET NO.
`
`Vertfted and Acknowledged
`DONAL[:• L. OTTO
`~ENNER OTTO BOISSELLE & SKLAR
`1621 EUCLID AVENUE
`NINETEENTH FLOOR
`CLEVELAND OH 44115
`
`LIGHT EMITTING PANEL ASSEMBLIES
`
`-..--~---------·------- - . ·-·-··-·- .
`
`.
`
`PARTS OF APPUCATION
`FILED SEPARATELY
`:
`
`tli '"
`.,..-,~~.J.-J -~
`
`Ass~~~
`
`U.S. DEPT. OF COMM./ PAT. & TM-PT0-436L
`
`Label
`Area
`
`~~:;1:1~4 • us
`
`q
`BATCH F /'L3.
`Examiner NUMBER
`~--------------------------~
`
`OIWg.
`
`U.
`
`WARNING: The information disclosed herein may be restricted. Unauthorized UW)\,i·•uo::~~u~
`by the United States Code litle 35, Sections 122, 181 and 368. P~seCslon
`Patent & Trademark Office is restricted to authorized employees
`
`\
`
`ISSIIE FEE fii1
`
`DDG_000116
`
`

`
`5,613,751.
`
`LIGHT EMITTING PANEL ASSEMBLIES
`
`Transaction History
`
`Transaction Description
`Date
`8/16/1995 Application Captured on Microfilm
`9/24/1995 Case Docketed to Examiner in GA U
`9/29/1995 Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) Filed ·
`9/29/1995 Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) Filed
`10/2/1995 Case Docketed to Examiner in GAU
`10/10/1995 Restriction/Election Requirement
`10111/1995 Mail Restriction Requirement
`12/13/1995 Response to Election I Restriction Filed
`12/13/1995 Request for Extension of Time - Granted
`1129/1996 Date Forwarded to Examiner
`2/26/1996 Non-Final Rejection
`3/111996 Mail Non-Final Rejection
`7/3/1996 New or Additional Drawing Filed
`7/311996 Response after Non-Final Action
`7/3/1996 Request for Extension of Time - Granted
`7/26/1996 Date Forwarded to Examiner
`10/1/1996 Mail Notice of Allowance
`10/111996 Notice of Allowance Data Verification Completed
`10/111996 Mail Examiner's Amendment
`10/111996 Examiner's Amendment Communication
`10/16/1996 Mail Examiner's Amendment
`10/16/1996 Examiner's Amendment Communication
`12/23/1996 Issue Fee Payment Verified
`2/1811997 Issue Notification Mailed
`3/25/1997 Recordation of Patent Grant Mailed
`8/20/2004 Statement Filed Indicating a Loss of Entitlement to Small Entity Status
`2/28/2005 Correspondence ·Address Change
`2/28/2005 Correspondence Address Change
`11/13/2007 File Marked Lost
`11114/2007 Mail Reconstruction Notice- Patented Application
`3/9/2010 Correspondence Address Change
`3/23/2010 Corrt!Spondence Address Change
`
`'
`
`·...
`
`! ... ·. ~ : ; ' ' ~ , ~ 'J 1 ~
`
`..•
`
`DDG_000117
`
`

`
`vu - · - - - .. -
`
`. PATENT APPLICATION
`
`.
`
`I
`
`~~~~~~llllm~l~lll~~~~~~~~ 1~1111
`
`084951'76
`
`CONTENTS
`
`APPROVED FOR LICENSE p
`
`iNrrJslll3 1 91) S,l ·
`
`Date
`Received
`·or·
`Mailed
`
`_ ___ 32. _____ ____,_
`
`,.·
`
`DDG_000118
`
`

`
`•,t.
`
`.,....,. ..
`..
`\:' .!:.:r .... :..!
`- .. ..._.-
`'
`• ..
`PATENT NUMBER •.
`
`'
`
`. ' ..
`
`A
`
`IF REISSUE, ORIGINAL PATENT .NUMBER
`
`·
`
`.I
`
`.
`, ..
`.
`ORIGINAL CLASSIFICATION
`
`SUBCLASS 3(
`
`•
`
`I
`
`ISSUE CLASSIFICATION SLIP
`
`U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICf
`
`t aim
`
`l
`
`.... ~ Date ~ , ~
`
`~~. lrl'
`
`JJI'D
`'YI
`
`I"'
`
`~~~ttl
`1~!J r
`··~~ Ji
`
`SYMBOLS
`.../ ................................. Rejeeled
`.................... ~ ............ Allowed
`• (Through numbaral) Canceled
`+ '"""""'""'"'"'""""" Restricted
`N ................................. NoiHIIeeled
`I ....................... ~ ........ Interference
`A ....................... -·""""Appal
`0 ............. " .................. Objected
`
`.. 1 5
`) 6
`
`tJ) ':..
`8
`. ., 9
`
`·~ If
`
`II 12
`~~ 1s
`1~ 14
`
`II
`17
`f., 18
`
`i2 21
`·11.' 22
`
`_j 12.'1 26
`tr ZJ 27
`
`I"'
`
`ltv
`lfJ
`
`1) ~
`[\J
`
`I~
`~ 31
`~ 32
`
`~36
`~R 37
`
`~.< 39
`
`lr 41
`
`43
`,~ 44
`
`J_,_ 48
`~ 47
`,, ~48
`49 .
`
`I~
`
`N
`
`J
`
`.
`
`~~\'I
`
`}~:·
`~-
`~~··•:·
`~((.·, ... '
`~;,·. ·.
`~ ~ .
`' .;
`....
`.~.;:.;,.
`
`l
`
`:' t·«i·~l
`
`' '
`
`\'~:.1 o I
`~Zif
`
`I .
`
`... :. ""\ ..
`~ ''"' l·t.f.: ... ::;.
`!
`I '··
`
`'
`
`.
`
`.,.
`.
`
`'
`
`~
`. :~·
`·'tft.:'·· ..
`
`,.
`
`'''.t•'
`~
`
`''tl••l
`
`\
`J
`~ ~ Date
`-:5~
`
`~ ~ ~ ~
`
`Claim
`! ~·
`·-
`-~
`u.. 0
`,,~ ~51
`
`fF ,1--J "="
`lrJ_,,
`V,IJ':
`.J
`I"J =-
`J
`. ..../,
`.../
`ltJ 1::;:"
`'f\) {::;
`J11
`\/V
`J 11/
`
`-~~
`.J
`
`N --
`
`52
`~
`~~ 53
`;1 54
`.4': 55
`~~
`~""
`~l
`l>t 59
`tsL 60
`11~
`~~
`~rt
`ri~
`r'el.
`~ 66
`[~ 67
`152 68
`lbt: 69
`,, 70
`~'2 71
`~ 72
`~ 73
`I~
`~~~ 75
`I.. 76
`r, 77
`78
`;.j
`~ 79
`k:>80
`r:j:f 81
`b 82
`~83
`~ 84
`I~ 85
`1:
`86
`I~ 87
`1 88
`1-'
`89
`:., 90
`1.4
`11 :J 91
`·~ [:92
`11~
`f'l
`ll
`Jl
`11t
`tt ~ ....
`~~..
`.....
`I~; 99
`.::.
`~ 100
`...
`
`l --
`=-
`
`.. '-
`\.t
`
`. "
`
`DDG_000119
`
`

`
`~)i.;.o:o,'
`~,~~0-
`
`1~~~:' 0
`
`0
`
`0
`
`:0,;:0'
`
`fJ,''
`
`:.·
`(
`
`.,,,
`
`~'
`
`·,.~,0.
`
`r~·o:· 0
`t·> 0
`
`t
`1.'
`
`~0
`..
`
`~'.',
`
`, .
`
`.,
`
`Staple Issue Slip 'Here
`
`IDNO.
`
`DATE
`53 3 n .rn
`a_: ,..:t I" <)• 'W
`/)_ t f)
`0-~~~ ~~ ~~
`-~I 'i5
`;;1-;k-~
`
`JOOJ:
`
`POSITION
`CLASSIFIER
`EXAMINER
`TYPIST
`VERIFIER
`CORPSCORR.
`SPEC. HAND
`FILE MAINT.
`DRAFTING
`
`INDEX OF CLAIMS
`
`I 51 T IN -;:""'
`'''~ s2
`IN.'
`
`~ 59
`· st so
`
`: ; : ' "
`
`••• J 1
`I N it::'
`
`1
`
`I
`
`--
`
`~ 67
`I~ 68
`iG.t: 69
`,, 70
`
`I~ 72
`~ 73
`
`~~~ 75
`14~ 76
`
`:.j 78
`fl 79
`10 80
`1~ 81
`1:)1 82
`~83
`
`I? as
`~~ 86
`l:r. 87
`-:}' 88
`
`SYMBOlS
`../ ................................. Rejected
`. . . . . ~ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 Allowed
`• (Throuoh numbel'll) Canceled
`N :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: =~~
`I ................. 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jnt8tfer8114;1
`A ................................. Appeal
`0 ............. " .................. Objected
`
`llJ ' j 1) 1- ~ ~ )~ ) ll<r =
`~-
`z. 3
`
`.JJ
`. .,/ :::
`
`;1'1.
`l•t
`
`"
`
`) 6
`, 7
`
`.•
`
`I~
`It::
`
`1Cf1
`I(JI.
`
`r.r.:f lit "::::
`
`v
`tv
`iJ
`10
`\ /
`
`I \ 16
`'IL 17
`/: 18
`-~~~ 19
`{4 20
`IZ 21
`I~ 22
`I
`I~ 23
`~~ 24
`/'::
`.. I~ IJ
`
`IN :::.
`
`N
`~J
`v
`'I
`./
`
`I~ ~ 33
`
`~\ 35
`2. 36
`
`~ 41
`~( 42
`
`'' 48
`[HC 49
`
`N
`"-'
`
`DDG_000120
`
`

`
`SEARCHED
`
`Cl&ss
`
`Sub.
`
`Date
`
`Exmr.
`
`.· :···"J
`
`SEARCH NOTES
`
`Exmr.
`
`INTERFERENCE SEARCHED
`Exmr.
`Sub.
`Date
`Class
`:?0-z._. Z'-1-
`)l _,
`2t~~
`
`Z't~ r~~~ ~ ~
`
`~
`
`_.._
`
`DDG_000121
`
`

`
`United States Patent [191
`Parker et al. ·
`
`.lflllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll.llllllllllllllllll '
`. US00561375lA
`·.
`.
`.
`5,613,751.·
`. [11] Patent Number:
`[45] Date of Patent:
`·Mar. 25, 1997
`
`[54]. LIGHT EMITTING PANEL ASSEMBLIES
`
`[75]
`
`Inventors: Jetrery .R. Parker, Strongsville; Mark
`· D. Miller, Parma; Daniel N. Kelsch,
`Lakewood, all of. Ohio
`
`[73] Assignee: Lumitex, In~ •• Strongsville, Ohio
`
`[21] . Appl. No.: 495,176
`
`. Jun. 27, 1995
`
`[22] Filed:
`Int~ Cl.6
`....... ~ ................................................ F21V 7/04
`[51]
`[52] U.S. Cl .................. ~ ............ 361131; 362/27; 362'235;
`362'297; 362'308
`.[58] Field of Search .................................. 362'26, 27, 31,
`362'235, 249, 297, 299, 300, 308, 329,
`330, 346, 800
`
`[56]
`
`References· Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`3,328,570 · 6/1967 Balchunas .
`7/1975 · Pulles .................................... 240/1 EL ·
`3,892,959
`3/1981 Reynolds ........ : ......................... 362131
`4,257,084
`4,446,508
`, 5/1984 IGnzie ....................................... 362131
`3/1986 Boumay, Jr. et al. .................. 3501345
`4,573,766
`4,630,895 · 1211986 Abdala, Jr. et al. .................... 350/345
`4,714,983 1211984. Lang ......................................... 362127
`6/1988 Abrams ..................................... 362131
`4,751,615
`4,974,122 11/1990 Shaw ................. ; ........................ 362131
`4,975,808 · 1211990 Bond et al ................................ 362131
`4,978,952 1211990 Irwin ....................................... 340n95 ·
`
`4/1991 Pristash et al .. .................... : ...... 362131··
`5,005,108
`5,070,431 1211991 Kitazawa et al ............... .' ..... ; .. ~ .. 362131
`3/1992 Kashima et al ...... · .. ; .................. 362131
`5,093,765
`7/1992 Yokoyama ...................... : ......... 362131.
`5,134,549
`811992 SchOniger et ~ . ............. : ........ · .. 362161 ·
`5,136,483
`5/1993 Muiase et al. · .......... ; ................. · 362131
`5,207,493
`5,283,673 . 211994 Murase et al ................ · .. ; .......... 359/49 ·
`811994 Rudisill et al ..................... ;,; ..... 359/49
`5,339,179
`911994 .Blonder et al ...... .' ........... ; ......... 362131
`5,349,503
`211995 Mari-Roca et al. · ....................... 362/31
`5,390,085
`211995 Watanabe et al .. ~ ...................... · 362131
`5,394,308
`5,467,208 1111995 .Kokawa et al ..................... : ..... 362131·. ··
`
`Primary Examiner-Ira S. Lazarus
`Assistant Examin~r_:_Alfred Basichas
`Attorney, Agent, or Finn-Renner~ Otto, Boiselle & Sklar,
`P.L.L.
`..
`
`[57]
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Light emitting panel assemblies include light emitting panel : .
`members and one or ,nore light· sources positioned/embed-·· . · ·
`ded in· a light transition area, which increases the .efficiency
`oflight entering the panel members along the light input area
`to be emitted from one or more light emitting surfaces along ...
`the length of the panel members. Light may be reflected or
`refracted by a surface which changes the path of a portion of
`light such· that it enters the· input area of .the panel llleinber .
`at a more· acceptable angle. A uniform light output distribu- .
`tion may· be produced by utilizing a pattern of light extract(cid:173)
`ing deformities.
`
`97 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets
`
`38
`
`37
`
`DDG_000122
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent :
`
`Mar. 25, 1997
`
`Sheet 1 of 4
`
`5,613,751 ~
`
`.
`
`FIG. t
`
`··FIG. 4a
`
`F l G I 4b
`1s
`r''
`
`/2~.
`I
`
`FIG .4c · .
`
`12
`
`FIG I
`
`DDG_000123
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 25, 1997 · ·
`
`Sheet 2 of 4
`
`14
`
`. . 5,613, 751 : ..
`;--''
`
`FIG. 5 28
`
`40
`
`(
`
`43
`
`-42-
`
`FIG. 8
`
`41
`
`F·l G. 7,. · ...
`
`DDG_000124
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`_Mar. 25,.1997
`
`Sheet 3 of 4
`
`. 5,613,751·. ·. :: .. ·.·.
`
`61
`
`-62-
`
`F.IG. \0 .
`
`65
`61.
`62
`63
`(60
`.. ~-. _. ____ J_t _ _..~oJ
`FIG.I~7o
`F:G. :~~~6 . >
`
`. ··, : . .
`
`3
`
`. 7664
`
`·71
`
`FIG.·-12.·-_· .. · ..
`
`DDG_000125
`
`

`
`· U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 25, 1997
`
`Sheet 4 of 4
`
`5,613~751 '' ',
`
`' ' '
`
`·FIG.I3
`
`FIG .. 14
`
`82
`
`95
`
`. . . ·, ,, ...
`
`DDG_000126
`
`

`
`1
`LIGHT EMITTING PANEL ASSEMBLIES
`
`2
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS .
`
`. 5,613,751
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`·
`·
`This invention· relates generally, as iridicated, to light 5
`emitting panel assemblies each including a transparent panel
`member for efficiently c~nductirig light, and controlling the
`light conducted by the panel member to be emitted from one
`or more light output .areas along the length thereof.
`Light emitting panel assemblies are· generally known. IO
`However, the present invention relates to several different
`light etriltting panel assembly configurations which provide
`for better control of the. light output from the panel assem- ·
`blies and for more efficient utilization of light, which results
`. in greater light output from the panel assemblies.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE. INVENTION·
`
`In the annexed drawings:
`FIGS. 1 through 3 are schematic perspective. views of
`three different forms of light emitting panel assemb.ies in
`·
`·
`accordance with this invention;
`FIG. 4a is an enlarged plan. view of a portion of a light
`output area of a panel assembly showing one form of pattern
`of light extracting deformities on the light output area; ·
`.
`FIGS: ~b, c and d are enlarged schematic perspective ·· ·
`· views of a portion of a light output area of a panel assembly .
`showing other forms of light extracting defonnities formed .
`in or on. the· light output area;
`·
`· ·
`FIG. 5 is an enlarged transverse section through the light .
`15 emitting panel assembly of FIG. 3 ·taken generiilli ·0n the .
`plane of the line 5-5 thereof;
`·
`. . ·
`·.
`FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of ariotherform of
`light emitting panel. assembly in accordance with ~s inven- ·
`tion;
`·
`FIG. 7 is a schematic top plan view of another form of
`light emitting panel assembly in accordance with this inven- .
`tion;
`.
`.
`.
`FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of another form of ...
`light emitting panel asSembly in accordance with thi.s inven- .
`tion;
`·
`FIG. 9 is a schematic top plan view of another t:onn of ..
`light emitting panel assembly in accordance with .this iOven- .
`tion;
`
`In accordance with one· aspect of the invention, the light.
`emitting panel assemblies include a light emitting panel 20
`member having a· light transition area in which at least one
`light source is suitably· mounted for transinission of light to
`the light input surface of the panel member.· ·
`In accordance with aitothe.~ aspect of the invention, the
`light source is desirably embedded, potted or bonded to the 25
`light transition area to eliminate any air gaps, decrease ·
`surface reflections and/or· eliminate any lens effect between
`the light source and .light transition area, thereby reducing
`light loss and increasing the light output from the panel
`assembly.
`·
`. ·In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the
`panel assemblies may include reflective or refractive sur-:-
`. faces for changing the path of a portion of the light, emitted
`FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of theJight emitting panel
`from the light source, that. would not normally enter the
`panel members at an acceptable angle that allows the light 35 assembly of FIG. 10;
`.
`.
`.
`FIG. lla is a fragmentary side elevation view showing a ··
`to remain in the panel members for a longer.p~od of time
`and/or increase the efficiency of the panel members.
`tapered or rounded end on the panel member in ·place of the
`pris~atic surface shown in FIGS. 10 and .11; ·
`. . .
`In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the .
`light emitting panel members include a pattern of light
`FIG. 12 is a schematic top plan view of another form of·
`extracting defonnities · or disruptions which provide a . 40
`light emitting panel .assembly in accordance with this inven- .
`desired light output distribution from the panel members by
`tion;
`.
`.
`.
`FIG. 13 is a schematic side elevation.v~ew of the.light
`changingtheangleofrefractionqfajmrtionoftheligl:ttfrom
`emitting panel assembly of FIG. 12; and
`one or more light output areas of the P.anel members..
`·
`In accordance with still another aspect of the invention,
`FIGS. 14 and 15 are schematic perspective views of still .
`the light source may. include multiple colored light sources 45 other forms of light emitting panel assemblies in accordance
`for supplying light to one or more light output areas, and for
`with this invention.
`providing a colored or white light output distribution.
`In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the
`panel assemblies inClude a transition area for mixing ·the · 50
`.multiple colored lights, pnor to the light entering the panel
`· members, in order to effect a desired colored or white light
`output distribution.
`•
`·
`·
`·
`The various light emitting panel assemblies of the present ·
`·invention are very .effiCient panel assemblies that may be s5
`used to produce increasecl unifonnity and higher light output
`from the panel members . with lower ·power requirements,
`and allow the panel members to be made thinner and/or
`longer, and/or of vcu:ious shapes and sizes.
`. To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, 60
`the invention then. comprises the features hereinafter fully
`described and 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 . 65
`ways · in which the principles of. the invention may be
`employed ..
`
`30
`
`FIG. 10 is a schematic top plan view of still another form
`of light emitting panel assembly in accordance 'with ·this
`invention;
`·
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE :
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`
`Referring now in•detail. to the drawitigs, and initially•tQ
`FIG. 1, ·there is schematically shown one form of: light .
`emitting panel assembly 1 in accor~ce with this =invention
`including a transparent light emitting panel 2 and one. or .
`more light sources 3 which emit light in a predetermined.· ·
`pattern in a light transition member or area 4 used to. make
`the .transition from the light source 3 to the light emitting.
`·panel2, .as well known in the art. The light thatis transmitted
`by the light transition area 4 to.the transparent light emittillg
`panel 2 may be emitted along the entire length of the panel
`or from one or more light output areas along the length of the· . · ·
`panel ·as· desired to produce a desired light output distribu- · ·
`tion to fit a particular application.
`. . ·
`:
`··
`·.
`.
`In FIG. 1 the light transition area 4 is shown as an integral ·
`extension of· one end of the light emitting panel· 2 and as
`· being generally rectangular in shape. However,. the light
`
`.
`
`.
`
`DDG_000127
`
`

`
`5,613,751
`
`15
`
`4
`3
`light emitting panels. Also, the panels may be substantially
`transition area may be of other. shapes suitable for embed-
`·fiat, or curved, may be a single layer or multi-layers, and
`ding, potting, bonding ·or otherwise mounting the light
`source. Also, reflective or refractive surfaces. may be· pro.:.
`may have different thicknesses and shapes. ·Moreover, the
`panels may be flexible, or rigid, ·and may be made out.of a
`· vided to increase efficitmcy. Moroover, ·the light transition
`area 4 may be a separate piece suitably attached to the light 5 . variety of compounds. Furth~r. the panels may be hollow,
`filled with liquid, air, or be solid, and may have holes .or
`. input surface 13 of the panel member if desired. Also, the
`sides of the light t,ransition area may be curved to more
`. ridges in the panels.
`·
`efficiently reflect or refract a portion of the light emitted
`Each light source 3 may also be of any suitable type
`from the light source through the light emitting panel at an
`· including, for .example, any of the types disclosed in U.S ..
`acceptable angle.
`.
`.
`10 Pat. Nos. 4,897,771 and 5~005,108, assigned to the same
`assignee as the present application, the entire disclosures of
`which are incorporated herein by referenee. In particular, the
`. FIG· 2 shows another .form of light emitting panel assem-
`light sources. 3 may be an arc lamp, .an incandescent bulb
`bly 5 in. accordance with this invention including a panel.
`. which also may be colored, filtered or painted, a lens end
`light: transition area 6 at one end of the light emitting .panel
`bulb, a line .light, . a halogen lamp,. a light emjtting ·diode
`. 7 with sides 8, 9 around and behind. the light source 3 shaped.
`(LED), a chip from an·LED, a neon bulb, a fluorescent tube,
`. · · to more efficiently reflect and/or retract and focus the .light
`· em1tted .·from. the light : so~ 3 that :impinges on these
`a fiber opdc light pipe transmitting from a remote source, a
`surfaces back through the· light transition area· 6 at an
`laser. or laser diode, or any other suitable· light source ...
`Additionally, the light sources 3 may be a multiple colored
`acceptable angle for entering the light input surface 18.at one
`. LED, or a oombination of multiple colored radiation sources
`end. of the light emitting panel 7. Also,· a suitable reflective
`material or coating 10· may· be provided on the portions of 20
`in order to provide a desired· colored or white light output·
`. distribution. For example, a plurality of colored lights such
`the. sides of the. light transition. areas of the panel assemblies
`· . of FIGS. 1 and· 2 ·on which a portion of the.light impinges
`as LEDs of different colors (red, blue, green) or a single
`for maximizing the amount of light or otherwise ch~ging ·
`· . LED with multiple colored chips may be employed to create
`the light that is. reflected back through the light transition
`· white light or any other colored light output distribution by
`areas and into the light emitting panels. . .
`25 varying the intensities of each individual colored light. .
`The ·panel.assemblies shown in FIGS. land 2 include a
`A pattern of light extracting deformities: or disruptions
`single light source· 3, whereas FIG. 3 shows another light · may be provided on one or both sides of the panel members
`·emitting panel.assembly 11 in accordance with this inven-
`. or on one or more selected areas on one or both sides of the
`tion including two light ·sources 3. Of course, it wHl be.
`panel members, as desired. FIG. 4a schematically shows one
`appreciated that the panel assemblies of the present inven:..
`. such· light ·surface. area 20 on. which a pattern of light
`tion may be provided with. any number of light sources .as
`extracting deformities or disruptions 21 is provicled. As used
`desired, depending on the particular application.
`herein, the tenn: deformities or disruptions are ·used inter-
`.The.panel assembly ll_ofFrG. 3 includes a light transition··
`changeably to mean any change in.tlie shape or geometry of
`area 12 at· one end of the light emitting panel 14 having 35
`the panel surface and/or coating' or surface treatment that
`reflective and/or refractive surfaces 15 around and ·behind
`causes a portion of the light to be emitted. The pattern of
`light extracting defomiities 21 shown·in FIG .. 4a· includes a
`· each light source 3.·These surfaces 15 may be. appropriately..
`shaped including for example curved, straight and/or faceted ·
`variable pattern which breaks up the light rays such that the
`surfaces, and if desired, sui~ble . re~ective materials or.
`internal angle of reflection of a portion of the light·rays will
`
`· coatings ·may be provided on portions· of these surfaces· to 40 · be great enough. to cause the light rays either to be ·emitted
`more efficiently reflect .and/or refract arid focus a portion of
`out of the panel through the side or sides on which the light
`the light emitted for example ·from an incandescent light
`extracting deformities 21 are provided or reflected back
`souree which emits light in ~t360° pattern through the light
`through the panel.and emitted out the other side.
`. These deformities or disruptions 21 can be produced in a.
`transition areas 12 into the light input surface 19 of the light .
`emitting panel 14.
`. .
`·
`·
`45 variety· of manners,· for example, by providing a painted
`pattern, an etched pattern, a machined pattern, a printed
`'The light sources ·3 may })C· meChanically held in ariy
`suitable manner in slots, cavities ·or openings 16 machined, ·
`pattern, a·. hot stamped pattern, or a. molded pattern ox: the like
`molded or otherwise formed in the light transition areas of
`on· selected light output areas of the panel members. An ink ·
`the panel assemblies. However, preferably the light sources
`·or printed pattern may be applied for example· by pad
`· 3 are embedded, potted or bonded in the light transition· so printing, silk screerung, ink jet, heat transfer film process or
`areas in order to eliminate any air gaps or air interface
`the like.11te defomiities may al·so be printed on a sheet or ·
`surfaces between the light· sources and surrounding light
`film ·which is used to· apply the deformities to. the panel
`transition .areaS, thereby reducing light loss and· increasing
`member. This sheet or film may become a permanent part of
`the light output ·emitted by the light emitting panels. Such
`· the light panel assembly for example by attaching or other-
`mounting· of the light ·sources may be accomplished~ Jor 55 · wise positioning the sheet or film against one or both· sides
`example~ by bOnding the light sources 3 in. the slots, cavities
`of the panel· member similar ~0 the sheet or film 27 . shown
`or openings 16 in the light transition areas using a sufficient
`in FIGS. 3 and 5 in order to produce a desired. effect
`quantity of a suitable embedding, potting or bonding mate-
`By . varying · the. density, opaqueness or trimslucence,
`., rial17. The slots, cavities or openings 16 may be on the top,
`shape, depth, color, area,. index of refraction, or type of
`bottom, sides· or back of the light transition areas.· Bonding 6o . deformities 21 on an area or areas of the panels, the light
`· can also be accomplished by a .variety of methods that do not
`output of the panels can be ·controlled. The defoimities or ·
`incorporate extra material, for example, thermal lxmding, ·
`disruptions may be used to control the percent of light
`·heat staking, ultrasonic or plastic welding or the like;.Qtber
`· emitted from any area of the panels.<For.example,less.and/or
`methods ·of ·bonding include insert· molding and castilig
`. smaller size deformities ·21 may be placed on panel· areas·
`around the light source(s).
`.. .
`.
`.
`. 65 where less light output is. wanted. Conversely, a greater
`percentage of and/or larger deformities· may be placed on
`· A transparent light emitting material of any suitable type~
`.for example acrylic or P<>lycarbonate, may be used for the .
`. areas of the panels· where greater light output is desired.
`
`30
`
`DDG_000128
`
`

`
`5,613,751
`
`25
`
`.
`
`6
`5
`surfaces may :be varied to direct· the light· in· different:·.
`Varying. the percentages and/or size of .deformities .in
`different areas of the panel is necessary in order. to provide
`· directions to produce a desired light output distribution or . .
`effect. Moreover, the reflective or refractive surfaces may ·
`a uniform light output distribution. For example, the amount
`have shapes or a pattern with no· specific angles .to x:educe
`of light. traveling through the· ·panels will. ordinarily be ·
`. greater in areas closer to the light source than in other areas 5 moire or other interference effects.
`further removed from the light source. A pattern . of light
`As best seen in the cross sectional view of FIG. 5, a back ·
`extracting deformities 21 may be used to adjust for the light
`reflector (including trans reflectors) 26 may be attached.or· ·
`variances within the· p~el members, for exa.IIlple, by pro- ·
`positioned against one side of the panel member 14. of FIG;
`3 using a suitable adhesive 28 or other method in order to
`viding a denser concentration of light extracting deformities
`with increased distance from the light source 3 thereby 10
`improve light output efficiency of the panel assembly 11 by.
`resulting in a more uniform light output distribution from the
`reflecting the light emitted from that side back through· the ·
`light emitting panels. .
`panel for emission through the opposite side. Additionally, a
`The deformities 21 may also be used to control the output .
`pattern of light extracting deformities 21, 23, 24 and/or 25 .
`ray· angle distribution of the emitted light to suit a particular
`may be provided on one or both sides of the panel member
`application: For example, if the panel assemblies are used to .
`in order to change the path of the light so that the internal .
`15
`provide a liquid crystal display backlight, the light output
`critical angle is exceeded and a portion of the light is emitted ..
`will be more efficient· if the defoilriities 21 cause the light .
`from one or both sides of the panel. Moreover, a transparent
`rays to emit from the. panels at predetermined ray angles . ·
`film, sheet or plate 27 may be attached or positioned against. .
`such that ~hey will. pass. through the liquid crystal display·
`the side or sides of the panel member from which light ;is · ·
`emitted using a suitable adhesive 28 or other methOd ii:i order
`with low loss.
`Additionally, the. pattern of light extracting deformities 20
`to produce a desired effect.
`.
`.
`.
`may be used·to adjust for light output variances attributed to
`The member 27 may .be used to further improve·. the .
`light extractions of the panel members. The pattern of light :
`uniformity of the light output distribution. For example, the ·
`extracting deformities 21 may be printed on the light output
`member 27 may be a colored film, a diffuser, or· a label or
`areas utilizing a wide spectrUm of paints, inks, coatings,
`display, a portion of which may .be a transparent overlay that· ·
`epoxies, or the like, ranging from glossy to opaque or both,
`may be colored and/or have text or an image· thereon. .
`.·
`..
`If adhesive 28 is used to adhere the back- reflector 26.
`and· may employ half-tone separation techniques to vary the
`deformity .21 coverage. Moreover, the ·pattern of light
`and/or film 27 to the panel, the adhesive is preferably
`extracting c:leformities 21 may be multiple layers or vary in
`applied only along the side edges of the panel, and if desired
`the end edge opposite the light transition areas 12, but not
`index of refraction.
`Print patterns of light extracting deformities 21 may vary .:
`over the entire surface area or areas of the. panel because of. ·.
`in shapes such as· dots,' squares,. diamonds, ellipses, stars,
`the difficulty in consistently applying a uniform coating of:·
`random shape~. and the like, and arc desirably 0.006· square ·
`;~dhesive to the panel. Also, the adhesive.changes the·inter-
`inch per .deformity/element or less. Also, print patterns that
`nat critical angle of the light in a less controllable manner . ·.
`than the air gaps 30 (see FIG. 5) which are formed between.
`are 60 lines per inch or finer· are desirably employed, thus 35
`making the deforrirlties or .shapes 21 in the print patterns
`the respective panel surfaces and the back reflector 26 and/or· .
`nearly invisible to the human eye in a particular application
`film 27 when only adhered along the peripheral edges .. · ·.
`·thereby eliminating ·the detection ·of gradient or banding
`Additionally,longer panel members are achievable when air ·
`lines that are common to .light extrac~ng patterns utilizing
`gaps 30 are used . .If adhesive .were to be used over.the entire
`larger elements. Addition-ally, the deformities may vary in 40 . surface, the pattern of deformities· could be adjusted.· to
`shape and/or size along .the length and/or width of the panel .
`account for the additional attenuation in the light caused.:by ·
`members. Also, a random placement pattern of the· defor-
`the adhesive. ·
`·
`mities may be utilized throughout the length and/or width of
`Referring further to FIG. 2, the panel assembly 5 shown·
`the .panel inem~ers. The deformities may have shapes or a
`therein also includes molded posts 31 at one or more comers·.. . . .
`:pattern with no specific angles to reduce moire or other . 45 of the panel 7 (four such posts being shown) which may be
`interference effects. Examples of methods to create these .
`used to facilitate mounting of the panel assembly and
`random patterns . are printing a pattern of shapes using
`providing structural support for other .parts or components,
`stochastic print pattern' techniques, frequency modulated
`for example, a display panel such ·as. a liquid crystal Qisplay ..
`half tone patterns, or random dot half tones.· Moreover, the .
`panel as desired.
`FIG. 6 shows another form of light emitting panel assem- .
`deformities may be colored in order to effect color correction 50
`bly 32 .in accordance with this invention including a 'panel.·
`. in the panel members. The color of the deformities may also
`vary throughout the panel members, for example to provide
`. member 33, one or more light sources 3, and one or. more
`different colors for the s~e or djfferent light output areas.
`light. output areas 34. In . addition, the ·panel . assembly '32.' ..
`In addition to or in lieu of the patterns of light extracting ,
`includes a tray 35 having a cavity or recess Jli.in wbich the
`deformities