Patent US3780463A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3780463A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Illuminated displays and illuminaries
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1972-05-15
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Granted: 1973-12-25
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Expires: 1992-05-15
Abstract
Abstract A dsiplay particularly adaptable for displaying a message comprising a light-carrying body and a source of light disposed along at least one edge of the body is disclosed. The message is placed in intimate contact with one surface of the light-carrying body. A contrasting backing material is disposed about and/or behind the message and is held in remote contact with the body. The edges of the body adjacent to the sources of light are shaped such that the edges are relatively normal to the incident light rays, thus allowing most of the light to refract through, thus easily entering the body.
Inventors
- 👤 L Aronoff
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 02:20
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/0001; G02B6/0011; G02B6/0013; G02B6/0015; G02B6/0016; G02B6/0023; G02B6/0026; G02B6/0033; G02B6/0058; G02B6/006; G02B6/0063; G02B6/002; G02B6/0021; G02B6/0035; G02B6/0045; G02B6/0046
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
165 words
An illuminated display comprising: a light-carrying body comprising a material having a critical angle and having at least two opposite flat major surfaces and polished peripheral edges; a message comprising a diffusely reflective material in intimate contact with one of said opposite surfaces of said body; a backing material in substantially pressureless contact with said one of said opposite surfaces of said body. a source of light disposed adjacent to one of said peripheral edges such that light enters the body and is transmitted within said body; a reflective material in intimate contact with only thosE sections of said peripheral edges where the angle of incidence along said edges for light from said source of light entering said body and striking said edges is less than approximately said critical angle; whereby substantially all of the light entering said body will remain in said body since it will be reflected from either the polished edges or the reflective material thereby resulting in an unusually brilliant display.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
165 words
An illuminated display comprising: a light-carrying body comprising a material having a critical angle and having at least two opposite flat major surfaces and polished peripheral edges; a message comprising a diffusely reflective material in intimate contact with one of said opposite surfaces of said body; a backing material in substantially pressureless contact with said one of said opposite surfaces of said body. a source of light disposed adjacent to one of said peripheral edges such that light enters the body and is transmitted within said body; a reflective material in intimate contact with only thosE sections of said peripheral edges where the angle of incidence along said edges for light from said source of light entering said body and striking said edges is less than approximately said critical angle; whereby substantially all of the light entering said body will remain in said body since it will be reflected from either the polished edges or the reflective material thereby resulting in an unusually brilliant display.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The display defined in claim 1 wherein said surfaces of said body are rectangular in shape and substantially perpendicular to said edges.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
The display defined in claim 2 wherein a light filter is disposed between said source of light and said body such that light from said source of light is filtered before entering said body.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The display defined in claim 2 wherein said color of said backing material and said message are such as to produce a contrast.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
The display defined in claim 2 wherein the edges of said body adjacent to a source of light are irregularly shaped such that light from said source striking said edge is relatively normal to said edge.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
The display defined in claim 2 wherein said body is tapered and the source of light is adjacent to the widest edge of said body.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
The display defined in claim 1 wherein a border is disposed about the periphery of said message, said border being coupled to said backing material and being contrasting in color to said backing material.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The display defined in claim 1 wherein said message contains a plurality of slits forming apertures through which light may pass.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The display defined in claim 1 wherein said source of light is disposed within a cavity defined by said body.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-12-24 | 1977-06-25 | 1977-12-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-12-24 | 1981-06-25 | 1981-12-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-12-24 | 1985-06-25 | 1985-12-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |