US5594424A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Indicating displays for motor vehicles
Assignee: Valeo Vision SAS
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Filing: 1992-08-26
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Granted: 1997-01-14
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Expires: 2012-08-26
Abstract
Abstract An indicating display for a motor vehicle has an optical collimating element associated with a support element carrying an array of electroluminescent diodes. The collimating element has a rear face which is engaged by the electroluminescent diodes and which is formed in steps into which through holes, each associated with a respective diode, are open.
Inventors
- 👤 Jean-François Louy
- 👤 Jean-Claude Gasquet
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 17:36
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60Q; B60Q1/00; B60Q1/26; B60Q1/2696; F; F21; F21S; F21S43/00; F21S43/10; F21S43/13; F21S43/14; F21S43/15; H; H10; H10W; H10W90/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
93 words
An optical collimating element for a motor vehicle indicator display comprising said collimating element, a support element associated with the collimating element, and electroluminescent diodes carried by the support element, wherein the collimating element defines an inner face which is formed with steps and the collimating element further having through holes, each of which is open into a said step to define a seating surface which mechanically engages a said diode, each said diode being shaped so that engagement of said diode with said seating surface centers said diode in said through hole.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
93 words
An optical collimating element for a motor vehicle indicator display comprising said collimating element, a support element associated with the collimating element, and electroluminescent diodes carried by the support element, wherein the collimating element defines an inner face which is formed with steps and the collimating element further having through holes, each of which is open into a said step to define a seating surface which mechanically engages a said diode, each said diode being shaped so that engagement of said diode with said seating surface centers said diode in said through hole.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
A collimating element according to claim 1, wherein each said step defines a band, with each said through hole being open into a said band.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
A collimating element according to claim 2, wherein said bands define a cylindrical surface, the element defining a common direction with all the bands, in cross section, extending parallel to said direction.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
A collimating element according to claim 1, wherein each said through hole is flared.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
In combination with a collimating element according to claim 1, said support element formed with a plurality of fingers for supporting said diodes, wherein the dimensions of said fingers are adapted to those of said steps of the collimating element.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
An indicator display comprising a collimating element and support element in combination according to claim 5, and further comprising a plurality of electroluminescent diodes sandwiched between said steps and said fingers.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
40 words
A collimating element according to claim 1, wherein said collimating element has a front face opposite to said rear face, said front face being inclined with respect to three reference planes which are mutually perpendicular with respect to one another.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-01-14 | 2000-07-15 | 2001-01-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-01-14 | 2004-07-15 | 2005-01-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-01-14 | 2008-07-15 | 2009-01-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |