US5871273A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical light piping reflector element for backlighting liquid crystal displays
Assignee: Boeing North American Inc
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Filing: 1994-09-29
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Granted: 1999-02-16
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Expires: 2014-09-29
Abstract
Abstract A backlight for liquid crystal displays which includes several closely spaced lamps and a sculptured optic element disposed behind the lamps wherein, the sculptured optic element has a reflective back side and a partially reflective front side and an optically transmissive medium disposed there between. The optic element being sculptured so as to direct light rays emanating from the back of the lamps and from the side of the lamps in a direction away from colliding with other lamps and in a direction toward the median surface. The optic element essentially gathers light from behind and between the lamps and directs it in a direction toward the viewing surface.
Inventors
- 👤 James E. Shaw
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 00:54
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02F; G02F1/00; G02F1/01; G02F1/13; G02F1/133; G02F1/1333; G02F1/1335; G02F1/1336; G02F1/133602; G02F1/133604; F; F21; F21V; F21V7/00; F21V7/005; G02F1/133605
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
181 words
A backlight for a display comprising: a box having a viewing side, an opposing backside; a plurality of the lamp segments, disposed in said box between said viewing side and said backside; said plurality of lamp segments being separated by a plurality of gaps; an optical element disposed between said plurality of lamp segments and said backside; said optical element having a lamp side and a rear side, said lamp side being disposed near said plurality of lamp segments then said rear side; said optical element lamp side containing a plurality of concave troughs, each having side walls and a bottom, said plurality of troughs separated by a plurality of plateau regions; said optical element further having a plurality of sculptured troughs and a plurality of peak regions therebetween disposed on said rear side; said plurality of plateau regions extending into said plurality of gaps; said lamp side of said optical element having double sided reflecting material disposed on said side walls, but not on said bottom or on said plateaus; and, said rear side having a reflecting material disposed thereon.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
181 words
A backlight for a display comprising: a box having a viewing side, an opposing backside; a plurality of the lamp segments, disposed in said box between said viewing side and said backside; said plurality of lamp segments being separated by a plurality of gaps; an optical element disposed between said plurality of lamp segments and said backside; said optical element having a lamp side and a rear side, said lamp side being disposed near said plurality of lamp segments then said rear side; said optical element lamp side containing a plurality of concave troughs, each having side walls and a bottom, said plurality of troughs separated by a plurality of plateau regions; said optical element further having a plurality of sculptured troughs and a plurality of peak regions therebetween disposed on said rear side; said plurality of plateau regions extending into said plurality of gaps; said lamp side of said optical element having double sided reflecting material disposed on said side walls, but not on said bottom or on said plateaus; and, said rear side having a reflecting material disposed thereon.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
A backlight of claim 1 wherein said optical element is constructed of glass.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
A backlight of claim 2 further comprising a plurality of lenses disposed on said plurality of plateau regions.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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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) | 2002-02-15 | 2002-08-17 | 2003-02-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-02-15 | 2006-08-17 | 2007-02-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-02-15 | 2010-08-17 | 2011-02-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |