Linear light form with light diverting layer

Optical waveguides – Optical fiber waveguide with cladding – Utilizing multiple core or cladding

Reexamination Certificate

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Reexamination Certificate

active

06282355

ABSTRACT:

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to linear light forms and their methods of manufacture. More particularly the present invention relates to linear light forms having a fiber optic conduit with a light diverting outer layer and to the manufacturing processes thereof.
BACKGROUND ART
With the advent of modern lighting systems, the demand for fiber optic light conduits, also known as linear light forms, is growing. In modern lighting systems it is desirable to obtain energy efficiency and low maintenance, both of which are provided by linear light forms.
Types of linear light forms include those having a clear jacketing that is co-extruded tightly about single and/or multiple large core fiber optics. The light is transmitted, or conveyed through the fiber optics and emitted, or released, by reflection or refraction out the sides of the fiber optic conduit. The advantages of this configuration, in which a transmissive, finish jacket is co-extruded tightly about the fiber optic core, are numerous. In another type of linear light form, single or multiple thermoplastic fiber optics are encased in a clear polymeric tubing. In yet another type of linear light form, a reflective hollow tubing is intertwined with single or multiple thermoplastic fiber optic cores.
While each of the aforementioned lighting systems are suitable for their intended lighting application, often it is undesirable to view the lighting assembly when it is not in use, typically during periods of daylight. When viewed by ambient light, the linear light form often detracts from a desired daylight look or effect. A wall or other object decorated with the linear light form to obtain a highlighted or enhanced lighting effect at night often may appear crowded or undesirable when viewed with ambient light during the day.
When these linear light forms are observed in ambient light, and without being illuminated themselves, it may be undesirable to keep them within view because they appear as clear tubing and do not offer a desirable aesthetic and/or functional appearance. These disadvantages limit their desirability for use in the sign industry, emergency vehicles, and traffic management among others.
Another disadvantage exists in applications where the linear light form has to be blended into a background such as side molding of cars or on architectural structures. The linear light forms existing today may not offer the desired aesthetic properties and/or may actually detract from their use during the daytime.
Yet another disadvantage relates to the angle of view where it is desirable to direct light from the illuminated linear light forms to a desired location and/or to mask light from projection to other locations.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to divert ambient light intercepting a linear light form.
It is another object of the present invention to control the direction of light transmitted out of the linear light-form.
The present invention relates to a linear light form including light diverting outer layers. Light transmitted out of the light form or projected onto the light form can be diverted by the outer layers.
In one example, the present invention is embodied in a linear light form including a light transmitting core, clad with at least one light transmitting outer layer and the clad core jacketed with a dichroic film. The dichroic film has the property of allowing light transmitted within the clad core to pass out of or be emitted from the linear light form, but of reflecting ambient light directed toward the linear light form from an external source.
Preferably, the linear light forms embodying the present invention exhibit a different appearance when observed in ambient light, or when illuminated from an outer light source compared to their appearance when transmitting and projecting light from the core, i.e., internally. Linear light forms with light diverting surfaces exhibiting this characteristic are desirable in applications where the linear light form is in public view.
Alternatively, the present invention is embodied in a linear light form that includes a plurality of light transmitting cores, each clad with a light transmitting outer layer and subsequently jacketed, collectively, as a bundle, with a finish jacket. The bundle of light transmitting clad cores is additionally jacketed with a dichroic film whereby the film has the property of allowing light to radiate outward from the plurality of the clad core fiber optics to the outer surface of the linear light form in one direction; but to reflect ambient light directed toward the jacketed bundle from outside the clad core.
In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, a linear light form includes a thermoset, light transmitting core, clad with an outer layer which is covered with a light control film. The film has the property of allowing light emitted from the fiber optic surface to be visible at a certain viewing angle, while blocking the light from other viewing angles.


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