The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 01, 2005
Filed:
May. 31, 2002
Todd A. Ballen, St. Paul, MN (US);
Michael C. Lea, Bracknell, GB;
David J. Lundin, Woodbury, MN (US);
Stephen M. Randall, North St. Paul, MN (US);
Todd A. Ballen, St. Paul, MN (US);
Michael C. Lea, Bracknell, GB;
David J. Lundin, Woodbury, MN (US);
Stephen M. Randall, North St. Paul, MN (US);
3M Innovative Properties Company, St. Paul, MN (US);
Abstract
The invention is directed to an illumination apparatus that includes a light guide within a recessed housing. A light source, such as a light emitting diode can be used to provide light to the light guide. The light is transmitted through the light guide via total internal reflection (TIR), and can be emitted in a controlled manner to ensure that a desired angular distribution of light is achieved without substantially illuminating interior side walls of the recessed housing. In this manner, efficient lighting can be provided. In one embodiment, the invention is can be implemented within a cosmetic compact that includes a mirror. The compact may incorporate aspects of the invention by implementing a light guide within a ring-shaped recess of the compact to provide facial lighting to a user.