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:
May. 16, 2006
Filed:
May. 30, 2003
John C. Mertz, Maple Grove, MN (US);
Cory L. Grabinger, Maple Grove, MN (US);
John C. Mertz, Maple Grove, MN (US);
Cory L. Grabinger, Maple Grove, MN (US);
Other;
Abstract
Backlighting devices and methods for supporting and illuminating a display panel are disclosed. A display retainer and backlight device in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention may comprise one or more light pipes operatively coupled to a retainer housing that supports and illuminates an attached display panel. The retainer housing includes an optical waveguide that receives light collected by the one or more light pipes. A light scattering element and reflector may be employed to disperse and reflect the light rays to illuminate the backside of the display panel. A slot extending through a portion of the retainer housing may be configured to tightly receive an elastomeric zebra-strip, which electrically connects the circuit board to the display panel. A clip, tab or other fastening mechanism may be used to secure the retainer housing and display panel to the circuit board.