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:
Mar. 15, 2016
Filed:
Jul. 30, 2009
Audrey A. Sherman, St. Paul, MN (US);
Michael A. Meis, Stillwater, MN (US);
Marie A. Boulos, West St. Paul, MN (US);
Kevin R. Schaffer, Woodbury, MN (US);
Wendi J. Winkler, Minnepolis, MN (US);
Audrey A. Sherman, St. Paul, MN (US);
Michael A. Meis, Stillwater, MN (US);
Marie A. Boulos, West St. Paul, MN (US);
Kevin R. Schaffer, Woodbury, MN (US);
Wendi J. Winkler, Minnepolis, MN (US);
3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY, Saint Paul, MN (US);
Abstract
Disclosed herein is an optical device including a light source and an optical article. The optical article includes a lightguide and a viscoelastic layer disposed on the lightguide. Light emitted by the light source enters the lightguide and is transported within the lightguide by total internal reflection. The viscoelastic layer manages light, for example, at least about 50%, or less than about 10%, of light that enters the lightguide may be extracted. The optical device can be used in a variety of constructions for signs, markings, display devices, keypad assemblies, tail light assemblies and illumination devices.