US5477430A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fluorescing keypad
Assignee: Delphi Technologies Inc
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Filing: 1995-03-14
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Granted: 1995-12-19
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Expires: 2015-03-14
Abstract
Abstract A backlit component is provided which is suitable for use in an illuminated graphic display in an instrument panel of an automobile. The backlit component can be formed as a molded plastic button for use in a display group forming a keypad, in which minimal variability of backlighting intensity can be readily achieved within the backlit component as well as within the display group. The backlit component is preferably molded from a translucent substrate in which at least one phosphor additive is dispersed. The phosphor additive is preferably uniformly dispersed such that the backlit component is characterized by a substantially uniform backlighting intensity upon the phosphor additive being excited by an appropriate light source in proximity to the backlit component. The light source can be received within a recess formed in the backlit component, or spaced apart from the component, in which case light emitted by the light source may be transmitted by a recess or light pipe integrally formed in the component. An insignia can be formed on the surface of the component, and phosphors capable of fluorescing in different colors can be combined to produce essentially any backlighting color.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles W. LaRose
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 12:39
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09F; G09F13/00; G09F13/20; H; H01; H01H; H01H9/00; H01H9/18; H01H9/185
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 23
Claim 1
Independent Claim
84 words
A backlit component having a substantially uniform backlighting intensity, the backlit component including a button member comprising an optically clear silicone and at least one phosphor additive dispersed in a portion of the button member, the button member having means for enabling a light source in proximity to the button member to excite the at least one phosphor additive such that the button member will fluoresce when excited by the light source, the at least one phosphor additive generating a substantially uniform backlighting intensity.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
84 words
A backlit component having a substantially uniform backlighting intensity, the backlit component including a button member comprising an optically clear silicone and at least one phosphor additive dispersed in a portion of the button member, the button member having means for enabling a light source in proximity to the button member to excite the at least one phosphor additive such that the button member will fluoresce when excited by the light source, the at least one phosphor additive generating a substantially uniform backlighting intensity.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
A backlit component as recited in claim 1 wherein the at least one phosphor additive is dispersed in the optically clear silicone.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
A backlit component as recited in claim 1 further comprising a coating over the button member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
A backlit component as recited in claim 3 further comprising an insignia defined by an opening in the coating, such that a portion of the button member is exposed through the opening.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
A backlit component as recited in claim 1 further comprising a light source for exciting the at least one phosphor additive.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
A backlit component as recited in claim 5 wherein the light source is received in the enabling means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
A backlit component as recited in claim 5 wherein light emitted by the light source is transmitted by the enabling means to the button member.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
116 words
A backlit component having a substantially uniform backlighting intensity, the backlit component comprising: a button member formed of at least one phosphor additive dispersed in an optically clear silicone, the at least one phosphor additive being substantially uniformly dispersed in the optically clear silicone such that, upon excitation of the at least one phosphor additive, the button member is characterized by a substantially uniform backlighting intensity; an insignia defined on a surface of the button member; and a light source in proximity to the button member for exciting the at least one phosphor additive such that the button member will appear to emit light when the at least one phosphor is excited by the light source.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
116 words
A backlit component having a substantially uniform backlighting intensity, the backlit component comprising: a button member formed of at least one phosphor additive dispersed in an optically clear silicone, the at least one phosphor additive being substantially uniformly dispersed in the optically clear silicone such that, upon excitation of the at least one phosphor additive, the button member is characterized by a substantially uniform backlighting intensity; an insignia defined on a surface of the button member; and a light source in proximity to the button member for exciting the at least one phosphor additive such that the button member will appear to emit light when the at least one phosphor is excited by the light source.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
A backlit component as recited in claim 8 further comprising a coating over the button member.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
32 words
A backlit component as recited in claim 9 wherein the insignia is defined by an opening in the coating, such that a portion of the button member is exposed through the opening.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
33 words
A backlit component as recited in claim 9 wherein the coating is formed from a material comprising a blend of one or more of the at least one phosphor additive and a carrier.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
A backlit component as recited in claim 8 wherein the light source is an ultraviolet light source.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
25 words
A backlit component as recited in claim 8 further comprising a recess formed in the button member, the light source being received in the recess.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
33 words
A backlit component as recited in claim 8 further comprising a recess formed in the button member, wherein light emitted by the light source is transmitted by the recess to the button member.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
133 words
A backlit component having a substantially uniform backlighting intensity, the backlit component comprising: a button member formed of at least one phosphor additive dispersed in an optically clear silicone, the at least one phosphor additive being substantially uniformly dispersed in the optically clear silicone such that, upon excitation of the at least one phosphor additive, the button member is characterized by a substantially uniform backlighting intensity; a coating disposed on at least a portion of the button member so as to define an insignia with an exposed portion of the button member; and a ultraviolet light source in proximity to the button member to excite the at least one phosphor additive such that the button member will appear to emit light when the at least one phosphor is excited by the light source.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
133 words
A backlit component having a substantially uniform backlighting intensity, the backlit component comprising: a button member formed of at least one phosphor additive dispersed in an optically clear silicone, the at least one phosphor additive being substantially uniformly dispersed in the optically clear silicone such that, upon excitation of the at least one phosphor additive, the button member is characterized by a substantially uniform backlighting intensity; a coating disposed on at least a portion of the button member so as to define an insignia with an exposed portion of the button member; and a ultraviolet light source in proximity to the button member to excite the at least one phosphor additive such that the button member will appear to emit light when the at least one phosphor is excited by the light source.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
33 words
A backlit component as recited in claim 15 wherein the coating is formed from a material comprising a blend of one or more of the at least one phosphor additive and a carrier.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
18 words
A backlit component as recited in claim 15 wherein the coating is composed of a plurality of coatings.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
25 words
A backlit component as recited in claim 15 further comprising a recess formed in the button member, the light source being received in the recess.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
33 words
A backlit component as recited in claim 15 further comprising a recess formed in the button member, wherein light emitted by the light source is transmitted by the recess to the button member.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
51 words
A backlit component as recited in claim 15 wherein the at least one phosphor additive comprises a plurality of phosphor additives, and wherein at least one of the plurality of phosphor additives emits a light whose color differs from that of a second phosphor additive of the plurality of phosphor additives.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-12-18 | 1999-06-19 | 1999-12-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-12-18 | 2003-06-19 | 2003-12-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-12-18 | 2007-06-19 | 2007-12-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |