Patent ID: 6733166
Filing Date: 2004-05-11
Classification: B60Q,G02B

Abstract:
An illuminating waveguide for use in distributed lighting, comprising:an optical waveguide having a stem, first and second branches, and a junction that couples said stem to each of said brunches; said stem comprising an elongated section of said waveguide formed from an optically-transmissive material; each of said branches also comprising an elongated section of said waveguide formed from an optically-transmissive material, with at least one of said first and second branches extending away from said junction at an obtuse angle relative to said stem; said junction including one or more optical features positioned at said junction such that light traveling through one or more of said sections of said waveguide at least partially impinges upon said optical feature(s), with said optical feature(s) redirecting the impinging light out of said waveguide at said junction to thereby provide illuminating light from said junction.