Patent ID: 6848803
Filing Date: 2005-02-01
Classification: F21V,F21Y,G02B,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A light distributing assembly, comprising: (a) a light source; (b) a plurality of light outputting members optically coupled to said light source, each of said members having a light outputting surface, said light outputting members being made of an optically transmissive material, the index of refraction of said optically transmissive material being selected to result in internal reflection between light traveling the length of said light outputting members on the inside of said light outputting members at the interface between the inside of said light outputting members and the space surrounding said light outputting members, said light outputting members having first and second member ends, said first member end being optically coupled to said light source, each of said members having a light outputting surface on its second member end, wherein said light outputting members having a length; (c) a plurality of light outputting caps, said outputting surface being defined on each respective light outputting cap, said light outputting cap being associated with a respective light outputting member and secured to its respective second member end, each of said light outputting caps comprising: (i) a tapered member having a first end and a second end, said tapered member tapering along at least a portion of said tapered member to a smaller size from a relatively wide portion adjacent said second end, said first end being relatively pointed and said second end defining a surface shaped to bear against said first side of a fabric; (ii) a backing member having first and second surfaces, said first surface being configured to bear against said second side of said fabric; (iii) a hole defined in said second surface of said backing member, said hole being configured and dimensioned to receive its respective second member end; and (iv) a connection member secured to said first surface of said backing member and said second end of said tapered member, to define a space between said first surface of said backing member and said second end of said tapered member, said space being large enough to accommodate said fabric.