Patent ID: 7500774
Filing Date: 2009-03-10
Classification: G02B,G05G

Abstract:
1. An annular light guide that is a molded product made of optically transparent material, comprising: a light inlet that includes a cavity defined by an inner wall surface in which a light source is disposable; a toric light outlet having an outer circumferential side extending in a horizontal direction that is continuous with a circumferential side in a horizontal direction of the light inlet, the toric light outlet having an inner wall surface defining a hole through the toric light outlet; and fringes formed in an exterior wall surface of the light inlet and extending in a vertical direction, the exterior wall surface of the light inlet being substantially parallel to the inner wall surface of the light inlet, wherein a front surface of the toric light outlet forms an illumination area that circumnavigates the hole through the toric light outlet, and light traveling from the light source is reflected at the fringes in a horizontal direction toward the toric light outlet for emission from the illumination area.