Method for designing an improved illuminated sign
AssigneeLance Mueller
InventorsLance Mueller, Patrick F. Gleeson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method of designing an illuminated grid sign designed to be viewed at a maximum viewing angle (α) from a horizontal line of sight of an observer. The method comprises selecting the maximum viewing angle (α), selecting the illuminated tubing with inside radius (r), determining the minimum distance (d) between the tubing and the reflective channel, and designing the substantially semi-cylindrical reflective channels to have a radius (R) approximately equal to 80% to 120% of r×(1+1/(sin α))+d and an angle of wrap (β) no greater than about 180°. The design method provides a sign that minimizes visible streaks of brighter and less-bright illuminated regions in the sign when viewed from an angle less than or equal to the maximum viewing angle (α).
Claims16
A method for designing an illuminated grid sign having a plurality of lengthwise sections of light-emitting luminous tubing and a plurality of concavely-curved reflective channels each positioned to reflect a portion of the light emitted by one of said lengthwise sections, the method comprising:
- selecting a maximum viewing angle (α) from a horizontal line of sight of an observer to the sign;
- selecting the luminous tubing, said tubing having an inside radius (r) and an inner surface having a reflector-closest edge;
- determining a minimum distance (d) between the tubing inner surface reflector-closest edge and a tubing-closest edge of the reflective channel adjacent thereto;
- and
- forming the reflective channels to be substantially semi-cylindrical with a radius (R) approximately equal to about 80% to about 120% of r×(1+1/(sin α))+d and an angle of wrap (β) no greater than about 180°.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.