Edge lighting system for interactive display surface

A method for lighting an edge of a light conductive sheet, comprising the steps of:

• (a) mounting a plurality of light sources in an elongate support so that each of the plurality of light sources is free to move toward the edge relative to the support, and so that the plurality of light sources are disposed to emit light directed into the edge of the light conductive sheet;
• (b) biasing each of the plurality of light sources, so that each light source is separately urged to move toward and into contact with the edge of the light conductive sheet;
• and
• (c) enabling the plurality of light sources to be energized to emit light that is directed into the edge of the light conductive sheet.

An edge lighted system, comprising:

• (a) a sheet of light conductive material that conveys light by internal reflections between two opposed surfaces, the light being emitted from the sheet through the two opposed surfaces in a generally uniform manner;
• and
• (b) an edge lighting assembly disposed adjacent an edge of the sheet of light conductive material, the edge lighting assembly comprising:
• (i) a plurality of light sources that are electrically connected in an electric circuit so that the light sources can be energized with an electrical current;
• (ii) an elongate support having a plurality of orifices formed therein at spaced-apart locations along a length of the elongate support, each of the plurality of orifices being sized to receive and support a different light source from the plurality of light sources to define a generally linear array, each of the plurality of light sources being inserted through the orifices and being free to move within the orifice, a front portion of each light source extending outwardly from the elongate support;
• and
• (iii) an elastomeric member that is disposed behind a rear portion of each of the plurality of light sources, said elastomeric member providing a force directed against the rear portion of each of the plurality of light sources, to bias the front portion of each of the plurality of light sources into contact with the edge of the light conductive sheet into which the light emitted by the light source is directed.