Light emitting panel assemblies

Abstract

Light emitting panel assemblies include at least one light source and at least one light emitting panel member having one or more holes, slots, cavities or openings containing one or more modular components other than the light source. Mating or locating features may be provided for locating, positioning or holding the one or more modular components.

1 . A light emitting panel assembly comprising at least a light emitting panel member having a light emitting surface, a light transition area, and at least one light source, the panel member having a pattern of deformities that vary on or in at least one surface of the panel member for causing light to be emitted from the light emitting surface, the panel member having holes, slots, cavities, or openings containing one or more modular components other than the light source.  
   
   
       2 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the modular components are electronic components.  
   
   
       3 . The assembly of  claim 2  wherein the light source or modular components are selectively operable.  
   
   
       4 . The assembly of  claim 1  further comprising mating features for locating the one or more modular components.  
   
   
       5 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the modular components are embedded, potted or bonded into the panel member.  
   
   
       6 . The assembly of  claim 1  which includes light sources of multiple colors.  
   
   
       7 . The assembly of  claim 6  wherein the light sources are LEDs.  
   
   
       8 . The assembly of  claim 1  which includes LED light sources with multiple chips of different colors.  
   
   
       9 . The assembly of  claim 1  further comprising a light transition region where the light from multiple light sources mixes.  
   
   
       10 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the panel member has at least one section that is hollow and filled with liquid, gas or air.  
   
   
       11 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the panel member has multiple layers.  
   
   
       12 . The assembly of  claim 1  further comprising a tray or substrate that holds or positions the panel member or the at least one light source.  
   
   
       13 . The assembly of  claim 1  further comprising a tray or substrate that holds or positions the panel member, the at least one light source, and the one or more modular components.  
   
   
       14 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein a sheet, film or substrate with additional deformities is positioned near the panel member to redirect the light emitted from the panel member in different directions to produce a desired light output distribution or effect.  
   
   
       15 . The assembly of  claim 14  wherein the sheet, film or substrate and the panel member are separated by an air gap or cavity.  
   
   
       16 . The assembly of  claim 14  wherein the sheet, film or substrate has prismatic or lenticular surfaces.  
   
   
       17 . A light emitting panel assembly comprising at least a light emitting panel member having a light emitting surface, a light transition area, and at least one light source, the panel member having a pattern of deformities that vary on or in at least one surface of the panel member for causing light to be emitted from the light emitting surface, the panel member having mating or locating features for positioning or holding one or more modular components other than the light source.