Abstract: Illumination apparatus for use in localized illumination applications, such as an automobile dashboard. The apparatus includes a light emitting diode mounted on a metallized circuit board; a TIR lens mounted over the light emitting diode to collect light emitted from the light emitting diode and to direct the light in a single direction; and a light pipe disposed over the light emitting diode and the TIR lens. The light pipe has walls extending from the circuit board to a plane above the circuit board such that directed light from the TIR lens is channeled through the light pipe to the plane. The apparatus can also include a cover disposed in the plane over the light pipe. The cover may be integrally molded to the light pipe and have an icon configured therein, such that the icon is illuminated by the light from the light emitting diode.

Abstract: A method of illuminating an object by capturing light from a light source with a TIR lens, redirecting the captured light from the light source in a single direction using the TIR lens, and channeling the redirected light through a light pipe to a plane at or before the object to maximize brightness of the light from the light source at the plane.