Patents by Inventor Penelope L. Thrash

Penelope L. Thrash has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5040479
    Abstract: A multiple color illuminated button to control a device or functions of a device. The button has a first color for the letters and a second color for the graphics when the button is not illuminated and a third color for the letters and a fourth color for the graphics when the button is illuminated. In one embodiment of this invention, the button includes a transparent light pipe and a cap. The upper surface of the light pipe is painted or decorated with a paint or other material. The upper exterior surface of the cap is painted or decorated with a paint or other material. The exterior of the cap is then painted with a second layer of paint. After the second layer has cured, the letters and graphics are laser etched onto the upper surface of the cap. The laser removes preselected portions of the paint layer to expose the surface below the second layer. In another embodiment, the button includes a chassis and a cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: Apollo Plastics Corporation
    Inventor: Penelope L. Thrash