Abstract: Improved illumination of edge illuminated signs is achieved by use of light guides of transparent material to match the aperture of an edge of a sign panel to the aperture of a light source which may be located remotely. The light guide is typically of ribbon section at the panel end and of compact section at the other. It may be formed by dividing a continuation of one edge of the panel into individual fibres. The compact end of the guide may be fitted with a ferrule for coupling to further light guide elements. The sign panel is preferably covered with internally reflective or phosphorescent material except in the regions of indicia formed on the surface of the panel by masking, abrasion or hot stamping.

Abstract: A fibre optic element is disclosed capable of a wide range of uses, including illumination, lighted fixed or variable signs, and decorative applications. The element is formed in one piece of transparent material and has one or more generally planar areas with integral extensions from one or opposite sides formed as a number of separable filaments such that the filaments can be bunched to form a flexible light conducting cable. Except for light escape zones via which light can escape from the planar area or areas, and the distal ends of the filaments, the element is covered by an internally reflective cladding layer such as to enable propagation of light through the filaments from the light source and in the plane of the planar areas, which rather than being strictly planar can be curved into various shapes.