LAMP WITH DIFFUSIVE ENCLOSURE
An optically transmissive enclosure for a lamp comprises a molded plastic first layer and a light diffusive second layer bonded to the molded plastic first layer over an exit surface of the enclosure comprising a light diffusive in-mold film. The lamp includes a base and a light source operable to emit light when energized through an electrical path from the base. The first layer is substantially clear. A method for making the enclosure is provided.
1 . A lamp comprising:
a base;
a light source operable to emit light when energized through an electrical path from the base;
an optically transmissive enclosure, comprising an exit surface for emitting the light, the enclosure comprising a molded plastic first layer and a light diffusive second layer bonded to the molded plastic first layer over the exit surface, the light diffusive second layer comprising a light diffusive in-mold film.
2 . The lamp of claim 1 wherein the optically transmissive enclosure is omnidirectional.
3 . The lamp of claim 1 wherein the optically transmissive enclosure comprises a reflective surface.
4 . The lamp of claim 1 wherein the base comprises an Edison base.
5 . The lamp of claim 1 wherein the light source comprises at least one LED.
6 . The lamp of claim 1 wherein substantially the entire enclosure comprises the exit surface.
7 . The lamp of claim 7 wherein the enclosure is made of at least one of polycarbonate, acrylic, and Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).
8 . The lamp of claim 1 wherein the light source comprises one of an incandescent filament, halogen tube, CFL, and fluorescent tube.
9 . The lamp of claim 1 wherein the second layer is on an inside surface of the first layer.
10 . The lamp of claim 1 wherein the diffusive film layer is up to approximately 0.5 mm thick.
11 . The lamp of claim 1 wherein the diffusive film layer is approximately 0.1 mm thick.
12 . The lamp of claim 1 wherein the molded plastic first layer is approximately 1-1.2 mm thick.
13 . The lamp of claim 1 wherein the molded plastic first layer is clear.
14 . A method of making an optically transmissive enclosure for a lamp comprising;
providing a mold cavity;
inserting a light diffusive film in the mold cavity;
injecting a second material into the mold such that the film bonds to the second material to create a molded plastic first layer and a light diffusive second layer bonded to the molded plastic first layer.
15 . The method of claim 14 wherein the second material comprises one of polycarbonate, acrylic, Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).
16 . The method of claim 15 wherein the second material is clear.
17 . The method of claim 15 wherein the mold cavity has the form factor of an optically transmissive enclosure for a lamp.
18 . The method of claim 14 wherein the light diffusive second layer is approximately 0.5-0.2 mm thick.
19 . The lamp of claim 14 wherein the light diffusive second layer is approximately 0.1 mm thick.
20 . The lamp of claim 14 wherein the molded plastic first layer is approximately 1-1.2 mm thick.
21 . An optically transmissive enclosure for a lamp comprising:
a molded plastic first layer defining a light exit surface; and
a light diffusive second layer bonded to the molded plastic first layer over the exit surface comprising a light diffusive in-mold film.
22 . The lamp of claim 21 wherein the light diffusive second layer is made of at least one of polycarbonate and PET (Polyethylene terephthalate)