Light guide

DETAILED DESCRIPTION According to the present invention there is provided a light guide for illuminating an information-bearing member, comprising a transparent plate having at least one aperture associated with the information-bearing member, means for reflecting light from an external light source into the plane of the plate, and means for directing the light to provide an illuminated ring around the periphery of said at least one aperture.
A light guide in accordance with the invention has the advantage that the ring of light helps to highlight the information-bearing member.
This is particularly useful where the information bearing member is predominantly opaque and includes a translucent character or other information item.
Suitably, the light directing means comprises an integral protrusion around the periphery of at least one aperture, e.
g.
in the form of an upstanding rib having a substantially flat top face remote from the plate, said top face being roughened or otherwise rendered optically imperfect to promote the escape of light therefrom.