Abstract: A light assembly for a vehicle comprises: a light source that emits light; a reflector that reflects the light emitted by the light source to a reflected focal point; and an optical device through which the light emitted by the light source transmits, the optical device having an optical focal point; wherein the optical focal point and the reflected focal point are approximately the same focal point. The light leaving the optical device is directed toward a target illuminance area that allows a driver or passenger of the vehicle to read. The light source is an LED. The optical device is a lens. The reflector is an elliptical reflector. The light assembly further comprises a printed circuit board and the LED is mounted on the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises: an interior; a light assembly capable of emitting light with both a first beam pattern and a second beam pattern to the interior, the light assembly comprising a light source, capable of emitting light in multiple colors, that emits light that exits the light assembly and enters the interior of the vehicle with either the first beam pattern or the second beam pattern; and a controller that controls whether the light that exists the light assembly and enters the interior of the vehicle has either the first beam pattern or the second beam pattern and controls which color of the multiple colors the light source emits. The vehicle can further comprise a user interface in communication with the controller, wherein the user interface is usable from the interior and allows a passenger of the vehicle to select a color of the multiple colors of the light.

Abstract: A vehicle overhead console is provided herein. The vehicle overhead console includes a housing and a substrate defining a cavity therebetween. A light source is within the cavity. A reflector has a first end portion that surrounds the light source and a second end portion proximate a first lens. A trim member has a thickness that varies laterally. A second lens is offset from the first lens.

Abstract: A proximity switch assembly is provided having a sensing pad and a proximity sensor extending around the sensing pad for generating an activation field. The proximity sensor comprises at least one electrode that forms a decorative trim component that is visibly exposed. The proximity switch assembly also includes a controller for determining activation of the switch based on a signal generated from the activation field.

Abstract: A lighting assembly including a circuit is disclosed. The circuit is configured to be disposed in a panel defining a cavity forming an opening. The circuit includes a light source in communication with a controller and an exposed conductive portion conductively connected to an isolation terminal. The exposed conductive portion is oriented proximate the opening and provides a path for an electrical discharge to protect the light source from the electrical discharge.

Abstract: A vehicle light system is provided herein. The light system includes a trim member defining an aperture. A light guide is disposed within the aperture. The light guide has a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a body portion between the proximal and distal portions. The proximal portion includes a connector portion. A lens is integrally formed with the light guide and is disposed at a distal portion of the light guide. A connector is disposed over the connector portion of the light guide. The connector is operably coupled to a housing having a light source.

Abstract: A light system for a vehicle is provided herein. The light system includes a trim member defining an aperture. A light guide is disposed within the aperture. The light guide has a proximal portion operably coupled with a light source. A lens is integrally formed with the light guide and is disposed at a distal portion of the light guide. A deformable attachment mechanism is integrally formed on the light guide between the proximal and the distal portions of the light guide. The light guide is compressively retained within the aperture by a forward portion of the attachment mechanism and a rearward portion of the lens.

Abstract: A light guide system includes a light guide and a carrier substrate having a barrier layer disposed therebetween. The barrier layer is introduced during a dual injection process to provide a permeable barrier between a first resin, used to form the light guide, and a second resin used to form the carrier substrate. The barrier layer allows for the first and second resins to bond, while acting as a wet-out inhibitor between the resins. The molded dual injection light guide system of the present invention provides for a unitary light guide and carrier substrate that has been molded with a barrier layer such that wetting out of a surface of the light guide is prevented along with the deleterious effects wetted out surfaces have on light transmission.

Abstract: A retractable cover assembly is provided for a vehicle to cover a latching component such as the striker of a trunk door. The assembly includes a retractable cover and a support structure for supporting the cover at a position to cover the striker. The assembly further includes an arrangement for actuating the cover between an open position exposing the striker and a closed position covering the striker. A first light source may illuminate the cover and a second light source may illuminate an interior of the vehicle when the cover is in the closed position.

Abstract: A retractable cover assembly is provided for a vehicle to cover a latching component such as the striker of a trunk door. The assembly includes a retractable cover and a support structure for supporting the cover at a position to cover the striker. The assembly further includes an arrangement for actuating the cover between an open position exposing the striker and a closed position covering the striker. A first light source may illuminate the cover and a second light source may illuminate an interior of the vehicle when the cover is in the closed position.

Abstract: A lighting assembly including a circuit is disclosed. The circuit is configured to be disposed in a panel defining a cavity forming an opening. The circuit includes a light source in communication with a controller and an exposed conductive portion conductively connected to an isolation terminal. The exposed conductive portion is oriented proximate the opening and provides a path for an electrical discharge to protect the light source from the electrical discharge.

Abstract: An illuminable beverage holder assembly is provided and includes at least one side wall coupled an illuminable base member to form a receptacle for receiving a beverage container. The illuminable base member includes a distal engagement member with an optical surface. A light source is operably coupled to the engagement member and configured to emit light through the optical surface to illuminate the illuminable portion.

Abstract: A light guide system includes a light guide and a carrier substrate having a barrier layer disposed therebetween. The barrier layer is introduced during a dual injection process to provide a permeable barrier between a first resin, used to form the light guide, and a second resin used to form the carrier substrate. The barrier layer allows for the first and second resins to bond, while acting as a wet-out inhibitor between the resins. The molded dual injection light guide system of the present invention provides for a unitary light guide and carrier substrate that has been molded with a barrier layer such that wetting out of a surface of the light guide is prevented along with the deleterious effects wetted out surfaces have on light transmission.

Abstract: An illuminable beverage holder assembly is provided and includes at least one side wall coupled an illuminable base member to form a receptacle for receiving a beverage container. The illuminable base member includes a distal engagement member with an optical surface. A light source is operably coupled to the engagement member and configured to emit light through the optical surface to illuminate the illuminable portion.

Abstract: An ambient vehicle lighting unit is provided and includes a carrier defining an interior volume and having an illuminable portion. A light emitter is disposed in the interior volume and configured to illuminate the illuminable portion and a protective member is disposed on a surface of the carrier and configured to absorb electrostatic discharge when an electrically charged object contacts the surface.

Abstract: A retractable cover assembly is provided for a vehicle to cover a latching component such as the striker of a trunk door. The assembly includes a retractable cover and a support structure for supporting the cover at a position to cover the striker. The assembly further includes an arrangement for actuating the cover between an open position exposing the striker and a closed position covering the striker. A first light source may illuminate the cover and a second light source may illuminate an interior of the vehicle when the cover is in the closed position.