Brake Patents (Class 362/541)
  • Patent number: 11859779
    Abstract: A lighting device disclosed in an embodiment of the invention includes a substrate; a plurality of light emitting devices disposed on the substrate; a resin layer covering the plurality of light emitting devices on the substrate; and a first reflective member disposed on the resin layer, wherein the resin layer includes a first surface facing the plurality of light emitting devices, and a hole disposed between the first surface and the plurality of light emitting devices and the hole penetrates in the direction of the substrate from a lower surface of the first reflective member, and the hole and the light emitting device may overlap in a light emission direction of the light emitting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hyun Ho Choi
  • Patent number: 11077591
    Abstract: The object of the invention is a lens for a lighting and/or signaling device of a motor vehicle including a first layer of material (4), arranged on a first face (8) of which is a second layer of material (6) with additional thickness, said second layer extending partially over the first layer so as to have one end edge (16) overhanging an exposed portion (14) of the first layer of material. The exposed portion (14) of the first layer of material (4), which is not covered by the second layer of material, includes on said first face (8) a notch (18) which extends along said end edge (16) of the second layer of material (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: VALEO VISION
    Inventors: Romain Menoret, Guillaume Altermatt, Jean-Marc Colombel
  • Patent number: 11028995
    Abstract: The invention relates to a glazing having a first anchoring support being configured to engage with an electrical connector that is part of an electrically actuated device comprising at least one electrically actuated component and first and second electrical connectors that are connectable with an electrical power supply. Upon electrically connecting the first and second electrical connectors to the power supply, the electrically actuated component has electrical power supplied thereto and is in an energized state. When the first electrical connector is engaged with the first anchoring support, the electrical device is releasably fixed to the glazing. Connecting the power supply to the first anchoring support and the second electrical connector causes the electrically actuated component to switch from an unenergized state to the energized state. Mounting arrangements and vehicle lights to be mounted to a component of the structure of a vehicle are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignees: PILKINGTON BRASIL LTDA., PILKINGTON GROUP LIMITED
    Inventors: Tiago Serrano, Andrew Thomas Stanley
  • Patent number: 10814920
    Abstract: The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relates to a rear spoiler device comprising a force-absorbing device for compensating a force between at least two components (1, 2), in particular of a motor vehicle, a rear spoiler and preferably a hatch, which are respectively corresponding modular components, with at least a first component (1) and at least a second component (2), wherein the force absorbing device comprises at least one deformable tongue member (3) and at least one stud member (4) engaging at least partly in the tongue member (3), the tongue member (3) being deformable relative to the stud member (2) along a deformation path (5) of the tongue member (3) as a function of a force application path (6) acting on the first (1) or second (2) component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: COMPAGNIE PLASTIC OMNIUM
    Inventor: Pawan Grover
  • Patent number: 10497325
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a color changing display includes a housing, a cover cooperatively coupled to the housing, a light panel, and a color display panel. The light panel and the color display panel are positioned between the housing and the cover. The light panel and the colored display panel are each selectively activated to operate in at least one of: a reflective mode, a transmissive mode, and a transflective mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Newtonoid Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: Fielding B. Staton, David Strumpf
  • Patent number: 10378721
    Abstract: A lamp for the rear of a vehicle is disclosed with a light transmissive cover having a red first illuminated surface area and a clear second illuminated surface area. It has a first LED light emitter located directly beneath the red first area, a second LED light emitter located directly beneath the clear second area, and a third LED light emitter, also located directly beneath said clear second area. The third red LED light emitter is for emitting red light through the clear second area simultaneously with light transmitted through the red first area, whereby the first and second areas are adapted to collectively form a contiguous red illuminated surface area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Grote Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian K. Norris, Randall Staggs, Nakul Anand, Shawn S. Smith, Christopher C. Riley, Mark D. Noe
  • Patent number: 10344938
    Abstract: A lamp for the rear of a vehicle is disclosed with a light transmissive cover having a red first illuminated surface area and a clear second illuminated surface area. It has a first LED light emitter located directly beneath the red first area, a second LED light emitter located directly beneath the clear second area, and a third LED light emitter, also located directly beneath said clear second area. The third red LED light emitter is for emitting red light through the clear second area simultaneously with light transmitted through the red first area, whereby the first and second areas are adapted to collectively form a contiguous red illuminated surface area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Grote Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian K. Norris, Randall Staggs, Nakul Anand, Shawn S. Smith, Christopher C. Riley, Mark D. Noe
  • Patent number: 9890916
    Abstract: A lamp unit and a vehicle using the same are provided that include a substrate; and at least two light sources disposed on the substrate, wherein angles formed by a reference line and normal lines to the surface of the substrate, to which the at least two light sources are attached, are different from one another. The lamp unit and the vehicle using the same use a plurality of the light sources having different arrangement directions from a reference direction, so that it is possible to implement a surface light source by means of a small number of the light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nam Seok Oh
  • Patent number: 9365153
    Abstract: A signal lighting system for a vehicle includes a housing having an open front end. A bottom and top of the housing each have an arcuate front edge. The bottom extends farther forward than the top so the front edge of the bottom is in front of the front edge of the top. The system includes a plurality of lights between the bottom and top and positioned for directing light generally forward. Gaskets are at the front edges of the top and bottom of the housing for conforming the lighting system to a windshield of the vehicle. The lighting system is adjustable to facilitate mounting the lighting system in a wide range of different makes and models of vehicle notwithstanding differences that may exist between their windshield geometries. The lights may be included in light modules that can be rotationally adjusted while the system is mounted on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Code 3, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Davis
  • Patent number: 9315145
    Abstract: A vehicle illumination apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a retractable step in connection with a panel of the vehicle. The retractable step comprises a tread portion. A light source is disposed proximate the panel and is configured to emit a first emission having a first wavelength. A first photoluminescent portion is disposed on the tread portion and is configured to emit a second emission having a second wavelength in response to receiving the first emission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Michael James Whitens
  • Patent number: 9249942
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lighting device (100) for a motor vehicle, comprising a lens (1) and at least one light source (4, 5, 61), wherein light from the at least one light source (4, 61) is projected by the lens (1) into a region lying in front of the lighting device (100), wherein at least one reflective surface (3a) is assigned to the lens (1) at the rear side (3) thereof, and/or wherein the lens (1) has at the rear side (3) thereof at least one total reflection region (3a?), wherein at least one light source (4) radiates light into the lens (1) via an incidence region (40), and wherein the light radiated into the lens (1) via the incidence region (40) is reflected by the at least one reflective surface (3a) and/or the at least one total reflection region (3a?) and emerges from the lens (1) via the light exit surface (2) thereof and is projected into a region in front of the lighting device (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: ZIZALA LICHTSYSTEME GMBH
    Inventors: Rüdiger Reitinger, Johann Altmann
  • Patent number: 9074754
    Abstract: A light source module is provided, which includes at least one light emitting unit and at least one light guide element. The light emitting unit includes a light source and a lens structure. The light source is used for emitting a light beam. The lens structure has a bottom surface, a top surface opposite to the bottom surface, and a first surface connecting the bottom surface and the top surface. The bottom surface has a first recess and a second recess connecting the first recess and the first surface. The top surface has a third recess. The light guide element includes at least one opening and a plurality of first optical micro-structures disposed beside the opening. The light emitting unit is disposed in the opening. The light beam passes through the lens structure and enters the light guide element via the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Young Lighting Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Chien-Chung Liao, Hung-Wei Liu
  • Patent number: 9052090
    Abstract: A light fixture includes a housing that has a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end are opposite each other. The light fixture includes a circuit board that has a light emitting diode (LED). The circuit board is attached to a mounting bracket inside the housing. The light fixture further includes a first reflector insert positioned adjacent to the circuit board on a first side of the circuit board. The first reflector insert is configured to reflect light from the LED. The first reflector insert is removably attached to the first end of the housing and to the second end of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: José Antonio Laso, Smita Anaokar
  • Publication number: 20150117048
    Abstract: A vehicle auxiliary light assembly (VALA) that is comprised of a first LED section that is vertically attached adjacent the right side of a vehicle's rear window and a similar second LED section that is vertically attached adjacent the left side of a vehicle's rear window. Each LED section is controlled by a vehicle's rear lights control terminal that produces a white light when a reverse signal is applied, a yellow light when the right or left turn is applied, and a red light when a brake signal is applied when a selected vehicle light is activated, a corresponding LED illuminates in synchrony with the selected vehicle light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Yao Hung Huang
  • Publication number: 20150117049
    Abstract: An assembly for forming an air-guiding element for a motor vehicle, comprising a shell-shaped air-guiding body and a brake lamp. The air-guiding body has an elongated opening which extends through the air-guiding body. To form an air-guiding element, the elongated opening can be closed off at least in regions by a light emitting surface of the brake lamp. By disposing the brake lamp in a predetermined position, the brake lamp is enclosed at least in regions by the air-guiding body. At least one retention element is integrally formed on a retention side of an air-guiding body portion of the air-guiding body. At least one counterpart retention element is integrally formed on a retention side of the brake lamp. The retention element can be retained on the counterpart retention element so as to retain the air-guiding body on the brake lamp in the predetermined brake lamp position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: REHAU AG+ Co
    Inventors: Bennet Anderseck, Christian Wolff, Paul Kirchesner, Joerg Kammerer
  • Patent number: 8992058
    Abstract: A lighting device for a motor vehicle includes a light source, at least two plate-shaped light guide elements having at least some areas that scatter or refract light, and a framework to maintain the at least two light guide elements in close proximity such that their mid-perpendiculars lie on a common straight line. The framework is configured to at least partly surround a boundary of the light guide elements and to guide light. The framework is coupled optically to the light source so that light is projected from the light source into the framework and from the framework into the light guide elements, and is conducted from the light guide elements to the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Jens Dietmar Reuschel, Christoph Schmitz
  • Patent number: 8992060
    Abstract: One embodiment of a vehicle lamp assembly may include a housing, which includes a pair of opposing reflective surfaces defining a chamber therebetween. The assembly may further have a single light emitting diode (LED) disposed within the chamber and a lens carried by the housing. At least one of the reflective surfaces may have a grain pattern configured to interact the light emitted from the single LED with the housing in a range between one and five times before the housing directs the light through the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mahendra Somasara Dassanayake, Arun Kumar, Martin Witte
  • Patent number: 8950798
    Abstract: A vehicle spoiler that is provided to the rear part of the vehicle body and extends in the width direction of the vehicle. The spoiler is provided with a resin external surface member; and a metallic reinforcement member for reinforcing the external surface member. The reinforcement member is provided with a reinforcement body extending rearward with respect to the vehicle body from the rear part thereof. The external surface member has an upper member that extends in the width direction of the vehicle above the reinforcement body, and also has a lower member that extends in the width direction of the vehicle below the reinforcement body. The reinforcement body is inserted through the inside of the hollow closed cross-section formed by the upper member and the lower member. The upper member and the lower member are joined within the hollow closed cross-section to the reinforcement body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Inubushi
  • Publication number: 20150016138
    Abstract: A light assembly includes a housing adapted for mounting on a vehicle, wherein the housing includes a brake light input coupled to the light source and a marker light input coupled to the light source. An electrical circuit is configured to energize the light source at a brightness suitable for an identification lamp when at least one headlight of the vehicle is illuminated and also is configured to energize the light source at a brightness suitable for a stop lamp when the vehicle brake is applied, whether or not the identification lamp is energized. In this configuration, the can function as an identification light and as a center high mount stop light (CHMSL).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Robert A. Dolan
  • Publication number: 20140369059
    Abstract: A vehicle glazing comprising a pane of glazing material having an exposed surface and a light emitting diode device a) other than an auxiliary stop lamp adhesively attached to the exposed surface of the pane of glazing material, or b) in the form of an auxiliary stop lamp adhesively attached to the exposed surface of the pane of glazing material, the lamp comprising a substrate having a functional surface on which a plurality of light emitting diodes is provided, and which is provided with a layer of transparent encapsulant to cover the light emitting diodes is disclosed. A process for the production of such a vehicle glazing comprising applying adhesive to a surface of the vehicle glazing, positioning the light emitting diode device with respect to the pane of glazing material and activating the adhesive is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: Pilkington Group Limited
    Inventors: Neil Barton, Stephen Roland Day
  • Patent number: 8909432
    Abstract: A vehicular illuminating device includes a first illuminating part configured to illuminate in a traveling direction of a vehicle, a second illuminating part configured to be able to emit light by using an illumination pattern different from that of the first illuminating part, and a control part configured to control the second illuminating part so that the second illuminating part can illuminate in a direction of a recommended route by using the illumination pattern different from that of the first illuminating part if a route guiding part is guiding the vehicle to a destination along the recommended route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tatsuya Takagaki
  • Patent number: 8899805
    Abstract: A light bar assembly mounted on the roof or rear door of an emergency vehicle. The assembly includes a light bar support shaped for the particular make and model of a vehicle on which the assembly is installed or alternately a support configured for mounting on two or more different vehicle models. The support has openings formed in it, each corresponding to the location of a preexisting opening formed in the vehicle for electrical wiring and mounting fasteners that can be used to attach the support to the vehicle so that no additional openings or other alterations are required. This allows the light bar assembly to be readily mounted on the vehicle without modifications to the vehicle or the assembly being required. Lights are mounted on the support. The lights are selectively illuminated in accordance with the use of the vehicle in emergency or other situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventors: David Helterbrand, John Helterbrand
  • Publication number: 20140307461
    Abstract: A vehicle tail-light unit (VTLU) that is designed to be attached to a rear structure of a vehicle such as a towed trailer. The VTLU includes a plurality of voltage regulators that control the illumination of a series of LEDs. The LEDs produce a red light when the vehicle brakes are depressed, a yellow light when either a right-turn or left-turn lever is depressed and a white light when the vehicle is placed in reverse. The VTLU is enclosed in a housing that can be configured as a triangle, a circle or a rectangle and can include a red reflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventor: Yao Hung Huang
  • Publication number: 20140301101
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a center high mounted stop lamp for a vehicle, such as a four- or two or three-wheeled motor vehicle, which makes a vehicle behind aware of its approach to a vehicle ahead in accordance with an actuation of the latter's brake system. In particular, it relates to a multifunctional multiple color center high mounted stop lamp for mounting in the interior or exterior of the vehicle, which includes multiple light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured to emit different colors through a single optical lens. This present invention enhances the safety of the vehicle by combining the advantages of a center high mounted stop lamp with the advantages of a hazard warning/signaling device. Combining these advantages into the multifunctional multiple color center high mounted stop lamp cooperate to increase overall vehicle safety and creates a synergistic effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Mr. Derek Terrell Russ
  • Publication number: 20140293639
    Abstract: A braking light system mounted on a road vehicle includes at least one braking light, a power source, a detecting unit, and a controlling unit. The braking light includes a light guide plate, a first light source, and a second light source. The light guide plate includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall and a plurality of holes and depressions to release internal light, the holes are arranged to present a decreasing diameter and decreasing density of holes between the light sources and sidewalls. The controlling unit controls the power source to provide power for the first light source at night, and when the detecting unit detects deceleration, the controlling unit is prompted to further control the power source to provide power for the second light source to emit light to provide an effective visual braking warning to any following driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: YUNG-LUN HUANG
  • Patent number: 8845159
    Abstract: The present invention includes a system, method, and apparatus for configuring one modified marker light to function as one or more of a marker light, a CHMSL, and a brake light. The modified marker light includes a first input coupled to a CHMSL, a second input coupled to one or more marker lights, a third input coupled to a ground, and a circuit associated with the modified marker light to control the function of the marker light, the CHMSL, and the brake light. The modified marker light illuminates (as one or more of the marker light, the CHMSL, and the brake light) upon a driver using a brake of a vehicle when the one or more marker lights are not energized. The modified marker light illuminates as one or more of the marker light, the CHMSL, and the brake light upon a driver using the brake of the vehicle when the one or more marker lights are already energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: U-Haul International, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Dolan
  • Patent number: 8833984
    Abstract: An assembly (1) uncommonly capable of having low bulk and particular ergonomy, comprises a light source (2) having means for generating and emitting at least one light beam (3); a support (4) for said means for generating and emitting a light beam (3) suitable for connecting to a structure of a motorcycle; in which said assembly also comprises: a tank (5) suitable for containing a fluid for a brake or clutch system (6), able to be connected to a pump (7) to activate a braking or clutch device of said system, and in which said support (4) is connected to said tank (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Freni Brembo, S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gabriele Verdelli, Roberto Pellegrini, Riccardo Bertone, Francesco Ghilardini
  • Patent number: 8770808
    Abstract: A bicycle tail light has a casing containing LEDs and a battery, as well as a universal mounting for engaging a bicycle luggage rack, a chain stay, a seat post or a rider's messenger bag, backpack or clothing. A swivel mounting is included for adjusting the light to an appropriate tilt angle, depending on the position of the bicycle component on which the light's base is mounted. The tail light projects light from both sides as well as to the rear, providing over 180° of visibility. A micro USB charging port for the battery is located at the outside of the light casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Light & Motion Industries
    Inventors: Damon Campbell, Roxanne Lo, Christopher McCaslin, Doug Foss, Daniel T. Emerson
  • Patent number: 8714792
    Abstract: A bumper adapted for mounting to a trailer is provided. The bumper comprises a tail skirt extending horizontally across the rear of the trailer. Upright bars mount to and intersect the tail skirt. The tail skirt comprises a groove for receiving a recessed light bar comprising multiple signal lights. The wiring harness extends from the light bar into a space behind the upright bars and passes through openings in the tail skirt behind the upright bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Fontaine Trailer Company, Inc.
    Inventor: James H. Adams
  • Publication number: 20140049976
    Abstract: The intent of this present invention referred to as the A.S.D. light system is to prevent rear end collisions and therefore improve safety and reduce fatalities on highways and streets. These tail lights indicate whether the vehicle Is accelerating, stopping or decelerating. The A.S.D. light System places an additional light on each side of a vehicle's existing high center brake light. To the immediate left of the brake light is a green light that indicates acceleration. To the immediate right of the brake light is an amber light that indicates deceleration. Although this invention has been described with respect to Specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto In it's various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art and is intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the inventor as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claim herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventors: Henry Joseph Leason, Dewayne Joseph Fisher
  • Patent number: 8653957
    Abstract: A visual indicator assembly and adaptor for a trailer includes an control circuit, an input lamp plug electrically coupled to the control circuit, an output lamp plug electrically coupled to the control circuit, and an identification lamp plug electrically coupled to the control circuit. The input lamp plug is connectable to a trailer lamp plug of a lamp wiring harness of the trailer. The output lamp plug is connectable to a stop lamp of the trailer. The identification lamp plug is connectable to a corresponding identification lamp plug of the lamp wiring harness. The control circuit is configured to supply a first voltage signal to a plurality of lamps of the trailer in response to a power signal and supply a second voltage signal to the plurality of lamps in response to a brake signal. The second voltage signal is greater than the first voltage signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Wabash National, L.P.
    Inventors: Rodney Ehrlich, David Pickup
  • Patent number: 8622595
    Abstract: A bicycle brake light controlling assembly has a lamp device, a controller device and a trigger device. The lamp device has a brake light and a wireless receiving unit. The controller device is capable of wirelessly emitting a controlling signal to the lamp device and has a wireless emitting unit. The trigger device is electrically connected with the controller device and is capable of being mounted securely on a brake lever of a bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventor: Pao-Liang Chen
  • Patent number: 8604922
    Abstract: A motor vehicle taillight comprising a frame configured to be removably mounted to a vehicle, a housing coupled to the frame, a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) positioned along the frame, and a programmable electronic system configured to received an input signal and to selectively provide power to the at least one sets of LED arrays based on a program selected by a user and received input signal. The programmable electronic system is also configured to be selectively placed into a program mode upon activation of a switch, and when in the program mode, to select one of the plurality of programs based on at least one of a turn signal or brake signal of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Glen Harris
  • Patent number: 8571761
    Abstract: A vehicular illuminating device includes a first illuminating part configured to illuminate in a traveling direction of a vehicle, a second illuminating part configured to be able to emit light by using an illumination pattern different from that of the first illuminating part, and a control part configured to control the second illuminating part so that the second illuminating part can illuminate in a direction of a recommended route by using the illumination pattern different from that of the first illuminating part if a route guiding part is guiding the vehicle to a destination along the recommended route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tatsuya Takagaki
  • Patent number: 8562188
    Abstract: A wiring structure of a rear combination light of a vehicle includes a light-side wire, a vehicle-body-side wire holding portion, a stay, a light-side wire holding portion and a wire coupler. The vehicle-body-side wire holding portion is mounted on a rear surface of the vehicle body to hold an intermediate portion of a vehicle-body-side wire. The light-side wire holding portion is mounted on the stay to hold an intermediate portion of the light-side wire on a distal end portion of the stay. The wire coupler is arranged between the rear surface of the vehicle body and a back surface of the rear combination light. The light-side wire is connected to the vehicle-body-side wire via the wire coupler in a state where the rear combination light is mounted on the rear portion of the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Ono, Makoto Hattori, Koji Suzuki, Yoshiya Omuro, Masayuki Hojo, Katsuhisa Yamada
  • Patent number: 8517583
    Abstract: A Light Emitting Diode Lamp Module for specific use in all vehicle tail, brake or turn signal lamp fixtures for integrated single and dual element operation. The module has integrated dual element control circuitry, voltage and current control circuitry, brightness enhancement circuitry, and LED circuitry built into the universal body to produce a bright, reliable, long life, energy efficient LED lamp that fits all vehicles. Preferably, there is a built-in or attached load/resistance to match the impedance/resistance requirements of the application for which the bulb is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Jam Strait, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Wesson
  • Patent number: 8500317
    Abstract: A vehicle illuminating device for the integrated attachment in each edge region of a motor vehicle, has a housing with at least one chamber, a light source positioned in a bracket, a reflector, an intermediate light disc with a prism arranged therein in at least partial regions, wherein the intermediate light disc has at least one signal function region dyed in a signal color, and electric connection contacts and a cover housing disc are spaced from the light disc. The reflector has in a first chamber a lateral section provided in a predominantly horizontal, lateral direction facing away from the vehicle. The housing has a lateral light region extending into the lateral region of the vehicle body, an additional lateral intermediate light disc arranged in the region, wherein the cover housing disc covers also the lateral light region with the lateral intermediate light disc from the outside at a distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventor: Andre Janssen
  • Patent number: 8480255
    Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) lamp and socket system is disclosed. The lamp comprises a first pair of side connecting pins adapted to provide electrical input to at least one LED, the first pair of side connecting pins positioned at an angle from one another such that the angle between the first pair of side connecting pins is defined from the horizontal cross-sectional center of the lamp and the first pair of side connecting pins protrudes outwards from the lamp. The socket is adapted for receiving a LED lamp partially therein, it comprises a base portion adapted to secure at least one pair of side connecting pins of the LED lamp and a top portion adapted for receiving at least one pair of electrical wires, such that when the base portion and top portion are connected, each of the at least one pair of side connecting pins electrically contacts an electrical wire and thereby provides electrical input to the LED lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Boon Hiong Sim
  • Patent number: 8439541
    Abstract: A decorative LED tail light arrangement comprising a decorative tail light attached to a tail light panel of a vehicle, where the decorative tail light is arrange at one end of the tail light panel and an second decorative tail light is attached at an opposing end, a plurality of LED turning lights attached to the decorative tail light, where the plurality of LED turning lights are arranged in a mirrored double-C pattern; and a plurality of LED brake lights attached to the decorative tail light, wherein the plurality of LED brake lights are arranged to surround the plurality of LED turning lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Andrew Emerson
  • Publication number: 20130077336
    Abstract: A light bar assembly mounted on the roof or rear door of an emergency vehicle. The assembly includes a light bar support shaped for the particular make and model of a vehicle on which the assembly is installed or alternately a support configured for mounting on two or more different vehicle models. The support has openings formed in it, each corresponding to the location of a preexisting opening formed in the vehicle for electrical wiring and mounting fasteners that can be used to attach the support to the vehicle so that no additional openings or other alterations are required. This allows the light bar assembly to be readily mounted on the vehicle without modifications to the vehicle or the assembly being required. Lights are mounted on the support. The lights are selectively illuminated in accordance with the use of the vehicle in emergency or other situations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventors: David Helterbrand, John Helterbrand
  • Patent number: 8398282
    Abstract: A vehicle front lighting assembly, or headlight assembly, that includes one or more variable tint electrowetting elements overlying a portion of the assembly lens surface. The variable tint electrowetting element is configured to operate to a transparent state whereby the hue of light passing therethrough is not changed, and a tinted state where the hue of light passing therethrough is changed. Alternatively, the variable tint electrowetting element is configured to operate to the tinted state and an opaque state where light is blocked from passing through the electrowetting element. The assembly may use light emitting diodes (LED) as an alternative to more conventional light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick F. Kuhlman, Dwadasi H. R. Sarma, Nasser Lukmani
  • Publication number: 20130051060
    Abstract: A comprehensive system for providing elements to make a personal vehicle safe and legal for driving on common streets. The system includes all lighting elements that make a personal vehicle street-legal and safe within a single package to allow for easy additions to existing vehicles. Combined elements may include headlights, turning signals, running/parking lights, brake lights, a horn, and windshield wipers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Robert J. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 8384556
    Abstract: An elliptically housed solar powered intrusion detection/notification device having a flashing LED light source and audible human voice alarm activated by a passive infrared (PIR) sensor motion detector in conjunction with a battery recharged via surface mounted photovoltaic cells, and a control circuit coupled to the light source/alarm, the PIR motion detector and the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventors: Gordon Ko, Lance Dean
  • Patent number: 8342724
    Abstract: A rear combination lamp includes a reflector 102, a tail lamp bulb 82 and a tail/stop lamp bulb 83 attached to the reflector 102, and a lens 91 disposed rearward of the bulbs 82, 83 and attached to a tail lamp reflector portion 103. When the rear combination lamp is attached to a motorcycle, the lens 91 is provided to be inclined obliquely rearwardly and upwardly. An upper half portion of the lens 91 is formed to have a cut-lens portion 92, as a uniform-light-emission design surface, processed with projections and depressions in a vehicle width direction. A lower half portion of the lens 91 is formed to have a clear lens portion 93, as a clear lens surface, disposed frontward, in a vehicle body, of an extension line 132 of the cut-lens portion 92.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Hotei, Satoshi Kogo, Hayato Ohashi
  • Patent number: 8322902
    Abstract: An optical system for a motor vehicle, the optical system performing at least one main optical function and including in particular a diffusion screen, at least one light source of the LED type, each LED of the optical system producing a set of rays of light to be propagated in the diffusion screen wherein the screen is in the form of a curved sheet, with an upper lateral flange and a lower lateral flange which meet at a periphery which has in particular a rear face and a front edge and the principal function is performed essentially via an output face constituted by the front edge of the diffusion screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Laure Martin, Benjamin Vernisse, Benjamin Thierry, Nicolas Vathonne, Jean-Claude Gasquet
  • Patent number: 8317379
    Abstract: The invention provides a car lighting unit comprising a reflector and a light source arranged to generate light. The reflector circumferentially surrounds the light source and has a reflector opening. The reflector is arranged to reflect at least part of the light from the light source through the reflector opening. The car lighting unit further comprises a source-related 3D hologram and a source-unrelated 3D hologram. The car lighting unit is 5 constructed to generate a beam of light and a source-related holographic 3D image, using light from the light source, during operation of the lighting unit, and a source-unrelated 3D holographic image when the lighting unit is not in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Emmanuel Wilhelmus Johannes Leonardus Oomen, Lingli Wang
  • Patent number: 8292480
    Abstract: A lamp is provided. The lamp includes a lamp housing; light emitting diodes (LEDs); a main reflector disposed so as to oppose to the LEDs for reflecting light emitted from the LEDs towards a front side of the lamp; a sub-reflector which is interposed between the LEDs and the main reflector, and which reflects and diffuses the light emitted from the LEDs towards the main reflector; an LED element assembly which extends in parallel with the sub-reflector and comprises a plurality of flat portions, each flat portion corresponding to one of the plurality of LEDs and on which the corresponding LED is mounted, adjacent ones of the flat portions being coupled together by at least one step portion; and a center portion which covers the LED element assembly and the LEDs such that the LEDs are not exposed to the front side of the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroya Koizumi, Miki Mochizuki
  • Publication number: 20120256543
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to illuminated devices attached to vehicles. More specifically, an illuminated device may be attached to a vehicle in the form of an illuminated logo or emblem. The illumination of the device may be controlled for color, state, and/or intensity in response to vehicle signals received by the device. In addition, the illuminated device may use switching circuitry to interface with a vehicle's electrical power and/or signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: CMARLITE, LLC
    Inventors: Howard Marcove, Philip Allen Boe
  • Publication number: 20120189422
    Abstract: A cargo platform system which can be uncoupled from a vehicle frame and lowered to a ground surface using a self-contained jack system after the vehicle has been removed from beneath the platform. The cargo platform system may comprise a sub-frame having deck-rails for attachment to a vehicle frame, a platform having deck-rails for removably coupling to the sub-frame, and a jack system comprising a first jack, a second jack, a third jack, and a fourth jack removably attached to a left front corner, a right front corner, a left rear corner, and a right rear corner respectively. All four jacks of the jack system are in communication together such that extension and retraction of the jacks are simultaneous and electric motors atop each jack are removable for storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventor: James Learned
  • Patent number: 8192063
    Abstract: An interior light bar adapted to be installed on the rear deck of a vehicle for projecting light out of the rear window. The light bar has a pair of projection units each having a housing and each slidably mounted on a rail which extends through the housings from an end thereof and along a rear, closed side. The units each contain light emitters which project the light out of the open side of the units. The units are assembled with a selected separation distance so that the ends through which the rail extends are essentially in contact or sufficiently spread apart to clear a brake light assembly on the rear deck or even further apart so as to provide a wide width of illumination out of the rear window from the light bar. The rail may be channel which provides a conduit for wiring from the light emitter units. Fasteners which connect the housings and the rail into an integrated assembly extend through the closed side of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Star Headlight & Lantern Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Steven W. Neufeglise