Abstract: A vehicle puddle lamp assembly is provided that includes a plurality of light projectors located on a vehicle and configured to illuminate different lighted image patterns on a ground surface adjacent to the vehicle. The vehicle puddle lamp assembly includes a controller for sequentially activating the plurality of light projectors to generate an animated lighted image on the ground surface. The animated image moves in a location based on a door position.

Abstract: A lighting system of a vehicle is provided herein. A floor console bin is provided having a housing and a movable lid. A reflective target is coupled to the floor console bin. An overhead console is provided having an IR transmitter for emitting an IR signal toward a target location, an IR receiver for receiving and detecting the IR signal reflected by the target, and a projector for illuminating the housing based on detection of the IR signal.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a closure frame configured to engage an opening formed by a body of the vehicle. A light source is disposed proximate an edge of the closure frame such that an emission of light from the light source is projected through a gap between the closure frame and the body. The emission is projected through the gap in response to the closure frame being arranged in an ajar position.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The illumination apparatus comprises a light source disposed proximate an engine compartment configured output an emission to illuminate a component moving at a cyclic rate. The apparatus further comprises a controller configured to selectively illuminate the light source at a lighting frequency. The lighting frequency is configured to generate a strobe effect configured to create a sampled illumination of the component.

Abstract: An illuminated emblem assembly that includes a power source; a light-producing assembly that is coupled to the power source, supported by a backing member and comprises a plurality of light-emitting diode sources; a chromatic layer comprising an emblem shape over the light-producing assembly, wherein the shape is visible under ambient lighting; and a polycarbonate sealing structure over the chromatic layer that seals the backing member, the light-producing assembly, and the chromatic layer. Further, the sealing structure can comprise a design feature. In addition, the plurality of light-emitting diode sources can be dispersed in the light-producing assembly. The light-emitting diode sources can also be micro-sized elements comprising gallium nitride that are arranged on a positive electrode layer in the form of an ink.

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: An illumination apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The illumination apparatus comprises at least on fabric portion comprising a first photoluminescent portion having a first luminescent absorption range. The illumination apparatus further comprises a second photoluminescent portion having a second luminescent absorption range. A light source is configured to emit a first emission at a first wavelength directed toward the fabric portion, wherein the first wavelength is within the first absorption range and significantly outside the second absorption range.

Abstract: An apparatus for illuminating a vehicle cupholder is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a cavity formed by a console. The cavity is configured to receive a container and has a base portion. The base portion comprises a light-transmissive portion configured to transmit electromagnetic energy. A light source is configured to emit a first emission proximate the light-transmissive portion. The apparatus further comprises a photoluminescent portion proximate the light-transmissive portion. The photoluminescent portion is configured to be excited in response to the first emission to generate a second emission configured to illuminate the cavity.

Abstract: A vehicle illumination apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an access panel configured to conceal an access region of a fueling receptacle. A light source is disposed proximate the access region and is in communication with a controller. The illumination apparatus further comprises at least one photoluminescent portion disposed proximate the access region and configured to illuminate at least a portion of the access region.

Abstract: A grille assembly of a vehicle is provided herein and includes at least one grille bar. A first photoluminescent structure is provided at a first location of the at least one grille bar and is configured to luminesce when excited by light emitted from a light source. A second photoluminescent structure is provided at a second location of the at least one grille bar and is configured to luminesce when excited by light emitted from the first photoluminescent structure.

Abstract: A charging system for a vehicle. The charging system includes an on-board battery, a charger region and a wireless receiver for generating a charging signal in the charger region to charge a battery. The system also includes a plurality of sensors located to sense living beings and foreign objects in proximity to the charger region. The system further includes a controller for filtering transient conditions and terminating the charging signal when a being or a foreign object is near the charger region.

Abstract: A vehicle illumination apparatus is disclosed. The illumination apparatus comprises a storage compartment forming an interior cavity disposed in a cargo area and a cover. The cover comprises a handle configured to facilitate access to the storage compartment from a closed position to an open position. The illumination apparatus further comprises at least one photoluminescent portion disposed proximate the storage compartment configured to illuminate at least a portion of the handle in the closed position.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The illumination apparatus comprises a photoluminescent portion disposed on a step portion and a first light source. The first light source is configured to excite the photoluminescent portion in a back-lit configuration. The illumination apparatus further comprises a lighting controller in communication with the first light source. The lighting controller is configured to activate the first light source to illuminate the photoluminescent portion by exciting a photoluminescent material by emitting a first wavelength of light. In response to receiving the first wavelength, the photoluminescent material is configured to become excited to illuminate at least a portion of the step portion.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The illumination apparatus comprises a photoluminescent portion disposed on a downward facing portion of the vehicle and a light source located proximate the downward facing portion. The light source is configured to emit light at a first wavelength directed toward the photoluminescent portion. In response to receiving the light at the first wavelength, the photoluminescent portion is configured to convert the first wavelength to at least a second wavelength, longer than the first wavelength, to illuminate a surface beneath the vehicle.

Abstract: A dome light assembly for a vehicle is provided herein. The dome light assembly includes a headliner having a trough and a light-producing assembly arranged as a strip configured to be received in the trough. The light-producing assembly includes a plurality of light sources and a photoluminescent structure configured to luminesce in response to excitation by the plurality of light sources.

Abstract: A warning indicator system for a vehicle includes an indicator for providing visible signals in a portion of a rear vision minor housing. The indicator may be operatively connected to one or both of a proximity sensor system and to a turn signal control system of the vehicle. The indicator provides a visible light signal from a mirror skull cap portion, without using available mirror reflective surface. In embodiments, printed LED strips are associated with the minor skull cap for providing the visible light signal. Rear-vision mirror assemblies including the described warning indicator system are provided.

Abstract: A lighting system for a vehicle steering assembly is provided herein. The lighting system includes a steering wheel having a central hub and a rim connected to the hub through a spoke. A light source is disposed on the rim. A first photoluminescent structure is disposed on the steering wheel and configured to luminesce in response to excitation by at least a portion of the light source. In some embodiments, the light source may implement a thin design, thereby helping to fit the light source into small package spaces of the vehicle where traditional light sources may not be practicable.

Abstract: An illuminated emblem assembly is provided that includes a power source, a backing member, and a light-producing assembly coupled to the power source and supported by the backing member. The light-producing assembly includes a plurality of light-emitting diode sources. The light-producing assembly may also include a plurality of micro-sized, dispersed light-emitting diode sources. The illuminated emblem assembly further includes a translucent base region over the light sources, a chromatic layer over the translucent base region and a UV-stable translucent sealing structure over the chromatic layer that seals the backing member, the light producing assembly, and the chromatic layer. The sealing structure may be UV-stable and/or include a design feature. The illuminated emblem assembly exhibits a chrome- or mirror-like finish when viewed under ambient lighting conditions. Further, the illuminated emblem assembly possesses a glowing appearance when activated under low light or nighttime conditions.

Abstract: A lighting system for a vehicle seatbelt assembly is provided herein. The lighting system includes a first seatbelt component configured to couple to a second seatbelt component. A light source is disposed on the first seatbelt component. A photoluminescent structure is disposed on the second component and is configured to luminesce in response to excitation by the light source.

Abstract: An illuminated vehicle seatbelt assembly is provided herein. The vehicle seatbelt assembly includes a buckle having a housing and a latch mechanism. A light source is disposed within the housing. A light guide directs light from the light source to a top portion of the housing. A first photoluminescent structure is disposed within the buckle and is configured to luminesce in response to excitation by the light source.