Abstract: The present invention provides a secondary lens between the display lens and the vacuum florescent display. Both the lenses have an index of refraction greater than 1 which results in a momentary change in the viewing angle while the light passes through each lens. Since two lenses are used, the overall effective lens thickness for effective light shifting is increased while the cross sectional thickness of each lens remains uniform. Preferably, each lens is made of a polycarbonate material and has an index of refraction of 1.59. In another aspect of the present invention, the display lens is constructed of a smoke material and the secondary lens is clear.

Abstract: A CD disc blocker and guide device is integrated into the escutcheon-lens assembly to prevent insertion of a CD disc between the CD player unit and the top cover to which it is attached. If such insertion is attempted, a guide surface on the device will deflect the disc into an appropriate path for successful CD disc loading. Also, this device prevents the accidental insertion of a CD disc into the player unit when another disc has been loaded therein. This invention accordingly prevents jamming and lodging of the discs in the CD unit or CD-AM/FM radio unit detracting from or preventing unit operation and further eliminates disc damage resulting from improper disc insertion.

Abstract: Rocker buttons for devices such as automotive audio systems are mounted in escutcheons of the audio systems by using rocker frame members. Light dams, unitary with the rocker frame members shield LEDs used to illuminate indicia in the rocker buttons so that the light is not transmitted through gaps between the rocker buttons and the edges of openings through the escutcheons which receive the rocker buttons. Trunions extend laterally from the rocker buttons and are received within bearings formed by grooves in the escutcheons. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the rocker frames retain trunions in the bearings and in accordance with another embodiment of the invention peripheral display lenses overlie the trunions to hold the trunions in the bearings.

Abstract: Rocker buttons for devices such as automotive audio systems are mounted in escutcheons of the audio systems by using rocker frame members. Light dams, unitary with the rocker frame members shield lamps used to illuminate indicia in the rocker buttons so that the light is not transmitted through gaps between the rocker buttons and the edges of openings through the escutcheons which receive the rocker buttons. Trunions extend laterally from the rocker buttons and are received within bearings formed by grooves in the escutcheons. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the rocker frames retain trunions in the bearings and in accordance with another embodiment of the invention peripheral display lenses overlie the trunions to hold the trunions in the bearings.

Abstract: Spring-clips are pressed into push buttons to provide a stabilized and yieldable fit on the ends of cassette player control levers. This allows freedom of button movement, if needed, to enhance the assembly of the escutcheon-lens assembly to the cassette player-chassis assembly. Because of the great accumulation of tolerances between the escutcheon-lens assembly and the cassette player-chassis, the spring clips provide sufficient freedom of movement of the buttons relative to the levers, as needed, to improve the alignment of the buttons with corresponding openings in the escutcheon-lens assembly. Once the escutcheon-lens assembly is secured to the player-chassis assembly. This invention eliminates or reduces button rattle while imparting a firm feeling to the activation action of the button.

Abstract: Most motor vehicles contain an audio such as a radio, cassette player or compact disc player. A housing generally having a box-like shape and an open end surround the actual hardware. A cover fits over the open end of the housing. The present invention provides a positive means for attaching and holding the front cover to the housing. A lip section of the cover is tightly held between upper and lower tabs integral with the housing. The interference fit created by the tabs tends to reduce the possibility of annoying rattling or buzzing sounds during vehicle operation due to a loose fit of the cover onto the housing.

Abstract: A heatsinking arrangement for a heat-generating component of a car radio, tape cassette or the like. A heatsink is connected to the chassis. The components are secured in place on the chassis by belt loops each having one end integrally connected to the chassis and the other end free of the chassis. The belt loops extend around the components and clamp them to the heatsink through openings in the chassis. A screw extends through a hole in the free end of each belt loop and through a registering hole in the heatsink to secure the free end to the heatsink.