Abstract: A panel assembly (10) for an automotive vehicle has a transparent panel (12) having opposing first (14) and second (16) surfaces. A portion of the first surface includes refractive structure (18) integral with the panel (12). At least one light source (22) is positioned at an edge of the panel for introducing light into the panel (12). The refractive structure (18) reflects light from the light source (22) out through a portion of the second surface (16). A film laminate (20) is positioned generally opposite the refractive structure (18). When the light source (22) is operatively connected to a vehicle braking system and the film laminate (20) is red, the panel assembly (10) will indicate a braking condition.

Abstract: A rear signal lamp of an automotive vehicle comprising a lamp housing and a curved cover lens for enclosing a thin light managing system. The thin light managing systems includes a plurality of backlight light-emitting diodes mounted in a light mounting substrate and secured to the lamp housing. A control module operatively connected to the light-emitting diodes for controlling the operation and illumination of the light-emitting diodes. A reflector matrix having a plurality of reflector cones corresponding to each of the light-emitting diodes in the mounting substrate and a hybrid optics panel having a direct lensing section covering the reflector matrix and light-emitting diodes and a double redirecting light pipe section surrounding the lensing section. A single light-emitting diodes is coupled along spaced apart quadrants of the redirecting light pipe.

Abstract: A backlight assembly for a convertible roof of a vehicle has a fabric roof cover having a backlight opening formed therein and a plurality of apertures formed therein about a periphery of the backlight opening. A glazing is disposed in the backlight opening. The glazing has a flange extending about a periphery thereof which overlaps a portion of the fabric roof cover. The flange has a plurality of fastener-receiving structures, each of which are received within a corresponding one of the plurality of apertures in the roof cover. A first frame member extends about a periphery of the glazing and overlaps the flange and sealingly engages the roof cover. A second frame member extends about periphery of the glazing and overlaps the flange. The second frame member is disposed opposite the first frame member with the flange and the roof cover disposed therebetween.

Abstract: A separation optics structure comprising a transparent unitary body portion extending between a first wide end and a second distal end defines a wedge-shaped structure. The body portion includes a front portion defining a generally planar front illumination surface, a back portion having a plurality of beveled redirecting facets spaced apart by intermediate areas, and a plurality of optics elements disposed within the intermediate areas. A first light source is coupled at the wide end to transmitted light longitudinally through the body portion toward the redirecting facets. The redirecting facets having reflective surfaces transverse to the planar front illumination surface to reflect and scatter the light toward the front surface in a relatively low intensity light distribution. A second light source is coupled adjacent the back portion behind the intermediate areas.

Abstract: A rear signal lamp of an automotive vehicle comprising a lamp housing and a curved cover lens for enclosing a thin light managing system. The thin light managing systems includes a plurality of backlight light-emitting diodes mounted in a light mounting substrate and secured to the lamp housing. A control module operatively connected to the light-emitting diodes for controlling the operation and illumination of the light-emitting diodes. A reflector matrix having a plurality of reflector cones corresponding to each of the light-emitting diodes in the mounting substrate and a hybrid optics panel having a direct lensing section covering the reflector matrix and light-emitting diodes and a double redirecting light pipe section surrounding the lensing section. A single light-emitting diodes is coupled along spaced apart quadrants of the redirecting light pipe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle sunroof having variable optical transmission and a method for making the same. Specifically, a vehicle sunroof is provided that, in accordance with the present invention, comprises a relatively thin film having variable optical transmission and a relatively thick substrate layer of clear plastic material adhered to a surface of the relatively thin film. The relatively thin film is positioned in a first molding die of a pair of injection molding dies such that it is adjacent a surface of the first die. The relatively thick substrate layer is adhered to one surface of the relatively thin film while in contact therewith in a molten state under heat and pressure within a cavity defined by the injection molding dies.