Abstract: There is provided an illuminated surface mounted on a base surface. The illuminated surface includes a plurality of transmissive tiles configured to allow light to pass therethrough. Each of the transmissive tiles includes an exterior surface, an attaching surface and a plurality of lateral sides disposed between the exterior and attaching surfaces. The attaching surface is affixable to the base surface. The transmissive tiles are arranged in spaced relation to each other to define a cable channel. The cable channel is defined by opposing lateral sides of adjacent transmissive tiles. A fiber optic cable is in optical communication a light source and receives light therefrom. The fiber optic cable includes a longitudinal axis and a first segment disposed within the cable channel. The first segment is configured to radially radiate light along the longitudinal axis into the lateral sides of the adjacent transmissive tiles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light emitting system (1) for surfaces (2) of floor bottoms, walls or similar surfaces (2) of buildings for indoor or outdoor applications, in particular walkable or drivable surfaces (2), whereas the system comprises a laminar and plane base floor material (3) for flooring the surface (2), featuring a top surface (4) characterized in that on said top surface (4) of said base floor material (3) is layered a light guiding structure (5) for propagating light, which is coupled into said structure (5), whereas said structure (5) features an emission surface (6), arranged coplanar to the top surface (4) of said base floor material (3) for emitting the light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a floor panel and a flooring with a preferably continuous and unbroken front face, which is at least partially light transmitting and which has a light pattern/sign at the front face.

Abstract: A portable flooring having integral illumination devices. The flooring comprises a panel having channels extending along a front portion of the panel. Light strips in the channels are supported by the back portion of the panel. The light strips have a covering that extends along the length of the light strips. A top surface of the covering and a top surface of the panel are on the same plane. The flooring can support large weighted objects.

Abstract: A fencing strip includes a plurality of light assemblies, in communication with the scoring controller and console. The light assemblies are embedded at predetermined locations within the fencing strip to project at least two different types of light through the perforations, indicating which fencer has scored. The light assemblies are located at spaced-apart positions along the overall length of the strip which includes an electrically conductive top surface that completes a circuit when a fencer's conductive blade contacts the strip surface (a non-scoring touch). The conductive top surface is perforated to maintain a continuous contact surface that can differentiate a non-scoring touch from a fencer's blade, via an interconnection between the top surface and scoring console. The perforations allow for transmission of light therethrough. A plurality of ramped placards extend outwardly from the overhang of the elevated subsurface and the adjacent floor in a downwardly angled direction.

Abstract: A floating lamp system is provided. The system includes an object having a first inner wall and a second inner wall. A first conductive element is mounted on the first sidewall and electrically connected to the anode of a power source. A second conductive element is mounted on the second wall and electrically connected to the cathode of the power source. The system further includes a floating lamp having a balloon and a lighting element mounted in the balloon. An anode contact point is mounted on the top of the balloon and a cathode contact point is mounted on the bottom of the balloon. The lighting element is electrically connected to the anode contact point and the cathode contact point. When the floating lamp floats, causing the anode contact point to contact with the first conductive element, the lighting element is lit up.

Abstract: The invention provides a carpet back lighting system comprising a carpet back lighting unit having a lighting unit front face and a unit back face, wherein the lighting unit front face comprises a light source, arranged to generate light, and accompanying optics. The carpet back lighting system is suitable as back lighting at a carpet unit back side of a light transmissive carpet unit selected from the group consisting a carpet and a carpet tile. Further, the optics are suitable to be arranged to guide light into the light transmissive carpet unit, and wherein the optics are suitable to be arranged to penetrate into at least part of the light transmissive carpet unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mosaic floor (20) consisting of layers and comprising at least one mosaic section (26) comprising illuminating elements (3) that are integrated into the mosaic floor (20) and the structure comprises at least the following layers: a mosaic layer (13) that has a plurality of individual mosaic elements (2) and a plurality of individual illuminating elements (3), said illuminating elements (3) being connected to an electric cable or to a light conductor (4), in particular glass fibres, that are introduced from below, a channel layer (14) that comprises at least one rigid plate (7) having a channel system (15) that is open to the top or to the bottom in which the electric cable or the light conductor (4) are laid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a floor panel and a flooring with a preferably continuous and unbroken front face, which is at least partially light transmitting and which has a light pattern/sign at the front face.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing lumen depreciation caused by other than lamp lumen depreciation. In one aspect, manufacturing and assembly of the fixture uses clean-room light techniques. In another aspect of the invention, materials that have a propensity to outgas are shielded from direct exposure to light energy. Other aspects of the invention include other methodologies to eliminate causes for lumen depreciation.

Abstract: A spike for outdoor lighting fixture includes a receptacle portion integrated into the body of the spike with an open section and a removable transparent window that is configured to enclose the receptacle portion. The transparent window is attached to the receptacle portion using one or more screws or other fasteners. The spike can include an internally threaded upper portion for receiving a post upon which a lighting fixture is mounted and/or a lamp socket can be attached to the top of the spike and a protective housing fitted around the outer edges of the top of the spike. In a preferred embodiment, the receptacle portion is divided into multiple compartments, e.g., for storing excess cable or spare parts, or for securing connection points of a wiring installation. The transparent window permits visual examination of the connection within the receptacle without removing the transparent window.

Abstract: A floor assembly including a top having at least one transparent or translucent light emitting portion for emitting light is provided. At least one light source is provided for supplying light. The light source is optically connected to the light emitting portion. The assembly may include a light guide for guiding light therethrough. Also, a light refracting portion may be included for directing light emanating from the light source.

Abstract: A linear lighting apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes an elongated element having a substantially U-shaped cross-section and an LED strip placed longitudinally along a bottom of the elongated element. The apparatus further includes a first flange located on both sides of an exterior of the elongated element and a second flange located on both sides of the exterior of the elongated element. The apparatus further includes a gutter located on both sides of an interior of the elongated element and a first optical element comprising an elongated planar element composed of optical material. The apparatus further includes a rim located on a top of both sides of the elongated element and a second optical element comprising an elongated planar element for placement on top of the horizontal surface of the rim.

Abstract: An in-grade light fixture has a lamp compartment having an open upper end with a lens cover covering the open upper end. The lens cover may have a joint connection to permit travel from an open configuration to a closed configuration. A junction box is adjacent to the lens cover along an upper portion of the compartment. If a ballast is utilized for proper supply of power to the lamp, a ballast compartment is adjacent an open lower end of the lamp compartment. A hydraulic isolation chamber extends vertically downward from the junction box to the sealed ballast compartment. The hydraulic isolation chamber is filled with a potting material and prevents wicking of moisture into the ballast compartment.

Abstract: A floor assembly including a top having at least one transparent or translucent light emitting portion for emitting light is provided. At least one light source is provided for supplying light. The light source is optically connected to the light emitting portion. The assembly may include a light guide for guiding light therethrough. Also, a light refracting portion may be included for directing light emanating from the light source.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lighting arrangement for illuminating a surface. The lighting arrangement has a supporting element and a lighting unit (1) which is supported by the supporting element. The lighting unit (1) has a housing (2) which is designed to accommodate a solid-state light source (4). The housing is also transparent on at least one side. The solid-state light source (4) is suitable for generating light having wavelengths from a first wavelength region and a second wavelength region. The first wavelength region comprises wavelengths of 500-550 nm. The second wavelength region comprises wavelengths of 560-610 nm. The lighting unit (1) is designed to generate light having a dominant wavelength from the first wavelength region in such a way that the eye sensitivity of the human eye is dominated by rods.

Abstract: An LED road lamp includes a heat dissipater module containing circuit boards, LED chips, and a cooling fin seat; and a completely sealed power supply. By directly using the cooling fin seat as an outer cover of a road lamp to contact with atmosphere for cooling, and directly transmitting heat from the LED chips and the circuit boards to a stand pipe, a dual cooling effect is achieved. Heat of the power supply is dissipated from the stand pipe through its sealed outer casing, to largely increase cooling area, lower temperature, and increase a cooling efficiency, preventing the power supply from being affected by ambient weather. Therefore, lifetimes of usage of the LED circuit boards, the LED chips, and the power supply are prolonged, the circuit boards are quickly assembled on and disassembled from a cooling base, and convenience in assembling and disassembling the circuit boards is improved.

Abstract: A standing lamp, wall lamp or pole-mounted lamp having a base member unit and a column unit which carries illuminants at least in the region of its free end and whose special feature consists of the fact that the column unit has an at least substantially planar functional surface in which at least one cut-out is provided for the reception of a lighting system, in particular of an LED lighting system, with a presettable light radiation direction; and in that the functional surface extends at a presettable angle with respect to the mounting unit which forms a part of the adjustable angle of the light radiation direction presettable together with the lighting system. The invention is furthermore directed to a floor lamp.

Abstract: An LED lighting fixture includes a support structure having a horizontal cross-dimension and a top structure attached to the support structure and extending outwardly beyond the support structure. The top structure has a bottom surface with peripheral portion surrounding a non-peripheral portion. A plurality of LED emitters are positioned on the peripheral portion for emitting light in downward direction substantially outside of the horizontal cross-dimension of the support structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mosaic floor (20) consisting of layers and comprising at least one mosaic section (26) comprising illuminating elements (3) that are integrated into the mosaic floor (20) and the structure comprises at least the following layers: a mosaic layer (13) that has a plurality of individual mosaic elements (2) and a plurality of individual illuminating elements (3), said illuminating elements (3) being connected to an electric cable or to a light conductor (4), in particular glass fibres, that are introduced from below, a channel layer (14) that comprises at least one rigid plate (7) having a channel system (15) that is open to the top or to the bottom in which the electric cable or the light conductor (4) are laid.

Abstract: A lighting system has a sealable housing with a lamp cavity, a junction box and a partition wall there between with the junction box being laterally from beneath a lens opening. The system further includes a closure to close an access port in the partition wall which includes a conical wall with a circular plate truncating the wall. The plate extends across the bottom of the housing and a vertically extending sealing flange receives the closure. A ballast assembly is also located from beneath the lens opening. A formed seal is positioned about a lens which extends inwardly to capture optic components beneath the lens. A locking ring is restrained from compressing against the mounting flange of the lens. A lighting system employing an LED board array and LED power control includes a heat sink beneath the board array extending downwardly to a radiator for transfer of heat from the array downwardly to the lamp cavity for dissipation.

Abstract: A floor lamp having a hidden first light source intermediate the base and the top of the lamp with an elongated tubular shade enclosing the space within in which the first light source is disposed and defining the outer periphery thereof and obscuring the first light source. A plurality of legs in the form of slat like members having a thickness and a width are equi-angularly disposed and rise from a base. A torchiere is supported at the top of the legs in order to provide illumination by a general area lighting source. The slat like legs define a centrally disposed inner space which receives the first light source, as well as a stem rising from the base and carrying electrical wiring to provide electrical energy to the first light source and the general area light source. A canopy is secured to the upper ends of the slat like legs to maintain them in position to define the centrally disposed inner space.

Abstract: A light emitting system to illuminate ice and a method for illuminating ice are disclosed herein. The system includes multiple light emitting modules that each includes a light source having at least one light emitting element and a cover having a base. The base substantially surrounds the light source. The light emitting modules may then be electrically connected to each other.

Abstract: Devices, apparatus, systems, and methods of installing LED (light emitting diodes) for glass tiles and glass blocks. The LEDs can be housed in flexible strips having flexible bendable transparent housing sleeves with ends that can interconnect by male and female ends to one another with various types of interconnectors. Each separate sleeve can house up to 33 LEDs in a transparent plastic sleeve. A transparent connector sleeve can be slid over the interconnected ends and heat shrunk in place. The glass tiles can be laid out to uniform joints spacings between the glass tiles of approximately 3/16 of an inch. The LED strips can be placed on a surface layer of transparent grout that has been laid in the joint spacing, followed by a top layer of transparent grout. The transparent grout can be removable grout and include clear Silicon. The LED strips can have peel and stick back layers with adhesive backing that allows mounting to the lower surface.

Abstract: A base body comprises two frames to put lens and solar cells. The working process is simple and the weight and the cost of the base body is reduced.

Abstract: This application describes a floor segment (11, 13) for a means of locomotion, in particular for an aircraft, for the spatial separation of an interior space of the means of locomotion into a lower space (70) and into an upper space (60). The floor segment (11, 13) comprises an upper partition (81) and a lower partition (82), which together with the upper partition encloses a hollow space (30), which is equipped for accommodating system components (20-29, 32-35) of the means of locomotion. Preferably the floor segments are of a modular design so that within a floor (80) individual floor segments (11, 13) can be exchanged for other floor segments (11, 13) that comprise identical or compatible dimensions and connections for the system components.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus (2) includes a housing (4) of plastic material, the housing (4) defining a translucent window (12), and a light emitting diode assembly (3) on a printed circuit board (34). The apparatus (2) may be attached to the hull (14) of a boat by means of a flange (10) and a nut (16). The apparatus (2) may include a heat sink (36) machined from a solid aluminum bar. The housing (4) may be connected to a sealing cap (6). The housing (4) is preferably injection-molded from a thermoplastic material such as polycarbonate. Electrical wires may extend through a central bore (42) of the heat sink (36) and the sealing cap (6).

Abstract: The invention relates to a light emitting system (1) for surfaces (2) of floor bottoms, walls or similar surfaces (2) of buildings for indoor or outdoor applications, in particular walkable or drivable surfaces (2), whereas the system comprises a laminar and plane base floor material (3) for flooring the surface (2), featuring a top surface (4) characterised in that on said top surface (4) of said base floor material (3) is layered a light guiding structure (5) for propagating light, which is coupled into said structure (5), whereas said structure (5) features an emission surface (6), arranged coplanar to the top surface (4) of said base floor material (3) for emitting the light.

Abstract: An in-grade light fixture comprises a light fixture housing arranged to be buried substantially below grade level. The light fixture housing has a light opening substantially at grade level and an optical chamber having a light source arranged within the optical chamber and the optical chamber arranged within the housing with light from the light source passing through the light opening. The fixture further comprises a plurality of housing openings and one or more enclosures, each of which is removably mounted to a respective one of the housing openings. The enclosures accept external power and generate power to energize the light source causing it to emit light. The optical chamber can also comprise an anti-condensation valve and an air passageway between the optical chamber and one of the enclosures form a vacuum in the optical chamber and vacuum during operation.

Abstract: A floor mat system that includes a mat having a decoratively shaped first portion that allows light to transmit therethrough and is surrounded by a second portion that does not allow light to transmit therethrough. A light source is positioned beneath at least the first portion of the mat. When activated, the light source shines through the first portion and thereby illuminates and draws attention to the decorative image. The light source is coated in a polycarbonate resin film to protect and strengthen the same against damage as people walk over the mat. A non-transparent coating may be applied to selective regions of the protective film to create the same decorative transparent image therein and to thereby allow light to only be emitted from a particular region of the light source. The mat may be made from a flow-through material, a non-flow-through material with a gripping upper surface and wells; or a combination of flow-through and non-flow-through material.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing illumination includes a lower light panel that contains at least one battery and electronic control circuitry therein. A plurality of LEDS are each disposed in a corresponding plurality of recesses in the light panel. A reflective coating is preferably included in each of the recesses. A clear plastic sheet is disposed over an upper surface of the light panel. A rug is disposed over the light panel and is detachably-attached thereto. When a person steps on the rug one or more of a plurality of pressure activated switches are energized which, in turn, activates the circuitry and energizes the LEDS. The LEDS are illuminated for a first predetermined period of time that is selectable. When the first timer elapses the lights and circuitry turn off and the apparatus returns to a quiescent state until the cycle is repeated. The rug is removed from the light panel for cleaning of the rug and the plastic sheet is also removed for servicing of the light panel.

Abstract: An improved solar powered decorative light system that can used on cloudy days and does not require the use of individual solar panels associated with each light in a decorative outdoor home holiday display. The improved solar powered decorative light system includes a plurality of decorative outdoor lights each having at least one LED and receiving electrical energy for illumination from a single solar receptor comprised of a double junction amorphous panel set. The decorative outdoor lights may further include replaceable decorative covers.

Abstract: An elevated airport light for an airport runway light system includes a housing incorporating a light source and a mast mounted to a base plate through a frangible coupling. An adjustment cap is disposed around the mast and designed to thread into a base of the housing. The cap and the housing can exhibit spherical surfaces to capture a ball between the cap and the housing. The spherical surface of the cap can be smooth and intended to slide easily on the ball. Similarly, the spherical surface of the housing can include ribs that are designed to cut into the ball for holding orientation of the housing to the mast while tightening the cap. Therefore, the adjustment cap can enable quick rotational and horizontal adjustment of the light source without the need for fasteners.

Abstract: An elongate strip for indicating a platform edge includes a base for resting on a platform; a back and a further surface. The arrangement is such that with the device resting on a platform, the further surface takes the place of the platform surface and includes an indicator to indicate an edge of the platform.

Abstract: Portable floors can have casters on two separate sides. This allows the floors to roll when in a flat aspect suitable for dancing and when in a tall aspect suitable for passing through narrow passages.

Abstract: An airport inset light adjustable alignment container set provides a light fixture and stainless steel support for airport runway, taxiway, or other aircraft ground traffic areas. A variable length extension means rotatably adjusts height and azimuth by a rotatable vertical displacement. In one aspect, a previously installed, airport inset light and stainless steel base of the present invention receives a variable length extension assembly for rotatably adjusting the height and azimuth alignment of an airport inset light. Rotation locking means are provided for securing the rotatable adjustment apparatus from further rotation. A novel stainless steel base is adapted to receive various different designs of inset lights and, in one aspect, to provide a stainless steel protection ring “mud dam.

Abstract: A paver light having a masonry structure with an aperture and a lighting fixture positioned within the aperture of the masonry structure. The lighting fixture includes a support member with an internal cavity and a first locking member, an electrical socket removably received within the cavity of the support member, and a modular light assembly having a light source and a second locking member that is releasably enagable with the first locking member in response to the relative rotation of the first and second locking members. The modular light assembly is removably mounted to the support member by the first and second locking members, and is releasably connected to the socket such that the socket is removed from the cavity of the support member as the modular light assembly is removed from the support member.

Abstract: An in-grade light fixture comprises a light fixture housing arranged to be buried substantially below grade level. The light fixture housing has a light opening substantially at grade level and an optical chamber having a light source arranged within the optical chamber and the optical chamber arranged within the housing with light from the light source passing through the light opening. The fixture further comprises a plurality of housing openings and one or more enclosures, each of which is removably mounted to a respective one of the housing openings. The enclosures accept external power and generate power to energize the light source causing it to emit light. The optical chamber can also comprise an anti-condensation valve and an air passageway between the optical chamber and one of the enclosures form a vacuum in the optical chamber and vacuum during operation.

Abstract: Devices, apparatus, systems, and methods of installing LED (light emitting diodes) for glass tiles and glass blocks. The LEDs can be housed in flexible strips having flexible bendable transparent housing sleeves with ends that can interconnect by male and female ends to one another with various types of interconnectors. Each separate sleeve can house up to 33 LEDs in a transparent plastic sleeve. A transparent connector sleeve can be slid over the interconnected ends and heat shrunk in place. The glass tiles can be laid out to uniform joints spacings between the glass tiles of approximately 3/16 of an inch. The LED strips can be placed on a surface layer of transparent grout that has been laid in the joint spacing, followed by a top layer of transparent grout. The transparent grout can be removable grout and include clear Silicon. The LED strips can have peel and stick back layers with adhesive backing that allows mounting to the lower surface.

Abstract: Devices, apparatus, systems, and methods of installing LED (light emitting diodes) for glass tiles and glass blocks. The LEDs can be housed in flexible strips having flexible bendable transparent housing sleeves with ends that can interconnect by male and female ends to one another with various types of interconnectors. Each separate sleeve can house up to 33 LEDs in a transparent plastic sleeve. A transparent connector sleeve can be slid over the interconnected ends and heat shrunk in place. The glass tiles can be laid out to uniform joints spacings between the glass tiles of approximately 3/16 of an inch. The LED strips can be placed on a surface layer of transparent grout that has been laid in the joint spacing, followed by a top layer of transparent grout. The transparent grout can be removable grout and include clear Silicon. The LED strips can have peel and stick back layers with adhesive backing that allows mounting to the lower surface.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a floor mat configured to illuminate at least partial outlines defining feet placement areas to assist a user in getting out of a bed in low light conditions. The floor mat includes left and right illumination paths at least partially outlining left and right foot placement areas, respectively, and at least one light source operable to provide illumination along the left and right illumination paths.

Abstract: An in-grade light fixture has a lamp compartment having an open upper end with a lens cover covering the open upper end. The lens cover may have a joint connection to permit travel from an open configuration to a closed configuration. A junction box is adjacent to the lens cover along an upper portion of the compartment. If a ballast is utilized for proper supply of power to the lamp, a ballast compartment is adjacent an open lower end of the lamp compartment. A hydraulic isolation chamber extends vertically downward from the junction box to the sealed ballast compartment. The hydraulic isolation chamber is filled with a potting material and prevents wicking of moisture into the ballast compartment.

Abstract: An externally adjustable directional canopy luminaire is disclosed that may be easily and quickly adjusted from the outside of its housing to direct light toward a particular target area. The luminaire includes a lamp shroud assembly including a door frame, a shroud and a lamp socket which is connectable to an electrical power source to power a replaceable lamp, an external adjustment member, and an internal mechanism movably connected to the external adjustment member through the shroud and indirectly connected to a portion of the lamp socket, wherein adjustment of the external adjustment member can alter the angle of direction of the lamp socket and thus the direction of light emitted from the replaceable lamp through the opening of the shroud.

Abstract: An illuminating brick includes a block and at least one light-emitting element mounted in the brick. The brick has a top face, a bottom face and a plurality of lateral side surfaces interconnecting the top and bottom faces. The at least one light-emitting element is engaged in and optically coupled to at least one of the bottom face and lateral side surfaces. The lateral side surfaces and the bottom face are configured for reflecting and directing light emitted from the at least a light-emitting element to exit through the top face.

Abstract: A lighted floor box having a transparent or translucent cover extending over a light source within the floor box. This light source illuminates the interior of the floor box while the cover permits such light to exit the box. The light source is preferably powered via the same cables that power an electrical fixture within the floor box. Furthermore, such light transmissible cover enables a user to inspect the interior of the floor box without the need to open the cover of the box in order to view its contents.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus (10) is described for incorporation into a tiled wall, panel, ceiling, floor or similar structure (38,40). The apparatus comprises: a reflector unit (12, 14) that has at least one reflective surface (24, 26) for location behind the surface of the structure and an external light-transmissive face (14) for location generally flush with the surface of the structure; and means (28) for coupling an end of a fiber-optic cable (32) having a multiplicity of optical fibers (34) to the reflector unit behind the surface of the structure so that light projecting from the ends of the fibers enters the reflector unit and is reflected by the reflective surface(s) so as to provide substantially uniform illumination across the light-transmissive face. The reflector unit is formed with an external flange (20) generally parallel to the light-transmissive face.

Abstract: An apparatus for illumination having a housing suited for in ground use, which contains at least one lamp which is surrounded by a reflector, a controller for controlling the lamp and light changing means. To reduce the content of moisture, air containing evaporated water is able to be released from the lamp to the surroundings and only air without moisture is allowed to enter the in-ground lamp.

Abstract: A lighting system includes multiple extendable and retractable light units. Each light unit includes a housing with inner and outer sleeves, which are telescopically interconnected. A drive assembly is located in each housing for extending and retracting the inner sleeve whereby a luminaire mounted in the inner sleeve can be selectively elevated. The housings are adapted for flush-mounting in the ground with their inner sleeves retracted. The lighting system can include a centralized control subsystem for collectively and individually operating the individual light units.

Abstract: Disclosed is an airport light base including a light base container having an upper end with an inverted first flange having a first outer face, an opposing first inner face facing into the light base container, a continuous inwardly directed first edge bounding a first opening into the light base container, and ring segments affixed to the inner face of the first flange forming an inverted second flange under the first opening outboard of the first edge, the second flange for reception of an inset light fixture thereon and having a second outer face facing the first opening, an opposing second inner face facing into the light base container, and a continuous inwardly directed second edge bounding a second opening into the light base container, wherein the second opening is smaller than the first opening.

Abstract: A vehicle interior component and lighting assembly that includes a vehicle interior component having a fabric disposed over a substrate or foam layer, or both. An electroluminescent panel is located between the fabric and substrate/foam layer and directs light from the panel through the fabric. In this way, the light source can be effectively hidden when not in use and can be incorporated into the interior component in a manner that requires little space. The vehicle interior component can be any of a number of different interior articles, including, for example, a headliner, door panel, vehicle seat, rear deck, sun visor, and trunk panel. Also disclosed are vehicle interior illumination systems using touch switches and electroluminescent panels to provide back lighting of the switch and/or vehicle interior illumination through the switch.