Interior Patents (Class 362/488)
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Patent number: 10906074Abstract: A storage compartment for a vehicle includes a body defining a cavity configured to receive an electronic device. The body includes an upper wall, a lower wall, and a rear wall. A door is hingedly coupled with the body and is configured to selectively seal the cavity. A shelf is removably positioned within the cavity. The shelf is configured to operably couple with the rear wall of the body. A lighting assembly is positioned proximate the rear wall. The lighting assembly includes a light guide and a light source positioned to direct emitted light through the light guide. A charging assembly is positioned proximate the lower wall of the body and is configured to charge the electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2019Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Daniel J. Martin, Shannon Carloni, Michael Steven Medoro
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Patent number: 10868532Abstract: A vehicle trim assembly is provided that includes a proximity sensor, a first conductive trim component located near the proximity sensor, a second conductive trim component located near the proximity sensor, and a conductive tower formed on the first conductive trim component and electrically coupled to the second trim component to form a conductive path between the trim components and electrical ground.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2018Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Satyanarayana Raju Vemulapati, Matthew Anthony Majkowski, Steven J. Antilla
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Patent number: 10859231Abstract: A lamp device for a vehicle is provided. The lamp device includes a light source, a lamp housing that accommodates the light source thereon. A lens is coupled to the lamp housing to allow light emitted from the light source to penetrate the lens and a bezel is coupled to the lamp housing and is disposed between the lens and the light source. In particular, the bezel has a surface structure formed on a rear surface thereof and is configured to reflect irradiated light. The bezel is formed in a color that is complementary to a color of the lens.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2018Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Seung-Pyo Hong
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Patent number: 10434937Abstract: A lighting unit is mounted on a vehicle. A driving unit drives the lighting unit to move an illumination position. When a microcomputer detects getting-on, the microcomputer controls the driving unit, to move an illumination position of the lighting unit along a track running across an illumination area around feet outside the vehicle, an illumination area on a driver's seat, an illumination area on a starter switch, and an illumination area on a steering wheel.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2018Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATIONInventor: Hiroyasu Takagi
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Patent number: 10399488Abstract: A structure for assembling a vehicle interior lighting, comprises a lens, a socket, a cover fitted to the socket, a first regulation portion configured by one side of the fitted cover or the fitted socket that is located on a front side in the insertion direction and a part of the lens, the first regulation portion regulating forward movement of the cover or the socket in the insertion direction; and a second regulation portion configured by another side of the fitted cover or the fitted socket that is located on a rear side in the insertion direction and a part of the lens, the second regulation portion regulating backward movement of the cover or the socket in the insertion direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2014Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATIONInventors: Yasuo Suzuki, Hideki Yamanaka
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Patent number: 10377302Abstract: A vehicle comprising an optically transmissive roof window, an overhead console arranged in an overhead position with respect to a driver position in the vehicle, an optical element attached to a rear portion of the overhead console, the optical element facing the roof window, a light source for emitting light receivable by the optical element, the light source is configure to emit the light when an electric system of the vehicle is powered on. The optical element is arranged to receive at least a portion of the light emitted by the light source such that an image representative of the optical signal and the shape of the optical element is visible through the roof window from the interior of the vehicle. The invention further relates to a method for providing an image indicative of a state of a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2018Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: Volvo Car CorporationInventors: Niklas Palm, Thomas Lienhart, Per Ekeroth
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Patent number: 10286840Abstract: A vehicle lighting assembly is provided that includes a window panel provided on a vehicle body and a light reflecting medium provided on a surface of the window panel. The vehicle lighting assembly also includes a plurality of lighting assemblies each comprising a plurality of light sources arranged to direct light onto the reflecting medium for reflection towards different areas in the vehicle interior.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2017Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Wei Xu, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Alex Lince, Satyanarayana Raju Vemulapati
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Patent number: 10288794Abstract: An illumination device of a vehicle, including: a light source; a bar-shaped light guide member; and a diffusion member having a lens unit, the lens unit having an L-shaped cross-section, and a light-emitting portion and a light-receiving portion, wherein the light guide member has a light-emitting surface, and the light guide member and the lens unit are disposed such that a light-receiving surface of the light-receiving portion of the lens unit is opposed to the light-emitting surface of the light guide member.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2017Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: HAYASHI TELEMPU CORPORATIONInventors: Hiroshi Harada, Hiroshi Sakuma, Yousuke Usui
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Patent number: 10279736Abstract: A vehicle interior trim assembly such as an air bag cover assembly having an illuminable emblem is provided. The assembly includes a vehicle interior trim part and an illumination module having a light source configured to generate visible light rays when energized. A lens includes at least one layer molded in a molding process from an optical-grade material. The lens has a pattern of light-extracting deformities to extract light rays from an interior of the lens at a set of surface-defining areas of the lens. The surface-defining areas are sized, shaped and arranged laterally relative to each other in an emblem pattern. A decorative emblem has reflective surfaces overlying and spaced away from the surface-defining areas by an air gap. The extracted light rays traveling across the gap are reflected by the reflective surfaces to generate light in the emblem pattern about peripheral surfaces of the decorative emblem.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2017Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: JVIS-USA, LLCInventors: Ingo E. Schneider, Richard L. Arundale, Remon S. Jiddou
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Patent number: 10196002Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly is provided herein. The seating assembly includes a support structure defining a bin. A subassembly is disposed over the support structure and includes a cushion. The subassembly defines a void within the cushion. The void has a larger cross-sectional area than the bin. A seat insert is disposed within the void and is disposed over the bin.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2017Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Raul Emilio del Puerto, Gerardo Diaz Paredes, Javier Bartolo Trujillo, Gregory Hagedorn, Ivonne Ruth Lepe, Arturo Emmanuel Salas Garcia
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Patent number: 10124723Abstract: A lighting device including a plurality of light sources for illuminating an interior of a motor vehicle, a switch operating portion, switching means for detecting a contact switch operating portion and generating a signal characteristic of this contact, and a mounting support for the switch operating portion. At least one of the plurality of light sources being activated in response to the signal, and the switch operating portion being mounted on the mounting support by the switching means.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2015Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: Valeo VisionInventor: Remi Letoumelin
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Patent number: 10122206Abstract: The invention relates to an operating device (10) for at least one light-emitting diode (9) having an input (11) for coupling to a DC bus (6) in order to receive a DC supply voltage. The operating device (10) has a configurable emergency light function. The operating device (10) is designed to produce, in the emergency light case, the LED currently for the at least one light-emitting diode (9) in dependence on how the emergency light function is configured.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2015Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: TRIDONIC GMBH & CO KGInventors: Armin Simmet, Ian Wilson, John Kears, Stephen Parkes, Simon Maier
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Patent number: 10011222Abstract: A system includes a shell at least partially formed in a shape of a steering wheel and having a first layer and a second layer spaced apart from one another. The system further includes an LED coupled to the shell or the steering wheel. The system also includes a positive triboelectric material coupled to the first layer of the shell and that loses electrons in response to friction. The system further includes a negative triboelectric material coupled to the second layer of the shell and that gains electrons in response to friction. The system further includes an electrical connector coupled to the LED and at least one of the positive triboelectric material or the negative triboelectric material. Current flows through the electrical connector to illuminate the LED when force is being applied to the shell causing the positive triboelectric material to contact the negative triboelectric material.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2017Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Songtao Wu, Chi-Ming Wang, Khoa Vo, Debasish Banerjee, Ercan M. Dede
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Patent number: 9933126Abstract: Provided is a lighting device, comprising: a light source module comprising: at least one light source disposed on a printed circuit board; and a resin layer disposed on the printed circuit board so that the light source is embedded; a light reflection member formed on at least any one of one side surface and another side surface of the resin layer; and a diffusion plate having an upper surface formed on the light source module, and a side wall which is integrally formed with the upper surface and formed to extend in a lower side direction and which is adhered onto the light reflection member, wherein a first separated space is formed between the light source module and the upper surface of the diffusion plate, whereby flexibility of the product itself can be secured, and durability and reliability of the product can be also improved.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2017Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.Inventors: Kwang Ho Park, Chul Hong Kim, Hyun Duck Yang, Moo Ryong Park, Jun Chul Hyun
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Patent number: 9809161Abstract: A vehicle cup holder includes a console substrate defining a cup well. A light source is positioned to emit light into the cup well. An insert is positioned within the cup well and defines a base wall and a side wall. At least one of the base wall and the side wall defines a diffraction grating. A holographic film is positioned between the insert and the console substrate.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2016Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Christopher Anthony Danowski, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Pietro Buttolo, James J. Surman
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Patent number: 9738219Abstract: A trim assembly for a vehicle is provided herein. The trim assembly includes a backing panel defining a void therethrough. A foam panel is attached to the backing panel on a first side and is attached to a cover on a second opposing side. The foam panel and the cover are light transmissive. A light source is disposed within the void and is configured to emit excitation light. A photoluminescent structure is disposed on an inner periphery of the void and the first side of the foam panel and is configured to luminesce in response to excitation by the light source. A bumper extends into the void to a position past a bottom surface of the light source.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2016Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Alex Lince, James J. Surman
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Patent number: 9731657Abstract: A vehicle hanger assembly includes a deployable hanger supported by a structure on a vehicle. A first proximity sensor detects a user in close proximity to the hanger, and a second sensor detects deployment of the hanger. A light source is controlled to illuminate the object at a first intensity when the hanger is deployed and arranged to illuminate an object supported on the hanger at a second intensity when the user is detected in close proximity to the hanger.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2016Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Pietro Buttolo, Christopher Anthony Danowski, Paul Kenneth Dellock
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Patent number: 9707887Abstract: A vehicle provides a seating assembly including a retaining member. A headliner is positioned above the seating assembly. A mirror assembly is positioned within the headliner including a roller. A shade is coupled to the roller and deployable from the headliner. A mirror is positioned on the shade. An engaging member is coupled to the shade and a light source is positioned on the shade.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2016Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Annette Lynn Huebner, James J. Surman, Kristin Ann Hellman
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Patent number: 9625139Abstract: A modular lighting assembly uses LED banks as the light sources. The assembly allows the power supply and LED banks to be independently replaced. The assembly uses a power supply that is separated from the LED banks and electrically connected to the LED banks with a plug connector that may be unplugged and plugged back in to allow the power supply or LED bank to be independently and readily replaced. The assembly provides for easy replacement of the different components of the assembly. One feature that makes the components easier to replace is that the light modules and/or the power supply may be carried by the housing that is removable from the base mount that is secured to a mounting structure such as a wall or ceiling.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2011Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: Autronic Plastics, Inc.Inventors: Daniel A. Lax, Timothy J. Keuning, Agjah I. Libohova
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Patent number: 9573518Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2016Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Pietro Buttolo, Jeffrey Singer
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Patent number: 9545882Abstract: A rearview device having a front element defining a first surface and a second surface. A rear element defines a third surface and a fourth surface. An electro-optic material is located between the front element and the rear element. A carrier plate includes a front side, a back side, and a peripheral wall. The front side is disposed proximate the fourth surface and the peripheral wall is operably coupled with a peripheral edge of the second surface. A device housing is operably coupled to the back side of the carrier plate. The peripheral wall and a portion of the back side of the carrier plate extend beyond the device housing and are externally exposed.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2015Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Nigel T. Lock, Mark R. Roth, Danny L. Minikey, Jr.
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Patent number: 9527438Abstract: A vehicle indicator apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a photoluminescent portion disposed on a forward vehicle pillar and a light source located proximate the forward vehicle pillar. The light source is configured to emit light at a first wavelength directed toward the photoluminescent portion. 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 of the forward vehicle pillar.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2014Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, James J. Surman
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Patent number: 9504116Abstract: An air conditioning system controller for motor vehicles includes a mood lamp, an illumination device configured to illuminate the mood lamp with a variable illumination color, and a control unit configured to control the illumination device to change the illumination color of the illumination device depending on a cooling/heating load.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2014Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: Hanon SystemsInventors: Ei Hyun Choi, Hae Sok Jeong
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Patent number: 9493113Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, James J. Surman, Cornel Lewis Gardner
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Patent number: 9487134Abstract: A seat back illumination module is provided having a housing defined by an interior and a partially open front face. A switch member with a first position and a second position at least partially protrudes from the front face of the housing and is engaged thereto. An illumination assembly is defined by an output end and has an illumination source. At least a part of the illumination assembly is mounted to the switch member, and the output end is proximal to a section of the switch member that protrudes from the front face of the housing. An electrical switch is connected to the illumination source and operated by movement of the switch member between the first position and the second position to selectively power the illumination source.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2015Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignee: Panasonic Avionics CorporationInventor: Kevin Munday
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Patent number: 9487136Abstract: A vehicle system configured to identify a location of emergency equipment is disclosed. The vehicle system comprises a storage compartment forming an interior cavity disposed in a cargo area and a cover configured to facilitate access to the storage compartment. An illumination apparatus is disposed in the storage compartment and configured to illuminate a first portion of the storage compartment in response to a first vehicle condition. The illumination apparatus is further configured to illuminate a second portion of the storage compartment in response to a second vehicle condition.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2015Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, James J. Surman, Anthony Dwayne Cooprider, Pietro Buttolo
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Patent number: 9458980Abstract: This invention is to provide an in-vehicle interior light unit that protects a base from a thermal damage attributable to a thermal factor and reduces cost. This is achieved by adopting a general-purpose compact bulb cassette which does not have a heat shielding function although the bulb cassette still uses a heat-resistant resin as the material thereof, and the thermal deformation due to the radiant heat from a bulb is prevented by a heat shield plate integrally formed when punch-molding a bus bar, which is formed of a conductive metal member. Thus, the radiant heat from the bulb is blocked by the heat shield plate.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2013Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA T AN TInventors: Hisashi Soga, Yuji Shimoda, Hiroshi Ochiai
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Patent number: 9434300Abstract: A vehicle interior lighting system for enabling a driver to control the intensity and color of interior lighting is presented. The system includes a controller that controls the color and intensity of interior lighting, a selector control that switches color and intensity controls to various groups of interior lights (such as instrument lights, indicator light), a color that controls light color and an intensity control that controls light intensity. In practice the controller is a microcontroller, the lights are tri-color light emitting diodes, the selector control is a multi-position switch, and the color and intensity controls are potentiometers.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2013Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Inventor: Mohammad A. Pasdar
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Patent number: 9340152Abstract: A lighting system for a vehicle is provided. The system includes at least one light source configured to output a first light at a first wavelength. The system also includes a first photoluminescent material coupled to a first doorway structure, wherein the first photoluminescent material is configured to convert the first light into a second light characterized by a second wavelength.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2014Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Cornel Lewis Gardner
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Patent number: 9340110Abstract: A lighting device of a motor vehicle includes a light guide having a closed configuration at least as seen from a top view. The light guide includes two sections which cross each other at a crossover. A first light source is linked to one end of the light guide to project light into the light guide. Arranged at the crossover is an adapter for adjusting a light intensity, measurable in a direction in opposition to the top view, to a light intensity of another section of the light guide in a region of the crossover.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2012Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: AUDI AGInventors: Jens Dietmar Reuschel, Christoph Schmitz
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Patent number: 9211866Abstract: A seatbelt assembly includes a seatbelt buckle that is disposed along a retractable belt webbing and configured for tethered movement about a vehicle interior. The seatbelt buckle includes a housing which contains a latch mechanism which releasably latches a seatbelt tongue to the seatbelt buckle. The housing further includes one or more light sources powered through the belt webbing or through a power cell in the housing which are used to illuminate the vehicle interior as tethered to the vehicle on the belt webbing and which are further used to facilitate a vehicle occupant in locating the seatbelt tongue when fastening the seatbelt assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2014Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Scott Ferrier, Benjamin Yilma, Nahshon Francis
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Patent number: 9168865Abstract: An organic EL lighting device for a vehicle is provided, which includes an organic EL lighting portion provided in a matrix form on a ceiling of the vehicle, an organic EL touch portion provided on the organic EL lighting portion, an organic EL detection portion for detecting a position in which the organic EL touch portion is touched, an organic EL determination portion for determining a lighting area of the organic EL lighting portion based on the position detected by the organic EL detection portion, and an organic EL driving portion for lighting the lighting area of the organic EL lighting portion determined by the organic EL determination portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2012Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Motor Japan R&D Center, Inc.Inventor: Hiroshi Nakamura
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Patent number: 9128232Abstract: An LED diffusion element is provided having at least one cavity for receiving an LED light bulb. The LED diffusion element contains a conditioned surface on both its exterior surface and in a light collection area that is facing the LED light bulb when inserted into the LED diffusion element. In one aspect, the LED diffusion element has an “H-shaped” cross section formed by the two cavities created on opposite sides of the LED diffusion element. In this configuration a common, central light collection area within the LED diffusion element is created that allows for smooth blending of colors coming from multiple LEDs contained within the two LED bulbs. In another aspect, the LED diffusion element is cylindrical in shape and is dimensioned to fit within a light rope so as to provide a smooth lighting effect when the LEDs are illuminated within the light rope.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2013Date of Patent: September 8, 2015Inventor: Michael M. McRae
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Patent number: 9067531Abstract: An ambient lighting jig assembly generally includes a support assembly, a trim panel, an insert panel, and a light source. The support assembly defines an inner support cavity. The trim panel is configured to be coupled to the support assembly and at least partly defines a jig opening. The insert panel is configured to be rotatably coupled to the support assembly within the jig opening and has a reflective surface. The light source is configured to emit a light stream. Further, the light source is configured to be rotatably coupled to the support assembly within the inner support cavity at a plurality of angular positions so that the light stream is projected onto the reflective surface for use in determining an optimal angle for the insert panel and the light source.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2013Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Luis Miguel Del Pozo Gonzalez, Aurelien Doisy, David B. Wong
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Publication number: 20150131303Abstract: A vehicle for supporting a lighting control function includes: interior lighting apparatuses configured to include a lighting apparatus of a driver's seat supporting a lighting of the driver's seat and lighting apparatuses for each seat supporting each lighting for each seat; a control apparatus of a driver's seat configured to perform a lighting control of at least one of the lighting apparatus of the driver's seat and the lighting apparatuses for each seat; and control apparatuses for each seat configured to control the lighting apparatuses for each seat.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2014Publication date: May 14, 2015Applicant: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Hee Cheon Lim
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Patent number: 9016914Abstract: A light source unit assembly includes a light source, a light guide member, a light source housing member housing the light source, a light guide member holder, and a mounting member. The light guide member includes a light entrance portion and a light exit portion from which the light entering the light entrance portion exits. The light guide member holder supports an end portion of the light guide member including the light exit portion. The mounting member is provided to a vehicular interior part and each of the light source housing member and the light guide member holder is independently mounted to the mounting member. Each of the light source housing member and the light guide member holder has a connecting portion with which the light source housing member and the light guide member holder are connected to each other such that the light entrance portion faces the light source.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2012Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasuhiro Ukai, Hiroyasu Tahara
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Patent number: 8998464Abstract: Trim component with integrated lighting device comprising a lighting substrate, which in turn comprises a base substrate and a lighting substrate, said lighting substrate being covered by a decorative lining in which have been defined areas that allow light to pass and other areas that prevent light from passing, establishing by their combination a lighting pattern. These areas that allow light to pass are obtained by a laser treatment, removing at least one part of the material of said decorative lining.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2012Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Grupo Antolin-Ingeniera, S.A.Inventors: Ricardo Ureta Hortigüela, Jesús Vicente Escudero Delgado, Alejandro Jorro De Inza
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Patent number: 8992058Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 3, 2012Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Audi AGInventors: Jens Dietmar Reuschel, Christoph Schmitz
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Patent number: 8992033Abstract: The invention relates to a display element for the display unit of a vehicle. The display element can be backlit by means of at least one light source. The display element contains a film with identifying elements, and further contains a polarizing film. The films are arranged one above the other and are pressed against each other in the edge regions of the films via elastic elements.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2010Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Inventor: Manfred Suess
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Patent number: 8985820Abstract: A lighted interior accessory assembly for a vehicle includes an interior accessory such as an armrest or console and a plurality of fasteners mounting the interior accessory on the interior panel. A mounting plate has a light pipe mounted thereon and emitting light along the length of the light pipe. The mounting plate is sandwiched between the armrest and the interior panel so that the mounting plate creates a gap between the armrest and the interior panel through which the light pipe emits light into the vehicle interior. Mounting the armrest directly to the door trim without inter-positioning the mounting plate between the armrest and the door trim eliminates the gap and eliminates the light pipe. Accordingly, a vehicle manufacturer can readily include a lighting feature in a luxury version of the vehicle and omit the lighting feature from a standard version of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2012Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Lorin A. Mazur, Darryle R. Woodham, Ralph Brink
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Publication number: 20150062942Abstract: According to an embodiment, a lighting device includes: a light emitting section that has a light emitting element and a switch for controlling a lighting state of the light emitting element; a housing that stores the light emitting section and of which one end section is open; a cover that covers the opening of the housing and has translucency; and a frame that is provided between the housing and the cover. The frame includes an edge section that presents a frame shape and a holding section of which one end is provided in the edge section and the other end protrudes from the edge section, and which holds an operation section operating the switch and is exposed from the cover.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2014Publication date: March 5, 2015Applicant: Toshiba Lighting & Technology CorporationInventors: Hiromitsu Shiraishi, Yohei Matsuda, Ryuji Tsuchiya
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Publication number: 20150062941Abstract: A vehicle interior illumination assembly includes a lighting fixture and a controller. The lighting fixture has a proximity detection layer and an illumination layer, with one of the proximity detection layer and the illumination layer overlaying the other of the proximity detection layer and the illumination layer. The controller is operably connected to the proximity detection layer and the illumination layer. The controller is configured to toggle the illumination layer on and off in response to detecting a first movement gesture at the proximity detection layer. The controller is configured to adjust a first prescribed lighting parameter of the light produced by the illumination layer in response to detecting a second movement gesture at the proximity detection layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2013Publication date: March 5, 2015Applicant: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Bhargav SURA, Norbert WEINERT, Quan CAT, Randall JOHNSON, Nelson PHAN
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Patent number: 8960977Abstract: Disclosed is an illuminating device which comprises a light guiding unit comprising a protrusion optical pattern forming a gap with an adjacent layer, at least one light emitting unit passing through the light guiding unit, and a resin layer formed on the light guiding unit and the at least one light emitting unit, so it is possible to obtain an effect that the shapes of light change depending on the viewing angle when viewing the light source by producing various protrusion optical patterns, an effect that the whole thickness can be reduced, and an effect that the degree of design freedom can be enhanced when designing products thanks to an enhanced flexibility.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2012Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hyun Duck Yang, Gwang Ho Park, Moo Ryoung Park, Chul Hong Kim, Jin Hee Kim
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Patent number: 8960944Abstract: A seat cup holder includes a main body and a rim night light arrangement. The main body includes a holder element defining a receiving cavity formed within the holder element. The holding rim is peripherally provided at a top edge portion of the holder element, and contains a receiving slot formed along the holding rim. The rim night light arrangement includes at least one illuminator supported in the receiving slot of the holding rim, and a rim reflector mounted on the holding rim for peripherally enclosing the receiving slot for reflecting illumination coming from the illuminator, wherein when the illuminator is activated to generate illumination, the illumination is arranged to partially propagate toward the holder element, and partially propagate toward the rim reflector which reflects the illumination to surrounding space of the main body so as to produce a predetermined lighting effect of the seat cup holder.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2012Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Inventor: Hung Yuan Foo
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Publication number: 20150043232Abstract: An indoor illuminating device includes a housing that has an opening part, a light source that is accommodated in the housing by being inserted into the housing via the opening part of the housing, electric wires that are led in the housing via the opening part of the housing, and supplies electric power to the light source, and a cover that covers the opening part of the housing. A plurality of through holes are formed between the housing and the cover in a state where the cover is installed to the housing. The electric wires are drawn out from the housing via the through holes. The cover is formed with a rib to which a corrugated tube through which the electric wires are inserted is fixed by being wound with tape.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2014Publication date: February 12, 2015Applicant: Yazaki CorporationInventor: Kosuke Yoshida
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Patent number: 8926150Abstract: A lighting device includes a light source, an elongated panel member, an elongated light guide member provided to the panel member, a first light transmission portion provided in the panel member and through which the light from the light guide member transmits toward the first portion to be illuminated, and a second light transmission portion provided in the panel member to be farther away from the light source than the first light transmission portion and through which the light from the light guide member transmits toward the second portion to be illuminated, the second light transmission portion and the second portion extending along a longitudinal direction of the light exit portion. The light guide member and the second portion are provided to be closer to each other as they are farther away from the light source.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2012Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignees: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Shatai Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasuhiro Ukai, Hiroyasu Tahara, Takahiro Sugioka, Ryuuji Fukui
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Patent number: 8899801Abstract: A PSU pod assembly that is configured to be positioned in the interior of an aircraft. The PSU pod assembly includes a PSU pod that includes a housing that includes a top, a bottom and first, second, third and fourth sides that cooperate to define a pod interior and a panel positioned above and connected to the PSU pod. The PSU pod includes at least first and second reading lights positioned within the pod interior that are configured to shine light below the housing and cabin lights positioned on or in the housing that are configured to shine light above the housing. The panel includes connectors that are configured to secure the PSU pod assembly to a component within the aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2013Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: C&D Zodiac, Inc.Inventor: Scott Savian
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Patent number: 8882317Abstract: A display switch unit is provided for a vehicle and a method for producing the display switch unit. The display switch unit has at least one transparent front plastic region and a rear plastic region. Plastic switch symbols are disposed in the transparent front plastic region of the plastic body. Sensor structures of proximity sensors are each disposed behind one of the plastic switch symbols in the rear plastic region. The material of the plastic switch symbols includes, but is not limited to light-sensitive invisible particles, which are disposed in such a manner that under irradiation, colored illuminated switch symbols are visible in the surrounding transparent front plastic region.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2012Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Dino Demma
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Patent number: 8876342Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an adaptable vehicle cabin light, with which in all seating positions of a vehicle seat, reading conditions are optimal. The vehicle seat is adjustable. Each position of the vehicle seat has a corresponding reading area. The vehicle cabin light includes one or more light sources that align with the different reading areas. As the vehicle seat moves, the illumination moves with it. In some embodiments, the one or more light sources are controlled by a control unit which selectively turns on a group of the one or more light sources to illuminate the corresponding reading area of the position of the vehicle seat. In some embodiments, the one or more light sources are enclosed in an adjustable optics, wherein movements of the adjustable optics are controlled by the control unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2012Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLCInventors: Frank Wimbert, Philip Hupfer
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Patent number: RE46463Abstract: A remote control operation of an illuminated unit attached to a headset consisting of a headband and at least one optical device providing illumination at a known distance from the optical device attached to the headband is disclosed. The remote control unit incorporates a sensing unit that causes power to be switched on and off by the detection of motion in front of the sensing unit. In addition, the illumination may be increased or decreased based on a signal strength of a detected remote sensing signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2016Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: DESIGNS FOR VISION, INC.Inventors: Richard E. Fienbloom, Ken N. Braganca, Kenneth Koscheka