Abstract: A portable illuminator includes a transmission element with a resilient core received inside the transmission element so that the transmission element is able to be bent to any shape, a connector securely formed on a first distal end of the transmission element and having a connection portion formed with the connector for connection to a power source, and an illuminating unit formed on a second distal end of the transmission element and having therein a housing with a light emitting diode received in a compartment defined in the housing. The connection of the connection portion of the connector to the power source is able to provide electricity to the illuminating unit so that with the resilience of the transmission element, the light emitting diode is able to light an area required.

Abstract: A lighting system for a vehicle having luminescent or “glow-in-the-dark” markings placed on an interior surface of the vehicle and a light source located remotely from the markings to illuminate the markings, particularly at night. The markings can be placed on any surface inside a vehicle, such as a gear shift know, door handle or steering column control stalk. Additionally, the light source can be placed in the roof of the vehicle, behind a steering wheel, or any other location having an unobstructed view of the markings.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly of the present invention includes a circuit board disposed behind the mirror. The circuit board may be a flexible circuit board and may include an LED mounted to project light through a transparent window in the flexible circuit board and through the mirror. The flexible circuit board may function as a mirror heater and may include conductive paths for connection to the LED and/or electrodes of an electrochromic mirror. The LED may include an LED chip mounted directly on the circuit board and encapsulated thereon by an encapsulant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of perforating the cover layer or soft skin of an automotive trim panel such as an instrument panel with a laser to allow light to bleed through the perforations. The light source would preferably be a low heat generating or “cool” type source such as an LED. The light source would be attached to a suitable substrate or incorporated in to a flexible printed circuit and coupled to the vehicle electrical system. This method would enable full switch integration to a trim panel and provide a seamless styling opportunity regarding the electrical controls. This method would help reduce cost and weight, improve quality, and promote new seamless styling theme.

Abstract: A lighting assembly for illuminating a vehicle interior has an elongated housing which supports a printed circuit board that has an electrically conductive pattern. A plurality of electrical terminals are connected to the electrically conductive pattern for coupling the lighting assembly to a source of electricity. A plurality of light emitting diodes are arranged in a plurality of rows on the printed circuit board. The light emitting diodes in each row being electrically connected in series between two of the electrical terminals. The light emitting diodes are so connected that application of electricity to selected ones of the electrical terminals causes illumination of different combinations of the rows of light emitting diodes which results in the lighting assembly producing different light intensity levels in the vehicle interior.

Abstract: An arrangement for providing indirect lighting to at least one coverable recess in a vehicle is provided. The at least one recess is arranged on the side of a control panel of a motor vehicle. In the recess electrical components are arranged and the recess is closed with a detachable cover. The inside of the detachable cover is equipped with a reflecting layer so that light from an existing light source in the vehicle is reflected into the recess so as to illuminate the electrical components.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus for a vehicle includes a light source attached inside the vehicle, such as to an “A” pillar adjacent a front of a side window of the vehicle, where the light source is oriented to direct light toward a ground area adjacent the vehicle for security and convenience. Variations include also reflecting a portion of the light from the light source off an outside rearview mirror onto the ground area, and also directing a portion of the light toward an area inside the vehicle.

Abstract: Conventionally, in order to downsize the enclosure, there was no other choice than downsizing the enclosure and decreasing the area of the lens plate, or increasing the area of the lens plate and increasing the enclosure as well. However, decreasing the area of the lens plate disadvantageously lowers brightness of illumination. In contrast to this, when the dimensions of the lens plate are increased, the proportion of the area of the lens plate with respect to the roof increases, which leads to a problem in terms of design. Accordingly, the present invention provides an interior light system for vehicles comprising a lamp accommodated in the enclosure, a push switch for turning on and off the lamp fixed in the enclosure, and a lens plate journaled at the ends of the opening of the enclosure for a swinging motion, in which the push switch is turned on and off by pressing the lens plate, thereby turning the lamp on and off.

Abstract: A connection portion (13) of an FFC (12) to be preliminarily arranged on a roof trim (10) is weld-fixed to cable connecting portions (25a, 26a) of a bus bar (25) and a spring terminal (26) of a room lamp (20). Simultaneously with the arrangement of the FFC (12) on a vehicle-body-panel-side portion of the roof trim, the room lamp (20) is mounted in the lamp mounting window.

Abstract: A vehicle light assembly includes a reflector having apertures formed in a circumferential wall thereof which are configured to accept light emitting diodes therethrough in an orientation generally perpendicular to the circumferential wall. The reflector includes a reflective protuberance, which is typically multi-faceted, extending upwardly from an interior surface of the reflector and generally centered with respect to the light emitting diodes. Each facet of the protuberance directs light from the light emitting diodes to an upper lens. Multiple ridges extend upwardly from the interior surface of the reflector at approximately forty-five degree angles with respect to the light emitting diodes for directing the light emitted from the light emitting diodes to the lens. The configuration of the reflector enables the use of fewer light emitting diodes.

Abstract: The invention relates to an interior lighting system for a motor vehicle which comprises a lighting device for lighting a motor vehicle interior and a control unit for regulating the brightness and/or the colour of the light emitted from the lighting device, and to a method for controlling the interior lighting system. The colour of the light emitted from the lighting device (12) can be automatically adjusted in accordance with at least one operating parameter and/or at least one parameter associated with the environment of the motor vehicle. Preferred parameters of this type are a deviation of an actual temperature from a predetermined desired temperature of the motor vehicle interior and/or the driving speed of a vehicle.

Abstract: A connection portion (13) of an FFC (12) to be preliminarily arranged on a roof trim (10) is weld-fixed to cable connecting portions (25a, 26a) of a bus bar (25) and a spring terminal (26) of a room lamp (20). Simultaneously with the arrangement of the FFC (12) on a vehicle-body-panel-side portion of the roof trim, the room lamp (20) is mounted in the lamp mounting window.

Abstract: A cabin lamp used in, for instance, an airplane having an LED module that is attached to a lamp housing and connected via a connector to a feeder element provided in the lamp housing. The LED module has a printed circuit board and a plurality of reflectors that are installed in a frame-shaped bezel detachably attached to a front end portion of the lamp housing. The printed circuit board is mounted with a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs), and the reflectors surround each of the LEDs so as to reflect the light from the LEDs substantially forward.

Abstract: A distributed lighting system comprising a waveguide assembly that includes a vehicle interior trim panel having an elongated opening therein and a correspondingly elongated waveguide attached to the trim panel to provide laterally-directed illumination through the opening along the length of the waveguide. The waveguide is attached to the trim panel using a support frame that includes a light-transmissive lower wall which fits within the opening and a pair of opposed side walls that, together with the lower wall, define a channel in which the waveguide is located. The waveguide includes a light-scattering region located opposite the opening in the trim panel to direct light laterally out of the waveguide and through the opening. The waveguide assembly also includes a back cover that encloses the waveguide between the cover and support frame. Different waveguide cross-sections and light-scattering configurations are disclosed.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus for a vehicle includes a light source attached inside the vehicle, such as to an “A” pillar adjacent a front of a side window of the vehicle, where the light source is oriented to direct light toward a ground area adjacent the vehicle for security and convenience. Variations include also reflecting a portion of the light from the light source off an outside rearview mirror onto the ground area, and also directing a portion of the light toward an area inside the vehicle.

Abstract: Lighting is provided for the entry area on the outer side of a seat part in the backrest of a car seat, which is provided with a seat part. The lighting can be switched on by opening the car door next to it. Current supplying lines are deployed through a line feeder leading to the car seat.

Abstract: There is provided a room lamp fixing structure to fix a room lamp 3 in the automobile roof panel 1, which comprises a roof of the vehicle; a roof panel to be attached to said roof; a trim; a room lamp; a room lamp cover to cover said room lamp; first room lamp fixing means including first connecting means fixed to said roof of the vehicle and second connecting means attached to said cover of the room lamp; and second room lamp fixing means for fixing a room lamp to said trim, wherein said first and second room lamp fixing means cooperate to fix said room lamp to said roof panel together with said trim.

Abstract: A first fixing means is for fixing a room lamp and a roof trim with each other and is provided to the room lamp and the roof trim. A second fixing means is for fixing the room lamp and a roof framework with each other with the roof trim being interposed between the room lamp and the roof framework, and is provided to the room lamp and the room trim.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting system includes a sensor to detect a first set of conditions and a second set of conditions. The vehicle lighting system also includes a light emitting source. The light emitting source is operable to illuminate selectively between a first lighting characteristic and a second lighting characteristic. The light emitting source is adapted to be actuated at the first lighting characteristic in response to a first signal operatively generated by the sensor indicating the first set of conditions. The light emitting source is also adapted to be actuated at the second lighting characteristic in response to a second signal operatively generated by the sensor indicating the second set of conditions.

Abstract: A lighting device and system for illuminating the interior of a vehicle, aircraft or building is provided. The lighting device and system includes a channel case made from a thermally conductive material, including aluminum. The channel case has a bottom edge and two opposed side edges forming an interior space A circuit board is disposed within the interior space of the channel case and the circuit board includes circuit traces on the top, bottom or both sides of the circuit board. A heat transfer device is attached to the bottom of the circuit board and is further attached to the bottom of the channel case. A plurality of light-emitting diodes and resistors are mounted on the circuit board in series and generate light through a lens which is attached to the two opposed side edges of the channel case.

Abstract: A thin panel lit cluster including a graphics appliqué with a first and second side and at least one opaque section and one translucent section. A light-carrying panel with a first and second side is positioned such that the first side is adjacent to the second side of the graphics appliqué. The light-carrying panel has at least one opening defined in it and at least one light source is positioned to align with the opening. Opposite the light source, the light-carrying panel has a first light-redirecting area nearest its first side. In another position on the light-carrying panel, there is a second light-redirecting area nearest the second side of the light-carrying panel and opposite a translucent section of the graphics appliqué.

Abstract: A lighting arrangement for public transport vehicles comprising a light source and a reflective surface for reflecting light emitted from the light source to a passenger cabin in a public transport vehicle, whereby the upper part of the passenger cabin in the public transport vehicle substantially comprises an upper structure arranged above the seats of the passenger cabin, the structure comprises one or more handrails in the passenger cabin, and the light source is arranged inside the handrail of the upper structure in the public transport vehicle, and the handrail comprises one or more light-permeable apertures, and the handrail apertures are arranged to direct the light generated from the light source to the upper structure of the passenger cabin in the public transport vehicle, the upper structure being arranged to function as the reflective surface for providing the passenger cabin with indirect lighting.

Abstract: An interior illumination system for a motor vehicle has one or more luminous fields formed by at least one light emitting, foil-shaped illumination panel connected to a voltage supply of the vehicle. The light emitting, foil-shaped illumination panel is made of by an electroluminescent foil or a light-emitting polymer foil. The illumination panels can be fastened to the roof, columns, and dashboard of the vehicle and are adjustable with respect to intensity as well as color and hues of the emitted light.

Abstract: A rechargeable light includes a body, a light source coupled to the body, a capacitor, and a power interface switch. The capacitor is configured to provide power to the light source. The capacitor and light source are configured to provide sustained light. The power interface is configured to be coupled to a power source external to the body and to provide power to charge the capacitor.

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.

Abstract: A motor vehicle lamp assembly having a lamp bulb for emitting light and a bulb housing having a light transmissive portion for transmitting light from the lamp bulb to an illumination zone. The housing is coated with a coating material which covers a selected region of the light transmissive portion of the housing. The coating material is electrically energized to alter an amount of light transmitted from the bulb to the illumination zone. A drive circuit electrically coupled to the coating material energizes the coating material to control a light output from the lamp assembly.

Abstract: An automotive floor mat is made of a flexible and durable material and of a size and shape for covering a selected area of the floor of a vehicle. A lamp electrical circuit comprises a plurality of lamps wired in spaced apart positions within the fabric of the floor mat. The lamps are positioned to be seen from above the floor mat when the floor mat is in use on the floor of a vehicle. A cigarette lighter plug provides electrical current to the electrical circuit for illumination of the lamps. The lamps may be made to blink at a selected rate via adjustment of a potentiometer circuit. The circuit is embedded between a top mat layer and a bottom mat layer so that the circuit is not damaged when stepped upon.

Abstract: A room lamp fixing structure having a temporary fixing means provided for a room lamp and a ceiling trim and a permanent fixing means provided for the room lamp and a ceiling framework of a car body. This construction includes a ceiling trim having a recess for accommodating the room lamp, the recess having its side surface inclined so as to become gradually narrow from the opening portion to the bottom portion, and a room lamp having in its side surface a guide projection for positioning the room lamp and the ceiling trim by abutting against the slant side surface of the recess during the permanent fixing. This structure allows the guide projection to abut against the slant side surface, and thereby the room lamp and the ceiling trim are positioned.

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.

Abstract: A cabin lamp used in, for instance, an airplane comprising an LED module that is attached to a lamp housing and connected via a connector to a feeder element provided in the lamp housing. The LED module is comprised of a printed circuit board and a plurality of reflectors that are installed in a frame-shaped bezel detachably attached to a front end portion of the lamp housing. The printed circuit board is mounted with a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs), and the reflectors surround each of the LEDs so as to reflect the light from the LEDs substantially forward.

Abstract: A motor vehicle indicator light has an elongate light source, highly inclined with respect to a required beam spread direction and a reflector in which the source is mounted. The reflector includes a mirror able to create, from part of the source situated opposite it, a primary virtual light source parallel to the required direction of spread and means for concentrating the light radiation coming from the said primary virtual source in the vicinity of a plane containing the required beam spread direction.

Abstract: An interior decorating item such as a seat for motor vehicles or aircraft, an instrument console, an inner cover for vehicle doors or the like comprises an optical wave guide (1) which emits visible light along at least part of its length and is held in a fastening device (2, 3). The optical wave guide (1) is positioned inside a strip of material (3) of the fastening device, which strip forms a transparent hollow part (2). In its cross section, the fastening device has a strip of material extending away from the hollow part (2) and serving as fastening lug (4) with which the optical wave guide (1) is held in the hollow part (2) and is attached to the interior decorating item. At least one end of the optical wave guide (1) has a light source for introducing light into the optical wave guide (1). The interior decorating item can also be an optical wave guide visibly held under a seam or sewn into the item.

Abstract: An inclined engagement surface of an elastic engagement hook is elastically engaged with an engaged section in a state of being inclined with respect to a roof panel. As a result, it is possible to absorb an error of a three-dimensional relative positional relation between the elastic engagement hook and the engaged section. That is, the error of the relative positional relation in two directions (an X direction and a Y direction in FIG. 5B) can be absorbed by a deflection of the inclined engagement surface, and the error of the relative positional relation in remaining one direction (a Z direction in FIG. 5B) can be absorbed by a slip between the inclined engagement surface and the engaged section.

Abstract: A method of illuminating a region outside a vehicle, and a system for accomplishing the method, the method consisting of the steps of: receiving a signal from outside of the vehicle; activating, in response to the receiving the signal, at least one lamp within the vehicle; and illuminating, in response to the activating of the at least one lamp, the region outside the vehicle. The illumination is at least 180 degrees around the vehicle and includes projecting light from the at least one lamp within the vehicle to the region outside the vehicle. In variations of this embodiment, the illuminating includes intermittently illuminating the at least one lamp by projecting light in a flashing manner from the at least one lamp within the vehicle to the region outside the vehicle.

Abstract: A glittering pedal device equipped on the surface of the gas and brake pedal of an automobile. A plurality of clips on the circumference of the pedal. This device can be fixed on gas and brake pedals through these clips. On top of this device there is a luminescent plate. This luminescent plate is connected to the lamp electrical system. This plate will be on when the automobile is ignited. New drivers can have glittering indications that can make driving more safe.

Abstract: An arrangement for providing indirect lighting to at least one coverable recess in a vehicle is provided. The at least one recess is arranged on the side of a control panel of a motor vehicle. In the recess electrical components are arranged and the recess is closed with a detachable cover. The inside of the detachable cover is equipped with a reflecting layer so that light from an existing light source in the vehicle is reflected into the recess so as to illuminate the electrical components.

Abstract: An emergency vehicle signal device mounted in the interior of a vehicle which, when activated, is visible outside the vehicle, but which is not readily apparent outside the vehicle when not in operation. The signal device does not interfere with the operation of the vehicle when activated, and does not affect the aerodynamics, handling, or overhead clearance of the vehicle.

Abstract: A motor vehicle seat assembly comprises a seat, a tether, and a light unit. The seat has an opening, and the tether is movable between a stowed position and an extended position wherein the tether extends from the opening. The light unit is mounted on the distal end of the tether, and includes a finger hole, a lens, and a power switch.

Abstract: A storage box illuminator for a motorcycle in which a storage box having a top opening is arranged under the seat so that the bottom plate of the seat can cover the opening in an openable and closable manner is so configured that an illuminating lamp is arranged inside a depressed portion which is formed on the underside of the seat bottom plate of the seat and indented upward approximately as deep as the height of the illuminating device so that the illuminating lamp can illuminate the inside of the storage box when the seat is set open.

Abstract: A center console assembly for mounting in a vehicle between the driver and front passenger seats to provide occupant conveniences and interior illumination. The user conveniences include storage trays, cupholders, a main storage bin, and an armrest. The assembly includes an illumination system for illumination of the user conveniences at the console, as well as illumination of external vehicle interior components and regions, such as the driver and front passenger seat buckles and the front and rear occupant foot wells. The illumination system uses at least one light source and one or more waveguides to route light within the console so that multiple lighting functions can be obtained using a small number of individual light sources. The external components and areas are illuminated via side openings in the console, which permits the illumination system to be completely housed within the console so that no external routing of light is necessary.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multi-component article which comprises at least two components, each component being produced from a different polymer composition, and at least one polymer composition comprises a hydrogenated block copolymer comprising at least two distinct blocks of hydrogenated vinyl aromatic polymer, and at least one block of hydrogenated conjugated diene polymer, characterized by: a hydrogenation level such that each hydrogenated vinyl aromatic polymer block has a hydrogenation level of greater than 90 percent and the hydrogenated conjugated diene polymer block has a hydrogenation level of greater than 95 percent, with the proviso that when more than one component is prepared from compositions comprising hydrogenated block copolymers, each composition differs compositionally such that the vinyl aromatic polymer block content of the compositions differs by at least 20 percent.

Abstract: A Glittering Pedal Device is a device that equipped on the surface of the gas and brake pedal of the automobile; The distinctive feature is there are several a plurality of clip on circumference. This device can be fixed on gas and brake pedal through these clips; On top of this device there is a luminescent plate, this luminescent plate is connected to the lamp electrical system, this plate will be on when the automobile is ignited. The new drivers can have glittering indications that can make driving more safely.

Abstract: A combination instrument for a motor vehicle, having a front frame and a display panel and a plurality of display instruments and warning lights which are arranged on a printed circuit board and are provided for displaying information on the display panel. The front frame is produced integrally with light shafts which lead from the warning lights to the display panel. In the region of the warning lights, the display panel is formed by a diaphragm screen which is adhesively bonded to the front frame and is produced as a film. The light shafts simultaneously serve as spacers for the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A motor vehicle seat assembly comprises a seat, an arm, and a light unit. The seat has an opening, and the arm is movable between a stowed position and an extended position wherein the arm extends from the opening. The light unit is mounted on the distal end of the arm, and includes a finger hole, a lens, and a power switch.

Abstract: Conventionally, in order to downsize the enclosure, there was no other choice than downsizing the enclosure and decreasing the area of the lens plate, or increasing the area of the lens plate and increasing the enclosure as well. However, decreasing the area of the lens plate disadvantageously lowers brightness of illumination. In contrast to this, when the dimensions of the lens plate are increased, the proportion of the area of the lens plate with respect to the roof increases, which leads to a problem in terms of design. Accordingly, the present invention provides an interior light system for vehicles comprising a lamp accommodated in the enclosure, a push switch for turning on and off the lamp fixed in the enclosure, and a lens plate journaled at the ends of the opening of the enclosure for a swinging motion, in which the push switch is turned on and off by pressing the lens plate, thereby turning the lamp on and off.

Abstract: A vehicle dome light and flashlight for providing a readily available and charged flashlight for use in and out of a vehicle. The vehicle dome light and flashlight includes a dome light assembly being adapted to be securely mounted to a top of a vehicle inside a passenger compartment thereof and having a first housing including a flashlight charging compartment disposed therein and an opening into the flashlight charging compartment; and also includes a second housing having side walls, a front wall, and a window disposed in the front wall with the housing being securely and removably attached to the first housing; and further includes at least one light-emitting member disposed in the second housing; and also includes an energizing assembly for energizing the at least one light-emitting member.

Abstract: A snowmobile comprises a seat having a soft cushion layer, a more firm boundary layer, and a rigid support structure. Passages are provided between the soft cushion layer and a chamber such that air can be exchanged from within the seat and the chamber depending upon whether the operator is seated on the seat or standing above the seat. When an operator sits on the seat, air is forced out of the seat cushion material and into the chamber. When the operator stands and the seat cushion rebounds, air is provided to the seat from the chamber. The snowmobile also includes a lit trunk. The trunk is lit by a light bulb used for a rear tail light assembly. The light bulb is secured in a mounting plate that is formed of a translucent material that provides a window into the trunk. The light bulb can have an integrally formed socket, which can be translucent as well, to increase the amount of light transmitted into the trunk. The trunk preferably is not the chamber that communicates with the seat.

Abstract: A connection portion (13) of an FFC (12) to be preliminarily arranged on a roof trim (10) is weld-fixed to cable connecting portions (25a, 26a) of a bus bar (25) and a spring terminal (26) of a room lamp (20). Simultaneously with the arrangement of the FFC (12) on a vehicle-body-panel-side portion of the roof trim, the room lamp (20) is mounted in the lamp mounting window.

Abstract: Automotive internal lights have a molded housing defining an elongate recess and bus bars which integrally include lamp holders secured within the molded housing and adapted to hold a lamp therebetween. The lamp holders have a base exposed to irradiate heat from said lamp. Connector terminals and an earth terminal are secured within said molded housing. The bus bars also integrally have spaced-apart fixed contacts secured within the molded housing so as to establish respective surfaces flush with the housing but exposed to said elongate recess. A slide switch is moveable longitudinally within the recess between at least first and second positions, and carries a generally U-shaped movable contact member which is adapted to contact the exposed surfaces of the fixed contacts so as to turn the lamp held by the lamp holder on and off, respectively. The housing includes notches formed in the recess opposite to the exposed surfaces of the fixed contacts.

Abstract: A Storage compartment, in particular a glove compartment, for a motor vehicle is provided. The storage compartment includes a compartment housing which has at least two sections, which are arranged one above the other and are separated from one another by a transverse wall, and a compartment opening on the front side allowing access to the sections. For the purpose, with little technical outlay, of sufficiently illuminating the sections lying one above the other, a downwardly shining lamp is arranged in the vicinity of the compartment opening in such a manner on the upper, transversely extending housing wall and at least one reflector is arranged in such a manner on the inside of the flap that in the swung-down position of the flap light from the lamp which impinges on the reflector is reflected into the depth of at least one lower section.