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 lighted steering wheel for illuminating the steering wheel of a vehicle. The lighted steering wheel includes an outer ring defining a central space has a center. A hub for mounting to a steering column of a vehicle is located in the central space. A plurality of elongate spokes radially extend between the outer ring and the hub in the central space. The outer ring and the spokes comprise a translucent material for permitting the passage of light therethrough. An outer light source is provided in the outer ring. The outer light source has an elongate portion extending into a first of the spokes. A pair of elongate light sources. One of the elongate light sources is provided in a second of the spokes and another of the elongate light sources is provided in a third of the spokes. The outer light source and the elongate light sources are electrically connected together.

Abstract: A vehicle interior lamp assembly comprises a light assembly carried within a housing. A cover is snap fit to the housing and carries a lens in registration with the light assembly. The light assembly includes a dome shape reflector, into which a light bulb is positioned, and a light switch slidingly positioned within a slotted flange attached to the housing. A light switch actuator, in operational connection with the light switch, is captured by the cover. The lens is formed with a double convex middle region and a pair of outer regions formed with a plurality of serrations which reflect light toward the light reflector to thereby provide a uniform pattern of illumination about a preselected area. In one preferred embodiment, the housing supports a pair of lighting assemblies to permit selective illumination of a passenger's seat, table, or the like.

Abstract: Automotive lighting systems include a casing which defines an interior space and a pair of shafts extending thereacross so as to establish adjacent first and second interior space regions. Lamps are positioned in respective ones of these adjacent first and second interior space regions and are covered by a respective pair of lenses. Each lens has proximal and distal ends and is connected pivotally at the proximal end thereof to a respective one of the shafts to allow for independent pivotal movements of the distal end between inoperative and operative positions. Push switches are operatively connected to respective ones of the lamps and positioned in respective ones of the first and second interior space regions in such a manner that the distal ends of each lens is in contact with a respective push switch. In such a manner, the push switches may be operated in response to the pivotal movements of the lenses between its inoperative and operative positions to thereby illuminate the lamps.

Abstract: A vehicle auxiliary-lamp mounting assembly (10) consisting of a lamp-housing bracket (12) which has attached a resilient latch insert (50), and a lamp-housing mounting bracket (100) which incorporates a latch receptor (116). The lamp housing bracket (12) is adjustably attached to the sides of a vehicle auxiliary lamp (200), and the lamp-housing mounting bracket (100) is attached to a vehicle structure. When the resilient latch insert (50) is inserted into the latch receptor (116) the vehicle auxiliary lamp (200) is secured. Normally, a conventional vehicle lamp mounting assembly cannot be easily attached adjacent to a corner structure because there is insufficient space to insert and tighten a bolt or nut into the lamp mounting assembly. By utilizing the vehicle auxiliary-lamp mounting assembly (10) the problem of attaching and detaching a lamp assembly adjacent to a corner structure is solved.

Abstract: A flexible arm light for a motor vehicle having a passenger compartment equipped with an overhead console includes a first housing and a second housing interconnected by a flexible housing. The first housing includes a lamp coupled to the overhead console at a first location. The second housing is coupled to the console at a second location. The flexible arm light is operable in a stowed position and a deployed position wherein the flexible arm light is selectively directable toward a target when in the deployed position.

Abstract: Electric wire holders 8a, 8b extending in a fitting direction Z are integrally provided on an electric wire insertion tube 5 of a bracket 2. Locking hooks 15a, 15b are arranged in spatial regions S1, S2 which are surrounded by outer peripheral walls of the electric wire holders 8a, 8b and the electric wire insertion tube 5 and by tangent lines C1, C2 connecting ridges 9a, 9b of the electric wire holders 8a, 8b and the outer peripheral wall of the electric wire insertion tube 5.

Abstract: A car cabin light device capable of storing digital data is disclosed. The car cabin light device comprises a switch, a light emitting element for emitting light under a biasing of an external source, and a socket provided in a car cabin for detachably receiving the light emitting element and conducting the external source thereto. The light emitting element is constructed by a luminous disk having a first surface for accessing data and a second surface for luminescing. The luminous disk comprises: a data recording lamination located at the side of first surface for storing digital data; a light emitting lamination having two side planes and located at the side of second surface; and a biasing lamination for receiving the external source and applying it to the two side planes of the light emitting lamination for emitting light.

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: The present invention relates to an exterior vehicle mirror assembly. The mirror comprises a housing with an electrically powered adjusting mechanism mounted therein, and a support structure to be fixed to the vehicle exterior. The housing is pivotally mounted to the support structure and both the housing and support structure provide structure cooperating to define an indexing pivot assembly. The support structure has a wire receiving passage formed therein and the housing has a wire passage access opening. The access opening provides access to the passage to facilitate passing electroconductive wire though the passage so as to allow the adjusting mechanism to be connected to an electric power source and a control signal source within the vehicle. A lighting assembly is constructed and arranged to be mounted to the support structure so as to close the wire access opening after an installer has passed the wiring through the wire receiving passage.

Abstract: Proposed is a lighting arrangement which is mounted at or in the ceiling (4) preferably of an aeroplane cabin (2), comprising a plurality of punctiform light sources (8), wherein the punctiform light sources (8) have at least one light emitting diode (LED) (9) and are at least partially connected together in parallel or in series and are connected to at least one power supply unit (14). A Zener diode (15) is connected in parallel in the reverse direction in relation to each light emitting diode or light emitting diode group. The power supply unit (14) is such that it provides for a constant current flow. The light emitting diodes used are preferably white light emitting diodes.

Abstract: An optical waveguide for illuminating the interior of a cup holder in a vehicle is disclosed. The waveguide includes a piece of solid material having a ring portion sized and shaped to be received within a cup holder and configured to release light into the cup holder. An input face receives light from a light source. An input portion extends between the input face and the ring portion. The input portion confines light through internal reflection to direct light from the input face to the ring portion.

Abstract: A multifunctional safety warning device for a vehicle includes a mediate light bar zone having a first side and a second side; a left indicating light mounted on the first side of the mediate light bar zone and being adapted to light independently; and a right indicating light mounted on the second side of the mediate light bar zone and being adapted to light independently. In such a manner, the mediate light bar zone, the left indicating light, and the right indicating light are connected to and controlled by a control unit, whereby, the control unit is used to alternatively operate the mediate light bar zone, the left indicating light, and the right indicating light of the safety warning device, and to operate a set of breakdown light of the vehicle so that at least one set of light is used indicate a steering direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: An integrated instrument cluster assembly for use in an instrument panel 400, the assembly comprising: (1) a generally flat instrument cluster appliqué 110 having a first surface 112, an opposed second surface 114, and a perimeter 116 thereabout; (2) a generally flat light pipe/diffuser 120 sandwiched against the second surface 114 of the appliqué; and (3) at least one generally flat circuit board 130 sandwiched against the light pipe/diffuser. The at least one circuit board 130 is/are disposed such that a first rigid edge card connector portion 140 thereof extends outward generally beyond the perimeter 116.

Abstract: An interior lighting system for an automotive vehicle has an upper group of lights mounted in the vehicle interior, a lower group of lights mounted in the vehicle interior, and a switch mounted in the vehicle interior. The switch is movable between the dome position in which both the upper and lower groups of lights are illuminated, a dim position in which both the upper and lower groups of lights are illuminated between a maximum and a minimum intensity, a floor position in which only the lower lights are illuminated, and an off position in which neither the upper nor the lower group of lights are illuminated. The lower group of lights are illuminated when the switch is in the floor position after a door-ajar condition is sensed and the vehicle is moving at a predetermined velocity. Additionally, when the switch is in the dim position, the upper and lower groups of lights are illuminated only when a door-ajar condition is sensed and the vehicle is moving at a predetermined velocity.

Abstract: An LED semiconductor lighting system that comprises a lighting apparatus for illuminating vehicle interiors and powered by a source of electrical power provided by or on the vehicle. The lighting apparatus comprises a light tube with an interior space and has a plurality of light emitting diodes and current limiting resistors contained within such interior space of the light tube. The illumination intensity of the light emitting diodes is controlled by a dimming module in electrical contact with the LEDs and electrically connected to the vehicle source of power. An alternative embodiment of the lighting apparatus includes a flexible light tube.

Abstract: A lighting device comprises at least one door light (4) provided in a door (2) of a vehicle, the light source of which (6) is disposed behind a wall (7) of a door covering, in particular a trim (3), wherein the outer side of the wall (7) is formed, in this region (8), by a light-permeable decorative layer (10) which has a surface pattern when the light source (6) is switched off corresponding to the remaining surface decor of the wall (7). The light-permeable decorative layer (10) is introduced onto a transparent plastic (13) using the IMD method. It is thereby possible to impart an arbitrary surface design to the light-permeable decorative layer (10).

Abstract: Display apparatus (300) is configured to be plugged into the cigarette lighter socket of a vehicle. Display unit (305) is configured to provide a gentle display mode to enhance the driving pleasure at night. In case of emergency, switch 323 triggers the display unit to provide high intensity blinking warning light. The display unit (305) can also be configured to provide various graphic, message or data information.

Abstract: An improved air freshener for use inside motor vehicles in which heat produced by a light bulb within the air freshener housing controls the release of fragrance from a removable fragrance impregnated pad positioned in close proximity to the light bulb. Light produced by the light bulb illuminates a translucent decorative cover mounted at the front of the air freshener.

Abstract: A modular headliner includes a central lamp component with an upper and lower lamp components. The upper and lower lamp components snap together on each side of the headliner. This allows the lamp to be mounted into the vehicle with the lamp already assembled. The upper lamp component is provided with a pair of spaced adhesive tape strips. The adhesive tape strips wet out on a support surface in the vehicle ceiling, securing the upper component to the vehicle ceiling. In this way, there is no complex alignment necessary between the components of the lamp and structure on the vehicle ceiling. Instead, the upper component of the lamp merely attaches itself to the ceiling wherever it may be in the individual vehicle, utilizing the individual headliner. Further, the lower component is attached to the upper component through a yieldable connection. In this way, the lower component can be removed from the upper component after the headliner has been assembled into the vehicle.

Abstract: A lamp assembly for an overhead console having a single lens that selectively operates multiple switches connected to multiple lamps to illuminate a desired area. The single lens has multiple push surfaces such that pressing a first push surface operates one lamp, pressing a second push surface operates another lamp and pressing a third surface operates both lamps simultaneously.

Abstract: The body and the cover of the conventional automotive lamp assembly used to be made of hard synthetic resin such as polypropylene or polycarbonate having a low Izod impact value. As a result, the strong impact by a human body on the body or the cover of the lamp assembly in a collision accident can create a problem that the lamp assembly is broken into smithereens and recycling thereof was impossible. The automotive lamp assembly installed in the room of a passenger car is provided with means including a body composed of a lamp and a switch to be directly attached to the vehicle body, the body being formed of polypropylene having an Izod impact value of 40 to 60 kJ/m.sup.2 ; and a transparent or translucent cover to shield the body, said cover being formed of polypropylene or polycarbonate having an Izod impact value of 40 to 60 kJ/m.sup.2.

Abstract: The prior art automotive room lamp assembly has a problem that the designing and manufacturing of a variety of room lamp assembly including a large-sized or a small-sized one depending on the type of vehicle model inevitably involves a small lot production which entails the rise in the cost as well as the storage of many types of parts which again invites the rise in cost. The automotive room lamp assembly is composed of a housing 4 accommodating a lamp 42 in the recess 41 therein; a framework formed with a flange 51 to be secured on the periphery of said housing and having different sizes; and a lamp to be mounted onto the flange 53 of said framework.

Abstract: A vehicle having glare-reducing apparatus has a windshield and a driver's seat disposed rearwardly of the windshield. An elongated light source is disposed adjacent to and extends across a substantial portion of the windshield such that light emitted by the light source will impinge on both eyes of the driver generally equally and constrict the pupils of the driver's eyes. In a preferred form, the light source is substantially continuous and may be a fluorescent bulb or a neon bulb. The light source is preferably positioned above the windshield and has a central axis which is about 1/2 to 1 inch from the exposed uppermost portion of the windshield. A potentiometer or other device may be employed to adjust the light intensity. A related method is provided.

Abstract: An infant observation mirror 10 is attachable to a rear-facing infant car seat 200. A fastening assembly 20 includes a C-clamp which attaches to the upper edge of the back of the car seat. Alternative versions of the fastening assembly include a modified alligator clamp and a resilient spring clamp. A first end of a curved arm assembly 50 extends from the fastening assembly over the car seat. A preferred curved arm assembly provides a resilient skeleton the shape of which may be adjusted and a soft protective covering. A mirror assembly 60 is supported by the second end of the curved arm assembly, and typically provides a light-weight mylar plastic mirror. An adjustment assembly 70 allows rotation of the mirror about a horizontal and a vertical axis. A lighting assembly 90 provides soft lighting to illuminate the child during night driving.

Abstract: Disclosed is an interior space lighting unit for a car having a housing including a lower side and an upper side. The lower side is provided with a lower window behind which a first lamp is arranged, and the upper side is provided with an upper window behind which a second lamp is arranged. A switch is coupled to the current supply circuit for the lamps and is mounted to the housing. The housing is adapted to be mounted to a tiltable support such as the rear window on a vehicle tailgate, for illuminating the passenger or luggage space in case the tailgate is closed, or the loading area and/or luggage space in case the tailgate is open.

Abstract: The vehicle has a door movably mounted adjacent an occupant's seat and a pull strap by which the occupant may pull the door closed. A lamp is mounted on the door at a position generally outboard and concealed behind the pull strap. The pull strap is vertically located in relation to the occupant and the lap in a position so that light emanating from the lamp is directed onto the occupant lamp for reading when the door is closed and, simultaneously, shielded from shining into the occupant's eyes by the pull strap. When the door is swung open, the light shines down on the roadway.

Abstract: A method of illuminating a region outside an automobile involves activating at least one lamp within the automobile; and illuminating, in response to the activating of the at least one lamp, the region outside the automobile. The region extends from the automobile to at least 15 to 30 feet or more from the automobile, and the illuminating includes projecting light from the lamp within the automobile to the region outside the automobile. Preferably, the illuminating includes projecting light that illuminates an area at an average maintained luminance of at least 0.2 foot-candles at a distance of 15 to 30 feet or more from the lamp. An apparatus for carrying out this method employs at least one lamp; a remotely-controlled switch coupled to the lamp; a power source selectively coupleable through the remotely-controlled switch to the at least one lamp; a housing coupled to the at least one lamp; and at least one hook coupled to the housing for suspending the housing within an automobile.

Abstract: An illumination device for an interior space, such as that of a motor vehicle, for example, has a light source (2) and an opposing reflector system (3) located at a distance across the interior space, wherein the reflector system includes a reflector unit having multiple reflectors (8, 13, 14, 15, 16) each capable of being brought into a position in a beam path (7) of light from the light source (2). The light source (2) can be placed in a center control panel (4) of the motor vehicle, while the reflector system (3) can be placed on a vehicle ceiling located opposite the center control panel (4).

Abstract: An automobile steering wheel and turn signal indicator for allowing a driver of an automobile to signal for a turn, includes a handle/hub arrangement adapted to be coupled to a steering column of the automobile, spokes disposed about the handle/hub and horizontally extended outward therefrom to the handle, and left and right turn signal indicators disposed on at least one of the handle, hub and spokes of the steering wheel.

Abstract: A light assembly comprises a fixed mounting plate on which there is positioned a variable resistor, a rotatable member including an arm engaging the variable resistor and a lamp subassembly pivotally mounted to the rotatable member and keyed to the rotatable member such when the lamp subassembly is rotated in a plane generally parallel to a lens associated with the lamp subassembly, the rotatable member moves with respect to the fixed mounting plate, thereby varying the resistance, which is coupled in series with a lamp contained within the lamp subassembly for varying the intensity of the illumination therefrom. In a preferred embodiment also, the lamp subassembly includes a lens having a knob associated therewith such that the lamp subassembly can be tilted and rotated for directing and varying the intensity of the illumination therefrom.

Abstract: A ceiling-mounted electric component assembly is provided. A molded ceiling for fastening to a vehicle ceiling is provided with an aperture for mounting therein an electric component. Conductors extend across the electric component mounting aperture. A circuit body receiver plate is provided to cover the mounting aperture. The electric component is mounted on the circuit body receiver plate, with the conductors positioned the former and the latter such that the electric component is electrically connected to at least one of the conductors. An additional circuit body is optionally mountable on the circuit body receiver plate.The mounting of electric components on the vehicle ceiling is facilitated, and various electric components can be optionally mounted.

Abstract: Interior vehicle instrumentation and/or console lighting is provided by an interior rearview mirror assembly or interior lamp assembly incorporating a non-incandescent, directed, low level, low power, non-glare producing light emitting source. The source illuminates portions of the vehicle interior such as the instrumentation or controls in the instrument panel or console area. One or more of such light emitting sources is optionally mounted on or within the mirror case or mirror support separate from any conventional incandescent lamp or lamps which may be mounted in the mirror assembly to provide general interior lighting. Alternately, the light emitting source can be mounted on or within an interior vehicle lamp assembly such as a dome lamp, rail lamp, or the like. Preferably, the light emitting source is a solid state lamp such as a light emitting diode, is controlled via the ignition switch and/or a rheostat/dimmer switch, and most preferably provides a maximum illumination of about 0.2 to 4.

Abstract: A AUTO RECHARGEABLE FLASHLIGHT is provided with a base having a weight coupled to a bottom face thereof. At least one recess is formed in a top face of the base with such recess having a pair of contacts situated on an inner side wall thereof. Further provided is a power cord having a first end coupled to the periphery of the base and a second end having a vehicle cigarette lighter adapter designed to be releasably plugged within a vehicle cigarette lighter socket for receiving power therefrom. The first end of the cord is connected to the contacts for supplying power to appliances to be recharged.

Abstract: An emergency brake illuminator for a motor vehicle comprising in combination (a) an emergency brake having a means for activating said brake, (b) a light located on the means for activating said brake, and (c) means for turning on said light when the vehicle's ignition switch is on so that when the ignition switch is on, the light is also on.

Abstract: A push button type left turn signal switch and a push button type right turn signal switch are each mounted on a vehicle steering wheel. The push button type left turn signal switch is wired in parallel with a lever activated left turn signal switch, and the push button type right turn signal switch is wired in parallel with a lever activated right turn signal switch. The push button type left turn signal switch includes a left switch lamp for illuminating the push button type left turn signal switch. The push button type right turn signal switch includes a right switch lamp for illuminating the push button type right turn signal switch. The left switch lamp is wired in series with the push button type left turn signal switch and the lever activated left turn signal switch. The right switch lamp is wired in series with the push button type right turn signal switch and the lever activated right turn signal switch.