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: In order to easily install a light housing (1) in a simple and straightforward fashion into an installation opening, the light housing has an installation frame (2) having a frame opening (7) which can be installed from the front into the installation opening and with an insert member (3) which can be moved from a forward direction at least partially into the frame opening (7) and with at least one pivot element (4) born on the installation frame (2) which, in an outward pivot position, engages, with a seating surface (14), behind the wall of the installation opening and, in an inward pivot position, engages into the path of motion of the insert member (3) with an abutment surface (10) extending at an angle with respect to the seating surface (14). The entire light housing (1) is preferentially an injection-molded component.

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 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 illuminator assembly, having a plurality of LEDs on a vehicular support member in a manner such that, when all of the LEDs are energized, illumination exhibiting a first perceived hue, e.g., blue-green, and projected from at least one of the LEDs overlaps and mixes with illumination exhibiting a second perceived hue, e.g., amber, which is distinct from said first perceived hue and which is projected from at least one of the remaining LEDs in such a manner that this overlapped and mixed illumination forms a metameric white color and has sufficient intensity and color rendering qualities to be an effective illuminator.

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: 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: A light fixture with an actuator retained switch particularly adapted for surface mounting to a variety of supporting surfaces, e.g., the interior of a recreational vehicle, includes a housing, lens and mounting structure for suspending the switch within the housing. The mounting structure consists of a pair of mutually spaced internal walls which contain slots adapted to receive the edges of the switch. The switch is positioned between the two internal walls such that the operating member of the switch is in position to readily engage the switch actuator. Engagement of the switch operator and actuator serves to lock them together and retain both upon the housing. To operate the switch, the user manipulates the actuator, which is locked to the operating member of the switch, by sliding the actuator from side-to-side.

Abstract: This invention provides a room lamp unit for vehicles comprising a main unit body fixed to an interior of a vehicle and a sub-unit detachably incorporated in the main unit body, said sub-unit including a room lamp and being electrically connected to said main unit body for supply of electric power for illumination. Thus constructed, any place inside and outside the vehicle can be illuminated by the sub-unit when detached from the main unit body.

Abstract: A surface-mounted light fixture having a housing adapted to receive and retain the main operating components by a snap-in connection, without using mechanical fasteners. In one embodiment, the operating components so mounted include a mounting bracket for a light-emitting element, e.g., a light bulb, a reflective plate for dispersing light generated by the light-emitting element, a switch for activating the light-emitting element and a lens for covering the same. The housing is molded from a polymeric material so that it may be conveniently mounted to a target surface, preferably the interior of a recreational vehicle. Integral with the housing, are a plurality of resilient and rigid tabs which provide the snap-in mounts, for efficient assembly along a high-volume assembly line. Even though separate fasteners are not required, the integrity of the mechanical connections between the components of the light fixture is high, thus minimizing rattling when used in a vibrating environment.

Abstract: A touch panel for controlling a vehicle function includes a panel installed in a vehicle and a thin film switch disposed on the surface of the panel. The thin film switch is configured to control a vehicle function. The touch panel also may have a thin film range switch disposed on the surface of the panel. The range switch is configured to vary a setting of the vehicle function.

Abstract: An interior trim attachment apparatus for an automotive vehicle includes a fastener and a bezel secured together in a screw free manner by rotating one of the components relative to the other. An interior trim member is sandwiched between the fastener and bezel. In another aspect of the present invention, a sun visor is attached to either or both of the fastener and bezel components.

Abstract: A dome light assembly is provided including a first pair of contacts mounted on an interior surface of a vehicle and connected to a power source. Also included is a flashlight with a second pair of contacts releasably connectable to the first pair of contacts. A rechargeable battery is connected to the second pair of contacts. A switch is connected between the battery and a lamp situated within the flashlight.

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: 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: A roof fixture for ventilating and illuminating the interior space of the vehicle or boat. The fixture includes a blower mounted over a ventilating opening in the roof. An outer cover is mounted to the exterior of the roof over the blower, thereby protecting the fixture and the interior of the vehicle from the elements. A mounting plate is attached to the interior of the roof over the ventilating opening. The central portion of the plate includes a plurality of exhaust openings and a recessed area which receives a lamp for illuminating the interior space. A plurality of damper flaps are attached to the exterior side of the plate, each flap overlying an exhaust opening. When the blower is on, the flaps lift upwardly to permit air flow from the interior space of the vehicle, through the exhaust openings, and out a vented portion of the cover.

Abstract: A lamp especially adapted for use in or on a vehicle, and having an "on-off" switch actuable by movement of the lamp housing to eliminate the necessity of a separate switch component in the illuminating circuit or lamp structure for operating the lamp. The movement of the lamp housing insures that the contacts through which the lamp is illuminated do not become permanently joined, and are cleaned to enhance the operational reliability of the lamp.

Abstract: A fiber-optic lighting system is powered by a power supply connected to a high intensity light source which generates a beam of light. A first elongate light guide extends between a first end positioned within the beam of light and a second end positioned adjacent a lamp reflector. A second elongate light guide which is configured to emit light from a side also extends from a first end positioned within the beam of light. An elongate light fixture is positioned along the second light guide for directing light emitted from the side of the light guide.