Abstract: A lighting system for illuminating the exterior of an automotive vehicle has a remotely controlled lamp or set of lamps mounted to the underside of the vehicle for providing illumination both below the vehicle and under the vehicle when the vehicle is stationary the lamps illuminate upon receipt of a predetermined signal from a transmitter. The lamps may also illuminate upon opening a vehicle door to illuminate the path of an exiting passenger.

Abstract: A vehicle 10, comprising running boards 11 located on the underside of doors 12 and 13, respectively, a light apparatus, and a meter case having a light transmitting tube which is low in weight, excellent in durability, and also capable of easily repairing a light source, wherein the light transmitting tube 1 is installed along the side edge of the running boards 11, one end of the light transmitting tube 1 is connected to a light source unit 16 located in a cabin of the vehicle 10 at the rearmost thereof and, when a light emitting element emits light, light is radiated from the side peripheral surface of the light transmitting tube 1 at the side edges of the running board 11 and the side edges of the running boards 11 looks luminous if they flash; a stop lamp part 120 and a meter case main body 210 also utilizing the light emission of the light transmitting tube.

Abstract: A vehicle running board for attachment to a vehicle, comprising a first running board component, a second running board component, a lamp assembly, and a coupling between the running board components. Also disclosed is a method and structure to operate running boards to emit light to indicate at least one of vehicular dome light activation, vehicular braking, vehicular reverse gear engagement, vehicular turn signaling, vehicular emergency signaling, remote keyless entry activation, and vehicular headlight activation. A support member receiver is disposed along the bottom side of the running board components and is optionally coupled with a support member, providing additional structural stability to the running board. Traction grooves are disposed on the top side of the running board components, and the vehicle running board may be formed by blow molding or rotational molding techniques to evenly distribute acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

Abstract: A vehicle light assembly is provided having a light source emitting light into a light pipe or tube extending along a portion of a vehicle. The light pipe casts light directly and uniformly upon a ground surface beneath a vehicle and/or a stepping surface of a running board, if such a running board is installed upon the vehicle, without directing excessive glare or light into the eyes of the user.

Abstract: An illuminated step-up for a vehicle includes a step-up plate mounted on the door sill of a vehicle. A slot extends along a portion of the length of the step-up plate. An optical waveguide formed from a solid piece of material is positioned to release light through the slot.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a lighting device to illuminate the running board of a vehicle. One embodiment of the lighting device includes an electroluminescent element from which light emanates, an optical element for focusing the light, and a transparent tube surrounding the electroluminescent element and the optical element. In another embodiment of the lighting device, the transparent tube itself is provided with optical power for creating the desired light pattern.

Abstract: An elongated light guide courtesy lamp for a vehicle. The lamp includes a light source mounted on the vehicle and an elongated light conductor for conducting light generated by the light source. The light conducted from the conductor is used to illuminate the running board of the vehicle or the area below the running step of the vehicle.

Abstract: A running board light assembly is provided having a light source emitting light into a light tube extending along the length of a running board. The light tube casts light directly and uniformly upon a stepping surface of the running board and upon a ground surface below the running board, without directing excessive glare or light into the eyes of the user.