Vehicle Light Patents (Class 40/556)
  • Patent number: 11443562
    Abstract: The present invention provides a magic cube timing device based on Bluetooth communication, including a timer main body and a non-slip mat. The timer main body is fastened to the non-slip mat. The timer main body includes a main body housing, a main control PCB board, a display apparatus, and two magnetic surface stickers. Two through holes are disposed in the main body housing. One end of the magnetic surface sticker penetrates through the through hole to connect to the main control PCB board. According to the magic cube timing device based on Bluetooth communication in the present invention, each use result in the magic cube timing device is transmitted to an external terminal by using a Bluetooth module, to effectively collect statistics on and store timing data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: GUANGZHOU GANYUAN INIELLIGENT TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ganyuan Jiang
  • Patent number: 10394112
    Abstract: A vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a liftgate rotatable between a closed position and an open position, and a video projector mounted to the liftgate. Further, the video projector is configured to project video in a direction away from the vehicle when the liftgate is in the open position. This disclosure also relates to a video projector operable in a video projection mode and a secondary mode, and further relates to a method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Aaron Bradley Johnson, Stephen Kenneth Helwig, Stuart C. Salter, Paul Kenneth Dellock
  • Patent number: 10239445
    Abstract: A safety projection assembly including a housing comprising top, bottom, front, rear, and side portions that at least partially surround and at least partially define a cavity, the bottom portion of the housing is connected to at least a portion of the vehicle; and a projection mechanism at least partially received within the cavity of the housing, the projection mechanism is configured to project an image or a series of images onto at least a portion of the vehicle or an operator thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Inventor: Timothy W. Hendricks
  • Patent number: 9994147
    Abstract: A collision avoidance system including a proximity sensor for a lead vehicle configured to determine an actual distance between the lead vehicle and a following vehicle. A projector for the lead vehicle is configured to project, above ground level, an image from the lead vehicle towards the following vehicle to notify the following vehicle of the lead vehicle. A control module for the lead vehicle is configured to instruct the projector to project the image when the actual distance is less than a threshold safety distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: DENSO International America, Inc.
    Inventor: Yu Yan
  • Patent number: 9688188
    Abstract: Disclosed is an automotive lamp and a method for controlling the same, and more particularly, to an automotive lamp capable of informing an ambient vehicle approaching from behind of a vehicle state by irradiating light forming a road pattern indicating the vehicle state to at least an area behind the vehicle, and a method for controlling the same. The automotive lamp includes a detection unit which detects a vehicle state; and lamp units, controlled by a control unit, which irradiates light forming a road pattern indicating the vehicle state to at least an area behind a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: SL Corporation
    Inventors: Youngho Son, Byoungki Ji
  • Patent number: 9010976
    Abstract: An illuminated vehicular sign is provided including a vehicle and luminescent planar sheet. The luminescent planar sheet is constructed to provide illuminated alpha-numeric characters which are mounted to the horizontal planar surfaces of a vehicle. The alpha-numeric characters are mounted substantially horizontally so as to be seen from the air such as by helicopters or planes. The illuminated vehicle sign includes a switching system electrically connected to the luminescent planar panels for selectively controlling the transfer of power from said power source to the luminescent planar panels. The switching system including one or more adjustable variable resistors electrically connected to the luminescent planar panels for allowing one to selectively adjust the wattage provided to them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Shipman
  • Patent number: 8458935
    Abstract: An example includes printing a graphic on a vinyl billboard sign and defining a translucent portion of the vinyl billboard sign, disposing adhesive on one of the vinyl billboard sign and a target surface, overlaying the translucent portion of the vinyl billboard sign with at least one planar electroluminescent lamp unit, overlaying the electroluminescent lamp unit with the target surface; attaching a power bus to the at least one planar electroluminescent lamp, connecting the lamp unit to a source of power, wherein the source of power comprises a power source, and the power bus includes a plurality of individual power lines to carry power to the at least one lamp unit and switching the power source to control illumination of the at least one planar electroluminescent lamp unit to shine through the vinyl billboard sign.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Safe Lites, LLC
    Inventor: Aaron J. Golle
  • Patent number: 8281509
    Abstract: A nautical navigation aid comprising a photoluminescent element and a light wave re-directing means for improved photoluminescent qualities used to enhance the safety of nautical travelers on waterways in conditions where visibility is limited. The navigation aid sign has a first rigid sheet member having an upper surface, a lower surface and a peripheral edge, a second rigid sheet member having an upper surface and a lower surface extending outward from the peripheral edge of the first rigid sheet member at a predetermined angle to a predetermined length, thereby defining an angled collar of the first rigid sheet member sized and configured to redirect light waves emanating from a light source, and a luminescent layer. It is envisioned that an embodiment of the present invention might also include a means for retrofitting existing nautical navigation aids with a photoluminescent element and a light wave re-directing means for improved photoluminescent qualities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventor: Edwin Perez
  • Patent number: 8266833
    Abstract: A vehicle showcase display badge is provided which includes a bezel, a substantially transparent front lens, and a rear lens comprising a light transparent front surface and a colored reflective rear surface. The badge also includes a graphic assembly disposed between the front lens and the rear lens, wherein the rear lens provides a three-dimensional appearance of the graphic assembly. The badge further includes an attachment for attaching the badge to a vehicle such that the graphic assembly is viewable. One or more curved surfaces may be employed on the rear lens to provide a shadow effect. One or more of the lenses may be overmolded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignees: Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Granby Mold, Inc., Tribar Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Joel Thomas Pierce, Michael A. Musleh, Bob Bretz, John Turcotte, Andrew Murray, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Will Farrelly
  • Patent number: 7886466
    Abstract: Method and apparatus provide for attaching a planar electroluminescent lamp unit (140a-140g) to the side (138) of a train (100), and providing a film (120) adhered to the surface of the lamp unit (140a-140g) and to the side of the train adjacent the lamp unit, wherein the film has printed thereon advertising indicia (130a-130d). The lamp unit is connected to a source of power on the train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Safe Lites, LLC
    Inventor: Aaron J. Golle
  • Patent number: 7828470
    Abstract: In one implementation, a method provides a plurality of graphics. The method backlights the graphics by using reflected light and/or blocking direct light. The method also highlights one of the graphics by using direct light that overpowers the backlighting of the one of the graphics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Flextronics Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Maria Fedorenko, Gary Warren
  • Patent number: 7696865
    Abstract: An electronic message board includes a housing removably affixed to an interior surface of a selected window of a vehicle. Such housing is visible to another driver during driving conditions and includes a back wall with front and rear planar surfaces respectively and a first electrically conductive plate with a planar rear surface directly attached to the front surface of the back wall. The message board further includes a light display removably interfitted within the housing, a light emitting diode array, a transparent faceplate with predetermined indicia formed in a front surface thereof, and a mechanism for selectively actuating the light display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventor: Marvin Robinson
  • Patent number: 7588357
    Abstract: A multi-function lamp system includes a lamp, which may include illuminable text, position beneath the door of a vehicle. The lamp may be illuminated to perform at least the following functions: side blinker and running board illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Mack Trucks, Inc.
    Inventors: David P Onopa, Jeffrey Robert Cotner, Charles J Groeller
  • Patent number: 7350950
    Abstract: A safety device comprising a housing, an extendable tube located in the housing, and a light source for illuminating the extendable tube. The extendable tube is translucent and may be extended from a first position to a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Safe-T-Lite LLC
    Inventors: Randall F. Alder, Myles E. Davis, Donald B. Ford, William P. Long
  • Patent number: 7021806
    Abstract: An illuminated display includes a light source positioned within an optical chamber defined by a first optical element having a first reflective surface with an image thereon. A second optical element is positioned within the chamber and is spaced from the first optical element to define a gap therebetween, through which gap the image is visible. The second optical element has a second reflective surface thereon for reflecting light from the light source onto the image. A third reflective surface is positioned on the first optical element and also reflects light from the light source to the second reflective surface from which light is directed to the image on the first optical element and out through the gap. In this way the efficiencies of the illuminated display are enhanced. The illuminated display is used in combination with an automotive vehicle to display branding information and logos.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Jay H. Ovenshire
  • Patent number: 6942370
    Abstract: A lamp unit for a motor vehicle includes a light source, a substantially plano-convex projection lens, and an identification symbol. The projection lens has the configuration of a spherical segment and a central region, and the identification symbol is disposed in the central region of the planar side of the projection lens. The planar side of the lens faces the light source. A method of making a lamp unit for a motor vehicle includes disposing an identification symbol in a central region of a planar side of a substantially plano-convex projection lens of the lamp unit, wherein the planar side of the lens faces a light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Hans-Dieter Futschik, Norbert Weber, Walter Nuber
  • Patent number: 6735893
    Abstract: A sign for a vehicle has a three-dimensional base equipped with an opaque surface coating, and a backside of the base is placed on and attached to a vehicle part. The sign is equipped with an indirect lighting device so as to allow recognition of the sign at dawn or dusk or in the dark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG
    Inventor: Erhard Wolf
  • Publication number: 20020196638
    Abstract: An apparatus for illuminating a license plate includes a reflector, one or more light emitting diodes mounted on a substrate, all positioned within a housing. The light emitting diode or diodes project light directed at the reflector. The reflector has a surface geometry for redirecting the light through a window in the housing such that it substantially uniformly illuminates the license plate. The apparatus preferably does not include a lens. The apparatus may include a light emitting diode or diodes and a curved free form reflector. The apparatus may also include a plurality of reflectors or reflector segments, each corresponding to a light emitting diode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventors: Newel L. Stephens, Timothy W. Brooks
  • Publication number: 20020181245
    Abstract: A lamp unit for a motor vehicle includes a light source, a substantially plano-convex projection lens, and an identification symbol. The projection lens has the configuration of a spherical segment and a central region, and the identification symbol is disposed in the central region of the planar side of the projection lens. The planar side of the lens faces the light source. A method of making a lamp unit for a motor vehicle includes disposing an identification symbol in a central region of a planar side of a substantially plano-convex projection lens of the lamp unit, wherein the planar side of the lens faces a light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Applicant: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Hans-Dieter Futschik, Norbert Weber, Walter Nuber
  • Patent number: 6471379
    Abstract: A waveguide illumination assembly for an automobile license plate includes a single light source and a transport or waveguide disposed outward from the license plate perimeter. The light source shines into one end of the waveguide. The waveguide has one or more arms, each of which has an array of reflective elements. Light is internally reflected as it travels through the waveguide until it strikes a reflective element, thereby directing light through an opposing longitudinal side of the waveguide arm and onto the license plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventors: Lloyd Keith Bucher, George Robert Hulse
  • Publication number: 20010055214
    Abstract: A rear-view mirror device is provided that includes a transparent or semitransparent casing having a coating layer applied thereon. At least a light-transmissible portion is formed on the casing by removing a predetermined portion of the coating layer on the casing and a light source is installed within the casing for generating light to be emitted from the light-transmissible portion to the outside of the casing, allowing the rear-view mirror device to serve as a turning signal. The casing is then attached with a cover having a mirror piece, so as to enclose the light source in the casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Inventor: Chia-Jung Chang
  • Patent number: 6273597
    Abstract: A roadside warning sign system including sign support comprised of a housing having a top wall, a bottom wall, opposed side walls, an open front face, and an open back face. The housing has a light source disposed interiorly thereof. The light source has a power source. A plurality of signs are provided that are each couplable with the open front and rear faces of the housing of the sign support. The signs each have indicia thereon corresponding with vehicle problems or hazardous conditions. The signs are translucent. A base portion is provided that is adapted for coupling with a roof of a vehicle. The base portion is comprised of a lower horizontal member having an upper surface and a lower surface. The base portion includes a pair of side brackets extending upwardly from the upper surface of the lower horizontal member. The side brackets secure the sign support to the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: William Rolack
  • Patent number: 6220738
    Abstract: A device for motor vehicles is proposed which comprises a pictograph which is disposed in an at least partially transparent device part, can be optically highlighted by light beams and is produced by means of a process of influencing the material of the device part in a mechanical manner. In order to form three-dimensional pictographs in any color, the pictograph is produced in the material of an originally homogenous component of the device part and the pictograph is allocated a light coupling-in site, which is located on a lateral region of the component, in such a manner that the pictograph is at least partially captured and illuminated accordingly by the light beam bundle which is coupled via said light coupling-in site into the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Leopold Kostal GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Harald Donner
  • Patent number: 6079136
    Abstract: A lighted messaging system that is attachable to a vehicular trailer hitching assembly and can provide suitable protection for the open hitch after the ball is removed. This system utilizes all of the various components of a conventional trailer hitch after the ball joint element is removed therefrom and serves not only to provide an attractive and useful means of communication or advertisement and the like, but also to cover up exposed parts of the trailer hitch after the ball joint element is actually removed. Trailer hitches that use the so-called "draw-tight" system are preferred. Messages in the form of writing or drawings and can encompass any desired communication. Since the messaging system employs a light system, they can be illuminated for better visibility during all light conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Parting Gestures, Inc.
    Inventor: Norman A. Kozlarek
  • Patent number: 5709454
    Abstract: Visual display means of a vehicle having a body and force means for producing motion change of the vehicle body comprise a vehicle visual display device on the vehicle body including a container, a first liquid fluid in the container, and a second fluid in the container and essentially immiscible with the first fluid. The vehicle visual display device is responsive to the force means to cause a first fluid-second fluid interface, a first fluid-container interface, and a second fluid-container interface, to change in response to the motion change in the vehicle body. Either the first liquid fluid or the second fluid or both are visible through the container. A plurality of the devices in close proximity, such as side by side, provide the especially interesting and pleasing effects of synchronous change as the motion of the vehicle varies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Inventor: Leif E. Hatlestad, II
  • Patent number: 5641221
    Abstract: A lighted display field for writing, symbols or the like, is provided on a wall part, for example, a door entrance strip of a vehicle. The wall part includes openings forming the writing or the symbols. A luminous foil is mounted on the covered side of the wall part and is visible through the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Schindele, Stefan Kuerth
  • Patent number: 5566384
    Abstract: A Moving vehicle illuminated sign incorporated with D.C. power supply, electric circuit, function control circuit, electroluminescent light strip, switch, housing. Stick on vehicles' body by glue to give other vehicles' message for special situation or warning signal for unexpected situation on road. As EL light strip can easy bendable so can easily attached on any space of moving vehicles to meet the curve surface. This will be unique universal type for all moving vehicles. The extra warning light will protect moving vehicle been seen at night by other road user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Inventor: Tseng-Lu Chien
  • Patent number: 5442526
    Abstract: A reflector illuminating system for reflecting light incident on a reflector to provide a unique lighting effect and which is preferably, although not necessarily exclusively used, in connection with automotive vehicles. The reflector illuminating lighting system comprises an elongate frame with a light disposed in the frame for generating light to be incident upon a reflector normally provided on the vehicle, or other reflector which may be mounted on the vehicle for decorative purposes. The frame is mounted on the vehicle, or other supporting structure, in a position adjacent to an edge of the reflector so that generated light will be incident on the reflector at a substantial angle to the perpendicular surface of the reflector. The lighting system is provided with a wiring arrangement for connection to a source of electrical power. When used on a vehicle, the lighting system is connected to the electrical circuit of the vehicle itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Inventor: George Stowe, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5424924
    Abstract: An illuminated vehicle bra for displaying a message comprising a nose bra adapted to fit on a vehicle; and a signaling circuit coupled to the nose bra, the signaling circuit having a plurality of light sources disposed thereon in a configuration defining a message for viewing and leads connected to the light sources for transferring energy for illuminating the message, the leads extending from the nose bra and terminating in a terminal adapted to be coupled to a power source for receiving power for energizing the signaling circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Inventors: Johnny W. G. Ewing, Robin R. Ewing
  • Patent number: 5299102
    Abstract: A vehicle illuminator is provided which acts as a conventional marker light, and additionally illuminates advertisements on the surface of a vehicle. To allow both functions to be performed by a single illuminator, at least one bulb, a reflector, and a transparent insert are combined with one or more conventional marker lights. Light from at least one additional bulb is reflected through a clear portion of a housing by the reflector, the reflector being positioned such that the reflected light illuminates a selected surface. Thus, the light, in addition to acting as a conventional marker light, illuminates advertisements on vehicle and trailer surfaces, making these advertisements more visible, especially during periods of low visibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Inventor: George Zimmerman, III
  • Patent number: 5249104
    Abstract: An optical display device such as an emblem mounted on an automotive vehicle is disclosed which is simple in structure and displays a display pattern in a silver metallic color by daylight. The interior of the device is kept invisible in the daytime, whereas the pattern is displayed in any desired color in a uniform manner in the nighttime.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Inventor: Tatsuji Mizobe
  • Patent number: 4977695
    Abstract: An illuminated medallion adapted for use on vehicles such as automobiles, boats or other owner or passenger occupied vehicles, in desk top display units or other interior or exterior display units by which various indicia, insignia or the like can be displayed in a manner to facilitate effective observation thereof. The illuminated medallion includes a lens having various insignia, indicia and the like including transparent areas, colored transparent areas combined with a backing plate with a light bulb mounted thereon in a unique relationship to the lens and a hollow, externally threaded mounting stud for supporting attachment to a bracket with the wires supplying electrical energy to the light bulb passing through the hollow threaded stud. The arrangement of the lens, light bulb and backing plate is such that substantially total light diffusion through a diffusion disc is obtained with all hot spots or bright spots being eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Inventor: Joseph M. Armbruster
  • Patent number: 4868719
    Abstract: In a rear combination lamp assembly for a vehicle, a plurality of LEDs capable of being turned on and off independently of each other are mounted on a first printed circuit board. A plate-like lens element and a second printed circuit board are arranged with the first printed circuit board located between them. A control circuitry is mounted on the second printed circuit board, for selectively turning on and off the LEDs to display various patterns on a matrix display formed by the LEDs. The first printed circuit board, the lens element and the second printed circuit board are held in a united fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Kouchi, Houichiro Kashiwabara, Osamu Waki, Koji Ohe