Illumination – Supported by vehicle structure – Automobile
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-19
2001-02-20
Cariaso, Alan (Department: 2875)
Illumination
Supported by vehicle structure
Automobile
C362S084000, C362S544000, C362S311040, C362S333000, C313S512000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06190027
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to the art of lighting for automobiles. In particular, the invention relates to the use of electroluminescent devices for illuminating areas on or closely adjacent to an automobile.
BACKGROUND
Lighting devices that utilize electroluminescent elements are well known. These devices generally include an electrically conductive substrate with an electroluminescent coating for generating light when electric current is passed through the substrate. Prior electroluminescent devices are typically used as illuminated elements in a display, such as in a sign or an electronic instrument. It is known also to use an electroluminescent element in combination with a diffuser for interior lighting in automobiles, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,864,473.
The lighting devices of the prior art, however, lack an optical means for shaping or directing the light in a desired beam pattern. When illumination is required for a specific area, the devices of the prior art are unable to direct light to that specific area. Thus, there is a need for a lighting device to illuminate portions of an automobile or areas immediately adjacent the automobile such that light generated by the device is directed to the area where illumination is needed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the invention, electroluminescent devices are used for illuminating portions of an automobile or areas immediately adjacent the automobile. The electroluminescent device is mounted on the automobile such that light generated by the device is directed to the area to be illuminated. In the preferred embodiment, elongate electroluminescent devices are mounted on the automobile for illumination of the horizontal surface of a running board. As well, the elements may be attached to the running board for illumination of the ground adjacent the running board for illumination of obstacles to be avoided, such as puddles. In the case of an automobile without a running board, the electroluminescent device may be mounted in the interior of the automobile to illuminate the ground when the door is opened, or on its exterior.
In one specific embodiment, one or more of the electroluminescent devices are placed on a vertical kick plate adjacent the horizontal part of the running board for illumination of the horizontal surface onto which the user steps. In another specific embodiment, a separate electroluminescent device is mounted below the running board for illuminating the ground beneath the running board.
In each of these embodiments, one or more electroluminescent elements are combined with structure that facilitates mounting the elements to the automobile, protects the elements, and modifies the light generated by the element to provide the desired pattern. For example, the electroluminescent element may be placed inside a transparent tube for protecting the element from the environment, abrasion, etc. Further, the element may be combined with an optical element, such as a cylindrical lens for focusing the light into the desired pattern. In other embodiments, the transparent tube itself is provided with optical power to shape or direct the light, thereby creating the desired light pattern.
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Cariaso Alan
DelGizzi Ronald E.
McDonnell & Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff
North American Lighting, Inc.
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