Illumination – Illuminated scale or dial
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-13
2001-03-27
Quach, Y. (Department: 2875)
Illumination
Illuminated scale or dial
C362S026000, C362S556000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06206533
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to instrument panels for vehicles and, more specifically, to a fiber optic lighted instrument panel for a vehicle.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is known to provide an instrument panel for a vehicle such as a motor vehicle. The instrument panel extends laterally across an occupant compartment of the motor vehicle in front of seated occupants therein. The instrument panel typically includes a number of gages such as a speedometer. These gages are typically illuminated by backlighting with incandescent lamps disposed behind the gages.
It is also known that fiber optic light cables are used for high-speed communication and data transmission. It is also known that these fiber optic light cables consist of a core, cladding and a protective jacket. The core has a higher refractive index than that of the cladding so that the light is confined within the core if the incident angle is less than the critical angle. This is the principle of telecommunication with optical fiber light cables.
Therefore, there is a need in the art to provide a fiber optic lighted instrument panel for a vehicle. Also, there is a need in the art to provide a fiber optic light cable to illuminate an instrument panel for a vehicle. Further, there is a need in the art to eliminate backlighting of gages in an instrument panel.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention is a fiber optic lighted instrument panel includes an instrument panel having at least one portion to be illuminated and adapted to be disposed in an occupant compartment of a vehicle. The fiber optic lighted instrument panel also includes a fiber optic light cable extending around the at least one portion. The fiber optic lighted instrument panel further includes a light source connected to the fiber optic light cable to illuminate the at least one portion of the instrument panel.
One feature of the present invention is that a fiber optic lighted instrument panel is provided for a vehicle. Another feature of the present invention is that the fiber optic lighted instrument panel provides a fiber optic cable and a light emitting diode (LED) to illuminate an instrument panel for a vehicle. Yet another feature of the present invention is that the fiber optic lighted instrument panel saves energy, extends the lifetime of the illumination apparatus, reduces weight and cost, and makes the instrument panel more appealing. Still another feature of the present invention is that the fiber optic lighted instrument panel has the cladding on the fiber optic light cable purposely scratched on one side so that light is leaked out to illuminate a desired area such as a gage. A further feature of the present invention is that the fiber optic lighted instrument panel eliminates backlighting of gages on the instrument panel.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood after reading the subsequent description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.
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Quach Y.
Shelton Larry I.
Visteon Global Technologies Inc.
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