Illuminated cup holder assembly

Details Illuminated cup holder assembly Illuminated cup holder assembly

1999-12-08

2001-05-22

King, Anita M. (Department: 3632)

Supports

Brackets

Article holding means

C362S562000, C248S309100, C248S310000, C248S346110

Reexamination Certificate

active

06234439

ABSTRACT:

TECHNICAL FIELD
The subject invention relates to distributed lighting systems, and particularly distributed lighting systems involving the use of waveguides to illuminate portions of a vehicle interior.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Distributed lighting systems distribute light from some central location to one or more remote locations. A distributed lighting system promises several advantages over conventional lighting techniques, including low power consumption, extended life, heat reduction where light is emitted, and increased design flexibility.
Waveguides provide one useful way to distribute light. Waveguides are lengths of plastic that propagate light through internal reflection. Vehicle makers have adapted waveguides for use in many locations in a vehicle. For example, several U.S. Pat. Nos. including 4,788,630 and 5,590,945 show waveguides that illuminate various parts of a vehicle interior. Until recently, it has been difficult to install waveguides into certain small areas such as cup holders. This is particularly true when the demands of mass production impact upon the design of the product. For example, parts makers constantly seek designs that are simpler, easier and cheaper to make, and more reliable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES
The cup holder assembly generally includes an elongated waveguide, a cup holder bottom portion, and a cup holder top portion. The cup holder bottom portion includes a base and a side wall extending up from the base to define a cup-receiving space. The bottom portion further includes a waveguide support disposed above the base, with at least a portion of the waveguide disposed on the waveguide support. The cup holder top portion is disposed over the bottom portion and the waveguide. The top portion includes a shield extending over the waveguide.
This system splits the cup holder in two wherein the two pieces create a pocket to hold the waveguide in place. In other words, the top and bottom portions sandwich the waveguide into place. This design allows for simple, fast, and inexpensive installation of the waveguide into the cup holder space.


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