Illumination – Supported by vehicle structure – Automobile
Reexamination Certificate
1998-09-21
2001-06-12
Sember, Thomas M. (Department: 2875)
Illumination
Supported by vehicle structure
Automobile
C362S511000, C362S560000, C362S581000, C362S583000, C362S551000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06244734
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
The invention relates to distributed lighting systems.
Distributed lighting systems distribute light from one or more light sources in central or strategic locations 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 the light is emitted, and increased design flexibility.
SUMMARY
The invention provides components of a distributed lighting system (DLS) for use, for example, in an automobile. Issues associated with incorporating a distributed lighting system into an automobile are discussed by Hulse, Lane, and Woodward in “Three Specific Design Issues Associated with Automotive Distributed Lighting Systems: Size, Efficiency and Reliability,” SAE Technical Paper Series, Paper No. 960492, which was presented at the SAE International Congress and Exposition, Detroit, Mich., Feb. 26-29, 1996, and Hulse and Mullican in “Analysis of Waveguide Geometries at Bends and Branches for the Directing of Light,” SAE Technical Paper Series, Paper No. 981189, which are incorporated herein by reference.
The illuminated step-ups and running boards provide aesthetically pleasing lighting effects for a vehicle. The optical waveguide configurations employed in these lighting assemblies provide several advantages. For example, the step-ups and running boards are illuminated along their lengths without the use of long, tubular light sources, such as neon or fluorescent tubes, that may be susceptible to failure and breakage. This feature is particularly important because the step-ups and running boards are located where they may suffer impacts as people enter or exit a vehicle. In addition, the waveguides may be formed from injection-molded plastic or acrylic, resulting in increased durability and reduced manufacturing and installation cost compared to fiber optics or other types of light transmission conduits.
In one general aspect, 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 a length of the step-up plate. An optical waveguide formed from a solid piece of material is positioned to release light through the slot.
Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. An illumination portion of the waveguide may have top and bottom surfaces and may be configured to release light from the top surface. A first input face at one end of the illumination portion may be configured to receive light from a first light source. A second input face at an opposite end of the illumination portion may be configured to receive light from a second light source. The bottom and/or the top surface may be stippled. The bottom and/or top surface may be at least partially covered with diffusing material.
The waveguide may be divided into first and second portions. A reflector may be positioned between the first and second portions of the waveguide and configured to receive a light source and direct light into the first and second portions. Colored filters may be positioned between the reflector and the first and second portions.
Snaps may extend from the top surface and may be configured to mount the illumination portion on the step-up plate. A light source receptacle may be positioned to hold a light source at the first input face.
In another general aspect, an illuminated running board for a vehicle includes a running board plate positioned on the top surface of a running board that forms a ledge extending from the vehicle along the length of a vehicle door opening. A slot extends along a portion of a length of the running board plate. An optical waveguide formed from a piece of solid material is positioned to release light through the slot.
The illuminated step-up and/or running board may be included in a vehicle.
Other features and advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description, including the drawings, and from the claims.
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Cooper Automotive Products, Inc.
Negron Ismael
Reising Ethington, Barnes, Kisselle, Learman & McCulloch, P.C.
Sember Thomas M.
LandOfFree
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