BR102015024121A2 - photoluminescent lighting of a cup holder - Google Patents

Abstract

Photoluminescent lighting of a cup holder. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an illuminated cup holder assembly is disclosed. The assembly comprises an upper part forming a second diameter. a light ring is disposed substantially between the lower engaging portion and the upper engaging portion in an assembled configuration. the cup holder assembly comprises a photoluminescent portion configured to convect a first wavelength to a second wavelength to illuminate at least a portion of the cup holder assembly.

Description

Patent Descriptive Report of the Invention for: "Photoluminescent Lighting of a Cup Holder".

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[001] This application is a part-time continuation of US Patent Application No. 14 / 326,851, filed July 9, 2014, entitled "PHOTOLUMINESCENT CUPHOLDER ILLUMINATION", which is a partial continuation of Patent Application. US No. 14 / 322,464, filed July 2, 2014, entitled "PHOTOLUMINESCENT VEHÍCLE BADGE \" which is a continuation in part of US Patent Application No. 14 / 301,635, filed June 11, 2014, entitled " PHOTOLUMINESCENT VEHICLE READING LAMP ', which is a continuation in part of US Patent Application No. 14 / 156,869, filed January 16, 2014, entitled "VEHICLE DOME LIGHTING SYSTEM WITH PHOTOLUMINESCENT STRUCTURE', which is a continuation in part of the application US Patent No. 14 / 086,442, filed November 21, 2013, and entitled "VEHICLE LIGHTING SYSTEM WITH PHOTOLUMINESCENT STRUCTURE." The aforementioned related applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[003] The present invention relates generally to vehicle lighting systems, and more particularly to a container support employing photoluminescent structures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Lighting from photoluminescent materials offers a unique and attractive viewing experience. Accordingly, it is desirable to incorporate such photoluminescent materials in vehicle portions to provide ambient lighting and working lighting.

[006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, an illuminated cup holder assembly is disclosed. The assembly comprises an upper portion comprising a lower engaging portion forming a first diameter and a base portion comprising an upper engaging portion forming a second diameter. A light ring is disposed substantially between the lower engaging portion and the upper engaging portion in an assembled configuration. The cup holder assembly comprises a photoluminescent portion configured to convert a first wavelength to a second wavelength to illuminate at least a portion of the cup holder assembly.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an illuminated cup holder assembly is disclosed. The assembly comprises an upper portion comprising a lower engaging portion and a base portion comprising an upper engaging portion. The base portion forms a cavity comprising a lower surface having a photoluminescent portion. The assembly further includes a light ring disposed substantially between the lower engaging portion and the upper engaging portion in an assembled configuration. The photoluminescent portion is configured to convert a first wavelength of light to a second wavelength to illuminate the bottom surface. In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, an illuminated cup holder assembly is disclosed. The assembly comprises an upper portion comprising a lower engaging portion and a base portion forming a cavity. The base portion comprises a base surface, an inner wall, and an upper engaging portion. A replaceable ring frame for mounting is arranged substantially between the lower engaging portion and the upper engaging portion in an assembled configuration. The replaceable ring comprises at least one first configuration and a second configuration. In the first embodiment, the replaceable ring corresponds to a light ring configured to illuminate the base portion. In the second embodiment, the replaceable ring corresponds to a spacer configured to interconnect the coupling bottom portion to the locking bottom portion.

These and other aspects, objects and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by studying the following specification, claims, and accompanying drawings.

[011] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[012] In the drawings: [013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle console comprising a container holder;

[014] FIG. 2A illustrates a photoluminescent structure represented as a coating;

[015] FIG. 2B illustrates the photoluminescent structure represented as a discrete particle;

[015] FIG. 2C illustrates a plurality of photoiuminescent structures represented as discrete particles and incorporated into a separate structure;

[017] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an illuminated front configuration of a lighting apparatus for a container holder configured to convert a first wavelength of light to at least a second wavelength;

[018] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an illuminated rear configuration of a lighting apparatus for a container holder configured to convert a first wavelength of light to at least a second wavelength;

[019] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a lighting apparatus for a container holder configured to convert a first wavelength of light to at least a second wavelength;

[020] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a two-piece cup holder assembly with a conventional configuration;

[021] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a two piece cup holder assembly in a conventional configuration; and [022] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a two-piece cup holder assembly in an illuminated configuration.

[023] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As required, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein. However, it should be understood that the embodiments described are merely exemplary of the description which may be embodied in various ways and alternatives. The numbers are not necessarily from a detailed project and some schemes can be overstated or minimized to show function overview. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details described herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching a person skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure.

[025] As used herein, the term "and / or", when used in a list of two or more articles, means that any of the items mentioned may be properly employed, or any combination of two or more of the items mentioned may be employed. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B and / or C, the composition may contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

[026] The following disclosure describes an apparatus configured to illuminate a container holder of a vehicle. The apparatus may include a light source operable to emit a first emission comprising a first wavelength of light. At least a portion of the container support may include a photoluminescent material configured to convert the first emission to a second emission. The second emission may have a second wavelength longer than the wavelength of the first wavelength. Upon receipt of the first emission, the photoluminescent material may emit light at the second wavelength to illuminate the container holder.

[027] With reference to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a vehicle console 10 comprising a container holder 12 is shown in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure. The container holder 12 may comprise a cup holder, a beverage container, or any device configured to hold a position of an object within a vehicle. The vehicle console 10 may be incorporated into any portion of a passenger compartment of a vehicle, for example a center console, organizer, door panel, etc. Container holder 12 may comprise a lighting apparatus 14 comprising a light source 16 configured to excite a photoluminescent material disposed in at least one photoluminescent portion 18.

Container holder 12 is configured to provide soft ambient lighting emitted from at least a photoluminescent portion 18 of container holder 12. In order to incorporate soft ambient lighting into container holder 12, at least one The photoluminescent portion 18 may be configured to emit light from various portions of the container holder 12. The at least one photoluminescent portion 18 may comprise a base portion 20, and in some embodiments may further comprise at least one strip 22. at least one strip 22 may extend outwardly into a cavity receiving container 24 formed by the container holder 12 and may be configured to secure a container disposed in the receiving cavity 24, [029] Light source 16 may be arranged below the base portion 20 and is configured to emit a first emission. The first emission comprises electromagnetic radiation in the form of light which is configured to excite at least one photoSuminescent portion 18. The first emission may comprise a first light wavelength corresponding to a blue light wavelength and / or near ultraviolet light. In response to reception of the first emission, the at least one photoluminescent portion may become excited and emit a second emission comprising at least a second light wavelength greater than the first wavelength. The second wavelength of light may provide the second emission to be substantially more noticeable to the human eye than the first wavelength. In this way, the lighting apparatus 14 provides a light shining environment in the form of the second emission emitted from at least one photoluminescent portion 18.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, container holder 12 is shown as a component of a vehicle center console 26. For illustration purposes, center console 26 further comprises a gearshift lever 28 and an actuator 30. Although demonstrated in a particular embodiment, container holder 12 may be configured to be used anywhere on a vehicle. Container holder 12 may also be configured for use on various forms of vehicles, including automotive vehicles, vessels, airplanes, trains, buses, etc., to provide a low cost system for illuminating container holder 12.

[031] With reference to FIGS. 2A-2C, a photoluminescent structure 42 is generally shown as a coating (e.g., a film) capable of being applied to a vehicle element, a discrete particle capable of being implanted into a vehicle device, and a plurality of particles. discrete features incorporated into a separate frame capable of being applied to a vehicle accessory respectively. The photoluminescent structure 42 may correspond to at least one photoluminescent portion 18 as discussed herein. At the most basic level, the photoluminescent structure 42 includes an energy conversion layer 44 that may be provided as a single layer or a multilayer structure as shown by dashed lines in FIGS. 2A and 2B.

The energy conversion layer 44 may include one or more photoluminescent materials having energy conversion elements selected from one or a phosphorescent material or a fluorescent material. Photoluminescent materials may be formulated to convert introduced electromagnetic radiation into generically transmitted electromagnetic radiation having a longer wavelength and expressing a color that is not characteristic of the introduced electromagnetic radiation. The wavelength difference between the introduced and transmitted electromagnetic radiation is referred to as the Stokes deviation and serves as the triggering mechanism of the principle of an energy conversion process that corresponds to a change in the often referred to wavelength of light. as downward conversion. In the various implementations discussed here, each of the wavelengths of light (e.g., the first wavelength, etc.) corresponds to the electromagnetic radiation used in the conversion process.

Each of the photoluminescent portions may comprise at least one photoluminescent structure 42 comprising an energy conversion layer (e.g. conversion layer 44). The energy conversion layer 44 may be prepared by dispersing the photoluminescent material into a polymer matrix 50 to form a homogeneous mixture using a variety of methods. Such methods may include preparing the energy conversion layer 44 from a formulation in a liquid carrier medium and the energy conversion coating layer 44 for a desired plane and / or non-flat substrate of the fixed vehicle carrier. The coating of the energy conversion layer 44 may be deposited on a fixed carrier of the vehicle by painting, screen printing, spraying, slit coating, dip coating, roller coating, and bar coating. In addition, the energy conversion layer 44 may be prepared by methods that do not use a liquid carrier medium.

For example, a solid state solution (homogeneous mixture in a dry state) of one or more photoluminescent materials may be incorporated into a polymer matrix 50 to provide the energy conversion layer 44. Polymer matrix 50 may be be formed by extrusion, injection molding, compression molding, calendering, thermoforming, etc. In cases where one or more energy conversion layers 44 are projected in particulate form, the individual energy conversion layers or multiple layers 44 may be implanted in a panel or vehicle mounting bracket. When the energy conversion layer 44 includes a multilayer formulation, each layer may be coated sequentially. In addition, the layers may be prepared separately and then laminated or embossed together to form an integrated layer. The layers may also be coextruded to prepare an integrated multi-layer energy conversion structure. For clarity, the polymer matrix 50 comprising the photoluminescent material may be referred to as the energy conversion layer 44 below to demonstrate that each can be similarly used to convert the first wavelength of light to at least a second wavelength.

Referring again to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the photoluminescent structure 42 may optionally include at least one stability layer 46 to protect the photoluminescent material contained within the energy conversion layer 44 against photolytic and thermal degradation to provide sustained emissions of emitted electromagnetic radiation. The stability layer 46 may be configured as a separate layer optically coupled and adhered to the energy conversion layer 44. The stability layer 46 may also be integrated with the energy conversion layer 44. The photoluminescent structure 42 may also optionally include a layer coupled to the stability layer 46 or any coating or layer to protect the photoluminescent structure 42 against physical and chemical damage from environmental exposure.

Stability layer 46 and / or protective layer 48 may be combined with energy conversion layer 44 to form an integrated photoluminescent structure 42 by sequential coating or printing of each layer, or by sequential lamination or embossing. . Alternatively, several layers may be combined by sequential coating, lamination, or embossing to form a substructure. The substructure may then be laminated or stamped to form the integrated photoluminescent structure 42. Once formed, the photoluminescent structure 42 may be applied to an accessory of the chosen vehicle.

In some implementations, the photoluminescent structure 42 may be incorporated into a vehicle attachment bracket as one or more discrete multilayer particles, as shown in FIG. 2C. The photoluminescent structure 42 may also be provided as one or more discrete multilayer particles dispersed in a polymer formulation to which a carrier or mounting panel is subsequently applied as a contiguous structure. Additional information on the construction of photouminescent structures to be used in at least a photoluminescent portion of a vehicle is described in US Patent No. 8,232,533 to Kingsley et al. Entitled "PHOTOLYTICALLY AND ENV1RONMENTALLY STABLE MULTILAYER STRUCTURE FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY ELECTROMA CONNECTION SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION ", filed July 31, 2012, all disclosure which is incorporated herein by reference.

[038] With reference to FIG. 3, the lighting apparatus 14 is generally shown according to a front illumination configuration 62. In this configuration, the light or a first emission 64 emitted from the light source 16 is converted to a second emission 66 by the light conversion layer. 44. First emission 64 comprises a first wavelength Λ1, and second emission 66 comprises a second wavelength K2. The lighting apparatus 14 comprises the photoluminescent structure 42 disposed on or by at least one photoluminescent portion. The photoluminescent structure 42 may be processed as a coating and applied to a substrate 68 of the vehicle mounting bracket 70, for example to at least one strip 22. Photofuminescent can also be dispersed as a polymer matrix 50 which corresponds to the energy conversion layer 44. In some implementations, the energy conversion layer 44 may further include the stability layer 46 and / or the protective layer 48. upon activation of the light source 16, the first emission 64 is received by the energy conversion layer 44 and converted from the first emission 64 having the first wavelength A1 to the second emission 66 having at least the second wavelength A2. . Second emission 66 may comprise a plurality of wavelengths A2, λ3ι A4 configured to emit any light color from the photoluminescent portion 18.

In different implementations, the lighting apparatus 14 comprises at least one photoluminescent material incorporated into the polymer matrix 50 and / or the energy conversion layer 44 and is configured to convert the first emission 64 into the first wavelength A1 to second emission 66 having at least second wavelength A2. In order to generate the plurality of wavelengths A2, λ3, λ4, the energy conversion layer 44 may comprise a red emitting photoluminescent material, a green emitting photoluminescent material, a blue emitting photoluminescent material dispersed in the polymer matrix 50. Red, green and blue emitting photoluminescent materials can be combined to produce a wide variety of second emission light colors 66. For example, red, green and blue emitting photoluminescent materials can be used in a variety of proportions. and combinations for controlling the color output of the second emission 66.

[040] Each of the photoluminescent materials may vary in output intensity, output wavelength, and absorption peak wavelengths based on a particular photochemical structure, and combinations of photochemical structures used in the energy conversion layer. As an example, the second emission 66 may be altered by adjusting the wavelength of the first emission λ1 to activate the photoluminescent materials at different intensities to change the color of the second emission 66. In addition to or as an alternative to the photoluminescent materials emitting Red, green and blue, other photoluminescent materials can be used alone and in various combinations to generate the second emission 66 in a wide variety of colors. In this way, the lighting apparatus 14 can be configured for a variety of applications to provide a desired lighting color and effect for a vehicle.

Light source 16 may also be referred to as an excitation source and is operated to emit at least first emission 64. Light source 16 may comprise any form of light source, for example halogen lighting, lighting fluorescent, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), organic LEDs (OLEDs), polymer LEDs (PLEDs), solid-state lighting, or any other form of illumination configured to emit the first 64 emission. The first emission 64 of the light source 16 may be configured such that the first wavelength Λ1 corresponds to at least one absorption wavelength of one or more photoluminescent materials of the energy conversion layer 44 and / or polymer matrix 50. In response to the reception of the In light at the first wavelength Λ1, the energy conversion layer 44 may be excited and emitted from one or more output wavelengths λ2, λ3, Λ4. First emission 64 provides an excitation source for energy conversion layer 44 by directing the absorption wavelength of the various photoluminescent materials used therein. Thus, lighting apparatus 14 can be configured to emit second emission 66 to generate a desired light intensity and color.

In an exemplary implementation, the light source 16 comprises a light emitting diode configured to emit the first wavelength A1 which corresponds to a color spectrum of the blue spectrum. The blue spectral color range comprises a range of wavelengths generally expressed as blue light (~ 440-500 nm). In some implementations, the first wavelength λι may also comprise wavelengths close to the ultraviolet color range (~ 390-450 nm). In an exemplary implementation, λι may be approximately 470 nm.

[043] The blue spectrum color range and shorter wavelengths can be used as an excitation source for the lighting fixture 14, due to these wavelengths having limited perceptual acuity in the visible spectrum of the human eye. By using shorter wavelengths for the first wavelength Λ1, and converting the first wavelength with the conversion layer 44 to at least one longer wavelength, the lighting apparatus 14 creates a visual effect of light from the photoluminescent frame 42. In this configuration, light is emitted from the photoluminescent frame 42 (e.g., the first photoluminescent portion 18) from vehicle locations 10 that may be inaccessible or expensive to add conventional light sources requiring electrical wiring. .

[044] As discussed herein, each of the plurality of wavelengths λ2, λ3, λ4 may correspond to a significantly different color gamut of the spectrum. The second wavelength Λ2 may correspond to the excitation of a photoluminescent red emitting material having a wavelength of approximately 620-750 nm. The third wavelength A3 may correspond to the excitation of a green-emitting photoluminescent material having a wavelength of approximately 526-606 nm. The fourth wavelength Λ4 may correspond to a photoluminescent material emitting blue or blue green having a longer wavelength than the first wavelength At and approximately 430-525 nm. The wavelengths h2, A3, A4 can be used to generate a wide variety of light colors from at least one photoluminescent portion 18 converted from the first wavelength A1.

[045] With reference to FIG. 4, lighting apparatus 14 is generally shown in accordance with a rear lighting configuration 72 for converting first emission 64 from light source 16 to second emission 66. In this configuration, lighting apparatus 14 may comprise a device optic 74 configured to channel light at the first wavelength A1 substantially along the photoluminescent portion 18. Optical device 74 may be of any material configured to transmit the fuze at the first wavelength A1 substantially between the extensions of a surface 76 of the optical device 74. In some implementations, optical device 74 may comprise a polymeric material configured to provide a refractive index such that light at the first wavelength is transmitted consistently across surface 76.

The backlight configuration also comprises an energy conversion layer 44 and / or photoluminescent material dispersed in a polymeric matrix 50. Similar to the energy conversion layer 44 shown with reference to the front illumination configuration 62, the Power conversion 44 may be configured to be excited and emitted at one or more output wavelengths A2, A3, A4 in response to reception of the first emission 64. The one or more output wavelengths A2. A3, A4 correspond to the second emission 66. The plurality of wavelengths A2, A3, A4 of the second emission 66 may be configured to emit any light color from the photoluminescent portion 18 in response to the excitation of the energy conversion layer 44. The color of the light corresponding to the second emission 66 can be controlled by using a range of photoluminescent materials as discussed herein.

In the rear illumination configuration 72, the photouminescent portion 18 may be at least partially light transmitting and configured to transmit the electromagnetic radiation of the light source 16 outward from the lighting apparatus 14. In such configuration, the concentration of a photouminescent material in the energy conversion layer 44 may be configured to convert a first portion 78 of the first emission 64 to the second emission 66 while allowing a second portion 80 of the first emission 64 to pass through the photoiuminescent portion 18 and remain in the first wavelength A1. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the first portion 78 of the first emission 64 is converted to the second emission 66, while the second portion 80 passes through the energy conversion layer and remains at the first wavelength λ-. The second portion 80 of the first emission 64 may be directed to additional photoluminescent portions and converted to a third emission. For example, the second portion 80 may be directed to a photouminescent portion of at least one strip 22, as discussed with reference to FIG. 6

Referring to FIG. 5, a schematic view of the lighting apparatus 14 for container holder 12 is shown. In this exemplary embodiment, light source 16 is configured to generate light to illuminate container holder 12 either. in a front illumination configuration 62 as well as in a rear illumination configuration 72. In this embodiment, a first photouminescent portion 90 may correspond to the rear lighting configuration 72, and a second photoiuminescent portion 92 may correspond to the front lighting configuration 62. By illuminating both the first photo-light portion 90 and the second photo-light portion 92, lighting apparatus 14 provides an efficient lighting system operated to illuminate multiple container holding portions of a conveniently located single light source. [0049] The first photoiuminescent portion 90 may comprise the base portion 20. The base portion 20 may comprise any material operated to transmit a portion of the first emission 64 at the first wavelength λι through the base portion and into the cavity. receiving container 24. The base portion may comprise any polymer material or matrix comprising a concentration of photoluminescent material configured to convert the first portion 78 of the first emission 64 to the second emission 66 and allow the second portion 80 of the first broadcast 64 pass through it. In some embodiments, base portion 20 may comprise a semitransparent polymer mat having the photoluminescent structure 42 molded therein.

The second photoluminescent portion 92 may comprise at least one strip 22 or as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of strips 94 configured to secure a container disposed in the receiving cavity 24. In some embodiments, the second photoluminescent portion 92 may comprise energy conversion layer 44 applied as a coating and may also comprise at least one photoluminescent structure arranged in a polymer matrix used to form the coating or the plurality of strips 94. The second photoluminescent portion 92 may be configured to convert the first emission 64 at the first wavelength Λ1 to at least one second wavelength Λ2 longer than that the first wavelength λ-ι.

In some implementations, the second photoluminescent portion 92 may be configured to emit a third emission 96. The third emission 96 may be configured to emit light having a color substantially similar to the second emission 66 and may also comprise corresponding photoiuminescent materials and proportions. similar to the first photoluminescent portion 90. In some implementations, the second photoluminescent portion may be configured to emit the third emission 96 having a different color from the second emission 66. As discussed with reference to the photoluminescent portion 18, the at least first and second photoiuminescent portions 90, 92 may be configured to emit the second emission 66 having a first color and the third emission 96 having a second color other than the first color. The color of the second emission 66 and the third emission 96 may be manipulated through the use of materials. photoiuminescent in a variety of proportions and combinations to control emitted colors and corresponding light wavelengths to illuminate the container holder 12.

Although the second photoluminescent portion 92 is described in detail with reference to a plurality of strips 94, the second photoluminescent portion 92 may correspond to any feature disposed on the container support or in proximity to the container support 12. For example, the The second photoluminescent portion may comprise a ring configured to illuminate in response to the first emission 64 disposed on a side wall 98 of the container holder 12, a pivot arm configured to secure a container, or any other feature. In addition, each feature can be configured to emit light in different colors. For example, the base portion may be configured to emit second emission 66 having a green light, a first strip 100 of the plurality of strips 94 may be configured to emit a third light emission having a yellow color, and a second one. Strip 102 of the plurality of strips 94 may be configured to emit a fourth light emission having a white color. Thus, lighting apparatus 14 can be used to produce any color combination for a variety of ambient lighting effects. [053] In an exemplary implementation, as shown in FIG. 5, the lighting apparatus 14 may be configured to provide ambient lighting on the container holder 12 as described. In different embodiments, the container holder 12 may be configured to receive a plurality of containers in a plurality of receiving wells. containers including a first receiving cavity 104 and a second receiving cavity 108. In this configuration, the lighting apparatus 14 is configured to illuminate the first receiving cavity 104 and the second receiving cavity 106 from a central light source 108. Thus, the disclosure can provide greater efficiency by illuminating the plurality of container receiving cavities from the centralized light source 108.

In operation, light source 16 (e.g., centralized light source 108) is configured to emit first emission 64 into optical device 74. Optical device 74 is configured to disperse first emission 64 of consistently along a surface 110 of the first photoluminescent portion 90 of each of the container receiving cavities 104, 106. Upon receipt of the first emission, the first photoluminescent portion 90 is configured to convert the first portion 78 of the first emission to the second emission 66 to illuminate the base portion 20. The concentration of the photoluminescent materials in the first photoluminescent portion 90 is configured to allow the second portion 80 of the first emission to pass through the base portion 20 and into the receiving cavities. container 104, 106 for illuminating at least one feature comprising the second photolumin portion hot 92.

In some embodiments, the second portion 80 of the first emission 64 may pass through each of the container receiving cavities 104, 106 to the plurality of strips 94. The plurality of strips 94 may comprise the second photoluminescent portion 92. Upon receipt of the second portion 80 of the first emission 64, the second photoluminescent portion 92 may become excited and illuminate each of the strips 94. In this configuration, the lighting apparatus 14 may be operated to provide ambient illumination to the container holder 12 from a cost-effective centrally located light source. In addition, lighting fixture 14 is configured to illuminate container holder 12 in a wide variety of colors and combinations to provide lighting that can be customized based on any preference.

In some implementations, the second photoluminescent portion 92 may appear to emit a color corresponding to a mixture of the first emission 64 and the third emission 96. In addition, the third emission 96 as emitted from the second photoluminescent portion may vary by color corresponding to a location on each of the plurality of strips 94. For example, a lower portion of the first strip 100 may emit light which is less blue in color relative to an upper portion of the first strip 100. This color change may because of the orientation of the first strip 100 relative to the base portion 20. That is, the lower portion can convert first emission 64 to third emission 96 more efficiently because of its location relative to an origin of the second portion 80. 64. In such implementations, the color of the third broadcast 96 may appear to be at least partially mixed with the color of the first broadcast 6. 4

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, a cup holder assembly 120 is shown comprising an upper part 122 and a base portion 124. The cup holder assembly 120 may comprise an adaptive two-piece assembly. which may be selectively configured with a conventional configuration 126 and an illumination configuration 128. The conventional configuration 126 and the illuminated configuration 128 may each use the upper portion 122 and the lower portion 124 as common mounting components. In this way, the cup holder assembly 120 can provide substantial cost savings in the form of tools, quality control, and inventory.

[058] Conventional configuration 126 can be configured as a non-illuminated cup holder. In this configuration, the upper portion 122 may be configured to interconnect with the base portion 124 via a connector spacer 130. The upper portion 122 may be formed of a polymeric material having a profile shape 132 configured to receive a container. or beverage container. The upper portion 122 may have an elaborate cylindrical shape 134 extending from a first upper diameter 136 to a second upper diameter 138. The second upper diameter 138 may correspond to a lower engaging portion 140 of the upper portion 122. The portion bottom socket 140 may be configured to interconnect with an internal surface42 of spacer 130.

The lower part 124 may be similarly formed of a polymeric material which has a profile shape 152 forming a lower cavity 154 which has a lower surface 156. The base portion 124 may also have an elaborate cylindrical shape. 158 extending from a first lower diameter 160 to a second smaller diameter 162. The first lower diameter 160 may correspond to an upper engaging portion 164 of the base portion 124. The upper engaging portion 164 may be configured to interconnect to the outer surface 166 of the spacer 130. In this configuration, the lower portion 124 may be interconnected with the upper portion 122 to form the cup holder assembly 120 in the conventional configuration. 126.

The upper portion 122 and a lower portion 124 may be interconnected through the spacer 130 into a locking connection 170. The locking connection may comprise any shape of clamping surface, adhesive, mounting pressure fitting and / or any other means of attachment. The second upper diameter 138 of the lower engaging portion 140 may have a diameter smaller than the first lower diameter 160 of the upper engaging portion 164. The spacer 130 may be ring-shaped with an inner diameter 172 and an outer diameter 174 In this configuration, the inner diameter 172 may correspond to the second upper diameter 138 and the outer diameter 174 may correspond to the first lower diameter 160. In this way, the spacer 130 may be configured to interconnect the upper portion 122 to a lower portion 124.

In the illuminated configuration 128, the upper portion 122 may be similarly interconnected with a lower portion 124. However, in the illuminated configuration 128, the spacer 130 may correspond to a lighting device 180 having similar dimensional characteristics to the spacer. 130. Lighting device 180 may comprise a light ring 182 composed of at least partially light transmissive material. For example, a light ring 182 may be of substantially clear polymeric material or any other material that may function to interconnect the upper portion 122 of the lower portion 124 and transmit light therethrough.

[062] At least one light source 184 may be in optical communication with light ring 182. Light source 184 may be configured similar to light source 16. Thus light source 184 may be activated to emit the first emission 64 comprising the first wavelength as discussed herein. Light ring 182 may be configured to receive first emission 64 and transmit first emission 64 along a light transmitting body 186 of light ring 182. Light ring 182 may further be configured to emit first light emitting out of the lower cavity 154 through a light emitting surface 188. The light emitting surface 188 may comprise the first photoluminescent portion 90 disposed therein and / or dispersed in the vicinity of the light emitting surface 188. In this configuration, the first portion The photoluminescent 90 may be configured to convert the first emission 64 to the second emission 66. The second emission 66 may be emitted from the light emitting surface 188 to illuminate the bottom of the cavity 154 of the cup holder assembly 120 with light having at least minus the second wavelength through a backlit configuration 190.

Referring now to FIGS. 8, in some embodiments, the first photoluminescent portion 90 may be disposed on and / or dispersed on the bottom surface 156. In this configuration, the first emission 64 may be emitted outward through the light emitting surface 188 of the light ring 182 to the light. lower cavity 154 toward the lower surface 156. In response to receiving the first emission 64 at the first wavelength, the first photoluminescent portion 90 may convert the first emission 64 to the second emission 66 to illuminate the lower surface 156 by means of a front illumination configuration 192. As discussed herein, the rear illumination configuration 190 and a front illumination configuration 192 can significantly correspond to the front illumination configuration 62 and the rear illumination configuration 72, respectively, discussed with reference to Figs. 3 and 4.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, in both the rear illumination configuration 190 and the front illumination configuration 192, the cup holder assembly 120 may form an enlarged pocket 194 due to the second upper diameter 138 of the lower engaging portion 140 which is smaller in diameter. that the first lower diameter 160 of the upper engaging portion 164. In this configuration, the ring of the bell 182 may be disposed in a concealed recess 196 in the vicinity of the light emitting surface 188. Thus, the second emission 66 from the emitting surface 188 may be hidden from a passenger's view of vehicle 1 by viewing the cup holder assembly 120 from above the top 122, [065] The cup holder assembly 120 may be selectively configured in the conventional configuration 126 or an illuminated configuration 128 By providing for shared components, cup holder assembly 120 may limit the need different components when implemented in the conventional configuration 126 or illuminated configuration 128. In this way, the cup holder assembly 120 can provide substantial cost savings in the form of tools, quality control, and inventory. The various implementations of the systems and methods described herein provide a novel approach to lighting a cup holder for a vehicle and can be used to provide attractive ambient lighting in a variety of configurations.

[066] For the purposes of describing and defining the present teachings, it should be noted that the terms "substantially" and "approximately" are used herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that can be attributed to any quantitative comparison, measurement value, or other representation. The term "substantially" and "approximately" are also used herein to represent the degree to which a quantitative representation may vary from an established reference, without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications may be made to the structure described without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and it is further to be understood that such designs are intended to be encompassed by the following claims unless these claims are expressed by your tongue otherwise.

Claims (20)

Illuminated cup holder assembly characterized in that it comprises: an upper portion comprising a lower engaging portion forming a first diameter; a base portion comprising an upper engaging portion forming a second diameter; and a light ring disposed substantially between the lower engaging portion and the upper engaging portion in an assembled configuration, wherein the cup holder assembly comprises a photofuminescent portion configured to convert a first wavelength to a second wavelength. . Assembly according to Claim 1, characterized in that the lower base portion forms a lower cavity comprising a lower surface. Assembly according to Claim 2, characterized in that the second diameter is larger than the first diameter. Assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the photoluminescent portion is arranged in the vicinity of the light ring such that the second wavelength is downwardly into the lower cavity to illuminate the base portion. Assembly according to Claim 2, characterized in that the ring of light is configured to emit at least a portion of the first wavelength toward the base portion. Assembly according to Claim 5, characterized in that the lower surface comprises the photoluminescent material such that in response to reception of the first emission, the lower surface is illuminated. Assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a light source configured to emit a first light emission at the first wavelength within a light transmitting body of the light ring. Assembly according to Claim 1, characterized in that the upper part forms an upper cavity comprising an elaborate cylindrical shape. Assembly according to Claim 1, characterized in that the light ring is configured to interconnect the lower engaging portion with the upper engaging portion in the assembled configuration. Cup holder assembly comprising: an upper portion comprising a lower engaging portion; a base portion comprising an upper engaging portion and forming a cavity comprising a lower surface comprising a photouminescent portion; and a light ring disposed substantially between the lower engaging portion and the upper engaging portion in an assembled configuration, wherein the photouminescent portion is configured to convert a first light wavelength to a second wavelength. An assembly according to claim 10, further comprising a light source configured to emit a first light emission at the first wavelength within a light transmitting portion of the light ring. An assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that the ring of light is configured to emit a first wavelength towards the photouminescent portion. Assembly according to Claim 12, characterized in that the upper part forms an at least partially cylindrical opening which forms a first diameter in the vicinity of the lower locking part. Assembly according to Claim 13, characterized in that the upper engaging portion has a second diameter, the second diameter being larger than the first diameter. Assembly according to Claim 14, characterized in that the ring is a. be configured to direct light at the first wavelength downward between the first diameter and the second diameter to emit the first wavelength toward the base portion. Assembly according to Claim 14, characterized in that the light ring is configured to interconnect the lower engaging portion and the upper engaging portion in the assembled configuration; A cup holder assembly comprising: an upper portion comprising a lower engaging portion; a base portion forming a cavity and comprising a base, an inner wall, and an upper engaging portion; and a replaceable mounting ring structure disposed substantially between the lower engaging portion and the upper engaging portion in an assembled configuration and comprising at least a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration the replaceable ring corresponds to a ring of light configured to illuminate the base portion; and in the second embodiment, the replaceable ring corresponds to a spacer configured to interconnect the lower engaging portion with the lower engaging portion. Cup holder assembly according to claim 17, further comprising a light emitter configured to emit a first light wavelength within a light transmitting body of the light ring. Cup holder assembly according to claim 18, further comprising a photouminescent portion disposed near the cavity configured to convert the first wavelength to a second wavelength. Cup holder assembly according to Claim 19, characterized in that the photoluminescent portion is arranged near at least one of the light rings and the inner wall of the cavity.