US20060187670A1 - Light bar providing illumination from inside a vehicle - Google Patents
Light bar providing illumination from inside a vehicle Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060187670A1 US20060187670A1 US11/399,932 US39993206A US2006187670A1 US 20060187670 A1 US20060187670 A1 US 20060187670A1 US 39993206 A US39993206 A US 39993206A US 2006187670 A1 US2006187670 A1 US 2006187670A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- led
- light bar
- window
- vehicle
- housing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000005286 illumination Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 33
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 239000012780 transparent material Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 abstract description 3
- 238000003491 array Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000006872 improvement Effects 0.000 description 2
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 2
- 241000232997 Anna Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000019504 cigarettes Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004417 polycarbonate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000515 polycarbonate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000011664 signaling Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
- B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
- B60Q1/2661—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic mounted on parts having other functions
- B60Q1/268—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic mounted on parts having other functions on windscreens or windows
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
- B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
- B60Q1/28—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating front of vehicle
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q3/00—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors
- B60Q3/20—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors for lighting specific fittings of passenger or driving compartments; mounted on specific fittings of passenger or driving compartments
- B60Q3/252—Sun visors
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q3/00—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors
- B60Q3/50—Mounting arrangements
- B60Q3/51—Mounting arrangements for mounting lighting devices onto vehicle interior, e.g. onto ceiling or floor
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q3/00—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors
- B60Q3/70—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors characterised by the purpose
- B60Q3/74—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors characterised by the purpose for overall compartment lighting; for overall compartment lighting in combination with specific lighting, e.g. room lamps with reading lamps
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q3/00—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors
- B60Q3/70—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors characterised by the purpose
- B60Q3/78—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors characterised by the purpose for generating luminous strips, e.g. for marking trim component edges
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q3/00—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors
- B60Q3/80—Circuits; Control arrangements
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q3/00—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors
- B60Q3/80—Circuits; Control arrangements
- B60Q3/88—Means for plugging to the electrical power supply of the vehicle, e.g. by using cigarette lighter sockets
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S362/00—Illumination
- Y10S362/80—Light emitting diode
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Arrangements Of Lighting Devices For Vehicle Interiors, Mounting And Supporting Thereof, Circuits Therefore (AREA)
Abstract
A light bar contains one or more rows of light-emitting diodes (LED's) in a housing which extends across substantially the entire width of a windshield of a vehicle and is narrow in width to minimize interference with visibility through the windshield. The housing has an interior forming a channel with a throat; the throat acting as a hood which directs the illumination out of the windshield and minimizes stray light. The LED's are arranged in banks generally symmetrically arrayed about the center of the length of the housing. Two of the banks, preferably equidistant from the center, are tilted in opposite directions to each other so as to project light toward the right side and left side of the vehicle. The LED's may be illuminated continuously or in selected sequence, as established by the user with a switch on the housing. Attached to the housing in a separate compartment is another bank of LED's which may direct light inside the vehicle for use as a dome or map light. A mechanism is provided for displacing and tilting the housing and may use pivotal arms attached to the end of the housing or adjustable Z-shaped hangers attached preferably to clamps such as visor clips already on the vehicle.
Description
- The present invention relates to light bars providing illumination from the inside of the vehicle through a window, such as the windshield of the vehicle, whereby the illumination provides signaling or warning functions. More particularly, the light bar provided by the invention contains light emitting diodes (LED's) arrayed and contained so as to minimize interference with visibility through a window via which light from the LED's projects, such light being projectable over a wide angle, as from the right to left sides of a vehicle.
- Light sources mounted inside a vehicle have heretofore been proposed. See for example, Nock, U.S. Pat. No. 1,674,340, issued Jun. 19, 1928; Gillespie, U.S. Pat. No. 2,017,798, issued Oct. 15, 1935; Annas, U.S. Pat. No. 3,665,392, issued May 23, 1972; Serizawa, U.S. Pat. No. 4,733,335, issued May 28, 1988; Lipman, U.S. Pat. No. 4,981,363, issued Jan. 1, 1991; Kondo, U.S. Pat. No. 5,099,401, issued Mar. 24, 1992; Pederson, U.S. Pat. No. 6,461,008, issued Oct. 8, 2002 (
FIGS. 13 and 14 thereof); and Strickland, U.S. Pat. No. 6,511,216, issued Jan. 28, 2003. - LED's have been used in brake or collision lights which are adapted to be located in the vicinity of the rear window of a vehicle. See Serizawa, U.S. Pat. No. 4,733,335 (noted above); Machida, U.S. Pat. No. 5,050,051, issued Sep. 17, 1991; Bartilluci, U.S. Pat. No. 5,663,707, issued Sep. 2, 1997; Matsumura, U.S. Pat. No. Des. 314,244, issued Jan. 29, 1991; U.S. Pat. No. Des. 315,218, issued Mar. 5, 1991; and Lee, U.S. Pat. No. D447,825, issued Sep. 11, 2001. In U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed in the name of Steven Neufeglise, having priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/375,385, filed Apr. 25, 2002, and assigned to the same assignee as this application, various inside light bars are disclosed which are adapted to be adjustably positioned against the windshield so as to minimize stray illumination.
- Notwithstanding the efforts manifested by the above-referenced documents, a practical interior light bar has not been made commercially available. A practical interior light bar capable of producing illumination approaching that provided by external light bars, usually mounted on the top of the roof of the vehicle, is provided by this invention.
- Further features of the present invention are to provide an improved interior light bar containing LED's which can extend substantially across the entire width of a window of a vehicle, especially the windshield thereof, and which:
- a) can provide wide-angle illumination from the right to left sides of the vehicle as well as straight ahead;
- b) is sufficiently small to avoid interference with visibility through the window or windshield;
- c) contains the LED's in a manner to avoid stray light, as in a housing which acts as a hood; and is adjustable vertically and angularly so as to be held in proximity to the windshield or window at a desired position, which may be near the top of the windshield; and
- d) is user controllable to provide different sequences of illumination, such as constant and flashing, which flashing may be of different colors, such as red, blue and amber and in selected sequence suitable for warning applications.
- Briefly described, a light bar in accordance with the invention provides illumination from inside a vehicle through a window thereof, especially the windshield. The light bar has a width extending laterally across substantially the entire window and a narrow height. The light bar contains a plurality of LED's in one or more rows arrayed substantially across the entire width of the window in a housing defining a channel having a throat, which directs illumination from the rows of LED's in a beam restricted or hooded by the throat. The beam extends through the window. The LED's may be in banks on opposite sides of the center of the window. At least a pair of these banks, which are preferably symmetrical with respect to the center of the housing, are tilted in opposite directions so as to direct illumination therefrom in a wide angle which extends between the right and left sides of the vehicle. Arms or hangers adjustably mount the housing so as to provide vertical displacement and tilting about a horizontal axis so as to locate the throat in proximity to the window and aim the illumination projected through the window. Circuitry connected to the LED's energizes the banks to selectively provide continuous light or flashing illumination from the banks in sequences as selected by the user.
- The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from a reading of the following description in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a front view of a vehicle showing a light bar provided by the invention mounted therein and illustrating the narrow height of the light bar so that it occupies a space between the visors and the top of the windshield of the vehicle (or the ceiling, or overhead of the vehicle's passenger compartment); -
FIG. 2 is a fragmentary view from the inside of the vehicle through the windshield and showing the light bar illustrated inFIG. 1 from the rear thereof; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view from the front of the light bar illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the light bar shown inFIG. 3 from the rear; -
FIG. 5 is an exploded view in perspective of the light bar ofFIGS. 1 and 2 taken from the front; -
FIG. 6 is a side view of the vehicle showing the light bar ofFIGS. 1 and 2 and how it is suspended on a mechanism attached to the windshield; -
FIG. 7 is an expanded view of the side of the light bar illustrating the mechanism shown inFIG. 6 for attaching the light bar to the windshield; -
FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the light bar shown in the previous figures tilted downwardly to show the top of the housing thereof and also front views of adjustable hangers for attaching the light bar to the inside of the vehicle; -
FIG. 9 is a sectional plan view taken along line 9-9 inFIG. 8 so that the top or cover of the housing is not shown; -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the light bar shown inFIGS. 8 and 9 taken from the rear; -
FIG. 11 is a fragmentary perspective view of the light bar shown inFIG. 10 taken from the right side; -
FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the light bar shown inFIGS. 10 and 11 taken from the front illustrating the banks of LED's and optics in the form of lens assemblies assembled with the banks of LED's at the light projecting ends thereof; -
FIG. 12 a is a fragmentary end view illustrating how the hanger of the light bar of the present invention is attached to visor clips on the inside of the vehicle above the windshield thereof; -
FIG. 13 is an electrical circuit diagram schematically illustrating the circuitry of the LED's but simplified to show only three banks of LED's each having a single row of LED's; and -
FIGS. 13 a and 13 b are schematic diagrams of the banks of LED's which are connectable to the outputs of the flasher circuit shown inFIG. 13 to illustrate that the banks may have two or three rows of LED's. - Referring more particularly to
FIGS. 1, 2 , 6 and 7 of the drawings, there is shown a passengercar type vehicle 10 having awindshield 12.Vehicle sun visors 14 are attached in the conventional way to the vehicle body near the roof of the passenger compartment above thewindshield 12 by mountingbrackets 17 via rods 15 (seeFIG. 12 a).FIG. 12 abest show rods 15 mounted tobrackets 17 in whichvisors 14 can pivot with therods 15.Visor clips 13 are mounted to the roof inside of the vehicle. Theclips 13 grasp theinside edges 19 of thevisors 14. Arearview mirror 16 is attached to thewindshield 12 and located between thevisors 14. - A
light bar 18 provided by the invention is a narrow structure, sufficiently narrow to fit between thevisors 14, when in their horizontal or up position, and the roof of the passenger compartment. Thelight bar 18 has one or more rows of LED's 24, two rows being illustrated inFIGS. 3-5 . Ahousing 26 containing the rows, the housing is shown in detail inFIGS. 3, 4 and 5. - As shown in
FIGS. 1, 2 , 6 and 7, the ends 56 of thehousing 26 are connected to light bar mounts 28. Themounts 28 includepads 32 cemented to thewindshield 12, much like the pads to which therearview mirror 16 is connected. Themounts 28 includearms 30 which are pivotally connected to posts extending from thepads 32 and also to journals or pivots 34 in the ends of thehousing 26, as best shown inFIG. 7 . These journals or pivots 34 have significant friction so as to maintain thearms 30 in the position to which they are pivoted. Thearms 30 allow thelight bar 18 to be raised and lowered (displaced vertically) and to be tilted so as to project the illumination in the desired direction through thewindshield 12. -
FIG. 2 shows threebuttons 36 which project from switches 39 on theback wall 40 of the bottom 38 of thehousing 26. Asmall housing 42 mounted under thebottom wall 38 or on theback wall 40 of the housing may contain several LED's or other light source(s) which provide interior illumination and function as a dome or map light. See alsoFIG. 7 . - Referring to
FIGS. 3, 4 , and 5, more particularly, there is shown thehousing 26, which is made up of the bottom 38 and atop cover 48 which may be attached byscrews 50 to thread holes inblocks 52, also serving as spacers, to the bottom 38. The bottom also provides theends 56 of thehousing 26. - The
housing 26 is constructed of plates or sheets of flexible material by virtue of their thickness and also by virtue of the use of plastic, such as polycarbonate or PVC materials for the plates. Such material provides some flexibility and resilience against the inside of the windshield. However, it may be desirable to use arubber gasket 60 attached to the outside surface of the bottom 38, if desired (seeFIG. 11 andFIG. 12 a). - The top 48 and bottom 38 of the
housing 26 define achannel 37 having athroat 41. The LED's 24 are arranged inbanks circuit boards 74 which are attached to the mounting blocks 52. More or fewer LED banks may be provided and additional bank shown at 76 inFIG. 12 may be mounted betweenbanks base 38 andcover 48, centrally between theends 56 of the bottom 38. - The mounts 28 (
FIGS. 6 and 7 ) also position the open end orthroat 41 of thelight bar 18 in proximity to thewindshield 12 as best shown inFIG. 7 . - The banks are preferably symmetrically disposed about the center of the
housing 26. It is a significant feature of the invention to provide wide-angle illumination towards the left and right sides of thevehicle 10 as well as straight ahead. Thebanks throat 41. Thebanks end banks forward arrays banks banks throat 39 and may be mounted perpendicularly to the plane of thebase 38 andcover 48. - A
plug 80, which may be received in an accessory or cigarette lighter socket, provides power to the LED's 24 through a helicalelectrical cord 82. Internally of the housing and preferably mounted on the bottom 38 is a box containing aflasher circuit 84 which is also shown in the schematic diagram (FIG. 13 ). - Another important feature of the invention is that the banks of LED's are in the channel behind the
front edges FIG. 3 ). Thethroat 39 therefore directs the illumination from the LED's outwardly through the windshield and reduces stray light. In other words, the throat acts as a hood for the LED's 24. - Referring to
FIGS. 8, 9 , 10, 11, 12, and 12 a, there is shown alight bar 100 which has a housing of design similar to thelight bar 18 and like parts are identified with like reference numerals to those used in connection withFIGS. 1-7 . The improvements in the design are apparent from the figures showing thelight bar 100. Specifically, the banks are mounted on abar 104 which defines the angle or tilt of the banks 62-72. This bar may also serve as a spacer and receive thescrews 50 for attaching thecover 48 to the bottom 38. - The light projecting ends of the LED's in each bank are assembled with its
own lens array transparent plates 101 which carry lenses inbarrels 103 which fit over the ends of the LED's in their respective banks. - Another improvement is the
mountings 128, which like themountings 28 provide for vertical and angular adjustment. These mountings are hangers having slotted (forked) ends 130 and overlappingsegments slot 136 in at least one of thesections 132. This slot allows for vertical adjustment up and down of thelight bar 100 and the forked ends 130 allow for adjustment toward and away from the windshield of the light bar. The ends 130 and the overlappingsegments segments 132 and 134) inclined at an angle so as to provide fine adjustment toward and away from the windshield (vertically) as the segments are moved toward each other along theslot 136. Theupper fork 130 is adapted to fit between theclip 13, which holds the visor, and the roof of the vehicle where theclip 13 is attached thereto. Theclip 13 then serves a dual function of mounting the visor as well as the light bar. - Referring to
FIGS. 13, 13 a and 13 b, there is shown the power cord connected through one of theswitches 39 to aflasher circuit 84 having two outputs, output one to theLED banks FIGS. 3 and 5 ) on one side of the center of the light bar, and output two to theLED arrays switch 39 selects the pattern or sequence of flashing of the LED banks. Another switch controls LED's in the map/dome light 42. The LED's in the symmetrically disposedbanks flasher circuit 84 may include a microprocessor which upon each depression of thepattern selection switch 39 provides a different sequence of flashing from constant to various combinations as may be selected by the user by executing a cycle of closures of thepattern selection switch 39. - From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that there has been provided an improved interior light bar. Variations and modifications in the herein disclosed light bar and various aspects thereof, within the scope of the invention, will undoubtedly become apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the foregoing description should be taken as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
Claims (26)
1. A light bar providing illumination from inside a vehicle, through a window of the vehicle, said window being of a width extending laterally across the window, said window being of a height extending from bottom to top of the window, said light bar comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED's) in at least one row of length corresponding substantially to the width of said window, a housing defining a channel containing said row of LED's, said channel having a throat which directs illumination from said row of LED's in a beam restricted by said throat through said window.
2. The light bar according to claim 1 wherein said window is a windshield of said vehicle and said housing being disposed immediately adjacent the top of said windshield.
3. The light bar according to claim 2 wherein said windshield is guarded by visors extending laterally in a direction across the width of said windshield and being movable between a position generally perpendicular to generally paralleling said windshield, said light bar housing being sufficiently narrow to fit between said visors and top of said window.
4-12. (canceled)
13. The light bar according to claim 1 wherein said housing has upper and lower walls closed at opposite ends, said walls defining said channel and said throat thereof and a back between said walls and ends.
14. The light bar according to claim 13 wherein a light source is attached to a lower one of said walls for projecting light for selective illumination inside said vehicle.
15-19. (canceled)
20. The light bar according to claim 13 wherein said walls have edges defining where said throat opens, said LED's being disposed inwardly of said edges.
21. The light bar according to claim 1 wherein said LED's are in rows selected from the group consisting of a single row, two parallel rows and three parallel rows.
22. The light bar according to claim 1 wherein said LED's are provided in banks constituting said row or a plurality of rows of LED's.
23-31. (canceled)
32. A light bar providing illumination from inside a vehicle through a window thereof having a width and height, comprising a housing defining a channel extending laterally, said channel having an elongated throat, a plurality of banks of LED's each having one or more rows of height less than said channel disposed in said housing facing said throat, at least one of said banks being oriented to project illumination in a different direction through said window than others of said banks.
33. (canceled)
34. The light bar according to claim 32 wherein the color of illumination from certain of said banks is different from the color of illumination from other of said banks.
35. The light bar according to claim 32 wherein first and second pluralities of said banks are disposed about a region centrally of said housing.
36. The light bar according to claim 35 wherein the disposition of said banks is generally symmetrically about said centrally disposed region.
37. The light bar according to claim 36 wherein two of said symmetrically disposed banks are tilted angularly with respect to each other away from said window to project illumination in directions angularly corresponding to the tilt thereof.
38. The light bar according to claim 37 wherein said banks disposed between said tilted banks are oriented generally in the same direction to project illumination in the same general direction out through said window.
39. The light bar according to claim 32 further comprising means for energizing said banks to selectively provide continuous and different sequences of flashing illumination.
40. The light bar according to claim 32 further comprising optics attached to said banks for each LED thereof for focusing illumination provided from said banks.
41. The light bar according to claim 40 wherein said optics represent separate plates of transparent material carrying lenses disposed on the LED's of each bank.
42. A light bar mountable in the interior of a vehicle comprising:
a housing extending substantially across a window of said vehicle having a plurality of LED's for projecting light through said window in which said LED's are oriented to project said light in different directions;
said housing being sufficiently narrow to be located adjacent the top of said window without substantial obstruction of view through said window; and
means for energizing said LED's to provide one or more patterns of the light from said LED's.
43. A method for providing an interior light bar for a vehicle, having a windshield comprising the steps of:
providing a light bar much narrower than said windshield in height, said bar having LED's for projecting light in different directions; and
attaching said light bar between the roof and visors of the vehicle to direct light from said light bar out of the windshield of the vehicle.
44. (canceled)
45. A light bar providing illumination from inside a vehicle, through a window of the vehicle, said light bar comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED's) in at least one row, a housing containing said row of LED's, illumination from said row of LED's being projectable through said window, and wherein said housing has at least one wall and opposite ends, and a back along said wall and between said ends, and wherein said wall and ends are plates of flexible material.
46. A light bar providing illumination from inside a vehicle, through a window of the vehicle, said light bar comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED's) in at least one row, a housing containing said row of LED's, illumination from said row of LED's being projectable through said window, and at least one member for adjustably mounting said housing with respect to said window.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/399,932 US20060187670A1 (en) | 2003-04-16 | 2006-04-07 | Light bar providing illumination from inside a vehicle |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/414,896 US7036965B2 (en) | 2003-04-16 | 2003-04-16 | Light bar providing illumination from inside a vehicle |
US11/399,932 US20060187670A1 (en) | 2003-04-16 | 2006-04-07 | Light bar providing illumination from inside a vehicle |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/414,896 Continuation US7036965B2 (en) | 2003-04-16 | 2003-04-16 | Light bar providing illumination from inside a vehicle |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060187670A1 true US20060187670A1 (en) | 2006-08-24 |
Family
ID=33158794
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/414,896 Expired - Lifetime US7036965B2 (en) | 2003-04-16 | 2003-04-16 | Light bar providing illumination from inside a vehicle |
US11/399,932 Abandoned US20060187670A1 (en) | 2003-04-16 | 2006-04-07 | Light bar providing illumination from inside a vehicle |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/414,896 Expired - Lifetime US7036965B2 (en) | 2003-04-16 | 2003-04-16 | Light bar providing illumination from inside a vehicle |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US7036965B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2464386C (en) |
Cited By (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090027913A1 (en) * | 2005-09-20 | 2009-01-29 | Pilkington Automotive Deutschland Gmbh | Lighting Arrangement for an Automotive Vehicle |
US20090273282A1 (en) * | 2008-03-07 | 2009-11-05 | Ballard Claudio R | Configurable tail light module |
US20110175719A1 (en) * | 2010-01-20 | 2011-07-21 | Ford Timothy D F | Mesh lighting system for emergency vehicles |
US8016464B2 (en) | 2006-06-02 | 2011-09-13 | Valeo Vision | Multifunctional internal lighting device for a motor vehicle |
US8254734B2 (en) | 2008-03-07 | 2012-08-28 | Veedims, Llc | Virtual electronic switch system |
US8303337B2 (en) | 2007-06-06 | 2012-11-06 | Veedims, Llc | Hybrid cable for conveying data and power |
US20120326465A1 (en) * | 2011-06-22 | 2012-12-27 | International Truck Intellectual Property Company, Llc | Sunshade assembly with light |
US8382350B2 (en) * | 2011-05-18 | 2013-02-26 | Peter Gold | Luminant trim for vehicle window frame |
CN103192762A (en) * | 2013-03-22 | 2013-07-10 | 胡玉栋 | Vehicle sun shield illumination device |
US8526311B2 (en) | 2007-06-06 | 2013-09-03 | Veedims, Llc | System for integrating a plurality of modules using a power/data backbone network |
US20130329413A1 (en) * | 2012-06-06 | 2013-12-12 | Russell R. Cotta, SR. | Lighting System for Elongated Light Bars |
US8976541B2 (en) | 2011-08-31 | 2015-03-10 | Potens Ip Holdings Llc | Electrical power and data distribution apparatus |
CN104842866A (en) * | 2015-04-22 | 2015-08-19 | 任成前 | Integrated vehicle lamps, indication method and vehicle |
US9709233B2 (en) | 2014-01-24 | 2017-07-18 | Valeo Vision Belgique | Modular vehicle light device |
CN108954208A (en) * | 2017-05-19 | 2018-12-07 | 福特全球技术公司 | Vehicle lighting assembly and means of illumination |
Families Citing this family (41)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7261447B2 (en) * | 2003-07-21 | 2007-08-28 | Powerarc, Inc. | Low profile emergency vehicle light bar |
US8522494B2 (en) * | 2004-03-11 | 2013-09-03 | Barco, Inc. | System for creating a tensioned wall composed of individual LED tiles |
GB0407951D0 (en) | 2004-04-08 | 2004-05-12 | Pilkington Plc | Vehicle glazing |
US20060274542A1 (en) * | 2005-06-03 | 2006-12-07 | Ge Security, Inc. | Color blinking for domelights as a visibility enhancement technique |
JP4689481B2 (en) * | 2006-01-27 | 2011-05-25 | 豊田合成株式会社 | Lighting device for vehicle |
US7705720B2 (en) * | 2008-01-14 | 2010-04-27 | Cyalume Technologies, Inc. | Self leveling warning light for vehicles |
JP4982808B2 (en) * | 2008-03-19 | 2012-07-25 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Vehicle lighting system |
BRMU8801988U2 (en) * | 2008-08-05 | 2010-05-04 | Marcopolo Sa | central delimiter for mass transit vehicle |
US8325029B2 (en) * | 2008-10-06 | 2012-12-04 | Brookings Industries, Inc. | Multiple color multi-functional light bar |
US8278826B2 (en) | 2008-12-12 | 2012-10-02 | Star Headlight & Lantern Co., Inc. | Multimode controller for LED light sources |
GB2500438A (en) * | 2012-03-21 | 2013-09-25 | Daimler Ag | A lighting element for a vehicle which is placed within the cabin of the vehicle and covered by the windshield |
CN103676408A (en) * | 2012-09-10 | 2014-03-26 | 富泰华工业(深圳)有限公司 | Electronic device |
US9365153B2 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2016-06-14 | Code 3, Inc. | Vehicular interior signal lighting system |
US9487131B2 (en) | 2014-02-12 | 2016-11-08 | Star Headlight & Lantern Co., Inc. | System and method for mounting an interior light bar within a vehicle |
US10300769B2 (en) | 2014-12-16 | 2019-05-28 | Irvin Automotive Products, LLC | Visor with a light-base |
US10737559B2 (en) | 2014-12-16 | 2020-08-11 | Irvin Automotive Products, LLC | Visor |
US9896026B2 (en) | 2015-01-13 | 2018-02-20 | Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. | Slider window assembly with integrated lighting |
WO2016204736A1 (en) * | 2015-06-16 | 2016-12-22 | Nemitz Brenda L | Awareness lights |
CA3010317C (en) | 2016-02-01 | 2021-07-06 | Irvin Automotive Products, LLC | Lighted auto visor mirror |
US10501008B2 (en) | 2016-02-26 | 2019-12-10 | Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. | Rear liftgate window assembly with integrated lighting |
US10865967B1 (en) | 2016-04-04 | 2020-12-15 | Emergency Technology, Inc. | Reconfigurable vehicle control system |
KR20170003878U (en) * | 2016-05-04 | 2017-11-15 | 주식회사 나눔컴퍼니 | Light bar device |
US10227034B2 (en) | 2016-09-16 | 2019-03-12 | Emergency Technology, Inc. | Integrated lighting |
JP6912178B2 (en) * | 2016-10-14 | 2021-08-04 | 矢崎総業株式会社 | Lighting equipment and interior lighting equipment |
US10065483B2 (en) | 2016-10-28 | 2018-09-04 | Teraflex, Inc. | Modular sun visor system |
US9902314B1 (en) | 2016-11-17 | 2018-02-27 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Vehicle light system |
FR3059858A1 (en) * | 2016-12-05 | 2018-06-08 | Orange | COMMUNICATION DEVICE ADAPTED FOR HABITACLES, IN PARTICULAR MOTOR VEHICLES |
DE202016007620U1 (en) * | 2016-12-16 | 2018-03-19 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC (n. d. Ges. d. Staates Delaware) | Lighting rod for a motor vehicle |
US10272833B2 (en) | 2016-12-19 | 2019-04-30 | Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. | Vehicle glass roof with light controls and interior lights |
FR3061459B1 (en) * | 2016-12-30 | 2021-12-03 | Farid Laadjel | UNIVERSAL READING ROAD SIGNALING DEVICE |
US10259377B2 (en) * | 2017-01-20 | 2019-04-16 | Tractor Supply Company | Vehicle light bar with straight and curved frame portions |
USD859710S1 (en) * | 2017-06-30 | 2019-09-10 | Hyundai Motor Company | Center position lamp for an automobile |
US10220773B2 (en) | 2017-07-17 | 2019-03-05 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Windshield blackout with viewing window and blackout window feature |
DE102018008228B4 (en) * | 2018-10-17 | 2022-01-27 | Daimler Ag | Lighting device for an interior of a vehicle |
US10870337B2 (en) | 2019-02-28 | 2020-12-22 | Irvin Automotive Products, LLC | Thin visor |
US10864804B2 (en) | 2019-02-28 | 2020-12-15 | Irvin Automotive Products, LLC | Sliding thin visor |
JP2021154948A (en) * | 2020-03-27 | 2021-10-07 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Notification device of vehicle |
WO2021246994A1 (en) * | 2020-06-04 | 2021-12-09 | Chuprina Vadim Anatolyevich | Daytime running lamp |
US11858411B2 (en) | 2020-09-10 | 2024-01-02 | Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. | Vehicular rear window assembly with integrated lighting |
JP2023016510A (en) * | 2021-07-21 | 2023-02-02 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Display device for vehicle |
US11624488B1 (en) * | 2022-04-29 | 2023-04-11 | Putco, Inc. | Multi-section LED light bar with driver |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5124845A (en) * | 1988-07-29 | 1992-06-23 | Jin Shimojo | Interior rearvision mirror |
US5671996A (en) * | 1994-12-30 | 1997-09-30 | Donnelly Corporation | Vehicle instrumentation/console lighting |
USH1834H (en) * | 1998-01-15 | 2000-02-01 | Lear-Donnelly Overhead Systems, L.L.C. | Sun visor assembly |
US20010046136A1 (en) * | 2000-05-24 | 2001-11-29 | Christine Weber | Light assembly for external rearview mirror of vehicles |
US6511216B2 (en) * | 2001-02-15 | 2003-01-28 | George H. Strickland | Interior-mounted emergency vehicle signal device |
US6623151B2 (en) * | 1999-08-04 | 2003-09-23 | 911Ep, Inc. | LED double light bar and warning light signal |
Family Cites Families (28)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3318631A (en) | 1967-05-09 | Automotive signal device | ||
US1541376A (en) | 1923-08-06 | 1925-06-09 | Arthur B Nock | Visor light |
US1672779A (en) | 1926-11-03 | 1928-06-05 | Raidt Byron Frederick | Visor light |
US1674340A (en) | 1927-09-02 | 1928-06-19 | Arthur B Nock | Windshield headlight |
US2017798A (en) | 1932-06-17 | 1935-10-15 | Robert E Gillespie | Vehicle direction signal |
US3576437A (en) * | 1968-04-03 | 1971-04-27 | Eugene F Peron | Portable spotlight |
US3655392A (en) * | 1969-06-04 | 1972-04-11 | Eastman Kodak Co | Photographic silver halide emulsion sensitized with a methine dye |
US3665392A (en) | 1970-08-24 | 1972-05-23 | John T Annas | Vehicle driver-actuated safety signal light assembly |
DE3315785A1 (en) * | 1983-04-30 | 1984-11-08 | Robert Bosch Gmbh, 7000 Stuttgart | MOTOR VEHICLE LIGHT |
US4733335A (en) | 1984-12-28 | 1988-03-22 | Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. | Vehicular lamp |
US4788630A (en) | 1987-07-10 | 1988-11-29 | Irvin Industries, Inc. | Illumination for vehicle accessories |
JPH01197141A (en) | 1988-02-02 | 1989-08-08 | Stanley Electric Co Ltd | Rear combination lamp for automobile |
USD315218S (en) | 1988-03-12 | 1991-03-05 | Koito Seisakusho Co., Ltd. | Signal lamp for automobiles |
USD314244S (en) | 1988-09-19 | 1991-01-29 | Koito Seisakusho Co., Ltd. | Auxiliary vehicle stop light |
JPH083962B2 (en) | 1989-01-31 | 1996-01-17 | 株式会社小糸製作所 | Car signal light |
US4981363A (en) | 1989-12-28 | 1991-01-01 | Lipman Leonard H | Emergency light/spotlight mechanism for automotive vehicles |
US5099401A (en) | 1990-07-08 | 1992-03-24 | Stanley Electric Co., Ltd. | Signal lighting fixture for vehicles |
JPH04143133A (en) * | 1990-10-04 | 1992-05-18 | Stanley Electric Co Ltd | Body built-in type auxiliary stop lamp |
JP3267713B2 (en) * | 1992-12-14 | 2002-03-25 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Driving practice equipment for vehicles |
USD349517S (en) | 1993-09-02 | 1994-08-09 | Neff James T | Combined control panel and automobile message display sign |
US5663707A (en) | 1995-04-11 | 1997-09-02 | Bartilucci; Gary M. | Signalling light visible through a rear view window of a vehicle |
US5660457A (en) | 1995-11-07 | 1997-08-26 | Whelen Engineering Company, Inc. | Integrated warning light and rear-view mirror |
US5803579A (en) | 1996-06-13 | 1998-09-08 | Gentex Corporation | Illuminator assembly incorporating light emitting diodes |
US5826965A (en) | 1996-08-21 | 1998-10-27 | Whelen Engineering Company, Inc. | Modular light bar |
US5988839A (en) | 1998-08-17 | 1999-11-23 | Whelen Engineering Company, Inc. | Rear facing light bar |
US6367949B1 (en) | 1999-08-04 | 2002-04-09 | 911 Emergency Products, Inc. | Par 36 LED utility lamp |
USD447825S1 (en) | 2000-08-24 | 2001-09-11 | Jui-Chun Lee | Brake lamp |
USD464162S1 (en) | 2001-02-28 | 2002-10-08 | Jji Lighting Group, Inc. | Lighting fixture |
-
2003
- 2003-04-16 US US10/414,896 patent/US7036965B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2004
- 2004-04-15 CA CA2464386A patent/CA2464386C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2006
- 2006-04-07 US US11/399,932 patent/US20060187670A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5124845A (en) * | 1988-07-29 | 1992-06-23 | Jin Shimojo | Interior rearvision mirror |
US5671996A (en) * | 1994-12-30 | 1997-09-30 | Donnelly Corporation | Vehicle instrumentation/console lighting |
USH1834H (en) * | 1998-01-15 | 2000-02-01 | Lear-Donnelly Overhead Systems, L.L.C. | Sun visor assembly |
US6623151B2 (en) * | 1999-08-04 | 2003-09-23 | 911Ep, Inc. | LED double light bar and warning light signal |
US20010046136A1 (en) * | 2000-05-24 | 2001-11-29 | Christine Weber | Light assembly for external rearview mirror of vehicles |
US6511216B2 (en) * | 2001-02-15 | 2003-01-28 | George H. Strickland | Interior-mounted emergency vehicle signal device |
Cited By (21)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090027913A1 (en) * | 2005-09-20 | 2009-01-29 | Pilkington Automotive Deutschland Gmbh | Lighting Arrangement for an Automotive Vehicle |
US8016464B2 (en) | 2006-06-02 | 2011-09-13 | Valeo Vision | Multifunctional internal lighting device for a motor vehicle |
US8366304B2 (en) | 2006-06-02 | 2013-02-05 | Valeo Vision | Multifunctional internal lighting device for a motor vehicle |
US8526311B2 (en) | 2007-06-06 | 2013-09-03 | Veedims, Llc | System for integrating a plurality of modules using a power/data backbone network |
US8303337B2 (en) | 2007-06-06 | 2012-11-06 | Veedims, Llc | Hybrid cable for conveying data and power |
US20090273282A1 (en) * | 2008-03-07 | 2009-11-05 | Ballard Claudio R | Configurable tail light module |
US8254734B2 (en) | 2008-03-07 | 2012-08-28 | Veedims, Llc | Virtual electronic switch system |
US9783108B2 (en) | 2010-01-20 | 2017-10-10 | 9609385 Canada Inc. | Mesh lighting system for emergency vehicles |
US20110175719A1 (en) * | 2010-01-20 | 2011-07-21 | Ford Timothy D F | Mesh lighting system for emergency vehicles |
US9248778B2 (en) * | 2010-01-20 | 2016-02-02 | The Flewelling Ford Family Trust | Mesh lighting system for emergency vehicles |
US8382350B2 (en) * | 2011-05-18 | 2013-02-26 | Peter Gold | Luminant trim for vehicle window frame |
US8596840B2 (en) * | 2011-05-18 | 2013-12-03 | Peter Gold | Luminant trim for vehicle window frame |
US20120326465A1 (en) * | 2011-06-22 | 2012-12-27 | International Truck Intellectual Property Company, Llc | Sunshade assembly with light |
US8976541B2 (en) | 2011-08-31 | 2015-03-10 | Potens Ip Holdings Llc | Electrical power and data distribution apparatus |
US20130329413A1 (en) * | 2012-06-06 | 2013-12-12 | Russell R. Cotta, SR. | Lighting System for Elongated Light Bars |
US9096172B2 (en) * | 2012-06-06 | 2015-08-04 | Russell R. Cotta, SR. | Lighting system for pivotally mounting an elongated light bar to a support structure |
CN103192762A (en) * | 2013-03-22 | 2013-07-10 | 胡玉栋 | Vehicle sun shield illumination device |
US9709233B2 (en) | 2014-01-24 | 2017-07-18 | Valeo Vision Belgique | Modular vehicle light device |
CN104842866A (en) * | 2015-04-22 | 2015-08-19 | 任成前 | Integrated vehicle lamps, indication method and vehicle |
CN108954208A (en) * | 2017-05-19 | 2018-12-07 | 福特全球技术公司 | Vehicle lighting assembly and means of illumination |
US10549607B2 (en) * | 2017-05-19 | 2020-02-04 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Lighting assembly disposed on an interior side of a window of a vehicle and method of illuminating an area outside the vehicle |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2464386A1 (en) | 2004-10-16 |
US7036965B2 (en) | 2006-05-02 |
US20040208013A1 (en) | 2004-10-21 |
CA2464386C (en) | 2012-02-28 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
CA2464386C (en) | Light bar providing illumination from inside a vehicle | |
US5174644A (en) | Mirror and illumination unit for motor vehicles | |
US5303130A (en) | Illuminating automobile sideview mirror | |
CN102729890B (en) | Vehicular illumination device and light source cell | |
ES2284554T3 (en) | CENTRAL VEHICLE CONSOLE WITH INTERIOR LIGHTING. | |
US4515393A (en) | Neon lighted roll bar | |
US20090179750A1 (en) | Self Leveling Warning Light for Vehicles | |
CA1286268C (en) | Headlamp assembly | |
CA2503167A1 (en) | Visor device for helmet with built-in led light source | |
US7140757B2 (en) | Vehicle mirror assembly that includes light unit | |
US7106185B1 (en) | Interior light bar | |
US20110210842A1 (en) | Multi-signal device for vehicle, comprising a light-emitting core | |
JP4110989B2 (en) | Outside mirror device with lamp | |
US5582481A (en) | Vehicular marker lamp lens configuration for providing a depth image | |
USD403999S (en) | Windshield visor for motor vehicles | |
EP0940331B1 (en) | Rear light | |
GB2423755A (en) | Automotive visor with illuminated mirror | |
US6354723B1 (en) | Lighted footrest for motorcycle | |
EP0340196B1 (en) | Sunvisor for motor vehicles | |
EP3459791A1 (en) | Running board for a vehicle and vehicle comprising at least one such running board | |
JPH10119581A (en) | Sunroof deflector for automobile | |
NL1001182C2 (en) | Lighting fixture for a vehicle. | |
US4175280A (en) | Headlight glare reduction devices for vehicles | |
NL2023008B1 (en) | A bicycle light | |
CN212195721U (en) | Motorcycle headlamp device and motorcycle |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |