Vehicle interior lighting systems using electroluminescent panels
USRE42340E1 · kind E1 · reissue
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 15, 2004 |
| Grant date | May 10, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 15, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC —)General
Abstract
A vehicle interior component and lighting assembly that includes a vehicle interior component having a fabric disposed over a substrate or foam layer, or both. An electroluminescent panel is located between the fabric and substrate/foam layer and directs light from the panel through the fabric. In this way, the light source can be effectively hidden when not in use and can be incorporated into the interior component in a manner that requires little space. The vehicle interior component can be any of a number of different interior articles, including, for example, a headliner, door panel, vehicle seat, rear deck, sun visor, and trunk panel. Also disclosed are vehicle interior illumination systems using touch switches and electroluminescent panels to provide back lighting of the switch and/or vehicle interior illumination through the switch.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.