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Description  |
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates in general to certain new and useful improvements in
reflector illuminated lighting systems and particularly reflector
illuminating lighting systems of this type for use in automotive vehicle
and even more particularly, in a reflector illuminating lighting system
for reflecting light incident on the reflector to provide a unique
lighting effect.
2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
Light reflectors are commonly used in order to provide certain lighting
effects and decorative effects. Reflecting light from these reflectors are
effective where direct incident light is not desired and where the
so-called see-through effect, that is, the effect of seeing through an
element, is not desired. In many cases, it is necessary to provide a
source of light which can be projected onto a reflector and reflected back
from the reflector.
In many automotive vehicles, reflective surfaces are often employed. In
some cases, these reflective surfaces or reflectors are located to become
part of the decorative trim of the vehicle. In certain cases, the
reflector may carry a design or symbol or the name of the automotive
vehicle manufacturer. However, where the ambient light condition is
relatively low, particularly at dusk and in evening hours, the reflector
actually becomes a dark strip which may or may not cooperate with the
remaining aesthetic appearance of the vehicle.
As a specific example of the foregoing, several automotive vehicles utilize
a red reflector on the rear portion thereof with the name of the
automotive vehicle manufacturer imprinted on this red surface. In broad
daylight, the name of the automotive vehicle manufacturer is readily
apparent. However, in darker lighting conditions, such as at dusk or in
light, the name of the automotive vehicle manufacturer is not readily
seen. Accordingly, one is merely left with a red reflector and in dark
lighting conditions, the reflector appears to be nothing more than a black
strip on the vehicle which may not necessarily add to the aesthetic
appearance of the vehicle. Theoretically, light from a rearwardly located
vehicle light beam will impinge upon the reflector and thereby display the
name of the vehicle. However, unless the light is directed at the
appropriate angle, the name of the manufacturer, or other indicia, still
is not readily apparent to a viewer. As a result, and in this situation,
the reflector may actually detract from the overall appearance of the
vehicle.
Many individuals utilize an automotive vehicle as a means of enhancing or
emulating certain status. Consequently, display of the name of the
manufacturer of the vehicle may be important, particularly in connection
with vehicles having a high cost associated therewith. As a result, many
manufacturers resort to inclusion of the manufacturing company name on a
portion of the vehicle.
There has not been any effective lighting system used in conjunction with a
reflector for providing a unique lighting effect. This is particularly
true in the case of providing a unique lighting effect from a reflector
mounted on and forming part of an automotive vehicle. It would be
desirable to provide such a lighting effect, particularly where there are
low ambient light conditions so as to enhance the overall appearance of
the vehicle.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to
provide a reflector illuminating lighting system for reflecting light
incident on a reflector to provide a unique lighting effect.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a reflector
illuminating lighting system which is adapted for use on and is
particularly effective for use on an automotive vehicle.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a reflector
illuminating lighting system of the type stated which is adapted for use
on a variety of vehicles having different vehicle lighting requirements
and needs.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide a reflector
illuminating lighting system of the type stated which includes a frame for
mounting on a structural member of an automotive vehicle and which
contains an elongate light generating means.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a reflector
illuminating lighting system of the type stated which can be connected to,
and easily operable from, the electrical circuit of the automotive
vehicle.
It is another salient object of the present invention to provide a
reflector illuminating lighting system of the type stated which is highly
effective in use and in operation and which can also be constructed at a
relatively low cost and easily installed on numerous types of vehicles.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a
reflector illuminating lighting system of the type stated in which there
is little or no light directed to areas other than the reflector itself,
so that one does not necessarily notice the light source used with the
reflector illuminating lighting system of the invention.
With the above and other objects in view, my invention resides in the novel
feature of form, construction, arrangement and combination of parts
presently described and pointed out in the claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A reflector illuminating lighting system for reflecting light incident on a
reflector to provide a unique lighting effect. The reflector illuminating
lighting system is preferably, although not necessarily exclusively used
in connection with automotive vehicles for illuminating a reflective
element which may be factory included on the automotive vehicle, or
otherwise, added to the automotive vehicle.
The reflector illuminating lighting system of the invention generally
comprises an elongate frame. A light generating means is located on this
elongate frame for generating light which is incident on the reflector. In
this respect, the frame is designed so that there is little escape of
light in areas other than for direct impingement upon the reflector.
A mounting means is associated with the frame for mounting the frame on a
structure in a position in close proximity to and adjacent to the edge of
the reflector. More particularly, the structure may include that structure
forming part of an automotive vehicle. In accordance with this
construction, light from the light generating means is incident on the
reflector at a substantial angle to a perpendicular of a surface of a
reflector. Thus, light reflects from the reflector at a substantial angle
disposed perpendicular to the surface of the reflector,
In accordance with the above-identified construction, the light effectively
fans across the reflector and is not bounced as direct light rearwardly of
the vehicle. Moreover, this direct light does not light other portions of
the vehicle. It is for this reason that there is an angle between the
direction of the light and the surface of the reflector, such that the
light may approach, but does not reach, an angle where it is parallel to
the surface of the reflector. It is desirable to have the light incident
on the reflector at an angle from about 45 to about 75 degrees.
Also in a more preferred aspect of the invention, the elongate frame
comprises a relatively flat base which is adapted for disposition of a
structure in proximity to the reflector. The elongate frame is somewhat
L-shaped and the base of the frame is in the form of a first leg which is
adapted for attachment to the structure, such as the automotive vehicle.
The frame comprises a second leg, generally perpendicular to the first
leg. In this way, the second leg is generally at a right angle to the
first leg. Furthermore, end sections extend around the ends of the
elongate frame.
The reflector illuminating lighting system of the invention is also
provided with means for connection to a source of electrical power. This
source of electrical power may be any source suitable for energizing a
lighting means, such as a neon or fluorescent lamp. When used on or in
connection with a vehicle, the means for connecting to the source of
electrical power generally provides for connection to the electrical
circuit of the vehicle.
The vehicle reflector illuminating system of the invention is also
effective in that it not only increases the aesthetic value of the
vehicle, but it actually improves the safety factor. Due to the fact that
the lighting portion of the reflector illuminating system actually lights
the reflector, the vehicle becomes much more visible and hence, less
likely to be involved in traffic accidents. In addition, the lighting
source itself, such as the neon bulb, may have a length equal to the
length of the reflector so that there is a complete illumination of all
portions of the reflector. A cover, such as a neoprene transparent or
translucent cover, may also extend over the light source, such as the neon
lamp. In this way, the lamp is envelopingly enclosed in a protective liner
and less likely to be subjected to damage. The ends of the wires which are
connected to sockets for the lamp are preferably sealed in a silicone
covering.
While the present invention has been described as using a neon light
source, it should be understood that other forms of light sources could
also be used in place of a neon lamp. For example, a fluorescent lamp
could be employed, or a series of incandescent lamps could be mounted on
the frame for illuminating the reflector. The neon light source is
preferred, due to the fact that there is very little reflection from the
light source itself, such that all light is impinged upon and reflected
from the reflector mounted on or forming part of the vehicle. Furthermore,
the neon lamp provides a soft lighting effect which is also desirable.
The invention also relates to an improvement in an automotive vehicle which
has a body with a reflector on the portion of the body and lighting means
for causing light to be incident on the reflector to enhance any surface
marking or features on this reflector. In this case, the improvement
comprises those features which were described above, such as the elongate
frame, the lighting means, the mounting means and the means for connection
to a source of electrical power.
The present invention has may other objects and advantages which will
become more fully apparent from a consideration of the forms in which it
may be embodied. These forms are illustrated in the accompanied drawings
and are described in more detail in the following detailed description of
this invention. However, it is to be understood that this detailed
description and the accompanying drawings are only for purposes of
illustrating and describing the general principles of the invention and
are not to be taken in a limiting sense.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be
made to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a rear elevational view of a portion of an automotive vehicle
showing the vehicle reflector illuminating system of the present invention
used therewith;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle reflector illuminating system
in conjunction with a reflector forming part of a vehicle;
FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the vehicle reflector illuminating
system, show in operative relationship to a reflector on a vehicle;
FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the vehicle reflector illuminating system of
the invention;
FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view, taking along line 5--5 of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a sectional view, taken along line 6--6 of FIG. 4;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing certain of the electrical components
forming part of the vehicle reflector illumination system of the
invention; and
FIG. 8 is a schematic electrical circuit view showing the connection of the
illuminating system to a circuit of an automotive vehicle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now in more detail and by reference characters to the drawings, S
designates an automotive vehicle reflector light system 20 used in
conjunction with a reflector R forming part of or mounted on an automotive
vehicle A. In this particular embodiment, as illustrated, the reflector R
is mounted on a rear portion of the vehicle above the bumper 20 forming
part of the automotive vehicle A. However, it should be understood that
the vehicle reflector illuminating system S of the invention could be used
with essentially any reflector on the vehicle and mounted at essentially
any location on the vehicle.
Also in the embodiment as illustrated, the reflector R is shown as
comprising an elongate reflector strip 22, having lettering or other
indicia 24 thereon. The reflector R is more fully illustrated in phantom
lines of FIGS. 2 and 3, inasmuch as it does not actually form part of the
vehicle reflector illuminating system, but rather, is the object which is
illuminated thereby.
The vehicle reflector illuminating system of the invention generally
comprises an elongate frame or housing 26, having a base wall or bottom
plate 28 and an integrally formed upstanding rear wall 30. A pair of end
walls 32 are connected between the upstanding rear wall 30 and the bottom
wall 28. The rear wall 30 and the base wall 28, along with the end walls
32, for a type of housing having an interior compartment 34 for receiving
a pair of neon lamp sockets 36 at the opposite ends thereof. Furthermore,
mounted within the sockets 36 is a conventional neon lamp 38. This lamp 38
serves as the light source forming part of the vehicle reflector
illumination system of the invention.
By further reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, it can be seen that the elongate
frame or housing 26 comprises an enlarged bead 40 on the rear wall 30
thereof, also as best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 of the drawings. In
this way, the neon lamp 38 is partially hidden by the bead 40 so that one
will not necessarily observe the lamp 38 when viewing from the rear of the
housing. The neon lamp 38 could also be effectively abutted against, or
actually disposed within a well formed by the bead 40 and the rear wall
30, so as to be completely hidden from view.
A mounting means is provided for securing the frame housing 26 to the
automotive vehicle. In the embodiment as illustrated, the vehicle has a
shelf, such as a horizontal wall 40 for receiving the frame housing 26.
However, any convenient portion of the vehicle could be used for
securement of the frame housing 26. Also in the embodiment as illustrated,
the mounting means comprises a plurality of mechanical fasteners, such as
sheet screws 42. However, other mechanical-type fasteners, or other means
for securement, could also be employed in accordance with the present
invention.
The neon lamp 38 may also be enclosed within a protective sheath 44, as
best illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 of the drawings. The sheath is
preferably a plastic material, such as a transparent polyethylene film or
the like and which may be wrapped about the lamp 38. In a more preferred
embodiment, the sheath 44 is a type of circularly shaped envelope which
fits around the lamp 38. Even more preferably, the sheath 44 should fit
snugly about the lamp 44 and at least the end terminals of the lamp 38.
Referring again to FIG. 5, it can be seen that the neon lamp 38 is provided
with a pair of electrodes 46. These electrodes cause energization of the
neon lamp in a conventional manner and are therefore neither illustrated
nor described in any further detail herein. However, the electrodes do
extend beyond the lamp 38 as shown in FIG. 5 and are connected to
electrical conductors 48 extending through the sockets 36. These
electrical conductors thereupon extend forwardly through the frame housing
26 and are connected to the electrical circuit of the vehicle, in the
manner as best illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 of the drawings.
The vehicle reflective lighting system of the invention is also capable of
being used as an auxiliary rear light of the vehicle, such as a brake
light. Inasmuch as many governmental standards now require the use of an
auxiliary brake light, the vehicle reflective lighting system of the
invention can satisfy that requirement or otherwise, operate in addition
to an existing auxiliary brake light. The vehicle reflecting lighting
system of the invention is also effective in that it operates with very
low power consumption. For this purpose, the vehicle reflective lighting
system of the invention can be used effectively as a parking light. Here
again, the lighting system could be used in place of or in addition to the
actual parking lights of the vehicle.
The electrical components which form part of the vehicle reflector
illuminating system can all be suitably mounted within a box-like
component housing 50, as best illustrated in FIG. 7 of the drawings. This
component housing is designed to receive the electrical conductors 48 from
the neon lamp 38. Moreover, the conductors extend through a pair of
openings 52 formed in an end wall of the housing 50. The housing 50,
itself, may be suitably stored within the trunk compartment of the vehicle
and can literally be mounted within the trunk compartment, or any other
convenient portion of the vehicle. Moreover, it can be constructed in the
form of a small compact housing which assumes minimum space requirements.
Mounted on a rear wall 54 of the housing 50 is a toggle switch and
preferably, a three-position toggle switch 56. One position of this toggle
switch 56 may be used for operating a parking light circuit and another
lead can be used for operating the stop light circuit. A third position
could be used for an off/on switch position.
Connected to the toggle switch 56 is an electrical conductor 60 which is
adapted for connection to the parking light circuit of the vehicle. In
like manner, a conductor 58 is adapted for connection to the stop light
circuit of the vehicle. A battery lead or conductor 62 is provided for
connection to the battery or other source of electrical power.
Furthermore, certain of the conductors, such as the conductor 62 which is
connected to the source of electrical power, may be provided with fuse
holders 64 suitably retaining fuses for overload protection. A further
conductor 66 extends outwardly of the housing 50 and is effectively a
ground line which cooperates with the battery lead 62 to form a complete
circuit. In this respect, it can be observed that the conductors 58, 60,
62 and 66 all extend outwardly of a side wall of the housing through an
opening 68 therein.
A cover plate 70 may be removably secured to the housing 50 to fully
enclose same. The cover plate is removable in the manner as shown in FIG.
7, in order to provide access to the interior of the housing 50 for
servicing or maintenance, as may be required.
Mounted on the interior surface of the cover plate 70 is a transformer 72
and preferably a 12 to 14.5 DC to 1,000 V AC transformer. The transformer
72 operates in conjunction with a circuit relay and preferably a 20 to 30
amp circuit relay 74, as also shown in FIG. 7 of the drawings. Extending
from the transformer 72 is a pair of conductors 76 which are adapted for
connection to fittings 78 on the ends of the electrical conductors 48.
An additional electrical conductor 80 is provided for connecting the relay
74 to the transformer 72, also as shown in FIG. 7 of the drawings. The
housing 50 is provided with openings 82 for purposes of mounting the
housing to a convenient portion of the automotive vehicle or other
structure. Here again, any means for mounting the housing to a suitable
supporting structure may be employed.
FIG. 8 illustrates one schematic representation of a conventional wiring
circuit which may be used for connecting the vehicle reflector
illuminating system of the invention to the electrical circuit of the
automotive vehicle. By reference to FIG. 8, it can be seen that a pair of
diodes 84 are also mounted in the conductors 58 and 60, as shown. Further,
the relay has a relay line 88 which is connected to the toggle switch 56,
also as shown in FIGS. 7 and S of the drawings. The relay 74 is a
five-position relay, as illustrated and may be manually operable by a user
in conjunction with the toggle switch 56. For this purpose, the toggle
switch is provided with a manually actuable switch arm 90.
FIG. 8 effectively shows the wiring arrangement for connecting the vehicle
reflector illuminating system of the invention directly to the electrical
circuit of the vehicle. In this case, it can be observed that the
electrical connections are relatively simple and can be easily installed
and connected by even those relatively unskilled with vehicle electrical
circuits.
Thus, there has been illustrated and described a unique and novel
automotive reflector lighting system which enables light to be reflected
from a reflector on the vehicle, providing unique and desired results
therefrom. Thus, the automotive vehicle reflector lighting system of the
invention fulfills all of the objects and advantages which have been
sought. It should be understood that many changes, modifications,
variations and other uses and applications will become apparent to those
skilled in the art after considering this specification and the
accompanying drawings. Therefore, any and all such changes, modifications,
variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the
spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the
invention.
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