US20060066119A1 - Automotive ashtray having an electroluminescent lamp and method of making the same - Google Patents
Automotive ashtray having an electroluminescent lamp and method of making the same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060066119A1 US20060066119A1 US10/711,652 US71165204A US2006066119A1 US 20060066119 A1 US20060066119 A1 US 20060066119A1 US 71165204 A US71165204 A US 71165204A US 2006066119 A1 US2006066119 A1 US 2006066119A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- cover
- ashtray
- cavity
- compartment body
- coupled
- 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.)
- Granted
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C45/14—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles
- B29C45/14778—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles the article consisting of a material with particular properties, e.g. porous, brittle
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F19/00—Ash-trays
- A24F19/10—Ash-trays combined with other articles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C45/14—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C45/14—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles
- B29C45/14008—Inserting articles into the mould
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C45/14—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles
- B29C45/14639—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles for obtaining an insulating effect, e.g. for electrical components
- B29C45/14647—Making flat card-like articles with an incorporated IC or chip module, e.g. IC or chip cards
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C45/17—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
- B29C45/26—Moulds
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C70/00—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts
- B29C70/68—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts by incorporating or moulding on preformed parts, e.g. inserts or layers, e.g. foam blocks
- B29C70/681—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N3/00—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for
- B60N3/08—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for of receptacles for refuse, e.g. ash-trays
- B60N3/083—Ash-trays
-
- 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
- B60Q3/225—Small compartments, e.g. glove compartments
-
- 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
- B60Q3/275—Smoking-related fittings, e.g. cigarette lighters or ashtrays
-
- 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
- B60Q3/745—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 using lighting panels or mats, e.g. electro-luminescent panels, LED mats
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R13/00—Elements for body-finishing, identifying, or decorating; Arrangements or adaptations for advertising purposes
- B60R13/02—Internal Trim mouldings ; Internal Ledges; Wall liners for passenger compartments; Roof liners
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R7/00—Stowing or holding appliances inside vehicle primarily intended for personal property smaller than suit-cases, e.g. travelling articles, or maps
- B60R7/04—Stowing or holding appliances inside vehicle primarily intended for personal property smaller than suit-cases, e.g. travelling articles, or maps in driver or passenger space, e.g. using racks
- B60R7/046—Stowing or holding appliances inside vehicle primarily intended for personal property smaller than suit-cases, e.g. travelling articles, or maps in driver or passenger space, e.g. using racks mounted on door
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2995/00—Properties of moulding materials, reinforcements, fillers, preformed parts or moulds
- B29K2995/0018—Properties of moulding materials, reinforcements, fillers, preformed parts or moulds having particular optical properties, e.g. fluorescent or phosphorescent
- B29K2995/0036—Electroluminescent
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
- B29L2031/30—Vehicles, e.g. ships or aircraft, or body parts thereof
- B29L2031/3005—Body finishings
- B29L2031/3041—Trim panels
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
- B29L2031/747—Lightning equipment
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R13/00—Elements for body-finishing, identifying, or decorating; Arrangements or adaptations for advertising purposes
- B60R13/02—Internal Trim mouldings ; Internal Ledges; Wall liners for passenger compartments; Roof liners
- B60R2013/0287—Internal Trim mouldings ; Internal Ledges; Wall liners for passenger compartments; Roof liners integrating other functions or accessories
Definitions
- the present invention pertains generally to automotive interiors and more particularly to ashtrays for automotive interiors.
- a lighting system may be provided with the ashtray so that the opening or cavity of the ashtray may readily be seen during night time conditions or other conditions when the ashtray may not be readily observed.
- the lighting system helps prevent occupants from missing the ashtray altogether and burning either themselves or the interior of the vehicle with the hot ashes.
- ashtrays incorporating a lighting system have some drawbacks.
- a primary drawback is in the manufacturing and assembly of the various parts that make up the ashtray and the lighting system.
- the current process for making an automotive ashtray is typically to form the ashtray body in a first mold.
- the ashtray door is then individually formed in a second and separate mold.
- a further separate connecting member usually being a pair of metal or plastic cylindrical hinge pins, is then used to couple the ashtray door to the ashtray body.
- current ashtrays typically include a pair of damping mechanisms to provide some resistance to opening and closing the door to the ashtray.
- a portion of the ashtray body is cut out and covered by a clear polycarbonate material that in essence, provides a window to the interior of the ashtray.
- a separate light assembly is then attached to the inside of the trim assembly into which the ashtray is inserted so as to be located adjacent the window in the ashtray body. In this way, the light assembly emits light through the window and illuminates the interior of the ashtray.
- the light assembly typically includes multiple parts, such as an incandescent light bulb, a bulb mounting structure, a light cover, light reflectors and heat stake bosses to manage the heat generated by the incandescent bulb.
- the light assembly may further include contact switches so that the light bulb can be activated when the door to the ashtray is opened.
- ashtrays having a lighting system provided therewith comprise numerous parts each having different part numbers that must all be appropriately supplied, tracked, shipped, inventoried and eventually assembled to make the complete product.
- Multiple part assemblies in turn lead to significant administrative costs and labor costs, which increase the overall costs of production.
- the present invention provides for an improved automotive ashtray with a lighting system having a reduced number of parts and that is adapted to be coupled to an interior trim assembly, such as a door panel, of a vehicle.
- the ashtray includes a compartment body defining a cavity having an opening and adapted to store one or more items in the cavity such as coins, cigarette and cigar butts and ashes, and the like.
- the compartment body has a first connecting member integrally formed therein.
- the ashtray further includes a cover having a second connecting member integrally formed therein. The first connecting member and the second connecting member cooperate to pivotally couple the cover to the compartment body. In this way, the ashtray cover may be opened and closed to allow access to the cavity.
- an electroluminescent lamp is coupled to either the compartment body or the cover and adapted to illuminate the ashtray cavity when the cover is in the open position.
- the automotive ashtray may be formed by a two shot molding operation.
- the electroluminescent lamp is inserted into a mold and a first mold chamber is formed about the electroluminescent lamp.
- a first curable material is injected into the first mold chamber to form the first element, i.e. the compartment body or cover, having a first integrated connecting member.
- the electroluminescent lamp is coupled to the first element.
- a second mold chamber is formed about at least a portion of the first element, and more specifically, about a portion of the first connecting member.
- a second curable material is then injected into the second mold chamber in a second shot of the molding operation to form the second element, i.e.
- the other of the compartment body or cover having a second integrated connecting member.
- the second element is formed so that the first connecting member and the second connecting member are pivotally coupled together.
- the ashtray having the electroluminescent lamp incorporated therein may then be installed into an automotive trim assembly, such as a door panel.
- an improved automotive ashtray with a lighting system having a reduced number of parts and that is adapted to be coupled to an interior trim assembly of a vehicle.
- FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an automotive trim assembly including an embodiment of the ashtray of the present invention in the form of a door panel;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the ashtray of FIG. 1 showing the electroluminescent lamp
- FIG. 3 is a detailed partial cross-sectional view of the electroluminescent lamp shown in FIG. 2 ;
- FIGS. 4A-4C are diagrammatic cross-sectional views illustrating a molding process for forming the ashtray of the present invention.
- FIG. 1 there is shown an interior trim assembly, in the form of a door panel 10 for an automobile (not shown), including an embodiment of the automotive ashtray 12 of the present invention within a support 14 of door panel 10 .
- the door panel 10 covers a portion of the interior of the automobile door to provide a more aesthetically pleasing environment, as well as additional comfort to the vehicle's occupants.
- Other various trim assemblies in the automobile such as instrument panels, rear passenger side panels and consoles, are generally constructed in a similar fashion and may benefit from the present invention.
- the ashtray 12 may equally be incorporated in other automotive trim assemblies.
- the door panel 10 includes a support 14 including a relatively rigid substrate, which receives the ashtray 12 and which forms at least a portion of the structural support and defines the general shape of the door panel 10 .
- the door panel 10 may be secured to the interior of the automobile, for example, by a bracket or mounting member (not shown) as is known in the art.
- the door panel 10 further includes a front surface 16 that faces the interior of the automobile and a back surface (not shown) opposite the front surface 16 that is hidden from view when the panel assembly 10 is mounted to the automobile.
- the ashtray 12 includes a compartment body 20 defining a cavity 22 having an opening 24 for gaining access to the cavity 22 .
- the cavity 22 is adapted to store one or more items such as coins, cigarette and cigar butts and ashes, and the like.
- the compartment body 20 further includes a pair of spaced apart connecting members 26 integrally formed therein. While two connecting members 26 are shown in FIG. 2 , it should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that one connecting member or more than two connecting members may be integrally formed with the compartment body 20 .
- the compartment body 20 is made of a thermoplastic material such as a thermoplastic synthetic resin.
- the compartment body 20 may be formed from polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene to be heat resistant to lit cigars and cigarettes as well as hot ashes.
- the ashtray 12 also has a cover 30 including one connecting member 32 integrally formed therein. It similarly should be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art that more than one connecting member 32 may be integrally formed with the cover 30 .
- the cover 30 is made of a thermoplastic material such as a thermoplastic synthetic resin.
- the cover 30 may be formed from polypropylene, polyoxymethylene, or polyamide 6.
- each integral connecting member 26 of the compartment body 20 includes a projecting portion defining a pin having an enlarged distal end configured as a circular portion or ball.
- the integral connecting member 32 of the cover 30 includes a pair of spaced apart receiving portions defining a bore having an enlarged receiving portion configured as a circular recess. Accordingly, the connecting members 26 of the compartment body 20 cooperate with the connecting member 32 of the cover 30 to couple the cover 30 to the compartment body 20 , and more specifically, each circular recess receives one of the circular portions to pivotally couple the cover 30 to the compartment body 20 .
- the cover 30 is moveable between an open position, wherein the cavity 22 is accessible through the opening 24 , and a closed position, wherein the cover 30 overlies the opening 24 .
- the ashtray 12 may further include one or more hinge springs (not shown) cooperating with the compartment body 20 and the cover 30 to assist with movement of the cover 30 from the open position to the closed position.
- an electroluminescent (EL) lamp may be coupled to the compartment body 20 and configured to illuminate the various items placed inside cavity 22 .
- the EL lamp 34 is shown coupled to the compartment body 20 , it should be recognized that the EL lamp 34 may alternately be coupled to cover 30 .
- the EL lamp 34 consists of a stacked structure of multiple layers carried on a suitable flexible structural substrate 36 .
- the layered structure includes a layer of EL phosphor 38 disposed between substantially parallel front and rear electrodes 40 and 42 , respectively.
- the phosphor layer 38 is contiguous with the front electrode 40 but spaced from, and electrically isolated from, the rear electrode 42 by a dielectric layer 44 .
- the front electrode 40 which faces into the interior of cavity 22 , is light transmissive (i.e., transparent or translucent) for transmitting light emitted from the phosphor layer 38 when an electric field is applied between the front and rear electrodes 40 , 42 .
- the dielectric layer 44 may be pigmented to supply a dark or colored background for the emitted light.
- the encapsulation layer 46 may be applied to the stacked structure as a printed ink layer.
- An electrical connector 48 shown diagrammatically in FIG. 2 , such as an edge electrical connector, includes power contacts that are coupled with the front and rear electrodes 40 , 42 . The power contacts of the electrical connector 48 are exposed through the encapsulation layer 46 for establishing electrical contacts.
- the layers of the EL lamp 34 may be printed onto the EL substrate 36 by rotary screen printing, flexographic printing, or other printing methods using conducting, insulating and electroluminescent ink compositions.
- the ink compositions are printed across a desired print area on the EL substrate 36 and then dried to remove volatile solvents for forming stable layers. Some of the layers in the stacked structure may be printed more than once in order to assure proper thickness.
- Phosphor ink compositions are available to emit light in many colors, such as green, blue, and yellow, and may also be blended to produce white light emission.
- Typical EL phosphors comprise zinc sulfide-based materials doped to create the desired color emission.
- Suitable EL phosphor ink compositions include white, blue-green and yellow-green LUXPRINT® electroluminescent inks commercially available from DuPont Microcircuit Materials (Research Triangle Park, N.C.)
- a flexible metallized film may effectively function as the EL substrate 36 , the rear electrode 42 and the dielectric layer 44 of the EL lamp 34 .
- Such metallized films include a thin layer of a metallic conductive material, like aluminum, deposited on one side of a film material, like polyester. The deposited metallic layer operates as the rear electrode 42 and the film material acts as the dielectric layer 44 .
- the metallized film also serves as a EL substrate 36 for application of the remaining printed component layers of the stacked structure.
- the trim assembly further includes an electrical circuit 50 , including an inverter or converter 51 , that electrically couples a power source 52 , such as the vehicle battery, with the electrical connector 48 .
- the compartment body 20 includes a first electrical connector 54 , such as a pin connector, that is electrically coupled to the EL electrical connector 48 .
- the first electrical connector 54 may be positioned on the underside of the rim of compartment body 20 .
- the trim assembly may include a second electrical connector 56 , shown diagrammatically in FIG. 2 , electrically coupled to power source 52 .
- second electrical connector 56 may be positioned in support 14 into which ashtray 12 is to be inserted.
- First and second electrical connectors 54 , 56 are configured such that when ashtray 12 is inserted into door panel 10 , the first electrical connector 54 engages, or is otherwise coupled to, electrical connector 56 so as to energize the EL lamp 34 .
- Electrical circuit 50 may further include a switch 58 for selectively energizing the EL lamp 34 .
- power to the EL lamp 34 may be switched in coordination with the operation of the cover 30 to the ashtray 12 so that the EL lamp 34 is energized only when the cover 30 is opened. Additional circuitry, as recognized by persons of ordinary skill in the art, may be provided as required to ensure proper operation of the EL lamp 34 .
- the converter 51 electrically couples a direct current (DC) electrical system of the vehicle, such as the vehicle battery, with the electrical connector 48 .
- the coverter 51 converts the DC voltage from the electrical system to generate an alternating current (AC) driving voltage in the range of 80 to 200 VAC, preferably about 110 VAC, at a frequency in the region of 300 to 500 Hz, preferably about 400 Hz.
- AC alternating current
- Application of the AC driving voltage across the front and rear electrodes 40 , 42 of the EL lamp 34 generates a varying electric field within the phosphor layer 38 causing the constituent phosphor particles to emit visible light.
- the brightness of the EL lamp 34 increases with increased voltage and frequency.
- the visible light emitted by the EL lamp 34 uniformly and effectively illuminates the inside of the cavity 22 .
- the EL lamp 34 has a low power consumption and a very low heat generation as compared with conventional lamps used in such automotive applications. Furthermore, the EL lamp 34 is sturdy and exhibits excellent vibration and impact resistance. The EL lamp 34 will have a lengthy life and, as a result, will not normally need replacement over the life of the automobile, in contrast to the need to periodically replace burnt-out conventional incandescent bulbs.
- the EL lamp 34 also has a cooler operating temperature than conventional incandescent bulbs.
- the ashtray 12 is formed by a two-shot molding operation wherein a first shot molds one of either the compartment body 20 or the cover 30 .
- the EL lamp 34 is integrally molded to either the compartment body 20 or the cover 30 during the first shot.
- a second shot then molds the other of the compartment body 20 or cover 30 to couple the parts together.
- a first mold 60 is shown having first and second mold sections 62 and 64 , respectively, that define a first mold chamber or cavity 66 adapted to mold a first element, i.e., the compartment body 20 , in the first shot.
- the EL lamp 34 is placed at a specific location between the first and second mold sections 62 , 64 and the mold 60 is closed.
- a first curable material 68 is then injected through a channel 70 , into the first cavity 66 .
- the first curable material 68 may be any engineering polymer material suitable for the specific application, such as polycarbonate/acrylonitrite butadiene styrene.
- first mold 60 may be configured so that first curable material 68 overmolds a portion of EL lamp 34 , such as along its periphery to couple the EL lamp 34 thereto.
- first electrical connector 54 may be positioned at a specific location between first and second mold sections 62 , 64 so that first electrical connector 54 is molded to compartment body 20 .
- the compartment body 20 is moved to the second mold 72 having first and second mold sections 74 and 76 , respectively, that define a second mold chamber or cavity 78 adapted to mold a second element, i.e., the cover 30 , in the second shot of the molding process.
- Movement of the compartment body 20 to the second mold 72 can occur by methods commonly known in the art such as by hand, i.e. manually, by robotic means, or by utilizing a rotating mold assembly.
- the first element e.g. the compartment body, may be formed in a first mold as stated above.
- the first mold is then opened and the first element, rather than being manually or robotically moved, is rotated, e.g. 180 degrees, on a rotating platen to coordinate with a second mold to form the second element, e.g. the cover.
- the rotating mold assembly advantageously allows for simultaneous molding of first and second elements.
- the connecting members 26 is received within the second cavity 78 of the second mold 72 so that when the second mold 72 is closed, second cavity 78 is formed around a portion of connecting members 26 .
- a second curable material 80 is then injected through a channel 82 and into second cavity 78 .
- this second curable material 80 has a lower melting point than the first curable material 68 . Accordingly, the second material 80 is provided at a lower temperature than the melting point of the first material 68 so as to avoid fusion of the connecting members 26 , 32 on the compartment body 20 and cover 30 , respectively.
- the second material 80 may be a thermoplastic material such as polypropylene, polyoxymethylene, polyamide 6 or other suitable materials.
- the second mold 72 may be opened and the ashtray 12 ejected therefrom.
- the two-shot molding process advantageously provides a unitary ashtray 12 comprising a compartment body 20 , a cover 30 pivotally coupled thereto, and an EL lamp 34 integrally molded to the compartment body 20 to illuminate the items stored therein.
- the unitary ashtray 12 may now be received within support 14 of the door panel 10 during assembly of door panel 10 .
- the ashtray 12 may equally be included in other automotive trim assemblies, e.g. instrument trim lamps, rear passenger side lamps, center consoles and others.
- the above method has described molding the first element as the compartment body 20 and molding the second element as the cover 30 , it should be understood that the cover 30 , alternatively, could be molded as the first element while the compartment body 20 , alternatively, could be molded as the second element.
- the EL lamp 34 may be molded to either the compartment body 20 or cover 30 during the first or second shot of the molding operation.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention pertains generally to automotive interiors and more particularly to ashtrays for automotive interiors.
- It is known to provide automotive interiors with various trim assemblies to improve the aesthetic appearance of the automotive interior and for the comfort and convenience of vehicle occupants. Examples of these interior trim assemblies include the instrument panels, armrests, door trim panels and consoles. In many of these trim assemblies, various compartments are incorporated therein that allow the vehicle occupant to conveniently store one or more items, such as tissue, coins, cigarette or cigar butts and ashes, and the like for later removal or disposal thereof. In many cases, such as for ashtray compartments in door panels or rear interior side panels, it is desirable for the compartment to include a door or cover that overlies the opening and secures the items within the compartment. The cover is typically attached to the compartment and moveable, such as by a hinge mechanism, so that the articles in the compartment may be accessed.
- Moreover, in more luxury-oriented vehicles, manufacturers may provide various lighting systems in the trim assemblies that enhance the use of the various functional aspects typically found in the interior of an automobile. For instance, a lighting system may be provided with the ashtray so that the opening or cavity of the ashtray may readily be seen during night time conditions or other conditions when the ashtray may not be readily observed. In this way, when vehicle occupants need to deposit an item, such as ashes, in the ashtray, the ashtray opening may be observed and the ashes deposited therein without turning on overhead lighting, which may disturb other vehicle occupants. Perhaps more importantly, however, the lighting system also helps prevent occupants from missing the ashtray altogether and burning either themselves or the interior of the vehicle with the hot ashes.
- While being desired by car owners and vehicle occupants, ashtrays incorporating a lighting system have some drawbacks. A primary drawback is in the manufacturing and assembly of the various parts that make up the ashtray and the lighting system. The current process for making an automotive ashtray is typically to form the ashtray body in a first mold. The ashtray door is then individually formed in a second and separate mold. A further separate connecting member, usually being a pair of metal or plastic cylindrical hinge pins, is then used to couple the ashtray door to the ashtray body. Moreover, current ashtrays typically include a pair of damping mechanisms to provide some resistance to opening and closing the door to the ashtray.
- To incorporate the lighting system with the ashtray, a portion of the ashtray body is cut out and covered by a clear polycarbonate material that in essence, provides a window to the interior of the ashtray. A separate light assembly is then attached to the inside of the trim assembly into which the ashtray is inserted so as to be located adjacent the window in the ashtray body. In this way, the light assembly emits light through the window and illuminates the interior of the ashtray. The light assembly typically includes multiple parts, such as an incandescent light bulb, a bulb mounting structure, a light cover, light reflectors and heat stake bosses to manage the heat generated by the incandescent bulb. The light assembly may further include contact switches so that the light bulb can be activated when the door to the ashtray is opened.
- Thus, under current manufacturing processes, ashtrays having a lighting system provided therewith comprise numerous parts each having different part numbers that must all be appropriately supplied, tracked, shipped, inventoried and eventually assembled to make the complete product. Multiple part assemblies in turn lead to significant administrative costs and labor costs, which increase the overall costs of production.
- There is a need for an improved automotive ashtray having a lighting system and a method for making the same that reduces the number of parts and reduces the labor required for assembly thereof, thereby reducing overall manufacturing costs.
- The present invention provides for an improved automotive ashtray with a lighting system having a reduced number of parts and that is adapted to be coupled to an interior trim assembly, such as a door panel, of a vehicle.
- To this end, the ashtray includes a compartment body defining a cavity having an opening and adapted to store one or more items in the cavity such as coins, cigarette and cigar butts and ashes, and the like. The compartment body has a first connecting member integrally formed therein. The ashtray further includes a cover having a second connecting member integrally formed therein. The first connecting member and the second connecting member cooperate to pivotally couple the cover to the compartment body. In this way, the ashtray cover may be opened and closed to allow access to the cavity. Additionally, an electroluminescent lamp is coupled to either the compartment body or the cover and adapted to illuminate the ashtray cavity when the cover is in the open position.
- The automotive ashtray may be formed by a two shot molding operation. The electroluminescent lamp is inserted into a mold and a first mold chamber is formed about the electroluminescent lamp. In a first shot of the molding operation, a first curable material is injected into the first mold chamber to form the first element, i.e. the compartment body or cover, having a first integrated connecting member. During the first shot, the electroluminescent lamp is coupled to the first element. Next, a second mold chamber is formed about at least a portion of the first element, and more specifically, about a portion of the first connecting member. A second curable material is then injected into the second mold chamber in a second shot of the molding operation to form the second element, i.e. the other of the compartment body or cover, having a second integrated connecting member. The second element is formed so that the first connecting member and the second connecting member are pivotally coupled together. The ashtray having the electroluminescent lamp incorporated therein may then be installed into an automotive trim assembly, such as a door panel.
- By virtue of the foregoing, there is thus provided an improved automotive ashtray with a lighting system having a reduced number of parts and that is adapted to be coupled to an interior trim assembly of a vehicle.
- The features and objectives of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the following Detailed Description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
- The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with a general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the invention.
-
FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an automotive trim assembly including an embodiment of the ashtray of the present invention in the form of a door panel; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the ashtray ofFIG. 1 showing the electroluminescent lamp; -
FIG. 3 is a detailed partial cross-sectional view of the electroluminescent lamp shown inFIG. 2 ; and -
FIGS. 4A-4C are diagrammatic cross-sectional views illustrating a molding process for forming the ashtray of the present invention. - In
FIG. 1 , there is shown an interior trim assembly, in the form of a door panel 10 for an automobile (not shown), including an embodiment of theautomotive ashtray 12 of the present invention within asupport 14 of door panel 10. The door panel 10 covers a portion of the interior of the automobile door to provide a more aesthetically pleasing environment, as well as additional comfort to the vehicle's occupants. Other various trim assemblies in the automobile, such as instrument panels, rear passenger side panels and consoles, are generally constructed in a similar fashion and may benefit from the present invention. Thus, while the following detailed description focuses on theashtray 12 being included in a door panel 10, those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that theashtray 12 may equally be incorporated in other automotive trim assemblies. - The door panel 10 includes a
support 14 including a relatively rigid substrate, which receives theashtray 12 and which forms at least a portion of the structural support and defines the general shape of the door panel 10. The door panel 10 may be secured to the interior of the automobile, for example, by a bracket or mounting member (not shown) as is known in the art. The door panel 10 further includes afront surface 16 that faces the interior of the automobile and a back surface (not shown) opposite thefront surface 16 that is hidden from view when the panel assembly 10 is mounted to the automobile. - As best shown in
FIG. 2 , theashtray 12 includes acompartment body 20 defining a cavity 22 having an opening 24 for gaining access to the cavity 22. The cavity 22 is adapted to store one or more items such as coins, cigarette and cigar butts and ashes, and the like. Thecompartment body 20 further includes a pair of spaced apart connectingmembers 26 integrally formed therein. While two connectingmembers 26 are shown inFIG. 2 , it should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that one connecting member or more than two connecting members may be integrally formed with thecompartment body 20. Thecompartment body 20 is made of a thermoplastic material such as a thermoplastic synthetic resin. For example, thecompartment body 20 may be formed from polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene to be heat resistant to lit cigars and cigarettes as well as hot ashes. Theashtray 12 also has acover 30 including one connectingmember 32 integrally formed therein. It similarly should be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art that more than one connectingmember 32 may be integrally formed with thecover 30. Thecover 30 is made of a thermoplastic material such as a thermoplastic synthetic resin. For example, thecover 30 may be formed from polypropylene, polyoxymethylene, or polyamide 6. - As more fully explained in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/710,499, which is assigned to assignee of the present invention and incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, each integral connecting
member 26 of thecompartment body 20 includes a projecting portion defining a pin having an enlarged distal end configured as a circular portion or ball. The integral connectingmember 32 of thecover 30 includes a pair of spaced apart receiving portions defining a bore having an enlarged receiving portion configured as a circular recess. Accordingly, the connectingmembers 26 of thecompartment body 20 cooperate with the connectingmember 32 of thecover 30 to couple thecover 30 to thecompartment body 20, and more specifically, each circular recess receives one of the circular portions to pivotally couple thecover 30 to thecompartment body 20. In this way, thecover 30 is moveable between an open position, wherein the cavity 22 is accessible through the opening 24, and a closed position, wherein thecover 30 overlies the opening 24. Theashtray 12 may further include one or more hinge springs (not shown) cooperating with thecompartment body 20 and thecover 30 to assist with movement of thecover 30 from the open position to the closed position. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , to provide lighting to theashtray 12, an electroluminescent (EL) lamp, generally shown at 34, may be coupled to thecompartment body 20 and configured to illuminate the various items placed inside cavity 22. Although theEL lamp 34 is shown coupled to thecompartment body 20, it should be recognized that theEL lamp 34 may alternately be coupled to cover 30. As shown inFIG. 3 , theEL lamp 34 consists of a stacked structure of multiple layers carried on a suitable flexible structural substrate 36. The layered structure includes a layer ofEL phosphor 38 disposed between substantially parallel front andrear electrodes phosphor layer 38 is contiguous with thefront electrode 40 but spaced from, and electrically isolated from, therear electrode 42 by adielectric layer 44. Thefront electrode 40, which faces into the interior of cavity 22, is light transmissive (i.e., transparent or translucent) for transmitting light emitted from thephosphor layer 38 when an electric field is applied between the front andrear electrodes dielectric layer 44 may be pigmented to supply a dark or colored background for the emitted light. - A
protective encapsulation layer 46 of a light-transmissive substance, such as a polycarbonate or another polymer suitable for this application, optionally covers thefront electrode 40 of theEL lamp 34. Theencapsulation layer 46 may be applied to the stacked structure as a printed ink layer. Anelectrical connector 48, shown diagrammatically inFIG. 2 , such as an edge electrical connector, includes power contacts that are coupled with the front andrear electrodes electrical connector 48 are exposed through theencapsulation layer 46 for establishing electrical contacts. - The layers of the
EL lamp 34 may be printed onto the EL substrate 36 by rotary screen printing, flexographic printing, or other printing methods using conducting, insulating and electroluminescent ink compositions. The ink compositions are printed across a desired print area on the EL substrate 36 and then dried to remove volatile solvents for forming stable layers. Some of the layers in the stacked structure may be printed more than once in order to assure proper thickness. Phosphor ink compositions are available to emit light in many colors, such as green, blue, and yellow, and may also be blended to produce white light emission. Typical EL phosphors comprise zinc sulfide-based materials doped to create the desired color emission. Suitable EL phosphor ink compositions include white, blue-green and yellow-green LUXPRINT® electroluminescent inks commercially available from DuPont Microcircuit Materials (Research Triangle Park, N.C.) - In one embodiment of the invention, a flexible metallized film may effectively function as the EL substrate 36, the
rear electrode 42 and thedielectric layer 44 of theEL lamp 34. Such metallized films include a thin layer of a metallic conductive material, like aluminum, deposited on one side of a film material, like polyester. The deposited metallic layer operates as therear electrode 42 and the film material acts as thedielectric layer 44. The metallized film also serves as a EL substrate 36 for application of the remaining printed component layers of the stacked structure. - Referring again to
FIG. 2 , the trim assembly further includes anelectrical circuit 50, including an inverter orconverter 51, that electrically couples apower source 52, such as the vehicle battery, with theelectrical connector 48. To this end, thecompartment body 20 includes a first electrical connector 54, such as a pin connector, that is electrically coupled to the ELelectrical connector 48. For example, the first electrical connector 54 may be positioned on the underside of the rim ofcompartment body 20. Furthermore, the trim assembly may include a secondelectrical connector 56, shown diagrammatically inFIG. 2 , electrically coupled topower source 52. For example, secondelectrical connector 56 may be positioned insupport 14 into which ashtray 12 is to be inserted. First and secondelectrical connectors 54, 56 are configured such that whenashtray 12 is inserted into door panel 10, the first electrical connector 54 engages, or is otherwise coupled to,electrical connector 56 so as to energize theEL lamp 34.Electrical circuit 50 may further include a switch 58 for selectively energizing theEL lamp 34. For example, power to theEL lamp 34 may be switched in coordination with the operation of thecover 30 to theashtray 12 so that theEL lamp 34 is energized only when thecover 30 is opened. Additional circuitry, as recognized by persons of ordinary skill in the art, may be provided as required to ensure proper operation of theEL lamp 34. - The
converter 51 electrically couples a direct current (DC) electrical system of the vehicle, such as the vehicle battery, with theelectrical connector 48. Thecoverter 51 converts the DC voltage from the electrical system to generate an alternating current (AC) driving voltage in the range of 80 to 200 VAC, preferably about 110 VAC, at a frequency in the region of 300 to 500 Hz, preferably about 400 Hz. Application of the AC driving voltage across the front andrear electrodes EL lamp 34 generates a varying electric field within thephosphor layer 38 causing the constituent phosphor particles to emit visible light. In general, the brightness of theEL lamp 34 increases with increased voltage and frequency. - The visible light emitted by the
EL lamp 34 uniformly and effectively illuminates the inside of the cavity 22. TheEL lamp 34 has a low power consumption and a very low heat generation as compared with conventional lamps used in such automotive applications. Furthermore, theEL lamp 34 is sturdy and exhibits excellent vibration and impact resistance. TheEL lamp 34 will have a lengthy life and, as a result, will not normally need replacement over the life of the automobile, in contrast to the need to periodically replace burnt-out conventional incandescent bulbs. TheEL lamp 34 also has a cooler operating temperature than conventional incandescent bulbs. - With reference to
FIGS. 4A-4C , a method of making theashtray 12 of the present invention will now be described. More specifically, theashtray 12 is formed by a two-shot molding operation wherein a first shot molds one of either thecompartment body 20 or thecover 30. TheEL lamp 34 is integrally molded to either thecompartment body 20 or thecover 30 during the first shot. A second shot then molds the other of thecompartment body 20 or cover 30 to couple the parts together. - To this end, and as shown in
FIG. 4A , afirst mold 60 is shown having first andsecond mold sections 62 and 64, respectively, that define a first mold chamber or cavity 66 adapted to mold a first element, i.e., thecompartment body 20, in the first shot. TheEL lamp 34 is placed at a specific location between the first andsecond mold sections 62, 64 and themold 60 is closed. A first curable material 68 is then injected through achannel 70, into the first cavity 66. The first curable material 68 may be any engineering polymer material suitable for the specific application, such as polycarbonate/acrylonitrite butadiene styrene. The injection molding process creates sufficient pressure and heat to bond theEL lamp 34 and the first curable material 68 to form thecompartment body 20 andEL lamp 34 as an integral structure. Alternately,first mold 60 may be configured so that first curable material 68 overmolds a portion ofEL lamp 34, such as along its periphery to couple theEL lamp 34 thereto. Additionally, first electrical connector 54 may be positioned at a specific location between first andsecond mold sections 62, 64 so that first electrical connector 54 is molded tocompartment body 20. - With reference to
FIGS. 4B-4C , after thecompartment body 20 is molded having theEL lamp 34 integrally molded thereto, thecompartment body 20 is moved to thesecond mold 72 having first andsecond mold sections cavity 78 adapted to mold a second element, i.e., thecover 30, in the second shot of the molding process. Movement of thecompartment body 20 to thesecond mold 72 can occur by methods commonly known in the art such as by hand, i.e. manually, by robotic means, or by utilizing a rotating mold assembly. With respect to the rotating mold assembly (not shown), the first element, e.g. the compartment body, may be formed in a first mold as stated above. The first mold is then opened and the first element, rather than being manually or robotically moved, is rotated, e.g. 180 degrees, on a rotating platen to coordinate with a second mold to form the second element, e.g. the cover. The rotating mold assembly advantageously allows for simultaneous molding of first and second elements. - After the
compartment body 20 has been moved to thesecond mold 72, a portion of the connectingmembers 26 is received within thesecond cavity 78 of thesecond mold 72 so that when thesecond mold 72 is closed,second cavity 78 is formed around a portion of connectingmembers 26. A second curable material 80 is then injected through achannel 82 and intosecond cavity 78. As explained in more detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/710,499, this second curable material 80 has a lower melting point than the first curable material 68. Accordingly, the second material 80 is provided at a lower temperature than the melting point of the first material 68 so as to avoid fusion of the connectingmembers compartment body 20 andcover 30, respectively. The second material 80 may be a thermoplastic material such as polypropylene, polyoxymethylene, polyamide 6 or other suitable materials. - After the
ashtray 12 is formed, thesecond mold 72 may be opened and theashtray 12 ejected therefrom. The two-shot molding process advantageously provides aunitary ashtray 12 comprising acompartment body 20, acover 30 pivotally coupled thereto, and anEL lamp 34 integrally molded to thecompartment body 20 to illuminate the items stored therein. Theunitary ashtray 12 may now be received withinsupport 14 of the door panel 10 during assembly of door panel 10. Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that theashtray 12 may equally be included in other automotive trim assemblies, e.g. instrument trim lamps, rear passenger side lamps, center consoles and others. - Although the above method has described molding the first element as the
compartment body 20 and molding the second element as thecover 30, it should be understood that thecover 30, alternatively, could be molded as the first element while thecompartment body 20, alternatively, could be molded as the second element. Moreover, theEL lamp 34 may be molded to either thecompartment body 20 or cover 30 during the first or second shot of the molding operation. - While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of the various embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not intended to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the scope or spirit of Applicant's general inventive concept.
Claims (11)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/711,652 US7017968B1 (en) | 2004-09-29 | 2004-09-29 | Automotive ashtray having an electroluminescent lamp and method of making the same |
GB0521216A GB2422767C (en) | 2004-09-29 | 2005-10-19 | Automotive ashtray having an electroluminescent lamp and method of making the same |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/711,652 US7017968B1 (en) | 2004-09-29 | 2004-09-29 | Automotive ashtray having an electroluminescent lamp and method of making the same |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US7017968B1 US7017968B1 (en) | 2006-03-28 |
US20060066119A1 true US20060066119A1 (en) | 2006-03-30 |
Family
ID=36084520
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/711,652 Expired - Fee Related US7017968B1 (en) | 2004-09-29 | 2004-09-29 | Automotive ashtray having an electroluminescent lamp and method of making the same |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US7017968B1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2422767C (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20050275324A1 (en) * | 2004-06-11 | 2005-12-15 | Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd | Storage structure for vehicular tray |
US20090244917A1 (en) * | 2008-03-27 | 2009-10-01 | Intertec Systems, Llc | Automotive interior component combining light and movement |
US20120200236A1 (en) * | 2011-02-09 | 2012-08-09 | Hannspree, Inc. | Table lamp having ash-alerting and ash-extinguishing functions |
Families Citing this family (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060012205A1 (en) * | 2004-07-15 | 2006-01-19 | Bogdan Radu | Automotive storage compartment and method for making the same |
US7287885B2 (en) * | 2004-09-21 | 2007-10-30 | International Automotive Components Group, Llc | Automotive storage compartment having an electroluminescent lamp and method of making the same |
US20070139943A1 (en) * | 2005-12-21 | 2007-06-21 | Lear Corporation | An illuminable feature module for installing in a console |
IN2015DN00819A (en) * | 2012-08-02 | 2015-06-12 | Johnson Controls Tech Co | |
DE102013100941A1 (en) * | 2013-01-30 | 2014-07-31 | International Automotive Components Group Gmbh | Interior trim part for a motor vehicle |
DE102015104299A1 (en) | 2015-03-23 | 2016-09-29 | International Automotive Components Group Gmbh | Interior trim part for a motor vehicle |
Citations (42)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2755406A (en) * | 1952-08-20 | 1956-07-17 | Sylvania Electric Prod | Electroluminescent lamp |
US2851585A (en) * | 1954-11-26 | 1958-09-09 | Gen Motors Corp | Illuminated ash tray |
US2901652A (en) * | 1957-12-10 | 1959-08-25 | Gen Electric | Electroluminescent lamp construction |
US3012164A (en) * | 1959-12-11 | 1961-12-05 | Fawn Plastics Company Inc | Plastic electroluminescent lighting articles and method of fabrication thereof |
US3014873A (en) * | 1952-08-20 | 1961-12-26 | Sylvania Electric Prod | Electroluminescent phosphors |
US3015044A (en) * | 1956-11-19 | 1961-12-26 | Sylvania Electric Prod | Electroluminescent lamp |
US3317722A (en) * | 1965-04-26 | 1967-05-02 | Frances L Whitney | Electroluminescent lamp |
US4619624A (en) * | 1983-11-07 | 1986-10-28 | Kerr Iii Charles | Method of making improved electroluminescent panels |
US4996995A (en) * | 1988-06-27 | 1991-03-05 | Kobishi Electric Co., Ltd. | Ashtray |
US5002074A (en) * | 1988-12-26 | 1991-03-26 | Nifco, Inc. | Automobile ashtray device |
US5018800A (en) * | 1988-08-02 | 1991-05-28 | Gebr. Happich Gmbh | Ashtray for vehicles |
US5144963A (en) * | 1990-11-30 | 1992-09-08 | Gebr. Happich Gmbh | Ashtray, storage compartment or the like, particularly for automotive vehicles |
US5199449A (en) * | 1990-08-11 | 1993-04-06 | Gebr. Happich Gmbh | Tiltable ashtray or storage bin for motor vehicles, or the like |
US5350894A (en) * | 1993-06-28 | 1994-09-27 | Ford Motor Company | Two piece switch assembly for members that move relative to one another in a fixed manner |
US5440458A (en) * | 1993-11-02 | 1995-08-08 | Volk; Donald A. | Illuminated lens case |
US5466990A (en) * | 1991-12-30 | 1995-11-14 | Winsor Corporation | Planar Fluorescent and electroluminescent lamp having one or more chambers |
US5489054A (en) * | 1994-08-17 | 1996-02-06 | Atlantic Automotive Components, Inc. | Extendible vehicle tray method and apparatus |
US5533772A (en) * | 1993-05-11 | 1996-07-09 | Gebr. Happich Gmbh | Ashtray and container holder for motor vehicles |
US5645340A (en) * | 1995-06-19 | 1997-07-08 | Colton; Orren L. | Flashlight replacement for vehicle ashtray |
US5730491A (en) * | 1996-06-10 | 1998-03-24 | Lear Corporation | Non-rotational ashtray for an automotive console |
US5780965A (en) * | 1993-12-09 | 1998-07-14 | Key Plastics, Inc. | Three dimensional electroluminescent display |
US6000822A (en) * | 1996-10-28 | 1999-12-14 | General Motors Corporation | Door mounted interior lighting |
US6013956A (en) * | 1998-02-23 | 2000-01-11 | Cooper Automotive Products, Inc. | Touch control switches for vehicles |
US6036592A (en) * | 1997-07-22 | 2000-03-14 | Rubin; Benjamin | Ashtray assembly for use with smoke removal apparatus |
US6106261A (en) * | 1998-08-31 | 2000-08-22 | John W. Von Holdt | Apparatus for molding a one-piece article in a single molding operation using two different plastic materials |
US6116672A (en) * | 1997-02-12 | 2000-09-12 | Lear Corporation | Insert for the map pocket of a motor vehicle |
US6193399B1 (en) * | 1997-12-09 | 2001-02-27 | Cooper Automotive Products, Inc. | Optical waveguide structures for vehicle lighting |
US6196606B1 (en) * | 2000-04-10 | 2001-03-06 | Daimlerchrysler Corporation | Door trim panel for a motor vehicle |
US6217201B1 (en) * | 1997-12-09 | 2001-04-17 | Cooper Automotive Products, Inc. | Optical waveguide assembly for vehicle door panel |
US6296796B1 (en) * | 1999-02-02 | 2001-10-02 | Trw Inc. | Method for molding a two-material part using a rotatable mold insert member |
US20010030871A1 (en) * | 2000-02-26 | 2001-10-18 | Anderson James Burr | Vehicle interior lighting systems using electroluminescent panels |
US20010053082A1 (en) * | 1999-12-22 | 2001-12-20 | Makarand H. Chipalkatti | Electroluminescent vehicle lamp |
US6419379B1 (en) * | 1999-11-04 | 2002-07-16 | Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc. | Vehicle center console with interior illumination |
US6523544B1 (en) * | 1998-09-11 | 2003-02-25 | Philip Morris Incorporated | Fan-assisted ashtray |
US6536928B1 (en) * | 2000-03-03 | 2003-03-25 | Lear Corporation | Multi-colored vehicle interior lighting |
US20030075944A1 (en) * | 2001-10-02 | 2003-04-24 | Trw Automotive Electronics & Components Gmbh & Co. Kg | Receptacle assembly with a case pivotally mounted in a housing shell |
US6562275B1 (en) * | 1998-02-26 | 2003-05-13 | Compagnie Plastic Omnium | Mold and method for sequentially injecting plastics material to form an automotive vehicle body part |
US6594417B1 (en) * | 1999-01-14 | 2003-07-15 | Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc. | Waveguide assembly for laterally-directed illumination in a vehicle lighting system |
US6652128B2 (en) * | 2001-01-31 | 2003-11-25 | Textron Automotive Company, Inc. | Backlighting method for an automotive trim panel |
US6656397B1 (en) * | 1999-03-11 | 2003-12-02 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Method of making a door trim assembly |
US20040119308A1 (en) * | 2002-12-18 | 2004-06-24 | Hiroyuki Kawaguchi | Vehicular cigarette lighter device |
US20050067952A1 (en) * | 2003-09-29 | 2005-03-31 | Durel Corporation | Flexible, molded EL lamp |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE4141297C2 (en) | 1991-12-14 | 1993-12-16 | Man Nutzfahrzeuge Ag | Ashtrays for vehicles |
DE29719025U1 (en) * | 1997-10-25 | 1997-12-11 | Fer Fahrzeugelektrik Gmbh | Lighting system for a passenger car |
DE10045171A1 (en) * | 2000-09-13 | 2002-03-28 | Itw Ateco Gmbh | Actuator for automobile door, includes stripe of electroluminescence sheet attached to surface of bow-like handle portion and connected to electric source |
DE202005009668U1 (en) * | 2005-06-17 | 2005-09-22 | Sarnamotive Paulmann & Crone Gmbh | Motor vehicle fitting part especially holder for utensils or ashtray has electroluminescent foil between screen and cover to give illuminated sign |
-
2004
- 2004-09-29 US US10/711,652 patent/US7017968B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2005
- 2005-10-19 GB GB0521216A patent/GB2422767C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (46)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2755406A (en) * | 1952-08-20 | 1956-07-17 | Sylvania Electric Prod | Electroluminescent lamp |
US3014873A (en) * | 1952-08-20 | 1961-12-26 | Sylvania Electric Prod | Electroluminescent phosphors |
US2851585A (en) * | 1954-11-26 | 1958-09-09 | Gen Motors Corp | Illuminated ash tray |
US3015044A (en) * | 1956-11-19 | 1961-12-26 | Sylvania Electric Prod | Electroluminescent lamp |
US2901652A (en) * | 1957-12-10 | 1959-08-25 | Gen Electric | Electroluminescent lamp construction |
US3012164A (en) * | 1959-12-11 | 1961-12-05 | Fawn Plastics Company Inc | Plastic electroluminescent lighting articles and method of fabrication thereof |
US3317722A (en) * | 1965-04-26 | 1967-05-02 | Frances L Whitney | Electroluminescent lamp |
US4619624A (en) * | 1983-11-07 | 1986-10-28 | Kerr Iii Charles | Method of making improved electroluminescent panels |
US4996995A (en) * | 1988-06-27 | 1991-03-05 | Kobishi Electric Co., Ltd. | Ashtray |
US5018800A (en) * | 1988-08-02 | 1991-05-28 | Gebr. Happich Gmbh | Ashtray for vehicles |
US5002074A (en) * | 1988-12-26 | 1991-03-26 | Nifco, Inc. | Automobile ashtray device |
US5199449A (en) * | 1990-08-11 | 1993-04-06 | Gebr. Happich Gmbh | Tiltable ashtray or storage bin for motor vehicles, or the like |
US5144963A (en) * | 1990-11-30 | 1992-09-08 | Gebr. Happich Gmbh | Ashtray, storage compartment or the like, particularly for automotive vehicles |
US5466990A (en) * | 1991-12-30 | 1995-11-14 | Winsor Corporation | Planar Fluorescent and electroluminescent lamp having one or more chambers |
US5533772A (en) * | 1993-05-11 | 1996-07-09 | Gebr. Happich Gmbh | Ashtray and container holder for motor vehicles |
US5350894A (en) * | 1993-06-28 | 1994-09-27 | Ford Motor Company | Two piece switch assembly for members that move relative to one another in a fixed manner |
US5440458A (en) * | 1993-11-02 | 1995-08-08 | Volk; Donald A. | Illuminated lens case |
US5780965A (en) * | 1993-12-09 | 1998-07-14 | Key Plastics, Inc. | Three dimensional electroluminescent display |
US5489054A (en) * | 1994-08-17 | 1996-02-06 | Atlantic Automotive Components, Inc. | Extendible vehicle tray method and apparatus |
US5645340A (en) * | 1995-06-19 | 1997-07-08 | Colton; Orren L. | Flashlight replacement for vehicle ashtray |
US5730491A (en) * | 1996-06-10 | 1998-03-24 | Lear Corporation | Non-rotational ashtray for an automotive console |
US6000822A (en) * | 1996-10-28 | 1999-12-14 | General Motors Corporation | Door mounted interior lighting |
US6116672A (en) * | 1997-02-12 | 2000-09-12 | Lear Corporation | Insert for the map pocket of a motor vehicle |
US6036592A (en) * | 1997-07-22 | 2000-03-14 | Rubin; Benjamin | Ashtray assembly for use with smoke removal apparatus |
US6193399B1 (en) * | 1997-12-09 | 2001-02-27 | Cooper Automotive Products, Inc. | Optical waveguide structures for vehicle lighting |
US6217201B1 (en) * | 1997-12-09 | 2001-04-17 | Cooper Automotive Products, Inc. | Optical waveguide assembly for vehicle door panel |
US6013956A (en) * | 1998-02-23 | 2000-01-11 | Cooper Automotive Products, Inc. | Touch control switches for vehicles |
US6562275B1 (en) * | 1998-02-26 | 2003-05-13 | Compagnie Plastic Omnium | Mold and method for sequentially injecting plastics material to form an automotive vehicle body part |
US6106261A (en) * | 1998-08-31 | 2000-08-22 | John W. Von Holdt | Apparatus for molding a one-piece article in a single molding operation using two different plastic materials |
US6523544B1 (en) * | 1998-09-11 | 2003-02-25 | Philip Morris Incorporated | Fan-assisted ashtray |
US6594417B1 (en) * | 1999-01-14 | 2003-07-15 | Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc. | Waveguide assembly for laterally-directed illumination in a vehicle lighting system |
US6296796B1 (en) * | 1999-02-02 | 2001-10-02 | Trw Inc. | Method for molding a two-material part using a rotatable mold insert member |
US6656397B1 (en) * | 1999-03-11 | 2003-12-02 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Method of making a door trim assembly |
US6419379B1 (en) * | 1999-11-04 | 2002-07-16 | Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc. | Vehicle center console with interior illumination |
US20010053082A1 (en) * | 1999-12-22 | 2001-12-20 | Makarand H. Chipalkatti | Electroluminescent vehicle lamp |
US6464381B2 (en) * | 2000-02-26 | 2002-10-15 | Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc. | Vehicle interior lighting systems using electroluminescent panels |
US20030002273A1 (en) * | 2000-02-26 | 2003-01-02 | Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc. | Vehicle interior lighting systems using electroluminescent panels |
US20010030871A1 (en) * | 2000-02-26 | 2001-10-18 | Anderson James Burr | Vehicle interior lighting systems using electroluminescent panels |
US6536928B1 (en) * | 2000-03-03 | 2003-03-25 | Lear Corporation | Multi-colored vehicle interior lighting |
US6196606B1 (en) * | 2000-04-10 | 2001-03-06 | Daimlerchrysler Corporation | Door trim panel for a motor vehicle |
US6652128B2 (en) * | 2001-01-31 | 2003-11-25 | Textron Automotive Company, Inc. | Backlighting method for an automotive trim panel |
US20040017687A1 (en) * | 2001-01-31 | 2004-01-29 | Misaras David M. | Backlighting method for an automotive trim panel |
US20030075944A1 (en) * | 2001-10-02 | 2003-04-24 | Trw Automotive Electronics & Components Gmbh & Co. Kg | Receptacle assembly with a case pivotally mounted in a housing shell |
US6702354B2 (en) * | 2001-10-02 | 2004-03-09 | Trw Automotive Electronics & Components Gmbh & Co., Kg | Receptacle assembly with a case pivotally mounted in a housing shell |
US20040119308A1 (en) * | 2002-12-18 | 2004-06-24 | Hiroyuki Kawaguchi | Vehicular cigarette lighter device |
US20050067952A1 (en) * | 2003-09-29 | 2005-03-31 | Durel Corporation | Flexible, molded EL lamp |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20050275324A1 (en) * | 2004-06-11 | 2005-12-15 | Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd | Storage structure for vehicular tray |
US7226102B2 (en) * | 2004-06-11 | 2007-06-05 | Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd. | Storage structure for vehicular tray |
US20090244917A1 (en) * | 2008-03-27 | 2009-10-01 | Intertec Systems, Llc | Automotive interior component combining light and movement |
US20120200236A1 (en) * | 2011-02-09 | 2012-08-09 | Hannspree, Inc. | Table lamp having ash-alerting and ash-extinguishing functions |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB0521216D0 (en) | 2005-11-23 |
GB2422767B (en) | 2007-01-03 |
US7017968B1 (en) | 2006-03-28 |
GB2422767A (en) | 2006-08-09 |
GB2422767C (en) | 2007-02-01 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7287885B2 (en) | Automotive storage compartment having an electroluminescent lamp and method of making the same | |
US7150550B2 (en) | Automotive map pocket having an electroluminescent lamp and method of making the same | |
GB2422767A (en) | Automotive ashtray having an electroluminescent lamp | |
US7237933B2 (en) | Door trim bolster with electroluminescent lamp and injection molding method of making same | |
US7299892B2 (en) | Door trim speaker grille with electroluminescent lamp and injection molding method of making same | |
GB2418180A (en) | A door trim switch panel with an electroluminescent lamp | |
US8235567B2 (en) | Illuminated interior trim component | |
US7445350B2 (en) | Interior/exterior component with electroluminescent lighting and soft touch switching | |
US8303147B2 (en) | Luminous garnish for vehicle | |
US8235460B2 (en) | Vehicle window assembly | |
US5780965A (en) | Three dimensional electroluminescent display | |
US8840288B2 (en) | Vehicle window assembly | |
JPH11301349A (en) | Vehicle having electroluminescent light emitting band | |
JP2003523891A (en) | Vehicle interior lighting system using electroluminescent panels | |
JP2007532389A (en) | Out-of-vehicle rearview mirror, especially for vehicles | |
JP2001520956A (en) | Lighting equipment | |
CN209833325U (en) | Sun visor for vehicle | |
WO2008024985A2 (en) | Integrated power source for interior led lighting | |
US20050083710A1 (en) | Vehicle lamp | |
JP3906888B2 (en) | Lighting device | |
DE102005052534B4 (en) | Map pocket for an automobile, with an electroluminescent lamp, and method of making the same | |
US8317378B2 (en) | Bimodal illumination for vehicular storage compartment | |
KR101806421B1 (en) | Light-emitting type trim panels for car | |
DE102005052533B4 (en) | Car ashtray with an electroluminescent lamp and method of making the same | |
KR20100009796A (en) | Automobile vanity mirror apparatus |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: LEAR CORPORATION, MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:DRY, ALAN G.;REEL/FRAME:015199/0384 Effective date: 20040928 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: LEAR CORPORATION, MICHIGAN Free format text: EMPLOYMENT AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:RADU, BOGDAN;REEL/FRAME:017575/0314 Effective date: 20011017 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS GENERAL ADMINISTRATI Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:LEAR CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:017858/0719 Effective date: 20060425 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: INTERNATIONAL AUTOMOTIVE COMPONENTS GROUP NORTH AM Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:LEAR CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:019215/0727 Effective date: 20070427 |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
REMI | Maintenance fee reminder mailed | ||
LAPS | Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees | ||
STCH | Information on status: patent discontinuation |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362 |
|
FP | Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee |
Effective date: 20100328 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: LEAR CORPORATION, MICHIGAN Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.;REEL/FRAME:032722/0553 Effective date: 20100830 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: LEAR CORPORATION, MICHIGAN Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS AGENT;REEL/FRAME:037731/0918 Effective date: 20160104 |