Inventors:
Stuart C. Salter - White Lake MI, US
Cornel Lewis Gardner - Romulus MI, US
Mike James Whitens - Novi MI, US
Jeffrey Singer - Canton MI, US
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies, LLC - Dearborn MI
International Classification:
B60Q 1/00
Abstract:
A lighting arrangement for the interior of an automotive vehicle in which the light source, such as an LED, is recessed into the interior structure of the vehicle and covered with a layer of fabric. The light source is invisible when not in use, but shines through the fabric/foam layer when illuminated, and can be associated with a light transmitting member, such as a light bar and a light pipe. Such lighting arrangements can be disposed within the headliner to direct light where desired and for different functions, such as a map light or for area lighting. The lighting arrangement can be mounted in non-traditional locations, such as on vertically oriented pillars, visors, door panels, seat backs, seat fronts, and console sides. The light source is preferably one or more LEDs associated with a light transmitting medium to direct the discharge of light as desired within the automotive interior.