Composite knob with light pipe leakage barrier

• US 20060156515A1
• Filed: 03/17/2006
• Published: 07/20/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 03/24/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Robert K. Howie Jr
• Original Assignee: Robert K. Howie Jr
• Inventors: Howie, Robert K. Jr.
• Granted Patent: US 7,203,998 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 16/441
• CPC Class Codes: G05G 1/105 comprising arrangements for illumination
• CPC Class Codes: G05G 1/503 Controlling members for hand-actuation

Abstract

A composite knob including an injection molded translucent core having a side wall and a top wall with light pipe window or a light pipe opening formed in these walls. A trim ring is positioned on the core and has an opening therethrough to align with the light pipe window or opening. A cover is mounted on the trim ring and core and includes an opening aligned with the trim ring opening and the light pipe window or opening. A light pipe located in the light pipe window or light pipe opening is visible through the trim ring and cover openings. An opaque plastic light transmitting barrier is formed between the light pipe window or light pipe and the openings in the trim ring and cover. The light transmitting barrier is molded as a part of a gripping overlay applied to the outer surface of the skirt of the knob.

Claims

1. An indicator knob having a light transmitting indicator extending outwardly of an outer surface of said knob,

a split trim ring positioned on said outer surface of said knob with the ends of said split trim ring terminating at said outwardly extension of said light transmitting indicator leaving gaps between said split trim ring and said outwardly extension of said light transmitting indicator, and

a light transmitting barrier provided in said gaps.

2. The indicator knob of claim 1 in which said light transmitting barrier is an opaque injection molded plastic.