Electroluminescent dome light for a convertible automobile

• US 4,864,473 A
• Filed: 03/21/1988
• Issued: 09/05/1989
• Est. Priority Date: 03/21/1988
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: ASC Incorporated
• Original Assignee: ASC Incorporated
• Inventors: Tokarz, Stephen
• Primary Examiner(s): Lazarus, Ira S.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Cox, D. M.
• Application Number:
  US07/169,743
• Time in Patent Office: 533 Days
• Field of Search: 362/61, 362/80, 362/74, 362/84, 362/253, 40/544, 40/591, 40/593, 427/66
• US Class Current: 362/490
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 3/49 for vehicles with non-fixed roofs, e.g. convertibles
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 3/745 using lighting panels or mats, e.g. electro-luminescent panels, LED mats
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 33/12 Light sources with substantially two-dimensional radiating surfaces

Abstract

The invention is an electroluminescent dome light for a convertible vehicle. The lighting element consists of a thin piece of electrically conductive material, which is specially treated with an electroluminescent coating. The element is enclosed in a phosphorous treated laminate which provides structure and diffuses the light emitted, giving it qualities of incandescent light. Two electrical connectors attach to the element to provide a means for generating an electrical current though the conductive material. The lighting element is held in place on the headliner of the convertible by a housing, with a means of attachment.

Claims