Lighting device embedded in vehicle panel and method for making the same
First Claim
1. A body panel for use in the body of a vehicle, comprising:
- a main panel having a first side and a second side, the main panel includinga recess in the first side, the recess having a set shape and a depth less than a thickness of the main panel, anda hole from a bottom of the recess to the second side;
a flexible lighting strip formed in the recess, the flexible lighting strip having the set shape and a thickness within ±
10% of the depth of the recess, the flexile lighting device being secured in the recess;
a power connector connected to the flexible lighting strip;
a control connector connected to a device controller; and
a clear coating formed on the first side of the main panel over the main panel and the flexible lighting strip, the clear coating having a smooth top surface.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A body panel is provided for use in the body of a vehicle, comprising: a main panel having a first side and a second side, the main panel including a recess in the first side, the recess having a set shape and a depth less than a thickness of the main panel, and a hole from a bottom of the recess to the second side; a flexible lighting strip formed in the recess, the flexible lighting strip having the set shape and a thickness within ±10% of the depth of the recess, the flexile lighting device being secured in the recess; a power connector connected to the flexible lighting strip; a control connector connected to a device controller; and a clear coating formed on the first side of the main panel over the main panel and the flexible lighting strip, the clear coating having a smooth top surface.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A body panel for use in the body of a vehicle, comprising:
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a main panel having a first side and a second side, the main panel including a recess in the first side, the recess having a set shape and a depth less than a thickness of the main panel, and a hole from a bottom of the recess to the second side; a flexible lighting strip formed in the recess, the flexible lighting strip having the set shape and a thickness within ±
10% of the depth of the recess, the flexile lighting device being secured in the recess;a power connector connected to the flexible lighting strip; a control connector connected to a device controller; and a clear coating formed on the first side of the main panel over the main panel and the flexible lighting strip, the clear coating having a smooth top surface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method of manufacturing a body panel for use in the body of a vehicle, comprising:
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molding a main panel having a first side and a second side, the main panel including a recess in the first side, the recess having a set shape and a depth less than a thickness of the main panel, and a hole from a bottom of the recess to the second side; applying an affixing mechanism to a bottom inside surface of the recess; passing a first end of a power connector through the hole from the first side to the second side, a second end of the power connector being connected to a flexible lighting strip; passing a first end of a control connector through the hole from the first side to the second side, a second end of the control connector being connected to the flexible lighting strip; inserting the flexible lighting strip in the recess such that the flexible lighting strip is secured in the recess by the affixing mechanism; forming a clear coating on the first side of the main panel over the main panel and the flexible lighting strip, such that the clear coating has a smooth top surface, wherein the flexible lighting strip has the set shape, and the flexible lighting strip has a thickness within ±
10% of the depth of the recess. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification