Photoluminescent step handle

• US 9,440,579 B2
• Filed: 05/11/2015
• Issued: 09/13/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 11/21/2013
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Original Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Inventors: Salter, Stuart C., Gardner, Cornel Lewis, Surman, James J.
• Primary Examiner(s): VO, TUYET THI
• Application Number:
  US14/708,697
• Publication Number:
  US 20150291086A1
• Time in Patent Office: 491 Days
• Field of Search: 362/600, 362/606, 362/608, 362/609, 362611-614, 362/551, 362/555, 362/541, 362/542, 362/485, 362/543, 362/487, 362/496, 362/505, 362/501, 362/506
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/2661 mounted on parts having other functions on wheels B60Q1/326
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/307 mounted on loading platforms
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/325 on or for running boards or steps
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/543 for indicating other states or conditions of the vehicle indicating taxis' state of hire or fare G07B13/045
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 3/30 for compartments other than passenger or driving compartments, e.g. luggage or engine compartments
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 3/68 using ultraviolet light

Abstract

A vehicle illumination apparatus is disclosed. The illumination apparatus comprises a retractable handle having a proximal end portion in connection with a tailgate. The retractable handle forms an internal passage therethrough from the proximal end portion to a distal end portion of the retractable handle. A light source is disposed proximate the proximal end portion and configured to emit a first emission through the internal passage. At least one light emitting portion is disposed along a length of the retractable handle and configured to output light derived from the first emission to an outside environment.

Claims

1. A vehicle illumination apparatus comprising:

a retractable handle comprising a proximal end portion in connection with a tailgate and forming an internal passage therethrough from the proximal end portion to a distal end portion;

a light source disposed proximate the proximal end portion and configured to emit a first emission through the internal passage; and

at least one light emitting portion configured to output light derived from the first emission to an outside environment.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the internal passage is at least partially light transmissive and light emitting portion is configured to transmit the light derived from the first emission from the internal passage to the outside environment.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one light emitting portion comprises a first light emitting portion disposed proximate the distal end portion and configured to illuminate at least a portion of the retractable handle.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one light emitting portion comprises a photoluminescent portion configured to convert the first emission to a second emission.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the retractable handle comprises a proximal handle portion and a distal handle portion configured to extend in a telescoping configuration.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the at least one light emitting portion further comprises a second light emitting portion positioned proximate a telescoping interface interconnecting the proximal handle portion and the distal handle portion.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a retractable step in connection with a tailgate of the vehicle and comprising a tread portion.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the at least one light emitting portion is configured to output light derived from the first emission and illuminate at least a portion of the retractable handle.

9. A vehicle illumination apparatus comprising:

a handle comprising a proximal end portion in connection with a tailgate and configured to transmit light from the proximal end portion to a distal end portion;

a light source disposed proximate the proximal end portion and configured to emit a first emission through the handle; and

at least one light emitting portion configured to transmit light derived from the first emission from the handle to an outside environment.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the handle forms an elongated bar having an at least partially light transmissive internal passage configured to transmit the first emission from the proximal end portion to a distal end portion of the handle.

11. The apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a retractable step in connection with a tailgate of the vehicle and comprising a tread portion.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the at least one light emitting portion is configured to output light derived from the first emission and illuminate at least a portion of the retractable handle.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the proximal end portion of the retractable handle is configured to output a portion of the first emission from the light source.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the proximal end portion of the retractable handle portion is configured to direct the portion of the first emission from the light source toward the retractable step when the retractable handle is arranged in an upright position.

15. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the tread portion comprises a photoluminescent portion configured to convert the first emission to a second emission.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the second emission corresponds to a different color of light than the first emission.

17. A vehicle illumination apparatus comprising:

a retractable handle assembly comprising a proximal end portion in connection with a tailgate and forming an internal passage therethrough from the proximal end portion to a distal end portion;

a light source disposed proximate the proximal end portion and configured to emit a first emission through the internal passage;

a light emitting portion disposed on the handle portion and configured to output light derived from the first emission; and

a retractable step in connection with a tailgate of the vehicle and comprising a tread portion, wherein the retractable handle assembly is configured to output light corresponding to the first emission and illuminate at least a portion of the tread portion.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the tread portion comprises a second photoluminescent portion configured to convert the first emission to a third emission.

19. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the at least one light emitting portion comprises a first photoluminescent portion configured to convert the first emission to a second emission.

20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the light emitting portion is disposed proximate the distal end portion and configured to illuminate at least a portion of the retractable handle.