US4310871A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Illuminating device for instrument
Assignee: Nissan Motor Co Ltd
•
Filing: 1979-11-01
•
Granted: 1982-01-12
•
Expires: 1999-11-01
Abstract
Abstract An illuminating device for an instrument of a vehicle or the like using a light guiding member for introducing outside light during the day time to illuminate the dial of the instrument clearly at a brightness matching with that of the scenery. An internal light source is provided to illuminate the same dial in a dark place.
Inventors
- 👤 Masahiro Adachi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 12:22
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01D; G01D11/00; G01D11/28; B; B60; B60K; B60K35/00; B60K35/20; B60K37/00; B60K37/20; B60Q; B60Q3/00; B60Q3/10; B60Q3/14; B60Q3/60; B60Q3/62; B60Q3/64; B60K2360/00; B60K2360/20; B60K2360/33; B60K2360/336
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
109 words
An illuminating device for an instrument used in an automotive vehicle comprising a light guiding member arranged at the rear side of a dial mounted at the front surface of the instrument and formed of a transparent plate, liquid crystal or the like, the light guiding member being provided with a light introducing portion facing outside of the vehicle onto which outside light falls, a light guide portion, an illuminating portion closely arranged with the backside of the dial, and an internal light source embedded in part of said member, so that the dial may be illuminated for indication by either of the outside light and the internal light.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
109 words
An illuminating device for an instrument used in an automotive vehicle comprising a light guiding member arranged at the rear side of a dial mounted at the front surface of the instrument and formed of a transparent plate, liquid crystal or the like, the light guiding member being provided with a light introducing portion facing outside of the vehicle onto which outside light falls, a light guide portion, an illuminating portion closely arranged with the backside of the dial, and an internal light source embedded in part of said member, so that the dial may be illuminated for indication by either of the outside light and the internal light.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
66 words
Illuminating device for instrument as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light introducing portion is extruded from an upper surface of the instrument panel and a glaring preventing cover is provided on the instrument panel to cover said light introducing portion and extending towards windshield so that light reflected at the light introducing portion may not fall directly on the eye of a driver driving vehicle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
Illuminating device for instrument as claimed in claim 2, wherein the glaring preventing cover is provided with a reflecting film at inner surface located at the side of the light introducing portion.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
Illuminating device for instrument as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light introducing portion is covered by an upper pad of the instrument panel in order that the reflecting light will not fall on the driver's eye directly.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
98 words
Illuminating device for instrument comprising a light guiding member arranged at rear side of a dial mounted at front surface of an instrument panel and formed of a transparent plate, liquid crystal or the like, the light guiding member is provided with a light introducing portion onto which outside light falls and with an internal light source provided therein to illuminate the dial, wherein the light introducing portion of the light guiding member is arranged on upper surface of a defroster nozzle near a windshield of a vechicle and the light guiding member is provided with ventilation holes.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
98 words
Illuminating device for instrument comprising a light guiding member arranged at rear side of a dial mounted at front surface of an instrument panel and formed of a transparent plate, liquid crystal or the like, the light guiding member is provided with a light introducing portion onto which outside light falls and with an internal light source provided therein to illuminate the dial, wherein the light introducing portion of the light guiding member is arranged on upper surface of a defroster nozzle near a windshield of a vechicle and the light guiding member is provided with ventilation holes.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
Illuminating device for instrument as claimed in claim 5, wherein the light guiding member around the light introducing portion is divided into a number of stripe shaped portions arranged over the defroster nozzle.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
Illuminating device for instrument as claimed in claim 5, wherein the light guiding member is formed of optical fibers at least the light introducing portion.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1985-01-11 | 1985-07-13 | 1986-01-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-01-11 | 1989-07-13 | 1990-01-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-01-11 | 1993-07-13 | 1994-01-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |