US4558401A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vehicle lamp assembly
Assignee: Koito Europe Ltd
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Filing: 1984-10-05
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Granted: 1985-12-10
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Expires: 2004-10-05
Abstract
Abstract A vehicle lamp assembly, of the type in which the color of the light to be produced by the lamp cannot readily be perceived when the lamp is not illuminated, comprises an outer light transmitting member having horizontal strips of opaque material embedded in its outer surface. A respective horizontal baffle is aligned with each opaque strip. A lens element focuses collimated light on the gaps between the strips and can also serve as a color filter.
Inventors
- 👤 Nicholas W. Tysoe
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 01:15
CPC Classifications
F; F21; F21S; F21S43/00; F21S43/50; F21S43/20; F21S43/255
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
125 words
A vehicle lamp assembly comprising a light source, a colorless light transmitting member carrying a plurality of strips formed of a light-absorbing material, baffle elements of light-absorbing material extending perpendicular to a surface of the light transmitting member towards the light source, each baffle element being aligned with a respective one of the parallel strips and being thinner than its corresponding strip in a direction parallel to said surface, lens means spaced from the light transmitting member and disposed between the light source and the baffle elements and arranged to concentrate light from the light source between adjacent baffle elements and then between adjacent strips, and a color filter spaced from the light transmitting member and disposed between the light source and the baffle elements.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
125 words
A vehicle lamp assembly comprising a light source, a colorless light transmitting member carrying a plurality of strips formed of a light-absorbing material, baffle elements of light-absorbing material extending perpendicular to a surface of the light transmitting member towards the light source, each baffle element being aligned with a respective one of the parallel strips and being thinner than its corresponding strip in a direction parallel to said surface, lens means spaced from the light transmitting member and disposed between the light source and the baffle elements and arranged to concentrate light from the light source between adjacent baffle elements and then between adjacent strips, and a color filter spaced from the light transmitting member and disposed between the light source and the baffle elements.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
A vehicle lamp assembly according to claim 1, wherein the color filter also comprises the lens means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
A vehicle lamp assembly according to claim 1, in which the baffle elements are disposed outside the color filter and lens means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
A vehicle lamp assembly according to claim 3, in which the baffle elements are outside the light transmitting member.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-12-09 | 1989-06-10 | 1989-12-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-12-09 | 1993-06-10 | 1993-12-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-12-09 | 1997-06-10 | 1997-12-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |