Illuminated rack

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-10118538-B2
Application number	US-201615371568-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Dec 7, 2016
Priority date	Dec 7, 2016
Publication date	Nov 6, 2018
Grant date	Nov 6, 2018

Abstract

A vehicle roof rack includes a first side-rail and a second side-rail. Each of the rails define a first groove and a second groove. The second is defined below the first groove. A plurality of lights are positioned within the second groove. A cross-rail extends between the first and second side rails and is positioned within the first grooves.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A vehicle roof rack, comprising:
a first and a second side-rail, each of the rails defining:
a second groove defined below a first groove and on an opposite side of the rail than the first groove; and
a plurality of lights positioned within the second groove, wherein the rail defines a groove hole for electrical connection to the plurality of lights;

a transparent overmold defining a grommet contacting the second groove positioned away from the groove hole, wherein a groove cavity is defined between the grommet and an inner wall of the second cavity and extends a length of the transparent overmold; and
a cross-rail extending between the first and second side rails.

2. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the second groove is shallower than the first groove.

3. The vehicle of claim 2 , wherein the second groove has a depth of between about 0.5 mm and about 4 mm.

4. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein each of the second grooves comprise two lights extending through the second grooves.

5. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the lights comprises a photoluminescent structure.

6. The vehicle of claim 5 , wherein the lights are configured to emit an excitation emission which is converted by the photoluminescent structure to a converted light.

7. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein each of the lights comprise a light strip having a plurality of light sources positioned along the light strip.

Assignees

• Ford Global Tech Llc

Inventors

• Salter Stuart C
• Dellock Paul Kenneth
• Niksimaee Mehran
• Huebner Annette Lynn

Classifications

• B60Q1/52

  for indicating emergencies · CPC title

• B60Q1/2661

  mounted on parts having other functions (on wheels B60Q1/326) · CPC title

• B60Q1/44

  for indicating braking action {or preparation for braking, e.g. by detection of the foot approaching the brake pedal} · CPC title

• H05B45/10

  Controlling the intensity of the light · CPC title

• B60Q2400/40

  Welcome lights, i.e. specific or existing exterior lamps to assist leaving or approaching the vehicle · CPC title