# US 10,118,538 B2 · Illuminated rack

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- Number: US 10,118,538 B2
- Document ID: US10118538B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 15/371,568
- Filed: 2016-12-07
- Published: 2018-06-07
- Granted: 2018-11-06
- Earliest claimed: 2016-12-07
- Assignees: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
- Applicants: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
- Inventors: Stuart C. Salter; Paul Kenneth Dellock; Mehran Niksimaee; Annette Lynn Huebner
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10118538B2

## CPC

- B60Q 1/2611: {Indicating devices mounted on the roof of the vehicle}
- B60Q 1/2661: {mounted on parts having other functions (on wheels B60Q1/326)}
- B60Q 1/44: for indicating braking action {or preparation for braking, e.g. by detection of the foot approaching the brake pedal}
- B60Q 1/444: {with indication of the braking strength or speed changes, e.g. by changing shape or intensity of the indication (B60Q1/1407, B60Q1/442, B60Q1/447 take precedence)}
- B60Q 1/52: for indicating emergencies
- B60Q 1/543: {for indicating other states or conditions of the vehicle (indicating taxis' state of hire or fare G07B13/045)}
- B60Q 1/544: {for indicating other states or conditions of the vehicle occupants, e.g. for indicating disabled occupants}
- H05B 45/10: Controlling the intensity of the light
- H05B 47/115: by determining the presence or movement of objects or living beings
- B60Q 2400/10: Electro- or photo- luminescent surfaces, e.g. signalling by way of electroluminescent strips or panels
- B60Q 2400/40: Welcome lights, i.e. specific or existing exterior lamps to assist leaving or approaching the vehicle
- Y02B 20/40: Control techniques providing energy savings, e.g. smart controller or presence detection
- B60Q: ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- H05B: ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- Y02B: CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS

## 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.

## Claims

### Claim 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.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

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

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

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

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

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

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

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

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

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.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

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.