US 7,017,968 B1 · Automotive ashtray having an electroluminescent lamp and method of making the same

Abstract

An automotive ashtray comprises a compartment body defining a cavity and having an opening for accessing the cavity. The compartment body includes a first connecting member integrally formed therein. The ashtray further includes a cover having a second connecting member integrally formed therein, the first connecting member cooperating with the second connecting member to moveably couple the cover to the compartment body. An electroluminescent lamp is molded to the compartment body to illuminate the cavity. A two-shot molding process may be used to form the ashtray, with the compartment body and the first connecting member being formed in the first shot. The electroluminescent lamp is molded to the compartment body in the first shot. The cover and the second connecting member are then formed in the second shot so that the cover is pivotally coupled to the compartment body.

Claims7

Dependent claims

An automotive interior trim assembly, comprising:

a support;
and
an ashtray coupled to said support and adapted to store one or more items, said ashtray comprising:
a compartment body defining a cavity adapted to store the one or more items and having an interior surface and an opening for gaining access to said cavity;
a cover coupled to said compartment body and moveable between an open position, wherein said cavity is accessible through said opening, and a closed position, wherein said cover overlies said opening;
and
an electroluminescent lamp coupled to said interior surface of said cavity and adapted to illuminate said cavity when said cover is in the open position.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Automotive ashtray having an electroluminescent lamp and method of making the same

Life of this patent

Automotive ashtray having an electroluminescent lamp and method of making the same

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims7