Side turn indicator integrated with fender of vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a side turn indicator integrated with a fender of a vehicle. A vehicle fender for a vehicle includes a side turn indicator. A vehicle fender may include a recessed portion, and the side turn indicator including a light source may be disposed in the recessed portion. When the side turn indicator is in an inactive mode (e.g., not illuminated), the vehicle fender may hide or otherwise shield the light source. However, when the light source is in an active mode (e.g., the side turn indicator is illuminated), light from the light source is visible through any structure of the side turn indicator, and the side turn indicator is visible to present an indication of which direction the vehicle may turn. In addition, the side turn indicator is no longer typically hidden / shielded by the vehicle fender when illuminated.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 562,228, filed on March 6, 2024, entitled “TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR INTEGRATEDWITH A FENDER OF A VEHICLE,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0003] The present disclosure relates to vehicles, and more particularly, to vehicles having turn signals integrated with fenders positioned on the vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A vehicle may include one or more lights, some of which are used to provide guidance to drivers of other vehicles and pedestrians. For example, a vehicle may include a light designed to illuminate and provide a side turn indication when the vehicle intends to turn in a certain direction (e.g., left turn, right turn). In one or more specific implementations, the one or more light sources are integrated with the vehicle's fenders.

[0005] In one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a system is described. The system may include a light source on a vehicle body. The system may also include a cover for the light source. The light source may be configured to direct light toward the cover. The vehicle body may include a vehicle fender. The cover may include text and may be coupled to the vehicle fender. The light source may be configured to direct light toward the text. The vehicle fender may also include a recessed portion, and the light source may be disposed in the recessed portion.

[0006] The vehicle fender may include a U-shaped body configured to surround a wheel of the vehicle. The cover may include text. The light source may be configured to direct a portion of the light toward the text on the vehicle fender.

[0007] The system may further include a lens between the cover and the light source. The light source may include a side turn indicator of the vehicle. The cover may include text that at least partially covers the side turn indicator. The cover may include a coating. The coating may be configured to at least partially match the color of the vehicle's fender.

[0008] The system may further include a housing configured to carry the light source and to couple with a vehicle fender.The lens may be positioned between the cover and the housing.

[0009] In one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a vehicle fender is described. The vehicle fender may include a fender body configured to surround a wheel of a vehicle. The vehicle fender may also include a light source carried by the fender body. The light source may be configured to provide a turn signal for the vehicle.

[0010] The vehicle fender may further include a housing coupled to the fender body. The housing may carry the light source. The vehicle fender may further include a cover coupled to the housing. The light source may be configured to direct light toward the cover.

[0011] The vehicle fender may further include a lens. The lens may be positioned between the housing and the cover. The light source may be positioned between the housing and the lens. The cover may include a marking. The light source may be configured to direct light toward the marking. The marking may be selected from the group consisting of text or a logo.

[0012] The vehicle fender may further include a coating disposed on the cover. The coating may be configured to at least partially match the color of the fender body. The fender body may include a recessed portion. The light source may be disposed in the recessed portion.

[0013] In one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a vehicle is described. The vehicle may include a wheel. The vehicle may also include a fender at least partially surrounding the wheel. The fender may include a fender body, which may include a recessed portion. The fender may also include a light source carried by the fender body in the recessed portion. The light source may be configured to provide a turn signal for the vehicle.

[0014] The vehicle may further include a housing coupled to the fender body. The housing may carry a light source and a cover coupled to the housing. The light source may be configured to direct light toward the cover. The light source may further include a lens. The lens may be positioned between the housing and the cover. The light source may be positioned between the housing and the lens.

[0015] A system integrated with a vehicle including a fender and / or side mirror may include a side mounted light including a light emitting device, a first lens, and a second feature (e.g., a lens or transmissive text). The side mounted light may include a turn signal or a side marker light. The turn signal may be configured to emit a flashing light when activated by a driver control. The flashing light may be synchronized with at least one of the front turn signal lamp and the rear turn signal lamp. The side mounted light may emit amber, 2 amber, or red. When viewed from a 45 degree left test point or a 45 degree right test point, the side mounted light may emit red light having a minimum luminous intensity of 0.25 (cd)(2). When viewed from a 45 degree left test point or a 45 degree right test point, the side mounted light may emit amber light having a minimum luminous intensity of 0.62 (cd)(2). The side mounted light may have a mounting height of not less than 15 inches. The side mounted light may have a mounting height of not more than 83 inches from the ground. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Certain features of the subject technology are set forth in the appended claims.For illustrative purposes, however, several embodiments of the subject technology are set forth in the following figures.

[0017] Figure 1 A side view of an example of a vehicle according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0018] Figure 2 A side view of an alternative example of a vehicle according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0019] Figure 3 A side view of an alternative example of a vehicle showing a side turn indicator of the vehicle is illustrated according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 4 A side view of an alternative example of a vehicle showing a side turn indicator of the vehicle is illustrated according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 5 A side view of a fender according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0022] Figure 6A An enlarged view of a vehicle showing side turn indicators in an inactive mode is illustrated, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 6B Illustrate one or more aspects of the present disclosure Figure 6A An enlarged view of the vehicle is shown showing the side turn indicators in an active mode.

[0024] Figure 7 Illustrate one or more aspects of the present disclosure Figure 6A An example of a side turn indicator is shown in cross-sectional view taken along line 7 - 7 , illustrating additional features of the side turn indicator.

[0025] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view illustrating an alternative example of a side turn indicator according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0026] Figure 9 A flowchart showing an example of a process that may be performed to assemble a system is illustrated in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The specific embodiments set forth below are intended to be used as a description of various configurations of the subject technology, and are not intended to represent the only configuration that can be put into practice. The accompanying drawings are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the specific embodiments. In order to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject technology, the specific embodiments include specific details. However, the subject technology is not limited to the specific details set forth herein, and one or more other specific implementations can be used to put it into practice. In one or more specific implementations, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid confusion between the concepts of the subject technology.

[0028] The present disclosure relates to side-mounted light sources, such as side turn indicators, integrated with features such as vehicle fenders. The vehicles described herein may include a fender for each wheel of the vehicle. At least some of these fenders may include side turn indicators. In this regard, the side-mounted lights located on the fenders and shown and / or described herein may include turn signals or side marker lights. The turn signals may be configured to emit a flashing light when activated by a driver-initiated control. The flashing light may be part of one or more flashing lights at the front and rear of the vehicle, where the one or more flashing lights are synchronized to flash at or near the same time (e.g., turn on and off). In this regard, when in an active mode (e.g., illuminated and flashing), the side turn indicators may provide an indication of which direction the vehicle is turning. As non-limiting examples, the side-mounted lights may emit a color such as amber, 2-amber, or red. In one or more specific implementations, the turn signals may be located in a recessed portion of the vehicle fenders. The side turn indicators may be concealed or otherwise obscured by the vehicle fenders. The side turn indicator may include a lens that provides a cover or cap for the light source. The lens may be covered or coated with a material that tints the lens and changes its appearance. However, when illuminated, the side turn indicator generates light that passes through the lens (including the material) and is visible to drivers and passengers in other vehicles and / or pedestrians near the vehicle.

[0029] Figure 1 An example of a vehicle 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. Figure 1 In the example shown, vehicle 100 takes the form of a truck. Generally, vehicle 100 may take the form of any motor vehicle, including motor vehicles having an internal combustion engine and / or one or more electric motors. Thus, other specific implementations of vehicle 100 may include land-based vehicles such as, by way of non-limiting example, a sedan (e.g., a sedan, a hatchback), a van, or a commercial truck.

[0030] The vehicle 100 may include a battery pack 102. The battery pack 102 may be coupled (e.g., electrically coupled) to one or more power systems of the vehicle 100 to provide power to the one or more power systems. The vehicle 100 may also include a port 104 (e.g., a charging port) designed to receive a cable connector (e.g., a charging port) for delivering power (e.g., alternating current (AC) power). Figure 1 ), which electricity is converted into direct current (DC) electricity to charge the battery pack 102. The battery pack 102 may be coupled to a drive unit 110, which represents one or more drive units of the vehicle 100. Although the drive unit 110 is shown as being generally located at the front of the vehicle 100, the drive unit 110 may be located at the rear of the vehicle 100. Furthermore, when multiple drive units are used, at least one drive unit may be located at the front of the vehicle 100 to drive the front wheels (e.g., wheels 112a), and at least one drive unit may be located at the rear of the vehicle 100 to drive the rear wheels (e.g., wheels 112b). The drive unit 110 may include, for example, a motor, an inverter, a gearbox, and a differential. In Figure 1 In the example shown, the drive unit 110 takes the form of an electric motor. In this regard, the drive unit 110 can use the energy (e.g., electrical energy) stored in the battery pack 102 for propulsion, thereby driving (e.g., rotationally driving) the wheels of the vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 can also include a bed 114 that can serve as a storage area for the vehicle 100.

[0031] Further, the vehicle 100 may include a side mirror 116. The side mirror 116 may be coupled to a door 117 of the vehicle 100 (e.g., a driver's side door representing a passenger's side door) and extend therefrom. In one or more specific implementations, the side mirror 116 takes the form of a driver's side mirror. In this regard, the side mirror 116 may be configured based on the direction of the vehicle's direction of travel. Figure 1The side mirror 116 may also include an image sensor 118 (e.g., a camera) that provides a digital image (e.g., still image, moving image) of objects outside the vehicle 100 (e.g., to the side and / or rear of the driver's side of the vehicle 100). In addition, the side mirror 116 may include a side turn indicator 120. The side turn indicator 120 may include one or more light sources ( Figure 1 ), the one or more light sources, when illuminated, provide an indication of the direction of travel (eg, left turn) of the vehicle 100. Figure 1 Not shown, but vehicle 100 may include an additional device in the form of a passenger-side mirror including any of the features shown and / or described with respect to side mirror 116, wherein the additional device provides an image of objects to the side and / or rear of the passenger side of vehicle 100 and includes one or more light sources that, when illuminated, provide an indication of travel (e.g., a right turn) of vehicle 100.

[0032] Figure 2 A side view of an alternative example of a vehicle 200 according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. As shown, the vehicle 200 takes the form of a sport utility vehicle (SUV). The vehicle 200 may include a vehicle 100 (e.g., Figure 1 For example, vehicle 200 may include a battery pack 202, a port 204 (e.g., a charging port), a drive unit 210 (representing one or more additional drive units), wheels 212a (representing additional front wheels), and wheels 212b (representing additional rear wheels).

[0033] Further, the vehicle 200 may include a side mirror 216. The side mirror 216 may be coupled to a door 217 of the vehicle 200 (e.g., a driver's side door representing a passenger's side door) and extend therefrom. In one or more specific implementations, the side mirror 216 takes the form of a driver's side mirror. In this regard, the side mirror 216 may be configured based on the direction of the vehicle's direction of travel. Figure 2 The side mirror 216 may also include an image sensor 218 (e.g., a camera) that provides a digital image (e.g., a still image, a video image) of objects on the side and / or behind the driver's side of the vehicle 200. In addition, the side mirror 216 may include a side turn indicator 220. The side turn indicator 220 may include one or more light sources ( Figure 2 ), the one or more light sources, when illuminated, provide an indication that the vehicle 200 may be turning (e.g., left turn). Figure 2Not shown, but vehicle 200 may include an additional device in the form of a passenger-side mirror including any of the features shown and / or described with respect to side mirror 216, wherein the additional device provides an image of objects to the side and / or rear of the passenger side of vehicle 200 and includes one or more light sources that, when illuminated, provide an indication of a possible turn of vehicle 200 (e.g., a right turn).

[0034] Figure 3 A side view of an alternative example of a vehicle 300 according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated, showing side turn indicators of the vehicle 300. The vehicle 300 may include a body 301 (e.g., a vehicle body) and a side mirror 316 (e.g., a side mirror) coupled to the body 301. The side mirror 316 may include a side turn indicator 320a. Additionally, the vehicle 300 may include wheels 312a and 312b, representing additional wheels. The vehicle 300 may also include fenders surrounding the wheels of the vehicle 300. For example, the vehicle 300 may include a fender 330 (e.g., a vehicle fender) surrounding or at least partially surrounding the wheel 312a.

[0035] Vehicle 400 may also include side turn indicators 320b. As shown in the enlarged view, side turn indicators 320 may be integrated with and carried by fender 330. In one or more embodiments, vehicle 300 includes four wheels and a corresponding number of fenders (e.g., four). Any fender of vehicle 300 may include a side turn indicator. Furthermore, as a non-limiting example, side turn indicators 320 may be replaced with other features, such as side markings or reflectors.

[0036] Figure 4 A side view of an alternative example of a vehicle 400 according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated, showing side turn indicators of vehicle 400. Vehicle 400 may include a body 401 (e.g., a vehicle body). As shown, body 401 may include a shape different from previous examples of vehicle bodies. Vehicle 400 may also include a side mirror 416 (e.g., a side mirror) coupled to body 401. Side mirror 416 may include side turn indicators 420a. Additionally, vehicle 400 may include wheels 412a and 412b, representing additional wheels. Vehicle 400 may also include fenders surrounding the wheels of vehicle 400. For example, vehicle 400 may include fender 430 surrounding, or at least partially surrounding, wheel 412a.

[0037] Vehicle 400 may also include side turn indicators 420b. As shown in the enlarged view, side turn indicators 420b may be integrated with and carried by fender 430. In one or more embodiments, vehicle 400 includes four wheels and a corresponding number of fenders (e.g., four). Any fender of vehicle 400 may include a side turn indicator. Furthermore, as a non-limiting example, side turn indicators 420b may be replaced with other features, such as side markings or reflectors.

[0038] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The side turn indicators 320b and 420b can serve as turn signals for vehicles 300 and 400, respectively. In this regard, each of the turn signal indicators 320b and 420b can be configured to emit a flashing light when activated by a driver-initiated control. This flashing light can be part of one or more flashing lights at the front and rear of the vehicle, where the one or more flashing lights are synchronized to flash at or near the same time (e.g., turn on and off). For example, the side turn indicators 320b and 420b can flash at or near the same time as the side turn indicators 320a and 420a, respectively. Furthermore, when in active mode (e.g., illuminated and flashing), the side turn indicators 320b and 420b can provide an indication of which direction the vehicles 300 and 400 are turning, respectively. As non-limiting examples, each of the side turn indicators 320b and 420b can emit a color such as amber, 2-amber, or red. Alternatively, the side turn indicators 320b and 420b may be used as side markers of the vehicle 300 and the vehicle 400, respectively.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, a side mounted light (e.g., a side turn indicator) may emit red light having a minimum luminous intensity of 0.25 (cd)(2) when viewed from a 45 degree left test point or a 45 degree right test point. The side mounted light may emit amber light having a minimum luminous intensity of 0.62 (cd)(2) when viewed from a 45 degree left test point or a 45 degree right test point. The side mounted light may have a mounting height of not less than 15 inches. For example, side turn indicators 320a and 320b ( Figure 3 Each of the side turn indicators 320a and 320 (shown in FIG) may be mounted at least 15 inches from a reference surface (e.g., a surface on which the vehicle 300 is positioned). The side mounted lights may have a mounting height no greater than 83 inches from the ground. For example, the side turn indicators 320a and 320 ( Figure 3 Each of the sensors 300 and 301 may be mounted at a distance of at most 83 inches measured from a reference surface (eg, the surface on which the vehicle 300 is positioned).

[0040] Figure 5 A side view of a fender 530 according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The fender 530 may include a vehicle body (e.g., Figure 3 and Figure 4 The fender body 532 may be connected to the body 301 and the body 401 shown in FIG. 5 . The fender body 532 may carry the side turn indicator 520. The fender body 532 may include a U-shaped body. Therefore, the fender body 532 may surround or at least partially surround the wheel (for example, at Figure 3 and Figure 4 Wheel 312a and wheel 412a are shown in FIG.

[0041] Figure 6A A magnified view of a vehicle 500 according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated, showing a side turn indicator 520 in an inactive mode. As shown, a fender 530 is coupled to a vehicle body 501 of the vehicle 500. The vehicle 500 may take the form of any of the previously described examples of vehicles. The side turn indicator 520 may include a light source 536. In the inactive mode, the light source 536 is off, and thus, the side turn indicator 520 is not illuminated. The side turn indicator 520 may also include indicia 540 (or multiple indicia). In one or more specific implementations, the indicia 540 takes the form of text (e.g., letters) that may form one or more words. As a non-limiting example, the indicia 540 may be applied by an operation such as printing or painting. Furthermore, as a non-limiting example, the text may spell out the name of the manufacturer of the vehicle 500. The text may include translucent text, opaque text, or translucent text. Alternatively, or in combination, the indicia 540 may take the form of a logo representing the manufacturer of the vehicle 500.

[0042] Furthermore, the fender body 532 may include a recessed portion 542. In one or more implementations, the recessed portion 542 has a dimension (e.g., a depth into the fender body along the X-axis of a Cartesian coordinate system). This dimension may be approximately in the range of 10 to 20 millimeters (mm). In one or more implementations, the depth is 15 mm. As shown, the side turn indicator 520 (including its components (e.g., the light source 536)) is positioned or at least partially positioned within the recessed portion 542 of the fender body 532. Alternatively, in one or more implementations, the fender body 532 does not include a recessed portion, and the side turn indicator 520 is positioned on an outer surface of the fender body 532.

[0043] In the inactive mode, the side turn indicator 520 is hidden or at least obscured from view based on one or more factors. For example, the side turn indicator 520 may include a cover 544 or a lens formed from a transparent or translucent material (such as plastic). Thus, when the side turn indicator 520 is in the inactive mode, at least a portion of the fender body 532 is visible through the side turn indicator 520. Alternatively, the side turn indicator 520 may be coated with a material that presents the side turn indicator 520 with an opaque condition (e.g., an opaque material on the cover 544) or a transparent / translucent condition (e.g., a smoked material on the cover 544). This will be discussed in further detail below. Furthermore, based in part on the material, the markings 540 are typically hidden or at least obscured when the side turn indicator 520 is in the inactive mode.

[0044] Figure 6B Illustrate one or more aspects of the present disclosure Figure 6A An enlarged view of a vehicle 500 is shown, showing the side turn indicator 520 in active mode. In the active mode of the side turn indicator 520, the light source 536 is illuminated and turned on. The active mode of the side turn indicator 520 may include the light source 536 flashing or blinking at a predetermined frequency (e.g., on and off). Thus, the light source 536 provides light that passes through the side turn indicator 520. Furthermore, the light from the light source 536 is directed toward the marking 540, where the light passes around the marking 540. As a result, the side turn indicator 520, including the marking 540, is no longer hidden or obscured. In this regard, the side turn indicator 520 and the marking 540 are visible, in part based on the light generated by the light source 536. Furthermore, the light from the light source 536 is directed toward the marking 540, thereby creating a contrast between the side turn indicator 520 and the fender body 532, and between the light and the marking 540. Therefore, when the side turn indicator 520 is in active mode, the marking 540 is relatively more visible. Advantageously, in the inactive mode, the side turn indicators 520 are hidden, or at least substantially hidden, but readily visible to others, including other drivers, passengers, and / or pedestrians near the vehicle 500 , thereby providing an indication that the vehicle 500 is turning in a particular direction.

[0045] Figure 7 Illustrate one or more aspects of the present disclosure Figure 6AAn example of a side turn indicator 520 is shown in a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7, which illustrates additional features of the side turn indicator 520. The side turn indicator 520 may include a light source 536 representing one or more LEDs or incandescent bulbs. The side turn indicator 520 may also include a cover 546 or lens covering the light source 536. In an active mode, the cover 546 may project and / or direct light from the light source 536. The side turn indicator 520 may also include a cover 544. The cover 544 may include a transparent or translucent body. A material 548 or coating may be applied to the cover 544 to change the appearance of the cover 544, and in turn, the appearance of the side turn indicator 520. The material 548 may include a material designed to match the fender body (e.g., Figure 6A The appearance of the fender body 532 shown and matches the vehicle body (e.g., Figure 6A Alternatively, material 548 may not be present, and cover 544 may be formed of a material (e.g., pigment, dye) such that cover 544 matches the appearance of fender body 532 and matches the vehicle body (e.g., Figure 6A In one or more implementations, the indicia 540 is formed (e.g., molded, embossed) into the cover 544. Alternatively or in combination, the cover 544 may include a material (e.g., an opaque material such as ink or paint) that forms the indicia 540.

[0046] The side turn indicator 520 may also include a housing 550 coupled to the cover 544. The housing 550 may carry components such as the light source 536 and the cover 546 as well as a circuit board ( Figure 7 ). The housing 550 may include an opening 552 to receive, for example, wires and / or flexible circuits to electrically connect to the light source 536 and / or the circuit board. The housing 550 may be configured to couple with the fender body 532. In one or more implementations, when the side turn indicator 520 is coupled to the fender body 532 via one or more of screws, fasteners, clamps, etc., a gap 554 may exist between the fender body 532 and the housing 550. In this regard, when the vehicle 500 (e.g., Figure 6A When the rotatable housing 550 is in motion, air can pass through the gap 554.

[0047] There may be several relationships between the components of the side turn indicator 520. For example, the light source 536 may be positioned between the housing 550 and the cover 546. Additionally, the cover 546 may be positioned between the light source 536 and the cover 544.

[0048] Figure 8A cross-sectional view of an alternative example of a side turn indicator 620 according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The side turn indicator 620 may include a side turn indicator 520 ( Figure 7 ) including any of the features shown and / or described above, including light source 636, indicia 640, cover 644, cap 646, material 648 (applied to cover 644), housing 650, and opening 652 formed in housing 650. In addition, housing 650 may further include extension 654a and extension 654b, each of which is designed to mate with a fender body ( Figure 8 (not shown) connection.

[0049] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating an example of a process 700 that may be performed to assemble a system is illustrated in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Figures 1 to 8 The process 700 is described with reference to the side turn indicators integrated with a fender (including a fender body) shown and / or described in the accompanying sections of this detailed description. However, the process 700 is not limited to Figures 1 to 8 700, and one or more blocks (or operations) of process 700 may be performed by other suitable mobile devices, equipment, or one or more other components of the system. Further for explanatory purposes, some of the blocks in process 700 are described herein as occurring serially or linearly. However, multiple blocks of process 700 may occur in parallel. In addition, the blocks of process 700 need not be performed in the order shown, and / or one or more blocks of the process need not be performed and / or may be replaced by other operations.

[0050] At block 702, a fender body is provided. The fender body may be coupled to or integrated with a vehicle body of a vehicle. The fender body may include a recessed portion.

[0051] At block 704, a side turn indicator is coupled to the fender body. The side turn indicator may be coupled to the fender body at the recessed portion. When the side turn indicator is in an inactive mode, the side turn indicator may be hidden or obscured by, for example, the fender body. However, in an active mode, the side turn indicator may be readily visible.

[0052] A system integrated with a vehicle including a fender and / or side mirror may include a side mounted light including a light emitting device, a first lens, and a second feature (e.g., a lens or transmissive text). In one or more implementations, the side mounted light is in the form of a side turn indicator. As non-limiting examples, the side mounted light may include a turn signal light or a side marker light. The turn signal light may be configured to emit a flashing light when activated by a driver control (e.g., via an interface such as a display or a lever of the vehicle). The flashing light may be synchronized with at least one of the front turn signal light and the rear turn signal light. As non-limiting examples, the side mounted light may be configured to emit a flashing light when activated by a driver control (e.g., via an interface such as a display or a lever of the vehicle). The flashing light may be synchronized with at least one of the front turn signal light and the rear turn signal light. The lamp may emit amber, 2 amber, or red. The side mounted lamp may emit red light having a minimum luminous intensity of 0.25 (cd)(2) when viewed from a 45 degree left test point or a 45 degree right test point. The letters "cd" may refer to candela. The side mounted lamp may emit amber light having a minimum luminous intensity of 0.62 (cd)(2) when viewed from a 45 degree left test point or a 45 degree right test point. In one or more embodiments, the side mounted lamp may have a mounting height of not less than 15 inches. In one or more embodiments, the side mounted lamp may have a mounting height of not more than 83 inches from the ground.

[0053] As used herein, the phrase "at least one of" following a list of items, together with the terms "and" or "or" used to separate any items, modifies the entire list, rather than each member of the list (i.e., each item). The phrase "at least one of" does not require selection of at least one of each listed item; rather, the phrase allows for a meaning that includes at least one of any of those items, and / or at least one of any combination of those items, and / or at least one of each of those items. By way of example, the phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" each refers to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and / or at least one of each of A, B, and C.

[0054] When an element is referred to herein as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it should be understood that the element may be directly connected to the other element or that intervening elements may exist between the elements. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, it should be understood that there are no intervening elements in the "direct" connection between the elements. However, the presence of a direct connection does not preclude other connections that may exist with intervening elements.

[0055] The predicates "configured to," "operable to," and "programmed to" do not imply any specific tangible or intangible modification of the subject matter, but are intended to be used interchangeably. In one or more implementations, a processor configured to monitor and control an operation or component may also mean that the processor is programmed to monitor and control the operation or that the processor is operable to monitor and control the operation. Similarly, a processor configured to execute code may be interpreted as a processor programmed to execute code or operable to execute code.

[0056] Phrases such as an aspect, this aspect, another aspect, some aspects, one or more aspects, a specific implementation, this specific implementation, another specific implementation, some specific implementations, one or more specific implementations, an embodiment, this embodiment, another embodiment, some embodiments, one or more embodiments, a configuration, this configuration, another configuration, some configurations, one or more configurations, the subject technology, the disclosure, the disclosure, other variations thereof, etc., are for convenience and do not imply that the disclosure associated with such phrases is essential to the subject technology or that such disclosure applies to all configurations of the subject technology. The disclosure associated with such phrases may apply to all configurations or one or more configurations. The disclosure associated with such phrases may provide one or more examples. Phrases such as an aspect or some aspects may refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa, and this applies similarly to the other aforementioned phrases.

[0057] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" or as an "example" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms "including," "having," and the like are used in the specification or claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising," as interpreted when "comprising" is used as a transitional word in a claim.

[0058] All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later become known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. In addition, nothing disclosed herein is intended to serve the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 USC § 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is explicitly recited using the phrase “means for…” or, in the case of a method claim, the phrase “step for…”

[0059] The foregoing description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Accordingly, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims, where elements mentioned in the singular are not intended to mean "one and only one" unless specifically so stated, but rather "one or more." Unless otherwise specifically stated, the term "some" refers to one or more. Masculine pronouns (e.g., his) include the feminine and neuter genders (e.g., her and its), and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the disclosure.

Claims

1. A system, comprising: Light sources on the main body of the vehicle; and A cover for the light source, wherein the light source is configured to direct light to the cover.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein: The vehicle body includes a vehicle fender, The cover includes text and is coupled to the vehicle fender, and The light source is configured to direct the light toward the text.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein: The vehicle fender includes a recessed portion, and The light source is disposed in the recessed portion. 4 . The system of claim 2 , wherein the vehicle fender comprises a U-shaped body configured to surround a wheel of a vehicle.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein: The cover includes text, and The light source is configured to direct a portion of the light toward the text on the vehicle fender.

6. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a lens between the cover and the light source, wherein: The light source includes a side turn indicator of the vehicle, and The cover includes text that at least partially covers the side turn indicator.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein: The covering comprises a coating, and The coating is configured to at least partially match the color of a vehicle fender.

8. The system of claim 6, further comprising a housing configured to carry the light source and to couple with a vehicle fender, wherein the lens is positioned between the cover and the housing.

9. A vehicle fender, comprising: a fender body configured to surround a wheel of a vehicle; and A light source is carried by the fender body, the light source being configured to provide a turn signal for the vehicle.

10. The vehicle fender according to claim 9, further comprising: a housing coupled to the fender body, wherein the housing carries the light source; and A cover is coupled to the housing, wherein the light source is configured to direct light toward the cover. 11 . The vehicle fender of claim 10 , further comprising a lens, wherein the lens is positioned between the outer shell and the cover.

12. The vehicle of claim 11, wherein the light source is positioned between the housing and the lens.

13. The vehicle fender according to claim 10, wherein: The cover includes indicia, and The light source is configured to direct light toward the indicia.

14. The vehicle fender of claim 13, wherein the indicia is selected from the group consisting of text or a logo.

15. The vehicle fender of claim 13, further comprising a coating disposed on the cover, wherein the coating is configured to at least partially match a color of the fender body.

16. The vehicle fender according to claim 9, wherein: The fender body includes a recessed portion, and The light source is disposed in the recessed portion.

17. A vehicle, comprising: wheel; and a fender at least partially surrounding the wheel, the fender comprising: a fender body, the fender body including a recessed portion; and A light source is carried by the fender body at the recessed portion, the light source being configured to provide a turn signal for the vehicle.

18. The vehicle of claim 17, wherein the light source further comprises: a housing coupled to the fender body, wherein the housing carries the light source; and A cover is coupled to the housing, wherein the light source is configured to direct light toward the cover.

19. The vehicle of claim 18, wherein: The light source further includes a lens, and The lens is positioned between the housing and the cover.

20. The vehicle of claim 19, wherein the light source is positioned between the housing and the lens.

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