Visor lighting

Abstract

A visor assembly includes a visor body. The visor body includes a front visor surface and a rear visor surface delimited by an outer perimeter. The outer perimeter includes an upper edge spaced from a lower edge by a pair of side edges. An optical stack is located within the outer perimeter and configured to switch between a transmissive state wherein light passes through the optical stack and a reflective state wherein light is reflected from a front surface of the optical stack back toward an intended viewer. An elongated light apparatus includes at least one illumination element oriented to generate light from the lower edge.

Description

VISOR LIGHTINGCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) upon U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 710,757, entitled "VISOR LIGHTING," filed on October 23, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to a visor assembly with an elongated light apparatus configured to illuminate around a periphery of the visor assembly.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a visor assembly includes a visor body. The visor body includes a front visor surface and a rear visor surface delimited by an outer perimeter. The outer perimeter includes an upper edge spaced from a lower edge by a pair of side edges. An optical stack is located within the outer perimeter and configured to switch between a transmissive state wherein light passes through the optical stack and a reflective state wherein light is reflected from a front surface of the optical stack back toward an intended viewer. An elongated light apparatus includes at least one illumination element oriented to generate light from the lower edge.

[0004] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a visor assembly includes a visor body. The visor body includes a front visor surface and a rear visor surface delimited by an outer perimeter. The outer perimeter includes an upper edge spaced from a lower edge by a pair of side edges. An optical stack is located within the outer perimeter and configured to switch between a transmissive state wherein light passes through the optical stack and a reflective state wherein light is reflected from a front surface of the optical stack back toward an intended viewer. An elongated light apparatus includes at least one illumination element extending at least partially around the optical stack. The at least one illumination element is configured to selectively generate light in a plurality of different color options.

[0005] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a visor assembly includes a visor body. The visor body includes a header for coupling to a connection member configured to couple to a vehicle. An optical stack is coupled to the header and configured to switch between one or more transmissive states and a reflective state wherein light is reflected froma front surface of the optical stack back towards an intended viewer. The optical stack includes an active periphery that circumscribes a portion of the glass stack visible to a user. An elongated light apparatus includes at least one illumination element that extends around a bottom edge of the active periphery and at least a portion of a pair of side edges of the active periphery.

[0006] The present disclosure generally relates to a visor assembly with an elongated light apparatus configured to illuminate around a periphery of the visor assembly. More particularly, the visor assembly may include a glass stack that is switchable between reflective states and different levels of transmissiveness. The elongated light apparatus provides lighting in and around the vehicle to enhance the reflectiveness of the reflective state and provide illumination to different locations of an interior cabin of a vehicle.

[0007] These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] In the drawings:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an interior of a vehicle that includes a visor assembly, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a front partially schematic view of a visor assembly with an elongated light apparatus, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of an elongated light apparatus for a first construction in a visor assembly, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of an elongated light apparatus for a second construction in a visor assembly, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of an elongated light apparatus for a third construction in a visor assembly, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view of an elongated light apparatus for a fourth construction in a visor assembly, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 3E is a cross-sectional view of an elongated light apparatus for a fifth construction in a visor assembly, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; and

[0016] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a control system for a visor assembly, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a visor assembly with an elongated light apparatus configured to illuminate around a periphery of the visor assembly. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements.

[0018] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof, shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1. Unless stated otherwise, the term "front" shall refer to the surface of the device closer to an intended viewer of the device, and the term "rear" shall refer to the surface of the device further from the intended viewer of the device. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0019] The terms "including," "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by "comprises a . . . " does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

[0020] Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, reference numeral 10 generally designates a visor assembly. The visor assembly 10 includes a visor body 12. The visor body 12 includes a front visor surface 14 and a rear visor surface 16 delimited by an outer perimeter 18. The outer perimeter 18 includes an upper edge 20 spaced from a lower edge 22 by a pair of side edges 24. An optical stack 25 is located within the outer perimeter 18 and configured to switch between a transmissive state wherein light passes through the optical stack 25 and a reflective state wherein light is reflected from a front surface (facing the same direction as the front visor surface 14) of the optical stack 25 back towards an intended viewer. An elongated light apparatus 26A includes at least one illumination element 27A oriented to generate light from the lower edge 22.

[0021] With reference now to FIG. 1, the visor assembly 10 may include a connection member 28 connected to the visor body 12 and configured to connect the visor body 12 to an interior of a vehicle 30. The connection member 28 facilitates pivotal movement of the visor body 12 as indicated by arrow "A" between a stowed position and a plurality of extended positions wherein the optical stack 25 can be utilized in the reflective state as a mirror or in the transmissive state (e.g., a high transmissive state, a low transmissive state, and intermediary states). In addition to the pivotal movement indicated by arrow A, the visor body 12 may also move relative to the connection member 28 in a cross-car direction between alignment with a front window of the vehicle 30 and alignment with a side window of the vehicle 30. In some embodiments, the optical stack 25 may include an electrochromic device 32 that includes an electrochromic medium switchable between a substantially transmissive state and a substantially darkened or reduced transmissive state based on energization. In the transmissive state, the optical stack 25 may operate as a window with varying levels of transmissiveness or a standard visor with a transflective or a reflective element obscured. The visor assembly 10 may include a control system 100 for controlling functions of the visor assembly 10, such as energizing the at least one illumination element 27A and the electrochromic device 32. The control system 100 may be part of or otherwise in communication with other systems of the vehicle 30, for example, a steering system 35, a blind spot detection system 36, which may include a camera or other vision device located in a side mirror or another location of the vehicle 30, other vision systems configured to monitor the interior and / or exterior of the vehicle, vehicle health monitoring systems, and / or other vehicular systems. The visor assembly 10 may include a user interface 37. For example, theuser interface 37 may include buttons, toggles, touch screens, and / or the like which may be located on the visor body 12 such that the visor assembly 10 is a stand-alone component that may receive power and / or otherwise be in communication with the vehicle 30.

[0022] With reference now to FIG. 2, the optical stack 25 may further include display 38 that generates images, videos, graphics, and / or the like. In some embodiments, an at least one imager module 40 is located in the interior and / or exterior the vehicle 30 and the display 38 may be configured to generate images captured by the imager module 40. In some embodiments, the at least one imager module 40 may be located in a rearview mirror assembly 42 (FIG. 1) and / or other locations in the vehicle 30 for occupant monitoring assistance and / or the exterior of the vehicle 30 for monitoring environments exterior to the vehicle 30. Further, the optical stack 25 may further include a reflective or transflective layer or element (e.g., behind the electrochromic device 32) configured to reflect light in the mirror state and be transmissive or obscured in the different transmissive states. The optical stack 25 may further include reflective or absorption polarizers, and / or one or more liquid-crystal devices configured to switch a polarization of light entering the optical stack 25. In this manner, the optical stack 25 may be configured for selectively switching between the visibility of the display 38, a reflective state (e.g., a mirror state), a transmissive state, a partially transmissive / darkened state to reduce glare, and / or the darkened state to substantially eliminate glare.

[0023] The elongated light apparatus 26A may be particularly beneficial for illuminating a user in the reflective state to enhance the reflection or for illuminating areas in and around the vehicle 30 in any state (e.g., when a user needs a reading light). As will be described in greater detail below, the elongated light apparatus 26A may be configured to illuminate various portions of the user, such as a head and upper torso and legs and a lower torso.

[0024] The at least one illumination element 27A may be oriented or otherwise positioned to generate light from at least a portion of at least one of the side edges 24. For example, the at least one illumination element 27A may be oriented or otherwise positioned to generate light from at least a minority, a majority, or an entirety of at least one of the side edges 24 (e.g., one or both of the side edges 24). Further, the at least one illumination element 27A may be oriented or otherwise positioned to generate light from a minority, a majority, or an entirety of the loweredge 22. In some implementations, the at least one illumination element 27A may be oriented or otherwise positioned to generate light from a minority, a majority, oran entirety of the upper edge 20. In this manner, the at least one illumination element 27A may be oriented or otherwise positioned to generate light from a majority or an entirety of the entire outer perimeter 18. As used herein, the terms the upper edge 20, the lower edge 22, and the side edges 24 are not meant to infer the shape of the visor body 12. More particularly, the upper edge 20, the lower edge 22, and the side edges 24 may be linear, curved, stepped, or any combination thereof. For example, while not specifically depicted in the figures, the visor body 12 may be fully or partially circular, where the edges 20, 22, 24 can be deduced to equally split radians or curved distances. While the location, size, and dimensions of the illumination element 27A relative to the outer perimeter 18 have been described above, it should also be appreciated that the elongated light apparatus 26A may likewise or alternatively share these relative sizes, locations, and dimensions relative to the outer perimeter 18.

[0025] The illumination element 27A may likewise be oriented or positioned to generate light around the optical stack 25. More particularly, the glass stack 25 may include an active periphery 41. The active periphery 41 may be defined as circumscribing the portion of the glass stack 25 that is visible to a user. The active periphery 41 may define a portion of the outer perimeter 18. More particularly, the active periphery 41 of the glass stack 25 may extend or substantially extend to and / or otherwise define at least one of the side edges 24 (e.g., one or both of the side edges 24) and / or the lower edge 22.

[0026] Regardless of the spacing, size, relative location, and orientation of the visor body 12 and the active periphery 41 of the glass stack 25, the illumination element 27A may extend around at least part of the active periphery 41. More particularly, the illumination element 27A may be oriented or otherwise positioned to generate light from at least a minority, a majority, or an entirety of one or both side edges associated with the active periphery 41 (e.g., one or both of the side edges 24). Further, the at least one illumination element 27A may be oriented or otherwise positioned to generate light from a minority, a majority, or an entirety of a lower edge associated with active periphery 41 (e.g., the lower edge 22). In some implementations, the at least one illumination element 27A may be oriented or otherwise positioned to generate light from a minority, a majority, or an entirety of an upper edge associated with the active periphery 41. In this manner, the at least one illumination element 27A may be oriented or otherwise positioned to generate light from a majority or an entirety of the entire active periphery 41. While the location, size, and dimensions of the illuminationelement 27A relative to the active periphery 41 has been described above, it should also be appreciated that the elongated light apparatus 26A may likewise or alternatively share these relative sizes, locations, and dimensions relative to the active periphery 41.

[0027] The elongated light apparatus 26A may include a cover 44, which may generally be located along regions of the outer perimeter 18 and / or the active periphery 41 in which light is generated. The cover 44 may, for example, define a channel 46 that the edges 20, 22, 24 are seated into. In this manner, the cover 44 may at least partially cover the front visor surface 14 or a front optical stack surface of the optical stack 25 and / or the rear visor surface 16 or a rear optical stack surface of the optical stack 25 (e.g., that faces the same direction as the rear visor surface 16) proximate the outer perimeter 18. The cover 44 may be at least partially transmissive to the generated light (e.g., to scatter the light), fully transmissive to the generated light, or substantially opaque to the generated light (e.g., with one or more transmission windows). The cover 44 may be formed of a hard material or a flexible material that is adhered to the visor body 12 via one or more of adhesives, mechanical fasteners, and / or the like. In this manner, the cover 44 and / or the elongated light apparatus 26A may share the same relative locations of the at least one illumination element 27A relative to the outer perimeter 18 and / or the active periphery 41 as described above.

[0028] With continued reference to FIG. 2, when the optical stack 25 is referred to as located within the outer perimeter 18, it should be appreciated that the optical stack 25 may at least partially define the outer perimeter 18 or be recessed inside of and spaced from the outer perimeter 18. In the depicted arrangement, the cover 44, the elongated light apparatus 26A, and / or the at least one illumination element 27A may extend along the lower edge 22 and a majority of the side edges 24 to a visor header 48 (e.g., a portion of the visor body 12) located proximate to and defining the upper edge 20. The optical stack 25 may define the lower edge 22 and a majority of the side edges 24 such that it is effectively held in place by the header 48. In some embodiments, the at least one illumination element 27A may further be located in the header 48 (e.g., spaced from the upper edge 20). The header 48 may contain one or more components of the control system 100. More particularly, the header 48 may extend from the upper edge 20 and terminate before the lower edge 22. The header 48 may be utilized for providing a structural connection to the connection member 28 and housing at least a portion of the electronics associated with, for example, the control system 100, the user interface 37, and the illumination element 27A. In this manner, the active periphery 41may extend from the header 48 and define at least a portion of the side edges 24 and the lower edge 22 (e.g., the entirety of the lower edge 22).

[0029] With reference now to FIGS. 3A-3E, the at least one illumination element 27A may include a single elongated illuminator, a segment illuminator with segments that can be selectively (e.g., singularly or in groups) activated, or a plurality of discrete illuminators that can be selectively (e.g., singularly or in groups) activated. In this manner, the at least one illumination element 27A may operate as indicators, for example, in association with a status of the vehicle 30, in addition to providing light to the user. The elongated light apparatus 26A and the at least one illumination element 27A may have a variety of constructions. More particularly, FIGS. 1-3A depicts a first construction; however, the other constructions, unless explicitly stated, may share all the same features, dimensions, coverage areas, etc., of the first construction. Likewise, unless explicitly stated, each construction may share similarly configured illumination elements and / or covers 44 from two or more constructions.

[0030] With reference now specifically to FIG. 3A, in the first construction, the elongated light apparatus 26A includes one or more LED lights (e.g., micro-LED lights) located around the upper edge 20 that generate light through the optical stack 25 and from the lower edge 22 towards the user. The LED lights may be each located on a conductive element (e.g., one or more traces) that energizes the LED lights. In some embodiments, the conductive element (e.g., one or more traces) is capable of selectively energizing specific LED lights or groupings of LED lights, for example, via the incorporation of two or more electrically isolated conductive elements, traces, or a printed circuit board ("PCB"), such as a flexible PCB. The cover 44 in the first construction may define a cavity 50A that reduces the thickness of the cover material along a front surface of the cover 44. The reduced thickness of the cover material operates as a transmission window guiding light toward the user. In some embodiments, portions of the cover 44 defining the cavity 50A may have optical properties (e.g., reflective). In some embodiments, an optical element, such as one or more of a lens, a reflective element, a scattering element, or a diffracting element may be located within the cavity 50A, defined by a portion of the cover 44, and / or otherwise aligned with the reduced thickness of the cover material.

[0031] With reference now to FIG. 3B, a second construction of the elongated light apparatus 26B and the at least one illumination element 27B are depicted. In the second construction, the at least one illumination element 27B is located within the cover 44, and moreparticularly, a cavity 50B within the cover 44. The cavity 50B may be defined along the front surface of the cover 44 for guiding light toward the user. The cavity 50B may be embedded (e.g., surrounded) within the thickness of the cover material or the cavity 50B may extend through the front surface of the cover 44 as a transmission window. In some embodiments, portions of the cover 44 defining the cavity 50B may have optical properties (e.g., reflective). In some embodiments, an optical element, such as one or more of a lens, a reflective element, a scattering element, or a diffracting element may be located within the cavity 50B, defined by a portion of the cover44, and / or otherwise aligned with the reduced thickness of the cover material. In the second construction, while a series of LEDS may be utilized, the at least one illumination element 27B may have other types of constructions, for example, a laser wire, an electroluminescent cable, a light pipe, a side emitting fiber optic, and / or the like.

[0032] With reference now to FIG. 3C, a third construction of the elongated light apparatus 26C and the at least one illumination element 27C are depicted. In the third construction, the at least one illumination element 27C is located within the cover 44, and more particularly, the channel 46 that is coextensive with a cavity 50C within the cover 44. The cavity 50C may extend entirely through the front surface of the cover 44 or, alternatively, terminate before the front surface of the cover 44 (e.g., for a reduced thickness). In some embodiments, portions of the cover 44 defining the cavity 50C may have optical properties (e.g., reflective). In some embodiments, an optical element, such as one or more of a lens, a reflective element, a scattering element, or a diffracting element may be located within the cavity 50C, defined by the cover material, and / or otherwise aligned with the reduced thickness or window in the cover material. In the third construction, the at least one illumination element 27C is located on a bottom surface of the optical stack 25 and the cavity 50C is coextensive with the channel 46. While a series of LEDS may be utilized, the at least one illumination element 27C may have other types of constructions, for example, the laser wire, the electroluminescent cable, the light pipe, the side emitting fiber optic, and / or the like.

[0033] With reference now to FIG. 3D, a fourth construction of the elongated light apparatus 26D and the at least one illumination element 27D are depicted. In the fourth construction, the at least one illumination element 27D is located within the cover 44, and more particularly, the channel 46 that is coextensive with a cavity 50D within the cover 44. The cavity 50D may extend entirely through the front surface of the cover 44 or, alternatively, terminate before the front surface of the cover 44. The cavity 50D may be defined, at leastin part, by an angled surface 52 that may be reflective (e.g., have a reflective coating or optical element) and positioned to reflect light toward the user. In some embodiments, portions of the cover 44 defining the cavity 50D (e.g., the angled surface 52) may have optical properties (e.g., reflective). In some embodiments, an optical element, such as one or more of a lens, a reflective element, a scattering element, or a diffracting element may be located within the cavity 50D, defined by the cover material, and / or otherwise aligned with the reduced thickness or window in the cover material. In the fourth construction, the at least one illumination element 27D is located on a bottom surface of the optical stack 25 and the cavity 50D is coextensive with the channel 46. While a series of LEDS may be utilized, the at least one illumination element 27D may have other types of constructions, for example, the laser wire, the electroluminescent cable, the light pipe, the side emitting fiber optic, and / or the like.

[0034] With reference now to FIG. 3E, a fifth construction of the elongated light apparatus 26E and the at least one illumination element 27E are depicted. In the fifth construction, the at least one illumination element 27E is located within the cover 44, and more particularly, the channel 46 that is coextensive with a cavity 50E within the cover 44. The cavity 50E may extend entirely through the front surface of the cover 44 or, alternatively, terminate before the front surface of the cover 44. The cavity 50E may be defined, at least in part, by a multiangled surface 54 (e.g., two or more angled surfaces) may be reflective (e.g., have a reflective coating or optical element) and positioned to reflect light in both forward (e.g., towards the user) and rearward directions from the visor body 12. In this manner, light from the at least one illumination element 27E may be used when the visor body 12 is in both the stowed and extended positions. In some embodiments, portions of the cover 44 defining the cavity 50E (e.g., the multi-angled surface 54) may have optical properties (e.g., reflective). In some embodiments, an optical element, such as one or more of a lens, a reflective element, a scattering element, or a diffracting element may be located within the cavity 50E and / or otherwise aligned with the reduced thickness or window in the cover material. In the fifth construction, the at least one illumination element 27E is located on a bottom surface of the optical stack 25 and the cavity 50E is coextensive with the channel 46. While a series of LEDS may be utilized, the at least one illumination element 27E may have other types of constructions, for example, the laser wire, the electroluminescent cable, the light pipe, the side emitting fiber optic, and / or the like.

[0035] With reference now to FIGS. 3A-3E, the cover 44 may further include other cavities, optical elements, and optical properties that are positioned and oriented to reflect light towards the lap or lower torso region (e.g., map lighting) of the occupant in addition to the head and upper torso region. In this manner, a user may utilize the light to view objects on their lap or otherwise located in a lower position relative to the visor body 12 in addition to or alternatively from utilizing the illumination in the mirror state. Further, in embodiments that utilize the light pipe, an end of the light pipe may define a branch or "Y" shape, wherein one branch is in optical communication with the generated light and the other branch gathers light from the environment. In some implementations, the light gathered from the environment may be monitored and quantified (e.g., via one or more sensors 45 depicted in FIG. 2) to, for example, automatically provide dimming functionality of the electrochromic device 32 (e.g., as an anti-glare functionality) and / or illumination from the illumination elements 27A-27E (e.g., when the visor body 12 is moved from the stowed position). The illumination elements 27A-27E of the different constructions may be capable of generating light in various colors, color temperatures, brightnesses, and other qualities. For example, the different constructions in FIGS. 3A-3E may utilize illumination elements 27A-27E configured to emit high color temperatures (e.g., in the range of 2000 K or more, 2500 K or more, 3000 K or less) for providing an incandescent effect and tone.

[0036] With reference now to FIG. 4, the control system 100 may include at least one electronic control unit (ECU) 102. The at least one ECU 102 may be located in or otherwise in communication with one or more of the elongated light apparatus 26A-26E of the various constructions, the components of the optical stack 25, the other systems of the vehicle 30, and / or the imager module 40. The control system 100 may be located fully or partially within the visor body 12 (e.g., the header 48) and / or other areas of the vehicle 30. The at least one ECU 102 may include a processor 104 and a memory 106. The processor 104 may include any suitable processor 104. Additionally, or alternatively, each ECU 102 may include any suitable number of processors, in addition to or other than the processor 104. The memory 106 may comprise a single disk or a plurality of disks (e.g., hard drives) and includes a storage management module that manages one or more partitions within the memory 106. In some embodiments, memory 106 may include flash memory, semiconductor (solid state) memory, or the like. The memory 106 may include Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), or acombination thereof. The memory 106 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 104, cause the processor 104 to, at least, perform the functions associated with the components of the visor assembly 10. The elongated light apparatus 26A-26E of the various constructions, the components of the optical stack 25, the other systems of the vehicle 30, and / or the imager module 40 may, therefore, be controlled by the control system 100 and / or otherwise in communication with the components via a communication module 108 (e.g., wired or wireless). The memory 106 may, therefore, include a lighting preference module 110 (e.g., containing instructions for selecting various colors, color temperatures, brightnesses, etc.), an operational module 112 (e.g., containing instructions for generating lights when the visor body 12 is in the extended position, energizing the electrochromic device 32 when ambient lighting is detected), and an assembly command module 114. The assembly command module 114 may, for example, include instructions for communicating with the user based on certain conditions of the vehicle 30 (e.g., via communication with the communication module 108). In some embodiments, the assembly command module 114 may generate lights, specific colors of lights, lights on a side of the visor body 12 associated with a detected condition (e.g., ambient light level), and / or the like based on one or more object identification in a blind spot, usage of a turn signal, lane departure, traffic light status, and other warning scenarios. For example, the assembly command module 114 may generate one coloration or intensity of light when the ambient light is above a threshold and a different coloration or intensity of light when the ambient light is below the threshold. The assembly command module 114 may further include instructions for generating light when the vehicle 30 is unlocked, a door is opened, or when the vehicle 30 is turned off (e.g., for a period of time to permit a user to gather their belongings prior to departing the vehicle 30). These further instructions may be based, for example, on levels of detected ambient lighting. More particularly, lighting associated with when the vehicle 30 is unlocked, a door is opened, when the vehicle 30 is turned off may only be generated when the ambient light is below a threshold where illuminating the environment is beneficial.

[0037] The disclosure herein is further summarized in the following paragraphs and is further characterized by combinations of any and all of the various aspects described therein.

[0038] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a visor assembly includes a visor body. The visor body includes a front visor surface and a rear visor surface delimited by an outer perimeter. The outer perimeter includes an upper edge spaced from a lower edge by apair of side edges. An optical stack is located within the outer perimeter and configured to switch between a transmissive state wherein light passes through the optical stack and a reflective state wherein light is reflected from a front surface of the optical stack back toward an intended viewer. An elongated light apparatus includes at least one illumination element oriented to generate light from the lower edge.

[0039] According to another aspect, at least one illumination element is oriented to generate light from at least a portion of at least one of the side edges.

[0040] According to yet another aspect, at least one illumination element is oriented to generate light from at least a portion of each of the side edges.

[0041] According to still another aspect, at least one illumination element is oriented to generate light from a majority of each of the side edges.

[0042] According to another aspect, at least one illumination element is oriented to generate light from a majority of the lower edge.

[0043] According to yet another aspect, at least one illumination element is selected from a group comprising: a laser wire, an electroluminescent cable, an LED strip, a light pipe, and a side emitting fiber optic.

[0044] According to still another aspect, at least one illumination element extends along at least a majority of the outer perimeter.

[0045] According to still yet another aspect, an elongated light apparatus further includes a cover attached to at least the portion of the outer perimeter and covering the at least one illumination element.

[0046] According to another aspect, a cover is at least partially transmissive to the generated light.

[0047] According to still another aspect, a cover defines at least one optical element to direct generated light generally towards a direction that the first surface faces.

[0048] According to still yet another aspect, the cover directs generated light toward a direction that the lower edge faces.

[0049] According to another aspect, at least one optical element includes at least one of a lens, a reflective element, or a transmission window defined by the cover.

[0050] According to still another aspect, at least one illumination element includes a first illumination element located proximate one of the side edges and another illumination element located proximate the other one of the side edges.

[0051] According to still yet another aspect, a control system is configured to selectively illuminate one of the side edges based on at least one of object identification in a blind spot, usage of a turn signal, lane departure, traffic light status, and other warning scenarios.

[0052] According to another aspect, at least one illumination element is configured to selectively generate light in a plurality of different color options.

[0053] According to yet another aspect, an ambient light sensor is in operable communication with the control system, wherein the control system is configured to generate illumination from the at least one illumination element when the visor body is moved from a stowed position and an ambient light level detected by the ambient light sensor is below a threshold level.

[0054] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a visor assembly includes a visor body. The visor body includes a front visor surface and a rear visor surface delimited by an outer perimeter. The outer perimeter includes an upper edge spaced from a lower edge by a pair of side edges. An optical stack is located within the outer perimeter and configured to switch between a transmissive state wherein light passes through the optical stack and a reflective state wherein light is reflected from a front surface of the optical stack back toward an intended viewer. An elongated light apparatus includes at least one illumination element extending at least partially around the optical stack. The at least one illumination element is configured to selectively generate light in a plurality of different color options.

[0055] According to another aspect, the at least one illumination element extends around a majority of the optical stack.

[0056] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a visor assembly includes a visor body. The visor body includes a header for coupling to a connection member configured to couple to a vehicle. An optical stack is coupled to the header and configured to switch between one or more transmissive states and a reflective state wherein light is reflected from a front surface of the optical stack back towards an intended viewer. The optical stack includes an active periphery that circumscribes a portion of the glass stack visible to a user. An elongated light apparatus includes at least one illumination element that extends around a bottom edge of the active periphery and at least a portion of a pair of side edges of the active periphery.

[0057] According to another aspect, the header contains a control system for changing the states of the optical stack.

[0058] According to yet another aspect, the bottom edge of the active periphery and at least a portion of the pair of side edges of the active periphery define an outer perimeter of the visor body.

[0059] It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.

[0060] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

[0061] As used herein, the term "about" means that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. When the term "about" is used in describing a value or an end-point of a range, the disclosure should be understood to include the specific value or end-point referred to. Whether or not a numerical value or end-point of a range in the specification recites "about," the numerical value or end-point of a range is intended to include two embodiments: one modified by "about," and one not modified by "about." It will be further understood that the end-points of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other end-point, and independently of the other end-point.

[0062] The terms "substantial," "substantially," and variations thereof as used herein are intended to note that a described feature is equal or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a "substantially planar" surface is intended to denote a surface that is planar or approximately planar. Moreover, "substantially" is intended to denote that two values are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, "substantially" may denote values within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.

[0063] It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure, as shown in the exemplary embodiments, is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts, or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and / or members or connectors or other elements of the system may be varied, and the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and / or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

[0064] It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

[0065] It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present disclosure, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A visor assembly comprising:a visor body includes a front visor surface and a rear visor surface delimited by an outer perimeter, the outer perimeter includes an upper edge spaced from a lower edge by a pair of side edges;an optical stack is located within the outer perimeter, the optical stack configured to switch between a transmissive state wherein light passes through the optical stack and a reflective state wherein light is reflected from a front surface of the optical stack back towards an intended viewer; andan elongated light apparatus includes at least one illumination element oriented to generate light from the lower edge.

2. The visor assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one illumination element is oriented to generate light from at least a portion of at least one of the side edges.

3. The visor assembly of claim 2, wherein the at least one illumination element is oriented to generate light from at least a portion of each of the side edges.

4. The visor assembly of claim 3, wherein the at least one illumination element is oriented to generate light from a majority of each of the side edges.

5. The visor assembly of claim 4, wherein the at least one illumination element is oriented to generate light from a majority of the lower edge.

6. The visor assembly as in any one of claims 1-5, wherein the at least one illumination element is selected from a group comprising: a laser wire, an electroluminescent cable, an LED strip, a light pipe, and a side emitting fiber optic.

7. The visor assembly of claim 6, wherein the at least one illumination element extends along at least a majority of the outer perimeter.

8. The visor assembly of claim 6, wherein the elongated light apparatus further includes a cover attached to at least the portion of the outer perimeter and covering the at least one illumination element.

9. The visor assembly of claim 8, wherein the cover is at least partially transmissive to the generated light.

10. The visor assembly of claim 8, wherein the cover defines at least one optical element to direct generated light generally towards a direction that the first surface faces.

11. The visor assembly of claim 8, wherein the cover directs generated light towards a direction that the lower edge faces.

12. The visor assembly of claim 10, wherein the at least one optical element includes at least one of a lens, a reflective element, or a transmission window defined by the cover.

13. The visor assembly as in one of claims 3-5, wherein the at least one illumination element includes a first illumination element located proximate one of the side edges and another illumination element located proximate the other one of the side edges.

14. The visor assembly of claim 13, further including a control system configured to selectively illuminate one of the side edges based on at least one object identification in a blind spot, usage of a turn signal, lane departure, traffic light status, and other warning scenarios.

15. The visor assembly of claim 13, further including an ambient light sensor in operable communication with the control system, wherein the control system is configured to generate illumination from the at least one illumination element when the visor body is moved from a stowed position and an ambient light level detected by the ambient light sensor is below a threshold level.

16. A visor assembly comprising:a visor body includes a front visor surface and a rear visor surface delimited by an outer perimeter, the outer perimeter includes an upper edge spaced from a lower edge by a pair of side edges;an optical stack is located within the outer perimeter, the optical stack configured to switch between a transmissive state wherein light passes through the optical stack and a reflective state wherein light is reflected from a front surface of the optical stack back towards an intended viewer; andan elongated light apparatus includes at least one illumination element extending at least partially around the optical stack, wherein the at least one illumination element is configured to selectively generate light in a plurality of different color options.

17. The visor assembly of claim 16, wherein the at least one illumination element extends around a majority of the optical stack.

18. A visor assembly comprising:a visor body that includes a header for coupling to a connection member configured to couple to a vehicle;an optical stack coupled to the header and configured to switch between one or more transmissive states and a reflective state wherein light is reflected from a front surface of the optical stack back towards an intended viewer, the optical stack including an active periphery that circumscribes a portion of the glass stack visible to a user; andan elongated light apparatus includes at least one illumination element that extends around a bottom edge of the active periphery and at least a portion of a pair of side edges of the active periphery.

19. The visor assembly of claim 18, wherein the header contains a control system for changing the states of the optical stack.

20. The visor assembly of claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the bottom edge of the active periphery and at least a portion of the pair of side edges of the active periphery define an outer perimeter of the visor body.

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