Appeal No. 2002-0543 Page 2
Application No. 09/118,629
switched on, a switch is backlit by a bulb or light emitting diode underneath the switch.
When the headlights are switched off, the backlighting is also switched off. (Spec.,
Background of the Invention.1)
Although backlit switches are easy to locate in the dark, the appellant observes
two "illumination deficiencies." (Id.) First, when the vehicle's headlights and, therefore,
its backlighting, are off at dusk, locating a switch "may be difficult." (Id.) Second,
continuously backlit switches "may create nighttime glare problems." (Id.)
Accordingly, the appellant's invention includes a switch for controlling a vehicular
accessory, a light for illuminating the switch, and a sensor for actuating the light
responsive to detecting an object near the switch. "Preferably, the switch is illuminated
only when a hand of a vehicle occupant is placed within a predetermined distance of
the switch." (Id., Summary of the Invention.)
A further understanding of the invention can be achieved by reading the following
claim.
1. A switch assembly for a vehicle comprising:
a switch for producing a signal to control a vehicle accessory;
1The appellant should number the pages of his briefs.
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Next
Last modified: November 3, 2007