US Patent 7302150 Illuminated latch indicator assembly

An assembly for providing an indicator includes a light source, a stationary member, a first optical fiber coupled to the light source and to the stationary member, a movable panel, and a first latch assembly coupling the stationary member and the movable panel. The latch assembly has an unlatched position and a latched position. The assembly further includes a second optical fiber coupled to the movable panel, an indicator coupled to the movable panel, and a second optical fiber whereby in the last position, light from the first optical fiber is coupled to the second optical fiber differently than in the latched position.