Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02888581 2015-04-20
ILLUMINATED CHROMATIC EMBLEM ASSEMBLY
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part application that
claims priority to and
the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 of U.S. Patent Application No. 13/526,857
filed on June
19, 2012, now pending, entitled "ILLUMINATED CHROMATIC VEHICLE EMBLEM,"
the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to an emblem, and more
particularly relates to
an illuminated, chromatic emblem for use on a vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Emblems and badges are commonly employed on vehicles to convey
various aesthetic
and stylistic features. They may also be used to display a vehicle
manufacturer's logos,
names, trademarks or other graphics. Enhancements to the attractiveness of
these badges or
emblems may also be desirable.
[0004] The engineering and design of emblems and badges for use in a
vehicle requires a
consideration of various environmental factors. These units should be
sufficiently durable to
maintain their attractiveness over the lifetime of the vehicle. In some cases,
the emblems and
badges may be used in an under-the-hood configuration and require additional
temperature
resistance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] One aspect of the present invention is to provide an emblem
assembly that includes a
power source, a backing member, and a light-producing assembly coupled to the
power
source and supported by the backing member. The light-producing assembly
includes an
electroluminescent light source. The emblem assembly further includes a
chromatic layer
over the light-producing assembly that includes an emblem shape, and a
translucent sealing
structure over the chromatic layer that seals the backing member, the light-
producing
assembly, and the chromatic layer.
[0006] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an emblem
assembly that
includes a power source, a backing member, and a light-producing assembly
coupled to the
power source and supported by the backing member. The light-producing assembly
includes
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a light-emitting diode source. The emblem assembly further includes a
chromatic layer over
the light-producing assembly that comprises an emblem shape, and a translucent
sealing
structure over the chromatic layer that seals the backing member, the light-
producing
assembly, and the chromatic layer.
[0007] A further aspect of the present invention is to provide an emblem
assembly that
includes a power source, a backing member, and a light-producing assembly
coupled to the
power source and supported by the backing member. The light-producing assembly
includes
a fiber optic light source. The emblem assembly further includes a chromatic
layer over the
light-producing assembly that comprises an emblem shape, and a translucent
sealing structure
over the chromatic layer that seals the backing member, the light-producing
assembly, and
the chromatic layer.
[0008] These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present
invention will be
understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the
following
specification, claims, and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] In the drawings:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the engine compartment of a vehicle
(hood removed
for clarity) with illuminated emblem assemblies mounted to an engine at
various locations;
[0011] FIG. lA is a perspective view of a vehicle with an illuminated
emblem assembly
mounted to the grille of the vehicle;
[0012] FIG. 2 is an enlarged, top-down perspective view of an illuminated
vehicle emblem
assembly according to two embodiments;
[0013] FIG. 2A is a cross-section of the illuminated vehicle emblem
assembly shown in FIG.
2 according to a first embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 2B is a cross-section of the illuminated vehicle emblem
assembly shown in FIG.
2 according to a second embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a top-down perspective view of an illuminated vehicle
emblem assembly,
according to a third embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 3A is an exploded, perspective view of the illuminated vehicle
emblem assembly
shown in FIG. 3;
[0017] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the illuminated vehicle emblem
assembly shown
in FIG. 3;
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[0018] FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the light-producing assembly
contained in the
illuminated vehicle emblem assembly shown in FIG. 3;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a top-down perspective view of an illuminated vehicle
emblem assembly,
according to a fourth embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 4A is an exploded, perspective view of the illuminated vehicle
emblem assembly
shown in FIG. 4;
[0021] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the illuminated vehicle emblem
assembly shown
in FIG. 4;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a top-down perspective view of an illuminated vehicle
emblem assembly,
according to a fifth embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 5A is an exploded, perspective view of the illuminated vehicle
emblem assembly
shown in FIG. 5;
[0024] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the illuminated vehicle emblem
assembly shown
in FIG. 5;
[0025] FIG. 6 is a top-down perspective view of an illuminated vehicle
emblem assembly,
according to a sixth embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 6A is an exploded, perspective view of the illuminated vehicle
emblem assembly
shown in FIG. 6;
[0027] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the illuminated vehicle emblem
assembly shown
in FIG. 6; and
[0028] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the engine compartment of a vehicle
(hood removed
for clarity) with illuminated emblem assemblies according to the first and
second
embodiments mounted to an engine at various locations.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0029] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper," "lower,"
"right," "left," "rear,"
"front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the
invention as
oriented in FIG. 2B. However, the invention may assume various alternative
orientations,
except where expressly specified to the contrary. In addition, 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
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disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims
expressly state
otherwise.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 1, an engine compartment 3 of vehicle 1 is
generally illustrated
with its hood removed for clarity. Various illuminated vehicle emblem
assemblies 2, 2a are
shown mounted to an engine 4 within the engine compartment 3. Vehicle 1 may be
an
automobile, truck, bus, van or other type of vehicle capable of displaying
illuminated vehicle
emblem assemblies 2, 2a. As shown, the illuminated emblem assemblies 2, 2a are
configured
in various shapes and designs. Further, emblem assemblies 2, 2a are mounted to
engine 4. It
should be appreciated that emblem assemblies 2, 2a may be configured in any of
a myriad of
shapes and designs for use within engine compartment 3, or in other interior
locations within
vehicle 1. Under ambient lighting conditions, emblem assemblies 2, 2a exhibit
a chrome-like
or mirrored appearance under the hood of vehicle 1 within engine compartment
3. More
specifically, a chromatic layer 40 (and its shape, design and/or surface
appearance) within the
assemblies 2, 2a (see FIGS. 2, 2A and 2B) can be viewed under ambient lighting
conditions.
Under low light or nighttime conditions, emblem assemblies 2, 2a are
illuminated and their
exterior surfaces appear with a uniform glow.
[0031] Vehicle emblem assemblies 2, 2a are coupled to a power supply 22
via wiring 90 and
controller 80, as also shown in FIG. 1. Controller 80 is arranged to control
assemblies 2, 2a
in this configuration. Power supply 22 may be a standard vehicle battery, or a
separate
battery or another power source within the vehicle. When vehicle emblem
assembly 2, 2a is
switched to an illuminated state by controller 80, power supply 22 provides
the power
necessary for the illumination. Vehicle emblem assembly 2, 2a may be switched
to an
illuminated state by the engagement of a manual switch (not shown), the
controller 80 (as
shown in FIG. 1) operating according to a predetermined switching algorithm,
or another
suitable switching configuration.
[0032] FIG. lA generally depicts the front view of vehicle 1 and an
illuminated emblem
assembly 2, 2a. Here, emblem assembly 2, 2a is mounted to an exterior surface
of vehicle 1,
namely, grille 6. It should be appreciated that emblem assemblies 2, 2a may be
configured in
any of a myriad of shapes, sizes and designs for use on the exterior of
vehicle 1. These
illuminated emblem assemblies 2, 2a also exhibit a chrome-like or mirrored
appearance when
viewed under ambient lighting conditions (e.g., sunlight). Illuminated emblem
assemblies 2,
2a mounted to the exterior surfaces of vehicle 1 appear with a uniform glow
under low light
or nighttime conditions. Further, these assemblies 2, 2a may be powered and
controlled in
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the same fashion as the illuminated emblem assemblies 2, 2a mounted in the
engine
compartment 3 of vehicle 1 (see FIG. 1), or other interior locations within
vehicle 1.
100331 In FIG. 2, illuminated vehicle emblem assemblies 2, 2a are
depicted. As shown in
this schematic, vehicle emblem assembly 2 and 2a include an encapsulation
structure 50 and
a backing member 10. Backing member 10 is configured to attach the illuminated
emblem
assembly 2, 2a to a vehicle (not shown). Backing member 10 may be arranged as
a plate,
base or other suitable supporting member to mount illuminated vehicle emblem
assembly 2,
2a to the vehicle. Further, backing member 10 may be configured to match the
shape,
features and contours of the underlying surface of the vehicle 1 at the
location specified for
mounting the illuminated vehicle emblem assembly 2, 2a.
[0034] Durable metals, polymers, alloys, composites and other suitable
structural materials
may be employed for use as backing member 10, provided that they offer high
durability
under long-term (greater than 10 years) ambient exposure and can be sealed
with a water
resistant barrier to prevent moisture ingress within the emblem. For example,
the backing
member 10 may comprise acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), a combination of
polycarbonate and ABS, or other polymeric materials with similar properties.
The backing
member 10 may be opaque or mirrored to ensure that the majority of the light
generated by
the illuminated vehicle emblem assembly 2, 2a is focused outward, away from
the vehicle.
Typically, backing member 10 is injection-molded or die cut, with a first
thickness of
approximately 1 to 3 mm. Other thicknesses are possible depending on the
desired aesthetics
for the emblem assembly and/or mounting needs. Preferably, backing member 10
is
injection-molded and possesses a thickness of approximately 2.5 to 3 mm.
100351 Encapsulation structure 50 should be substantially translucent.
Structure 50 shOuld
also provide a water-resistant seal between the backing member 10 and the
interior
components of illuminated vehicle emblem assembly 2, 2a. The encapsulation
structure 50
comprises translucent polymeric materials and/or resins resistant to
discoloration, crazing,
cracking and other deterioration associated with exposure to ambient air,
sunlight and
moisture. For example, the encapsulation structure 50 may comprise acrylic,
nylon,
polycarbonate and/or blends of these materials.
100361 When illuminated vehicle emblem assemblies 2, 2a are employed in
applications on
the exterior of vehicle 1, a variety of polymeric materials may be suitable
for use as
encapsulation structure 50. These materials must be durable and not yellow,
discolor, craze,
crack or otherwise deteriorate under ambient, environmental conditions.
Preferably,
CA 02888581 2015-04-20
encapsulation structure 50 is comprised of an acrylic material, nylon
material, polycarbonate
material or blend of these materials when the illuminated vehicle emblem
assembly 2, 2a is
mounted to the exterior (e.g., the grille) or interior (e.g., the steering
wheel) of vehicle 1.
Most preferably, the encapsulation structure is comprised of a UV-stable
polycarbonate
material when the assembly 2, 2a is mounted to the exterior of vehicle 1. For
example,
encapsulation structure 50 can comprise a blend of nylon and polycarbonate
constituents or
primarily UV-stable polycarbonate material. In particular, these constituents
may be blended
at a ratio of 40 to 60% nylon to 40 to 60% polycarbonate by weight. As another
example,
encapsulation structure 50 can comprise a blend of nylon and polyester
materials, particularly
when assemblies 2, 2a are employed in high temperature environments such as
the engine
compartment 3 of the vehicle 1. These constituents may be blended at a ratio
of 40 to 60%
nylon and 40 to 60% polyester by weight.
[0037] In situations where illuminated vehicle emblem assembly 2, 2a is
mounted in the
engine compattment 3 of vehicle 1, the encapsulation structure 50 must be
durable under the
increased temperatures associated with the operation of the engine 4. The
materials used for
encapsulation structure 50 therefore must be heat resistant and not subject to
discoloration or
other deterioration under these conditions. Accordingly, encapsulation
structure 50 may be
comprised of acrylic materials or other plastic materials with high
percentages of acrylic.
[0038] In addition, glass particles may be mixed into encapsulation
structure 50 for added
durability and temperature resistance. The glass particles may also provide
additional
light-scattering effects to further enhance the attractiveness of the emblem
assembly 2, 2a.
Still further, the encapsulation structure 50 may be coated with a curable,
liquid-based
coating that results in a translucent layer for added durability.
[0039] Encapsulation structure 50 may be fabricated according to various
methods as known
in the polymer processing art. For example, encapsulation structure 50 may be
made using
injection molding tools, equipment and processing conditions. Further,
encapsulation
structure 50 is attached to the backing member 10 using various mechanical,
chemical and
thermal techniques that provide a watertight and durable seal between the
member 10 and
structure 50. These attachment techniques include sonic welding, vibration
welding, hot
plate welding, rotational welding, and silicone joining.
[0040] FIGS. 2A and 2B provide a cross-sectional view of the illuminated
vehicle
emblem 2, 2a depicted in FIG. 2. Backing member 10 is coupled, bonded or
otherwise
attached to encapsulation structure 50, as discussed earlier. A light-
producing assembly 20 is
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configured above backing member 10. As depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B, light-
producing
assembly 20 is mounted directly to backing member 10. It should be appreciated
that light-
producing assembly 20 may be coupled to or otherwise reside above backing
member 10.
[0041] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, light-producing assembly 20 is also
coupled to power
supply 22 via wiring 90 and controller 80. Controller 80 operates to control
the illuminated
state(s) of vehicle emblem assembly 2, 2a as described in the embodiment
depicted in FIG. 1.
Light-producing assembly 20 relies on power from power supply 22 to provide
the
illumination function of vehicle emblem assembly 2, 2a. The light-producing
assembly 20
may be fabricated with a thickness from approximately 0.1 mm to 3.1 mm. When
activated,
light-producing assembly 20 generates light rays within illuminated vehicle
emblem
assembly 2, 2a. These light rays travel through the various structures within
the emblem
assembly 2, 2a (including the chromatic layer 40) and exit through
encapsulation structure
50. The light output from the light-producing assembly is then viewed as a
glowing,
emanation of light through a significant portion of the exterior surface area
of vehicle
emblem assembly 2, 2a. In addition, some light from the emblem assembly 2, 2a
may
emanate around or near the edges of the backing member 10.
[0042] Various types of light sources 21 may be employed within light-
producing assembly
20 to provide the illumination function. These light sources 21 may include
incandescent,
LED, LED- sourced fiber optic, LED-sourced light pipe, and electroluminescent
light-
producing elements. Further, these light sources 21 may be configured within
light-
producing assembly 20 to provide white light or light in various colors. In
addition, color
light filters and/or lenses may be fitted within light-producing assembly 20
over light sources
21 to generate configurations of various, desired colors, and shapes through
the vehicle
emblem assembly 2, 2a.
[0043] In the illuminated vehicle emblem assembly 2 depicted in FIG. 2A, a
translucent base
region 30 is arranged over the light sources 21 and light-producing assembly
20. Preferably,
base region 30 is void space. However, base region 30 may also comprise any of
a variety of
translucent, polymeric materials that can be processed in situ to encapsulate
and/or cover
light sources 21 at temperatures and under conditions that will not damage
them. When base
region 30 consists of such material, it provides additional sealing for the
light-producing
assembly 20 beneath it. Base region 30 may also be fabricated as a separate
part using
injection molding tools, equipment and processing conditions, and then sealed
over
light-producing assembly 20 and light sources 21 using known methods.
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=
100441 As shown in FIG. 2B, the illuminated vehicle emblem assembly 2a
lacks a base
region 30. However, in some embodiments of assembly 2a, a small air gap may be
present
between the chromatic layer 40 and the light-producing assembly 20. As such,
the chromatic
layer 40 is over, or directly in contact with, the light-producing assembly 20
in the emblem
assembly 2a.
[0045] FIGS. 2A and 2B also illustrate the chromatic layer 40, arranged
over the base region
30 for emblem assembly 2, and over the light-producing assembly 20 for emblem
assembly
2a. The chromatic layer 40 may be observed through the translucent
encapsulation structure
50. Chromatic layer 40 gives illuminated vehicle emblem assembly 2, 2a a
chrome- or
mirror-like appearance. This appearance is evident when light-producing
assembly 20 is not
activated, and/or under ambient lighting conditions.
[0046] The chromatic layer 40 may be comprised of various metal particles,
materials,
coatings and/or paint that can produce the desired chrome- or mirror-like
appearance.
Chromatic layer 40 may take the form of a layer, multi-layer, film, coating or
other suitable
structure. It is to be understood, however, that chromatic layer 40 should be
configured with
a tailored density of chromatic materials to ensure that light from light-
producing assembly
20 can penetrate it when the emblem assembly 2, 2a is activated in an
illuminated state.
Materials that may be used in chromatic layer 40 include, but are not limited
to, automotive-
grade metallic paint, automotive-grade silver paint, and particles or flakes
containing indium,
silver, chromium and/or aluminum. Preferably, chromatic layer 40 is comprised
of indium-
containing and aluminum-containing particles.
100471 Chromatic layer 40 may be deposited, formed and/or applied
according to various
methods known in the paint, coating and metallic layer deposition art. One
approach for
forming chromatic layer 40 is to employ a coating preparation of the desired
chromatic
particles in a water, alcohol or other organic solvent-based suspension or
solution. The
chromatic layer preparation is then used to apply multiple coatings of the
chromatic particles
or paint as the chromatic layer 40 to the light-producing assembly 20 (e.g.,
for the emblem
assembly 2a configuration), the base region 30 (if a solid material) and/or to
the underside of
encapsulation structure 50. Applying chromatic layer 40 to the underside of
the
encapsulation structure 50 is a preferred approach in that it minimizes the
incorporation of
unwanted dust particles into the layer 40. Other constituents may be added to
the chromatic
layer 40 to promote bonding to these structures. The solvent, water or alcohol
base is then
evaporated by curing (e.g., by UV light) or an ambient evaporation process,
leaving the
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chromatic layer 40 adhered to the light-producing assembly 20, base region 30
and/or
encapsulation structure 50. Another approach is to stress relieve the light-
producing
assembly 20, base region 30 and/or encapsulation structure 50 with a
relatively low
temperature heating or low-level vibration process. A voltage is then applied
to the light-
producing assembly 20, base region 30 and/or encapsulation structure 50. The
final step is to
prepare a loading of the chromatic particles (e.g., indium containing
particles) and deposit the
particles onto the electrified surface of the light-producing assembly 20,
base region 30
and/or encapsulation structure 50.
[0048] A further approach to forming chromatic layer 40 is to vacuum
metalize the layer on
encapsulation structure 50, base region 30 and/or the light-producing assembly
20 (e.g., for
the emblem assembly 2a configuration). In this case, chromatic layer 40 is
comprised of
chromium-, aluminum- or other metal-containing particles. A chromatic layer 40
formed by
vacuum metallization may also be sealed with a curable, polymeric translucent
coating. In
addition, chromatic layer 40 may be formed in situ with encapsulation
structure 50. For
example, chromatic layer 40 could comprise a metalized polymeric film (e.g., a
polyethylene
terephthalate film) that is draped over an injection mold or cut to the
dimensions of such a
mold during fabrication of encapsulation structure 50.
[0049] Also depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B is the encapsulation structure 50.
As described
earlier, encapsulation structure 50 is translucent and provides a water-
resistant seal between
the backing member 10 and the interior components of illuminated vehicle
emblem 2, 2a.
Encapsulation structure 50 also seals the light-producing assembly 20, and
chromatic layer 40
from the ambient environment. The sealing function of encapsulation structure
50 is
particularly important to ensure that excess moisture does not penetrate and
cause a short
circuit to the light-producing assembly 20 and light sources 21.
[0050] FIGS. 3-6 depict additional embodiments of the illuminated vehicle
emblem assembly
2. In general, each of these embodiments can be configured according to the
schematic and
description of the emblem assembly 2 shown in FIGS. 2 and 2A. However, each of
these
embodiments relies on different light sources 21 within light-producing
assembly 20. It is to
be understood that various light sources 21 other than those described here
may be employed
in light-producing assembly 20 to the same or similar effect.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 3, 3A, 3B and 3C, an embodiment of illuminated
vehicle emblem
assembly 2 is depicted with a light-producing assembly 20 containing an
electroluminescent
light source assembly 60 substituted for the light source 21. The illuminated
vehicle emblem
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assembly 2 is otherwise configured as described in connection with the emblem
assembly 2
depicted in FIGS. 2 and 2A. Optionally, design features 100 may be embedded
within
encapsulation structure 50 as shown. These features may be fabricated of
various materials
as known in the art. Further, the features 100 may be translucent, tinted or
opaque.
[0052] Electroluminescent light source assembly 60 is to be configured
according to a multi-
layer structure that produces light through electroluminescence. Preferably,
electroluminescent assembly 60 is arranged as shown in FIG. 3C. A carbon layer
62 is
arranged on a phosphor layer 64. Carbon layer 62 is coupled to a power supply
22 (see FIG.
3A) and serves as a first electrode in the electroluminescent assembly 20
configuration. The
phosphor layer 64 may comprise aluminum and silver nitrate materials. A die
eyelet
structure 66 is arranged under the phosphor layer 64. Finally, a transparent
electrode 67 is
coupled to power supply 22 and configured under die eyelet structure 66.
Transparent
electrode 67 may be comprised (as shown in FIG. 3C) of two layers: an indium
tin oxide
layer 68 and an antimony-tin-zirconium oxide layer 69. Transparent electrode
67 may also
be configured with other suitable transparent electrode materials and
configurations.
[0053] As depicted in FIGS. 4, 4A and 4B, a further embodiment of
illuminated vehicle
emblem assembly 2 is depicted with a light-producing assembly 20 that contains
light-
emitting diode (LED) sources 26 substituted for the light source 21. LED
sources 26 may
also be configured within light-pipe arrangements (not shown). One or more LED
sources 26
may be configured within light-producing assembly 20. Further, LED sources 26
are coupled
to, and obtain power for their illumination function from, power supply 22
(see FIG. 4A). It
should be appreciated that various types of LED sources, including those that
emanate light
of different colors, may be employed in this second embodiment. The
illuminated vehicle
emblem assembly 2 shown in FIGS. 4, 4A and 4B is otherwise configured as
described in
connection with the schematic of emblem assembly 2 depicted in FIGS. 2 and 2A.
[0054] An additional embodiment of illuminated vehicle emblem assembly 2
is depicted in
FIGS. 5, 5A and 5B with a light-producing assembly 20 containing fiber optic
light cables 28
substituted for the light source 21. One or more fiber optic light cables 28
may be configured
within light-producing assembly 20. In addition, the fiber optic light
cable(s) 28 are coupled
to, and obtain power for their illumination function from, power supply 22
(see FIG. 5A).
Further, slits 29 are provided in fiber optic light cables 28 to ensure that
light rays produced
within the cables 28 are directed outward through base region 30, chromatic
layer 40 and
encapsulation structure 50. It should be understood that various types of
fiber optic light
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cables 28, including those that emanate light of different colors, may be
employed in this
third embodiment. The illuminated vehicle emblem assembly 2 shown in FIGS. 5,
5A and
5B is otherwise configured as described in connection with the schematic of
emblem
assembly 2 depicted in FIGS. 2 and 2A.
[0055] Referring to FIGS. 6, 6A and 6B, an embodiment of illuminated
vehicle emblem
assembly 2 is depicted with a light-producing assembly 20 that contains
incandescent light
bulbs 24 substituted for the light source 21. One or more incandescent light
bulbs 24 are
configured within light-producing assembly 20. Further, the light bulbs 24 are
coupled to and
obtain power for their illumination function from power supply 22 (see FIG.
6A). It should
be appreciated that various types of incandescent light bulbs and filters,
including those that
emanate light of different colors, may be employed in this fourth embodiment
of illuminated
vehicle emblem assembly 2. The illuminated vehicle emblem assembly 2 shown in
FIGS. 6,
6A and 6B is otherwise configured as described in connection with the
schematic of emblem
assembly 2 depicted in FIGS. 2 and 2A.
[0056] As depicted in FIG. 7, illuminated vehicle emblem assemblies 2, 2a
can be deployed
throughout the engine compartment 3 of the vehicle 1. For example, the
assemblies 2, 2a can
be deployed as strips on the top surface of engine 4, with light sources 21 at
both ends of the
assemblies. It is also possible to configure the emblem assemblies 2, 2a into
a logo, such as
the "5.0" depicted in FIG. 7. As another example, the assemblies 2, 2a can be
configured on
an interior surface of the head of the engine 4 to illuminate its surface
features for aesthetic
purposes, as also depicted in FIG. 7.
[0057] It should be appreciated that the foregoing embodiments of
illuminated vehicle
emblem assembly 2 and 2a, and variants of these embodiments, can be employed
in various
shapes, styles and configurations throughout engine compartment 3 and the
interior and
exterior of vehicle 1. In particular, the backing member 10 and/or
encapsulation structure 50
can be employed in these shapes, styles and configurations. Further, design
features 100,
such as those employed in the emblem assembly 2 depicted in FIG. 3B, may be
embedded
within encapsulation structure 50. Under ambient conditions, these design
features 100 can
appear with a chrome- or mirror-like finish, enhancing the attractiveness of
the shape, logo or
other graphics evident in the emblem assembly 2, 2a via the appearance of
chromatic layer
40. Further, these emblem assemblies 2, 2a may be illuminated by the use of
manual
switches or other types of controller-driven configurations under low light or
nighttime
conditions. It is also possible to configure the power supply 22 and wiring
arrangement 90
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coupled to the light-producing assembly 20 for increased illumination
flexibility. Variable
intensity lighting options may be employed as light sources 21 in the light-
producing
assembly 20 including, but not limited to, LEDs, electroluminescent arrays,
fiber optic cables
and incandescent bulbs. A vehicle emblem assembly 2, 2a configured with
variable intensity
light sources 21 can be adjusted to produce interesting lighting effects that
complement its
chrome- or mirror-like finish.
[0058] Accordingly, the illuminated vehicle emblem assemblies 2, 2a
possess many features
that are advantageous in automotive applications. For example, the features
that provide the
chrome- or mirror-like appearance in the emblem assemblies 2, 2a are protected
from the
outside environment by the encapsulation structure 50. The chromatic layer 40
and light-
producing assembly 20 elements are less susceptible to peeling, flaking and
other
deterioration. In addition, the glowing appearance of the vehicle emblem
assemblies 2, 2a
(when activated in an illuminated state) should not be distracting to vehicle
operators
compared to other, directional lighting sources employed by many other vehicle
components.
Still further, most of the lighting options for the light sources 21 use
little power and can be
supported by standard vehicle batteries. Hence, the illuminated vehicle emblem
assemblies
2, 2a can be arranged at various locations on the vehicle 1, requiring a
wiring connection to a
main power bus of the vehicle.
[0059] Variations and modifications can be made to the aforementioned
structure without
departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further such
concepts are intended
to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language
expressly state
otherwise.
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