BADGE ASSEMBLIES THAT EMANATE VISIBLE IRIDESCENT PATTERNS

• US 20180141493A1
• Filed: 11/22/2016
• Published: 05/24/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 11/22/2016
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Original Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Inventors: Salter, Stuart C., Dellock, Paul Kenneth, Surman, James J.
• Granted Patent: US 10,457,201 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/56 for illuminating registrations or the like , e.g. for licence plates
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 13/005 Manufacturers' emblems, name plates, bonnet ornaments, mascots or the like; Mounting means therefor
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 43/14 Light emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 43/241 of complex shape
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 43/245 emitting light from one or more of its major surfaces
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 43/249 with two or more light sources being coupled into the light guide
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 43/26 Refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters not provided in groups F21S43/235 - F21S43/255
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 43/315 using total internal reflection
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 43/40 characterised by the combination of reflectors and refractors
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 13/005 Illumination controller or illuminated signs including an illumination control system
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 13/16 Signs formed of or incorporating reflecting elements or surfaces, e.g. warning signs having triangular or other geometrical shape
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 13/18 Edge-illuminated signs
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 21/04 by land vehicles

Abstract

A badge assembly that includes a translucent, polymeric badge comprising an edge and an interior surface with a diffraction grating having a thickness from 250 nm to 1000 nm and a period from 50 nm to 5 microns; LED sources oriented toward the edge; and fascia configured to obscure the sources. Further, the grating diffracts light from the LED sources through the badge as a visible iridescent pattern.

Claims

1. A badge assembly, comprising:

a translucent, polymeric badge comprising an edge and a diffraction grating having a thickness from 250 nm to 1000 nm and a period from 50 nm to 5 microns; and

LED sources oriented toward the edge,

wherein the grating diffracts light from the LED sources through the badge as a visible iridescent pattern.

2. The badge assembly according to claim 1, wherein the badge comprises a plurality of edges and each of the LED sources is oriented toward at least one of the edges.

3. The badge assembly according to claim 1, wherein the LED sources are coupled to a controller, the controller configured to individually control each of the LED sources.

4. The badge assembly according to claim 1, wherein the badge further comprises an interior surface, the interior surface comprising the diffraction grating.

5. The badge assembly according to claim 1, wherein the grating diffracts ambient light as a second visible iridescent pattern.

6. A badge assembly, comprising:

a translucent, polymeric badge comprising an edge and a film on an interior surface; and

LED sources oriented toward the edge,

wherein the film comprises a diffraction grating having a thickness from 250 nm to 1000 nm and a period from 50 nm to 5 microns that diffracts light from the LED sources through the badge as a visible iridescent pattern.

7. The badge assembly according to claim 6, wherein the badge comprises a plurality of edges and each of the LED sources is oriented toward at least one of the edges.

8. The badge assembly according to claim 6, wherein the LED sources are coupled to a controller, the controller configured to individually control each of the LED sources.

9. The badge assembly according to claim 6, wherein the badge has a composition selected from the group consisting of silicones, acrylics and polycarbonates.

10. The badge assembly according to claim 6, wherein the film is formed by embossing, and the film is joined to the badge by insert molding.

11. The badge assembly according to claim 6, wherein the film is formed by embossing, and the film is joined to the badge with an optical adhesive.

12. The badge assembly according to claim 6, wherein the LED sources are located such that they are obscured by the badge.

13. The badge assembly according to claim 6, wherein the grating diffracts ambient light as a second visible iridescent pattern.

14. A badge assembly, comprising:

a translucent, polymeric badge comprising an edge and an interior surface with a diffraction grating having a thickness from 250 nm to 1000 nm and a period from 50 nm to 5 microns;

LED sources oriented toward the edge; and

fascia configured to obscure the sources,

wherein the diffraction grating diffracts light from the LED sources through the badge as a visible iridescent pattern.

15. The badge assembly according to claim 14, wherein the badge comprises a plurality of edges and each of the LED sources is oriented toward at least one of the edges.

16. The badge assembly according to claim 14, wherein the LED sources are coupled to a controller, the controller configured to individually control each of the LED sources.

17. The badge assembly according to claim 14, wherein the badge has a composition selected from the group consisting of silicones, acrylics and polycarbonates.

18. The badge assembly according to claim 14, wherein the interior surface comprises a film with the diffraction grating, the film formed by embossing and joined to the badge by insert molding.

19. The badge assembly according to claim 14, wherein the interior surface comprises a film with the diffraction grating, the film formed by embossing and joined to the badge with an optical adhesive.

20. The badge assembly according to claim 14, wherein the grating diffracts ambient light as a second visible iridescent pattern.