Polymeric reflective materials utilizing a back light source
First Claim
1. In combination, a multilayer reflective polymeric body of at least first and second diverse polymeric materials arranged in substantially parallel alternating layers, said body having first and second major surfaces, and means for illuminating said second major surface, and wherein said first and second polymeric materials differ from each other in refractive index by at least 0.03, said body including a sufficient number of layers such that said body reflects at least 40% of light impinging on said first major surface thereof such that when said body is viewed in reflection it displays a substantially uniform reflective appearance, said body transmitting at least 5% of light directed through said body from said second major surface, said reflective polymeric body further including a coloring agent incorporated in or present on at least one of said first and second major surfaces such that when said body is illuminated from said second major surface, said body exhibits the color of said coloring agent.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A multilayered reflective body which is thermoformable and capable of being fabricated into a number of parts while maintaining a uniform reflective appearance is provided. The reflective polymeric body is formed from at least two diverse polymeric materials which differ in refractive index and which are arranged in substantially parallel alternating layers. The polymeric body is reflective in appearance yet is transparent or, colored if a coloring agent is included, upon illumination from a back light source. The polymeric body has application in variety of areas such as in an automobile lighting lens which is reflective and thereby indiscernible yet transmissive upon exposure to a back light source. Additionally, various parts of consumer appliances, for example a refrigerator door, can be formed from the polymeric body.
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Citations
28 Claims
- 1. In combination, a multilayer reflective polymeric body of at least first and second diverse polymeric materials arranged in substantially parallel alternating layers, said body having first and second major surfaces, and means for illuminating said second major surface, and wherein said first and second polymeric materials differ from each other in refractive index by at least 0.03, said body including a sufficient number of layers such that said body reflects at least 40% of light impinging on said first major surface thereof such that when said body is viewed in reflection it displays a substantially uniform reflective appearance, said body transmitting at least 5% of light directed through said body from said second major surface, said reflective polymeric body further including a coloring agent incorporated in or present on at least one of said first and second major surfaces such that when said body is illuminated from said second major surface, said body exhibits the color of said coloring agent.
- 21. In combination, a multilayer reflective polymeric film having at least first and second diverse polymeric materials arranged in substantially parallel alternating layers, said film having first and second major surfaces, and means for illuminating said second major surface, and wherein said first and second polymeric materials differ from each other in refractive index by at least 0.3, said film including a sufficient number of layers such that said film reflects at least 40% of light impinging on said first major surface thereof such that when said body is viewed in reflection it displays a substantially uniform reflective appearance, said body transmitting at least 5% of light directed through said film from the second major surface, said reflective polymeric body further including a coloring agent incorporating in or present on at least one of said first and second major surfaces such that when said body is illuminated from said second major surface, said body exhibits the color of said coloring agent.
- 22. A light source enclosed by a multilayered reflective polymeric sheet having first and second major surfaces wherein said second major surface faces said light source and said first major surface faces opposite said second major surface, said sheet having at least first and second diverse polymeric materials arranged in substantially parallel alternating layers, said film including a coloring agent incorporated in or present on at least one of said first and second major surfaces, wherein said first and second polymeric materials differ from each other in refractive index by at least 0.03, said sheet including a sufficient number of layers such that said sheet reflects at least 40% of light impinging on said first major surface thereof while transmitting at least 5% of light directed through said sheet from said second major surface such that when said sheet is illuminated, said sheet exhibits the color of said coloring agent.
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24. A lamp assembly comprising a light source mounted in a housing having at least one surface in the form of a lighting lens, said lighting lens comprising at least first and second diverse polymeric materials arranged in substantially parallel alternating layers, said lighting lens having first and second major surfaces wherein said second major surface faces said light source and said first major surface faces opposite said second major surface, said lighting lens having a coloring agent incorporated in or present on at least one of said first and second major surfaces, wherein said first and second polymeric materials differ from each other in refractive index by at least 0.03, said lighting lens including a sufficient number of layers such that said lighting lens reflects at least 40% of light impinging on said first major surface thereof while transmitting at least 5% of light directed through said lighting lens from said second major surface such that when said lighting lens is illuminated, said lighting lens exhibits the color of said coloring agent.
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27. A multilayer reflective polymeric body of at least first and second diverse polymeric materials arranged in substantially parallel alternating layers, said body having first and second major surfaces, wherein said first and second polymeric materials differ from each other in refractive index by at least 0.03, said body including a sufficient number of layers such that said body reflects at least 40% of light impinging on said first major surface thereof such that when said body is viewed in reflection it displays a substantially uniform silvery reflective appearance, said body transmitting a sufficient amount of light when light is directed through said body from said second major surface so as to appear transparent when viewed from said first major surface.
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28. A multilayer reflective polymeric film having at least first and second diverse polymeric materials arranged in substantially parallel alternating layers, said film having first and second major surfaces, wherein said first and second polymeric materials differ from each other in refractive index by at least 0.03, said film including a sufficient number of layers such that said film reflects at least 40% of light impinging on said first major surface thereof such that when said film if viewed in reflection it displays a substantially uniform silvery reflective appearance, said film transmitting a sufficient amount of light when light is directed through said film from said second major surface so as to appear transparent when viewed from said first major surface.
Specification