Decorative lens

• US 7,347,574 B2
• Filed: 05/31/2005
• Issued: 03/25/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 05/31/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies Incorporated (Visteon Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies Incorporated (Visteon Corporation)
• Inventors: Kraus, Karen Melody
• Primary Examiner(s): Sember; Thomas M.
• Application Number:
  US11/141,735
• Publication Number:
  US 20060268535A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,029 Days
• Field of Search: 362/23, 362/27, 362/29, 362/235, 362/28, 362/489, 116/48, 116/286, 116/DIG.36, 116/288, 340/815
• US Class Current: 362/23
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/60 Instruments characterised by their location or relative disposition in or on vehicles arrangements of lighting devices on dashboards B60Q3/10
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 11/26 Windows; Cover glasses; Sealings therefor

Abstract

An instrument gage assembly includes an applique and at least one gage mechanism mounted to a rear surface of the applique. Each gage mechanism including a pointer shaft extending through the applique and projecting outward from a front surface of the applique. A gage pointer is mounted onto each pointer shaft adjacent the front surface of the applique, and the front surface of the applique includes graphics printed thereon. A plurality of lights are mounted behind the applique to illuminate the graphics printed on the applique, and a one-piece lens is positioned at a distance from the applique with the gage pointer being positioned between the front surface of the applique and the lens. The lens includes a lens body having functional graphics molded therein to compliment the functionality of the gage and adapted to be visible when the lights behind the applique are not on.

Claims

1. An instrument gage assembly comprising:

an applique;

at least one gage mechanism mounted to a rear surface of the applique, each gage mechanism including a pointer shaft extending through the applique and projecting outward from a front surface of the applique;

a gage pointer mounted onto each pointer shaft adjacent the front surface of the applique, the front surface of the applique including graphics printed thereon;

a plurality of lights mounted behind the applique to illuminate the graphics printed on the applique; and

a one-piece lens positioned at a distance from the applique with the gage pointer being positioned between the front surface of the applique and the lens, the lens including a lens body having functional graphics molded therein to compliment the functionality of the gage pointer and being visible when the lights behind the applique are either on or not on.

2. The instrument gage assembly of claim 1 wherein the lens body further includes at least one opaque portion to block the view, of elements behind the lens.

3. The instrument gage assembly of claim 2 wherein the opaque area is positioned over a hub portion of the gage pointer.

4. The instrument gage assembly of claim 1 wherein the lens body further includes at least one translucent portion to allow the view of elements behind the lens.

5. The instrument gage assembly of claim 4 wherein the translucent area is positioned over the printed portions of the applique.

6. The instrument gage assembly of claim 1 wherein the functional graphics comprise a plurality of tick marks for the underlying gage and gage pointer.

7. The instrument gage assembly of claim 1 wherein the functional graphics comprise a printed film that is injected molded within the lens body.

8. The instrument gage assembly of claim 1 wherein the lens body comprises a substantially clear layer formed on top of a tinted layer, the printed film being injected molded within the substantially clear layer.

9. The instrument gage assembly of claim 1 wherein the. lens is substantially flat.

10. The instrument gage assembly of claim 1 wherein the lens is contoured.