Luminescent planar sheet

• US 9,944,224 B2
• Filed: 03/12/2015
• Issued: 04/17/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 03/04/2011
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Michael Shipman
• Original Assignee: Michael Shipman
• Inventors: Shipman, Michael
• Primary Examiner(s): Harris, William N
• Application Number:
  US14/645,773
• Publication Number:
  US 20150187240A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,132 Days
• Field of Search: 362493
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/2611 Indicating devices mounted on the roof of the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/2696 Mounting of devices using LEDs
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/50 for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/503 using luminous text or symbol displays in or on the vehicle, e.g. static text
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/64 using wavelength conversion means distinct or spaced from the light-generating element, e.g. a remote phosphor layer
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 43/14 Light emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 43/235 Light guides
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 9/06 for filtering out ultraviolet radiation
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 5/208 for use with infrared or ultraviolet radiation, e.g. for separating visible light from infrared and/or ultraviolet radiation
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 13/18 Edge-illuminated signs
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 13/20 with luminescent surfaces or parts luminescent compositions C09K11/00; light sources using luminescence F21K2/00
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 13/22 electroluminescent electroluminescent light sources per se H05B33/00
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 2013/222 with LEDs
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 2013/225 with electroluminescent lamps
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 2013/227 Electroluminescent displays for vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 21/04 by land vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 21/042 the advertising matter being fixed on the roof of the vehicles

Abstract

A luminescent planar sheet is constructed to provide illuminated alphanumeric characters particularly suitable for mounting upon the planar surfaces of a vehicle. Preferably the luminescent planar sheet can produce visible light, infrared light, or both. A switching system is connected to the luminescent planar panels for selectively controlling power to produce visible light and/or infrared light. The luminescent planar sheet includes a protective coating which permits the passage of both visible light and infrared light, but substantially blocks most or all ultraviolet light.

Claims

1. An illuminated vehicular sign comprising:

one or more luminescent planar sheets constructed to provide luminescent indicia in the infrared spectrum primarily invisible to the human eye without producing visible light, each of said luminescent planar sheets including an elongate circuit of electrically resistant material in the shape of an alphanumeric character, said elongate circuit produces infrared light without producing visible light upon application of an electric voltage to produce said luminescent indicia in the shape of said alphanumeric character; and

a power source for providing power to said one or more luminescent planar sheets.

2. The illuminated vehicular sign of claim 1 wherein said circuit of electrically resistant material is silver alloy.

3. The illuminated vehicular sign of claim 1 wherein said circuit of electrically resistant material is copper alloy.

4. A vehicle and illuminated vehicular sign combination comprising:

a mobile vehicle having a substantially planar surface;

one or more luminescent planar sheets mounted upon said vehicle planar surface, said one or more luminescent planar sheets constructed to provide luminescent indicia in the infrared spectrum primarily invisible to the human eye without producing visible light, each of said luminescent planar sheets including an elongate circuit of electrically resistant material in the shape of an alphanumeric character, said elongate circuit produces infrared light without producing visible light upon application of an electric voltage to produce said luminescent indicia in the shape of said alphanumeric character; and

a power source for providing power to said one or more luminescent planar sheets.

5. The vehicle and illuminated vehicular sign combination of claim 4 wherein said circuit of electrically resistant material is silver alloy.

6. The vehicle and illuminated vehicular sign combination of claim 4 wherein said circuit of electrically resistant material is copper alloy.