Vehicle registration plate

Abstract

Shield (28), comprising: a substrate (44) coupled to an enclosure (40); one or more holes (64) defined by the substrate (44) and extending from a front portion (48) to a rear portion (50) of the substrate (44); one or more wells (74) defined by the substrate (44) and disposed at a rear portion (50) of the substrate (44); and an overmold material (62) applied to the front portion (48) of the substrate (44), through the one or more holes (64) and in the one or more wells (74).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to vehicle signs and, more particularly, to a sign incorporating a plurality of components. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Signs are commonly used on vehicles to prominently display a vehicle manufacturer's logo, name, or other graphic.

[0003] US 6,264,869 B1 is known from the prior art. This describes a method for producing a sign, wherein a substrate is inserted into one or more cavities.

[0004] DE 20 2010 005 541 U1 describes an emblem which has one or more holes and one or more recesses.

[0005] In the case of some vehicles, a more eye-catching, elaborate sign may be desirable to optimize the aesthetics of the vehicle and the graphics.

[0006] The problem is solved by a sign having the features of claim 1, an emblem having the features of claim 8 and a sign having the features of claim 14. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a sign is disclosed herein. The sign includes a substrate coupled to a bezel. The substrate defines one or more holes extending from a front portion to a rear portion of the substrate. The substrate defines one or more wells located at a rear portion of the substrate. An overmold material is applied to the front portion of the substrate through the one or more holes and within the one or more wells.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, an emblem is disclosed. The emblem includes a substrate. A first hole is defined by the substrate and has a first width. A well is defined by the substrate and is disposed at a rear portion of the substrate. The well has a second width that is wider than the first width. An overmold material is applied through the first hole and within the well at a front portion of the substrate.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, a sign is disclosed herein. The sign includes a substrate having a front portion and a rear portion. Indicia are disposed on the front portion. A hole is defined by the substrate. An overmold material is applied to the front portion through the hole and along the rear portion.

[0010] These and other aspects, objects and features of the present invention will become apparent and understandable to those skilled in the art upon reading the following description, claims and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The following applies to the drawings: Fig. 1A is a side view of a luminescent structure rendered as a coating for use in a luminescent locking assembly according to one embodiment; Fig. 1B is a plan view of a luminescent structure rendered as a single particle according to one embodiment; Fig. Figure 1C is a side view of a multitude of luminescent structures rendered as individual particles and incorporated into a separate structure; Fig. 2 is a front perspective view of a sign mounted on a front portion of a vehicle; Fig. 3 is a front perspective view of the sign according to one embodiment; Fig. 4 is an exploded front view of the shield according to one embodiment; Fig. 5 is a front perspective view of a substrate mounted in the shield through which a plurality of holes extend; Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the sign on line VI - VI from Fig. 3, which shows the sign according to an embodiment; Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the sign on line VI-VI of Fig. 3, which illustrates the sign according to an alternative embodiment, having a luminescent structure arranged on a portion of the sign; Fig. 8 is a rear perspective view of the shield defining a plurality of recesses, according to one embodiment; Fig. 9 is a front perspective view of the sign with characters defined by an overmold material according to the embodiment of Fig. 8; and Fig. 10 is a rear perspective view of the shield having the overmold material applied in the plurality of recesses according to the embodiment of Fig. 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] In the context of the description in this document, the terms “top”, “bottom”, “right”, “left”, “back”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and derivatives thereof refer to the invention in its orientation in Fig. 2. However, it is to be understood that the invention is capable of various alternative forms unless expressly stated to the contrary. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following description are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Thus, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics associated with the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0013] As appropriate, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures do not necessarily represent a detailed embodiment, and some schematic representations may be exaggerated or reduced to show a functional overview. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to widely employ the present invention.

[0014] As used herein, the term "and / or," when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items may be used alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed items may be used. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, the composition may contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

[0015] The following disclosure describes a sign. The sign may advantageously utilize an overmold material mechanically coupled to a substrate through one or more holes. The sign may also advantageously utilize one or more phosphorescent and / or luminescent structures, which may be configured to capture ambient light and / or light received from an associated light source and re-emit the light at a different wavelength, typically within the visible spectrum.

[0016] With reference to the Fig. 1A-1C illustrate different embodiments of luminescent structures 10, each of which may be coupled to a substrate 12 that may correspond to a vehicle mount or a vehicle-related piece of equipment. Fig. 1A, the luminescent structure 10 is generally shown as a coating (e.g., as a film) that can be applied to a surface of the substrate 12. In Fig. 1B, the luminescent structure 10 is generally shown as a single particle that can be integrated into a substrate 12. In Fig. 1C, the luminescent structure 10 is shown generally as a plurality of individual particles that may be incorporated into a support medium 14 (e.g., a film), which may then be applied (as shown) or integrated into the substrate 12.

[0017] At the lowest level, a respective luminescent structure 10 includes an energy conversion layer 16, which may include one or more sublayers that are Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B are shown by way of example using dashed lines. Each sublayer of the energy conversion layer 16 can include one or more luminescent materials 18 having energy conversion elements with phosphorescent or fluorescent properties. Each luminescent material 18 can be excited by receiving excitation light 24 of a specific wavelength, causing the light to undergo a conversion process. According to the principle of downconversion, the excitation light 24 is converted into converted light 26 with a longer wavelength, which is emitted by the luminescent structure 10. Conversely, according to the principle of upconversion, the excitation light 24 is converted into light with a shorter wavelength, which is emitted by the luminescent structure 10.If several different light wavelengths are emitted simultaneously by the luminescent structure 10, the light wavelengths can mix and be reproduced as multicolored light.

[0018] Light emitted by a light source (such as an ambient light source and / or the sun) may be referred to herein as excitation light 24 and is indicated by solid arrows. In contrast, light emitted by the luminescent structure 10 may be referred to herein as converted light 26 and is indicated here by dashed arrows.

[0019] The energy conversion layer 16 can be formed by dispersing the luminescent material 18 into a polymer matrix to form a homogeneous mixture using a variety of methods. Such methods can include forming the energy conversion layer 16 from a formulation in a liquid carrier medium 14 and coating a desired substrate 12 with the energy conversion layer 16. The energy conversion layer 16 can be applied to a substrate 12 by painting, screen printing, spraying, slot coating, dip coating, roll coating, and bar coating. Alternatively, the energy conversion layer 16 can be formed by methods that do not utilize a liquid carrier medium 14.For example, the energy conversion layer 16 can be obtained by dispersing the luminescent material 18 in a solid solution (homogeneous mixture in the dry state), which can be encapsulated in a polymer matrix formed by extrusion, injection molding, compression molding, calendering, thermoforming, etc. The energy conversion layer 16 can then be integrated into a substrate 12 using any method known to those skilled in the art. If the energy conversion layer 16 includes sublayers, each sublayer can be coated sequentially to form the energy conversion layer 16. Alternatively, the sublayers can be manufactured separately and later laminated or embossed together to form the energy conversion layer 16. Alternatively, the energy conversion layer 16 can be formed by coextruding the sublayers.

[0020] In some embodiments, the converted light 26 that has been down- or up-converted can be used to excite another luminescent material(s) 18 located within the energy conversion layer 16. The process of using the converted light 26 emitted by one luminescent material 18 to excite another, and so on, is generally known as an energy cascade and can serve as an alternative for achieving different color expressions. With respect to each of the conversion principles, the wavelength difference between the excitation light 24 and the converted light 26 is known as the Stokes shift and serves as the fundamental driving mechanism for an energy conversion process that corresponds to a change in the wavelength of the light.In the various embodiments discussed herein, the operation of each of the luminescent structures 10 may follow any of the conversion principles.

[0021] With further reference to Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B, the luminescent structure 10 may optionally include at least one stability layer 20 to protect the luminescent material 18 included in the energy conversion layer 16 from photolytic and thermal degradation. The stability layer 20 may be configured as a separate layer optically coupled and adhered to the energy conversion layer 16. Alternatively, the stability layer 20 may be integrated into the energy conversion layer 16. The luminescent structure 10 may optionally further include a protection layer 22 optically coupled and adhered to the stability layer 20 or another layer (e.g., the conversion layer 16 in the absence of the stability layer 20) to protect the luminescent structure 10 from physical and chemical damage due to environmental exposure. The stability layer 20 and / or the protection layer 22 may, respectively.may be combined with the energy conversion layer 16 by successively coating or printing each layer, successively laminating or embossing, or in any other suitable manner.

[0022] Additional information regarding the construction of luminescent structures 10 is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,232,533 B2 to Kingsley et al., the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. For further information on the preparation and use of luminescent materials to achieve different light emissions, see U.S. Patent No. 8,207,511 B2 to Bortz et al., U.S. Patent No. 8,247,761 B1 to Agrawal et al., U.S. Patent No. 8,519,359 B2 to Kingsley et al., U.S. Patent No. 8,664,624 B2 to Kingsley et al., U.S. Patent No. 2012 / 0 183 677 A1 to Agrawal et al., U.S. Patent No. 9,057,021 B2 to Kingsley et al. and US Patent US 8,846,184 B2 to Agrawal et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the luminescent material 18 may include organic or inorganic fluorescent dyes, including rylenes, xanthenes, porphyrins, and phthalocyanines. Additionally or alternatively, the luminescent material 18 may include phosphors from the group of Ce-doped garnets, such as YAG:Ce, and it may be a luminescent material 18 with a short afterglow period. For example, emission by Ce 3+ on an electronic energy transfer of 4D 1 on 4f 1 as parity-enabled transmission. As a result, there is an energy difference between the light absorption and light emission by Ce 3+ low, and the luminescence level of Ce 3+ has an ultrashort lifetime, or decay time, of 10 -8 up to 10 -7seconds (10 to 100 nanoseconds). The decay time can be defined as the time between the end of the excitation of the excitation light 24 and the time at which the light intensity of the converted light 26 emitted by the luminescent structure 10 falls below a minimum visibility of 0.32 mcd / m 2 A visibility of 0.32 mcd / m 2 corresponds roughly to 100 times the sensitivity of the dark-adapted human eye, which corresponds to a basic illumination level commonly used by the average person skilled in the art.

[0024] According to one embodiment, a Ce 3+ Garnet can be used, which has a peak excitation spectrum that can be in a shorter wavelength range than that of conventional phosphors of the YAG:Ce type. Accordingly, Ce 3+Short-persistent luminescence properties such that its decay time can be 100 milliseconds or less. Thus, in some embodiments, the Ce phosphor-type rare earth aluminum garnet can serve as the ultrashort-persistent luminescent material 18, which can emit the converted light 26 by absorbing violet to blue excitation light 24 emitted from the light sources. According to one embodiment, a ZnS:Ag phosphor can be used to generate a blue converted light 26. A ZnS:Cu phosphor can be used to generate a yellowish-green converted light 26. A Y2O2S:Eu phosphor can be used to generate a red converted light 26. Furthermore, the above-mentioned phosphorescent materials can be combined to form a wide range of colors including white light.It is understood that any short-lasting luminescent material known in the art may be used without departing from the teachings provided herein. Additional information regarding the preparation of short-lasting luminescent materials is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,163,201 B2 to Kingsley et al., the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0025] Additionally or alternatively, according to one embodiment, the luminescent material 18 deposited in the luminescent structure 10 may include a long-persistent luminescent material 18 that emits the converted light 26 once charged by the excitation light 24. The excitation light 24 may be emitted from any excitation source (e.g., any natural light source such as the sun and / or any artificial light sources). The long-persistent luminescent material 18 may be defined to have a long decay time due to its ability to store the excitation light 24 and gradually release the converted light 26 over a period of several minutes or hours once the excitation light 24 is no longer present.

[0026] The long-lasting luminescent material 18 may, according to one embodiment, be operable to emit light at or above an intensity of 0.32 mcd / m 2 emitted. In addition, the long-lasting luminescent material 18 may be operable to emit light above or at an intensity of 0.32 mcd / m 2emitted. Accordingly, the long-lasting luminescent material 18 can continuously glow in response to excitation from any light source emitting the excitation light 24, including, but not limited to, natural light sources (e.g., the sun) and / or any artificial light sources. Periodic absorption of the excitation light 24 from any excitation source can provide a substantially sustained charge of the long-lasting luminescent material 18 to provide continuous passive illumination. In some embodiments, a light sensor can monitor the luminous intensity of the luminescent structure 10 and activate an excitation source when the luminous intensity falls below 0.32 mcd / m 2 or any other predefined intensity level.

[0027] The long-lasting luminescent material 18 may correspond to alkaline earth aluminates and silicates, for example, doped disilicates, or any other compound capable of emitting light for a certain period of time once the excitation light 24 is no longer present. The long-lasting luminescent material 18 may be doped with one or more ions containing rare earth elements, for example, Eu 2+ , Tb 3+ and / or Dy 3+, may correspond. According to one non-limiting embodiment, the luminescent structure 10 includes a phosphorescent material in the range of about 30% to about 55%, a liquid carrier medium in the range of about 25% to about 55%, a polymer resin in the range of about 15% to about 35%, a stabilizing additive in the range of about 0.25% to about 20%, and performance-enhancing additives in the range of about 0% to about 5%, all by weight of the formulation.

[0028] The luminescent structure 10 according to one embodiment may have a translucent white color in the non-luminous state and, in some cases, be reflective. Once the luminescent structure 10 has received the excitation light 24 of a particular wavelength, the luminescent structure 10 may emit light of any color (e.g., blue or red) therefrom at any desired brightness. According to one embodiment, a blue-emitting phosphorescent material may have the structure Li2ZnGeO4 and may be prepared using a high-temperature solid-state reaction method or any other feasible methods and / or processes. The afterglow may last for a duration of 2-8 hours and may be caused by the excitation light 24 and dd transitions of Mn 2+ ions run out.

[0029] According to an alternative non-limiting embodiment, 100 parts of a commercially available solvent-borne polyurethane, such as Mace Resin 107-268, can be mixed with 50% solid polyurethane in toluene / isopropanol, 125 parts of a long-lasting blue-green phosphor, such as Performance Indicator PI-BG20, and 12.5 parts of a dye solution containing 0.1% Lumogen Yellow F083 in dioxolane to obtain a low rare earth mineral luminescent structure 10. It is understood that the compositions provided herein are non-limiting examples. Thus, any phosphor known in the art can be used in the luminescent structure 10 without departing from the teachings provided herein. It is also contemplated that any long-lasting phosphor known in the art may be used without departing from the teachings provided herein.

[0030] Additional information regarding the preparation of long-lasting luminescent materials is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,163,201 B2 to Agrawal et al., the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. For additional information regarding long-lasting phosphorescent structures, see U.S. Patent No. 6,953,536 B2 to Yen et al., U.S. Patent No. 6,117,362 A1 to Yen et al., and U.S. Patent No. 8,952,341 B2 to Kingsley et al., all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0031] A sign 28, or emblem, referring to Fig. 2, is generally depicted mounted on a front portion 30 of a vehicle 32. In other embodiments, the sign 28 may be located at a different location, such as, but not limited to, a front portion 34 and / or a side portion 36 of the vehicle 32. Alternatively, the sign 28 may be disposed within the vehicle cab 38. The vehicle 32 may include a car, a truck, a pickup truck, and / or other type of vehicle. The sign 28 may be configured as a sign that may be presented as an identifying mark of a vehicle manufacturer.

[0032] The shield 28, according to one embodiment, may have a generally oval shape with an outer casing or bezel 40 that generally defines the overall oval shape. It is understood that the bezel 40 may be configured in other shapes and sizes to define the outer edge casing of the shield 28.

[0033] The enclosure 40 may, with reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, define a central recess 42. The recess 42 provides an open region into which a substrate 44 can be received. The substrate 44 can include a retention feature 46 to removably or permanently couple the substrate 44 to the bezel 40. In alternative embodiments, the substrate 44 can be attached to the bezel 40 using any other method known in the art. Alternatively, the substrate 44 and the bezel 40 can be integrally formed as a single component using one or more composite manufacturing processes.

[0034] The substrate 44 may have a front portion 48 and an opposite rear portion 50. A peripheral portion 52 may circumferentially surround the front portion 48. A central portion 54 of the substrate 44 may be defined within the peripheral portion 52. In various embodiments, the peripheral portion 52 extends forwardly from the central portion 54.

[0035] In various embodiments, indicia 56, which may include one or more symbols, letters, numbers, etc., may be disposed in the central portion 54. The indicia 56 may be integrally formed with the substrate 44. Alternatively, in various embodiments, the indicia 56 may be a separate component disposed on and / or coupled to the substrate 44. The indicia 56 may identify the make, model, or other information about the vehicle 32 that may be desired to be presented to viewers or occupants thereof. As described in more detail below, the bezel 40, the edge portion 52, the indicia 56, and / or any other desired portion of the sign 28 may have a decorative layer 58 thereon.

[0036] A background portion 60 is disposed between the indicia 56 and the edge portion 52. An overmold material 62 may be applied over the background portion 60 and / or the indicia 56. Additionally and / or alternatively, the overmold material 62 may be applied in the edge portion 52. In some embodiments, the sign 28 may not include the edge portion 52.

[0037] Additionally, in various embodiments, the overmold material 62 may extend to and / or be applied around one or more edges of the substrate 44.

[0038] One or more holes 64 are defined by the substrate 44. As the overmold material 62 is applied to the front portion 48 of the substrate 44, a portion of the overmold material 62 flows from the front portion 48 and through the one or more holes 64 to mechanically couple the overmold material 62 to the substrate 44. In various embodiments, the overmold material 62 may flow along the rear portion 50 of the substrate 44 to further couple the overmold material 62 to the substrate 44. Once the overmold material 62 is applied to the front portion 48 through the one or more holes 64 and / or along the rear portion 50 of the shield 28, the overmold material 62 cures, thereby affixing the overmold material 62 to the substrate 44.Once the overmold material 62 is applied through the one or more holes 64, the one or more holes 64 may be substantially hidden from a front surface of the shield 28.

[0039] The over-mold material 62 may protect the substrate 44 from physical and chemical damage due to environmental exposure. The over-mold material 62 may exhibit viscoelasticity (i.e., both viscosity and elasticity), a low elastic modulus, and / or a high elongation at break compared to the substrate 44. The over-mold material 62 may retain its flexible properties at low temperatures, such as temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius. According to various embodiments, the over-mold material 62 may be formed from a material including silicone, urethane, flexible polycarbonate, flexible polypropylene, thermoplastic compositions, thermosetting compositions, elastomeric compositions, and / or another flexible and / or castable material or mixture.

[0040] The over-mold material 62 may include one or more additives. For example, the over-mold material 62 may include one or more materials designed to inhibit the transmission of ultraviolet (UV) light therethrough. Some examples of UV inhibitors that may be incorporated into the over-mold material 62 may include hindered amines (HALS) or other UV absorbers, including oxanilides for polyamides, benzophenones for PVC, and benzotriazoles and hydroxyphenyltriazines for polycarbonates. The UV inhibitors may be designed to prevent UV light from environmental light sources impinging on the over-mold material 62 from activating the luminescent structure 10.

[0041] The representation in Fig. According to Figure 4, the overmold material 62 may be applied between the edge portion 52 and the indicia 56. Accordingly, the overmold material 62 may define gaps 66 into which the indicia 56 may extend. Alternatively, the overmold material 62 may be applied over the edge portion 52 and / or the indicia 56.

[0042] The one or more holes 64 may, with reference to Fig. 5, may be designed with different sizes, geometric shapes, and / or cross-sectional areas. For example, a first hole 64a may have a substantially circular cross-section and a first width B1. A second hole 64b may also have a substantially circular cross-section and a second width B2. The second width B2 may be greater than the first width B1. Furthermore, additional holes 64 may have additional varied cross-sectional geometries and / or varied widths.

[0043] As in Fig. 5, a circumferential portion 68 of the holes 64 may be located in close proximity to the edge portion 52 and have a generally similar cross-sectional shape. An inner portion 70 of the holes 64 may be located inside the circumferential portion 68. The inner portion 70 of the holes 64 may be sized based on the proximity of each hole 64 in the inner portion 70 to additional holes 64 in the inner portion 70. Alternatively, the inner portion 70 of the holes 64 may be arbitrarily sized and located.

[0044] As soon as the over-moulding material 62 ( Fig. 4) is applied over a portion of the substrate 44, the overmold material 62 flows through the one or more holes 64. The deposition of the overmold material 62 in the holes 64 can enhance the coupling of the overmold to the substrate 44. In addition, the coupling of the overmold material 62 to the substrate 44 can be supplemented with other types of bonding, including a chemical bond and / or adhesive bond between the substrate 44 and the overmold material 62 and / or other types of bonding known in the art.

[0045] To further enhance the coupling and / or adhesion between the substrate 44 and the overmold material 62, a textured, patterned, and / or non-smooth surface 72, such as a generally ridged, gridded, pyramidal, grained, etc., is formed on portions of the substrate 44 that contact the overmold material 62. The textured surface 72 may be formed simultaneously with the substrate 44, may be machined or heat-printed onto the substrate 44 after the substrate 44 is formed, and / or may be formed in some other manner.

[0046] The substrate 44 may, with reference to Fig. 6, define one or more troughs 74 on a rear portion 50 thereof. The one or more troughs 74 have a bottom wall 76 and a plurality of side walls 78, thereby defining a cavity 80 open on two opposite sides. The one or more troughs 74 may be operatively connected to and / or enclose a rear opening 82 of each hole 64 on the first side, and extend rearwardly from each hole 64. Furthermore, the one or more troughs 74 may have a cross-sectional width B3 that is greater than a width of the hole 64 (e.g., B1, B2). Accordingly, once the overmold material 62 is applied to the substrate 44, through the holes 64 and into the one or more wells 74, the overmold material 62 may extend outwardly along the front and rear portions 48, 50 of the shield 28 from the hole 64.

[0047] In some embodiments, the decorative layer 58 may be disposed outwardly relative to the indicia 56 and / or the edge portion 52. In various embodiments, the decorative layer 58 may be disposed on any other portion of the sign 28. Furthermore, the decorative layer 58 may be disposed on the indicia 56 and / or the edge portion 52 before the overmold material 62 is applied to the substrate 44. Accordingly, the decorative layer 58 may be disposed on an outwardly extending surface of the indicia 56 and between the indicia 56 (or the edge portion 52) of the overmold material 62.

[0048] The decorative layer 58 may include a material configured to control or modify an appearance of the bezel 40, the substrate 44, and / or any other portion of the sign 28. For example, the decorative layer 58 may be configured to impart a metallic appearance to portions of the sign 28, such as the bezel 40 and / or the edge portion 52 of the substrate 44. The metallic appearance may be applied to the sign 28 by any method known in the art, including, but not limited to, sputter deposition, vacuum deposition (vacuum evaporation coating), electroplating, or direct printing onto a component of the sign 28. The metallic appearance may be selected from a wide variety of reflective materials and / or colors, including, but not limited to, silver, chrome, copper, bronze, gold, or any other metallic surface.Additionally, an imitation of any metallic material may also be used without departing from the teachings provided herein. In various embodiments, the decorative layer 58 may be colored in any desired color to complement the vehicle structure on which the plate 28 is to be mounted.

[0049] In various embodiments, the decorative layer 58 may have a textured or grained surface. The grained surface may be created by laser etching the sign 28 and may cause the sign 28 to have a different or common appearance with nearby components of the vehicle 32.

[0050] With reference to Fig. 7, the luminescent structure 10 may be disposed on one or more portions (e.g., the edge portion 52, the indicia 56, etc.) of the substrate 44 and / or the bezel 40. Additionally or alternatively, the luminescent structure 10 may be disposed within portions of the overmold material 62. Accordingly, the luminescent structure 10 luminesces to passively illuminate portions of the sign 28. According to various embodiments, the luminescent structure 10 discussed herein is substantially Lambertian, meaning that the apparent brightness of the luminescent structure 10 is substantially constant regardless of the viewer's viewing angle.Accordingly, in some embodiments, the overmold material 62 may be applied to the substrate 44 at temperatures that do not significantly impair the ability of the luminescent structure 10 to luminesce once the overmold material 62 is applied to the sign 28.

[0051] As described herein, the luminescent structure 10 may include a luminescent material 18 with a long persistence such that ambient light (i.e., the sun) may excite the luminescent structure 10 during the day, causing the luminescent structure 10 to luminesce in low-light conditions. As described herein, the color of the converted light 26 may depend substantially on the specific luminescent materials 18 used in the luminescent structure 10. In addition, a conversion capability of the luminescent structure 10 may depend substantially on a concentration of the luminescent material 18 used for the luminescent structure 10.By adjusting the range of intensities that can excite the luminescent structure 10, the concentration, types, and proportions of the luminescent materials 18 in the luminescent structures 10 discussed herein can serve to produce a range of hues of emitted light by mixing the first wavelength with the second wavelength.

[0052] The signs 56, with reference to Fig. 8-10, may be defined by the overmold material 62 rather than being surrounded by the overmold material 62. Additionally, in some embodiments, the indicia 56 may be defined by the substrate 44 and the overmold material 62 simultaneously.

[0053] The one or more wells 74, as well as the one or more holes 64 surrounded by the one or more wells 74 at a rear portion 50 of the substrate 44, may have a different size and / or geometry. Once the overmold material 62 is applied in the one or more wells 74, the one or more wells 74 may be partially and / or completely filled. As described above, the one or more wells 74 may have a wider cross-sectional width B3 than the hole such that the overmold material 62 extends along the front portion 48 and the rear portion 50 of the substrate 44. In embodiments where the one or more wells 74 are completely filled, an overmold flash 86 may be formed on a top surface 88 of the one or more wells 74. The flash 86 may, in various embodiments, further adhere the overmold material 62 to the substrate 44.

[0054] One or more ridges 84 may be disposed on the rear portion 50 of the substrate 44. As shown, the ridges 84 are disposed between the one or more troughs 74 and extend between each trough and a nearby trough. The ridges 84 may be defined by any portion of the substrate 44 and may be disposed in areas prone to high stresses. The ridges 84 may have any thickness. In embodiments where the thickness of the ridges 84 results in a depression at the front portion 48 of the substrate 44, the overmold material 62 may conceal the depression. It is understood that the ridges 84 may be separate structures or connected and spaced apart in a branched structure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0055] A variety of advantages can be derived from the present disclosure. For example, the use of the sign provides a unique aesthetic appearance for the vehicle. Furthermore, the sign can provide passive illumination for the vehicle. Furthermore, a wide variety of products possessing low-adhesion properties can be incorporated into the sign. The sign can be manufactured cost-effectively compared to conventional vehicle sign assemblies.

[0056] It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the construction of the described invention and other components is not limited to any particular material. Other embodiments of the invention disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless otherwise described herein.

[0057] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all its forms such as coupling, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally refers to the direct or indirect joining of two (electrical or mechanical) components. Such joining may be inherently immobile or movable. Such joining may be achieved by forming the two (electrical or mechanical) components and any additional intervening element integrally as a single unitary body with each other or with the two components. Such joining may be inherently permanent or inherently removable or detachable, unless otherwise specified.

[0058] Furthermore, any arrangement of components to achieve the same function is effectively "connected" such that the desired function is achieved. Thus, any two components combined here to achieve a particular function can be considered "connected" such that the desired function is achieved regardless of architectures or intermediate components. Likewise, any two components connected in this way can also be considered "operably connected" or "operably coupled" to achieve the desired function, and any two components that can be so assigned can also be considered "operably coupled" to achieve the desired function.Some examples of elements that are operatively connectable include, but are not limited to, physically mateable and / or physically cooperating components and / or wirelessly cooperating and / or components that can wirelessly cooperate, and / or logically cooperating components and / or components that can logically cooperate.

[0059] It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the inventive elements, as shown in the exemplary embodiments, are for illustrative purposes only. While only some embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art, upon review of this disclosure, will readily recognize that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes, and proportions of the various elements, values ​​of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the stated subject matter.For example, elements shown as being integrally formed may be constructed from multiple parts, or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed; the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise altered; the length or width of the structures and / or elements or links or other elements of the system may be varied; and the type or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and / or assemblies of the system may be constructed from a wide variety of different materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in a wide variety of different colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

[0060] It is understood that any described processes or steps in the described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present invention. The exemplary structures and methods disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting.

[0061] It is further understood that changes and modifications may be made to the above structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and it is further understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless the language of these claims expressly provides otherwise.

Claims

[1] Shield (28), comprising: a substrate (44) coupled to an enclosure (40); one or more holes (64) defined by the substrate (44) and extending from a front portion (48) to a rear portion (50) of the substrate (44); one or more wells (74) defined by the substrate (44) and disposed at a rear portion (50) of the substrate (44); and an overmold material (62) applied to the front portion (48) of the substrate (44), through the one or more holes (64) and in the one or more wells (74). [2] The shield (28) of claim 1, wherein the front portion (48) of the substrate (44) has a central portion (54) and a peripheral portion (52), and the one or more holes (64) are defined within the interior of the central portion (54). [3] The sign (28) of claim 2, wherein a textured surface (72) is formed on portions of the substrate (44) that contact the overmold material (62). [4] The sign (28) of claim 2, wherein the substrate (44) defines one or more indicia (56), the indicia (56) extending forwardly from the central portion (54). [5] Sign (28) according to claim 2, further comprising: a luminescent structure (10) arranged on the front portion (48), wherein the luminescent structure (10) comprises at least one luminescent material (18) configured to convert an excitation light (24) received from at least a portion of a light source into a visible light (26). [6] The shield (28) of claim 1, wherein the overmold material (62) comprises an elastomeric material. [7] The sign (28) of claim 1, wherein the one or more holes (64) include a first hole (64a) having a first width and a second hole (64b) having a second width, the second width being greater than the first width. [8] Emblem (28), comprising: a substrate (44); a first hole (64a) defined by the substrate (44) and having a first width, a well (74) defined by the substrate (44) and disposed at a rear portion (50) of the substrate (44), the well (74) having a second width that is wider than the first width; and an overmold material (62) applied to a front portion (48) of the substrate (44), through the first hole (64a) and in the recess (74). [9] Emblem (28) according to claim 8, further comprising: a second hole (64b) defined by the substrate (44), the first hole (64a) having a first width and the second hole (64b) having a second width that is wider than the first width. [10] The emblem (28) of claim 9, wherein the first hole (64a) is located near an edge portion (52) of the substrate (44) and the second hole (64b) is located at a background portion (60) of the substrate (44). [11] Emblem (28) according to claim 8, further comprising: Indicia (56) extending forwardly from the front portion (48) of the substrate (44), wherein the overmold material (62) is applied around the indicia (56) on the front portion (48) of the substrate (44). [12] Emblem (28) according to claim 8, further comprising: a luminescent structure (10) arranged on the front portion (48), wherein the luminescent structure (10) comprises at least one luminescent material (18) configured to convert an excitation light (24) received from at least a portion of a light source into a visible light (26). [13] The emblem (28) of claim 11, wherein the substrate (44) defines an edge portion (52) and the overmold material (62) is applied between the edge portion (52) and the indicia (56), the edge portion (52) extending forwardly from the overmold material (62). [14] Shield (28), comprising: a substrate (44) having a front portion (48) and a rear portion (50); characters (56) arranged on the front portion (48); a hole (64) defined by the substrate (44); and an overmold material (62) applied to the front portion (48), through the hole (64) and along the rear portion (50). [15] The sign (28) of claim 14, wherein the overmold material (62) is applied around the indicia (56) on the front portion (48). [16] The sign (28) of claim 14, further comprising: a decorative layer (58) applied to the characters (56). [17] The sign (28) of claim 16, wherein the decorative layer (58) is applied between a vertical portion of the characters (56) and the overmold material (62). [18] Sign (28) according to claim 14, further comprising: a luminescent structure (10) disposed on the characters (56) and configured to luminesce in response to receiving excitation light (24). [19] The sign (28) of claim 18, wherein the luminescent structure (10) includes a long-lasting luminescent material (18) therein. [20] The sign (28) of claim 18, wherein the luminescent structure (10) comprises at least one luminescent material (18) configured to convert an excitation light (24) received from at least a portion of a light source into a visible light (26).

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