IP Library Granted Patent US 7,814,859
Granted Patent B2
US 7,814,859 · App. 11/794,619 · Granted Oct 19, 2010

Pointer with a contrasting edge for a gauge or similar, and a method of fabricating such a pointer

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,814,859
App. No.
11/794,619
Granted
Oct 19, 2010
Kind
B2
Abstract

According to an exemplary embodiment, a pointer includes an indicator portion including an arm of transparent material and a margin that projects laterally from the arm, the indicator portion also including a rear face that defines thereon a central zone corresponding to the arm and a peripheral zone corresponding to the margin. The rear face includes a first coating of a first color to cover the central zone only and a second coating of a second color to cover at least the peripheral zone.

Claims (25)

1. A pointer for a gauge, the pointer comprising:

an indicator portion including an arm of transparent material and a margin that projects laterally from a side wall of the arm, the indicator portion also including a rear face configured to face the gauge, the rear face defining a central zone corresponding to the arm and a peripheral zone corresponding to the margin, the rear face including a first coating of a first color to cover the central zone only, and a second coating of a second color to cover at least the peripheral zone.

2. The pointer of claim 1 , wherein the second coating extends over the first coating so as to cover the entire rear face.

3. The pointer of claim 1 , wherein the peripheral zone forms a visibly contrasting edge relative to the central zone.

4. The pointer of claim 1 , wherein the second coating covers only the peripheral zone.

5. A method of fabricating a pointer with an indicator portion having a contrasting edge, the method comprising:

fabricating an indicator portion of transparent material with an arm and a margin projecting laterally from a side wall of the arm, the indicator portion also including a rear face configured to face the gauge, the rear face defining a central zone corresponding to the arm and a peripheral zone corresponding to the margin;

depositing a first coating of a first color on the rear face so that the first coating covers the central zone; and

depositing a second coating of a second color so as to cover at least the peripheral zone.

6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the second coating is deposited so as to cover the entire rear face.

7. The method of claim 5 , wherein the coatings are applied by pad-printing.

8. The method of claim 5 , wherein depositing the first coating comprises sticking a plastic film on the rear face.

9. The method of claim 5 , wherein depositing the first coating and depositing the second coating are conducted in a single operation.

10. An indicator of a pointer, the indicator comprising:

a transparent arm;

a transparent margin that projects laterally from a side wall of the arm;

a rear face configured to face a gauge, the rear face comprising a central zone corresponding to the arm and a peripheral zone corresponding to the margin; and

a colored coating on the peripheral zone to form a visually contrasting edge relative to at least one of a dial adjacent to the pointer and another structure of the indicator.

11. A pointer for a gauge, the pointer comprising:

an indicator portion including an arm of transparent material and a margin that projects laterally from a side wall of the arm, the indicator portion also including a rear face facing the gauge in service, the rear face defining thereon a central zone corresponding to the arm and a peripheral zone corresponding to the margin, the rear face including a first coating of a first color on the central zone only and a second coating of a second color on at least the peripheral zone.

12. A pointer for a gauge, the pointer comprising:

an indicator portion including an arm of transparent material and a margin that projects laterally from a side wall of the arm, the indicator portion also including a rear face facing the gauge in service, the rear face defining a central zone corresponding to the arm and a peripheral zone corresponding to the margin, the rear face including a colored coating on at least the peripheral zone to form a visually contrasting edge relative to at least one of a dial adjacent the pointer and another structure of the indicator.

13. A method of fabricating a pointer with an indicator portion having a contrasting edge, the method comprising:

fabricating an indicator portion including an arm and a margin projecting laterally from a side wall of the arm, the indicator portion also including a rear face configured to face the gauge, the rear face defining a central zone corresponding to the arm and a peripheral zone corresponding to the margin; and

depositing a colored coating on at least the peripheral zone to form a contrasting edge that contrasts with at least one of a dial adjacent the pointer and another structure of the indicator.

Assignments (2)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Feb 25, 2015
From: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANY
To: VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Reel/Frame 035091/0435 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jul 3, 2007
From: FOURNIER, JOEL
To: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANY
Reel/Frame 019552/0860 →