MULTILAYER LICENSE PLATE LIGHTING APPARATUS
A lighting apparatus for illuminating a license plate includes a light source and a multilayer light guide. The multilayer light guide is configured to carry light from the light source and to cast light onto the license plate. The multilayer light guide includes a first layer having an exterior surface opposite the location of the license plate. A second layer is disposed between the first layer and the location of the license plate and directly abuts the light source. A third layer is disposed between the second layer and the location of the license plate. The second layer has greater index of refraction than at least one of the first layer and the third layer. In some configurations, the layer carrying light, which may be referred to as the light guide, may be formed from a multilayer optical film.
1 . A lighting apparatus for illuminating a license plate, comprising:
a light source; and
a multilayer light guide configured to carry light from the light source and to cast light onto the location of the license plate, wherein the multilayer light guide includes:
a first layer having an exterior surface opposite the location of the license plate;
a second layer disposed between the first layer and the location of the license plate and directly abutting the light source; and
a third layer disposed between the second layer and the location of the license plate,
wherein the second layer has greater index of refraction than at least one of the first layer and the third layer.
2 . The lighting apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:
an air layer disposed between the second layer and one of the first layer and the third layer, wherein the second layer has higher index of refraction than the other of the first layer and the third layer.
3 . The lighting apparatus of claim 2 , further comprising:
an opaque coating substantially covering the exterior surface of the first layer;
4 . The lighting apparatus of claim 3 , further comprising:
an emblem disposed on the exterior surface of the first layer, wherein the emblem is backlit by light from the light source passing through the first layer.
5 . The lighting apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the opaque coating is one of chrome plating and paint.
6 . The lighting apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the light source includes one or more LED lights distributed across the multilayer light guide.
7 . The lighting apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the second layer has a greater index of refraction than both the first layer and the third layer.
8 . The lighting apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:
an air layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer, wherein the second layer has higher index of refraction than the third layer.
9 . The lighting apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:
an air layer disposed between the third layer and the second layer, wherein the second layer has higher index of refraction than the first layer.
10 . A lighting apparatus for illuminating a license plate, comprising:
a light source;
an appliqué formed from a first material and having an exterior surface facing away from the location of the license plate; and
a light guide between the appliqué and the location of the license plate, and having a first end proximal to the location of the license plate and a second end proximal to the light source, such that the light guide carries light from the light source toward the location of the license plate, wherein the light guide is formed from a multilayer optical film.
11 . The lighting apparatus of claim 10 , wherein layers of the multilayer optical film are oriented substantially perpendicular to a mounting plane of the light source.
12 . The lighting apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the exterior surface is substantially covered with an opaque coating.
13 . The lighting apparatus of claim 12 , further comprising:
an emblem disposed on the exterior surface of the appliqué, wherein the emblem is backlit by light from the light source.
14 . The lighting apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the light source is formed from at least one LED element.
15 . The lighting apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the light source includes a plurality of LED lights distributed across the multilayer light guide.