Illuminated chromatic emblem assembly
View Patent ↗An emblem assembly is provided that includes a power source, a backing member, and a light-producing assembly coupled to the power source and supported by the backing member. The light-producing assembly may include an electroluminescent light source. The emblem assembly further includes a chromatic layer over the light-producing assembly that comprises and emblem shape, and a translucent sealing structure over the chromatic layer that seals the backing member, the light-producing assembly, and the chromatic layer. The emblem assembly exhibits a chrome- or mirror-like finish when viewed under ambient lighting conditions. Further, the emblem assembly possesses a glowing appearance when activated under low light or nighttime conditions.
1. An emblem assembly, comprising:
a power source;
a backing member;
a light-producing assembly coupled to the power source and supported by the backing member that includes an electroluminescent light source;
a chromatic layer comprising an emblem shape visible in ambient light over the light-producing assembly; and
a translucent sealing structure over the chromatic layer that comprises an embedded, non-etched design feature and seals the backing member, the light-producing assembly, and the chromatic layer.
2. An emblem assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the chromatic layer comprises aluminum-containing particles.
3. An emblem assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the translucent sealing structure comprises glass particles, and an acrylic material, a polycarbonate material, a nylon material, or a blend of these materials.
4. An emblem assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the electroluminescent light source comprises a pair of electrode structures and an active phosphor structure.
5. An emblem assembly according to claim 4 , wherein the pair of electrode structures include an electrode comprising indium tin oxide material and an electrode comprising carbon material.
6. An emblem assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the backing member is mounted to a vehicle.
7. An emblem assembly according to claim 6 , wherein the backing member is mounted to a location within an engine compartment of the vehicle and the translucent sealing structure comprises a blend of nylon and polycarbonate material at a ratio of 40 to 60% nylon to 40 to 60% polyester material by weight.
8. An emblem assembly according to claim 1 , further comprising:
an air gap arranged between the light-producing assembly and the chromatic layer.
9. An emblem assembly, comprising:
a power source;
a backing member;
a light-producing assembly coupled to the power source and supported by the backing member that includes a light-emitting diode source;
a chromatic layer comprising an emblem shape visible in ambient light over the light-producing assembly; and
a translucent sealing structure over the chromatic layer that comprises an embedded, non-etched design feature and seals the backing member, the light-producing assembly, and the chromatic layer.
10. An emblem assembly according to claim 9 , wherein the chromatic layer comprises indium-containing and aluminum-containing particles.
11. An emblem assembly according to claim 9 , wherein the translucent sealing structure comprises glass particles, and an acrylic material, a polycarbonate material, a nylon material, or a blend of these materials.
12. An emblem assembly according to claim 9 , wherein the backing member is mounted to a vehicle.
13. An emblem assembly according to claim 12 , wherein the backing member is mounted to a location within an engine compartment of the vehicle and the translucent sealing structure comprises a blend of nylon and polycarbonate material at a ratio of 40 to 60% nylon to 40 to 60% polyester material by weight.
14. An emblem assembly according to claim 9 , further comprising:
an air gap arranged between the light-producing assembly and the chromatic layer.
15. An emblem assembly, comprising:
a power source;
a backing member;
a light-producing assembly coupled to the power source and supported by the backing member that includes a fiber optic light source;
a chromatic layer comprising an emblem shape visible in ambient light over the light-producing assembly; and
a translucent sealing structure over the chromatic layer that comprises an embedded, non-etched design feature and seals the backing member, the light-producing assembly, and the chromatic layer.
16. An emblem assembly according to claim 15 , wherein the chromatic layer comprises indium-containing and aluminum-containing particles.
17. An emblem assembly according to claim 15 , wherein the translucent sealing structure comprises glass particles, and an acrylic material, a polycarbonate material, a nylon material, or a blend of these materials.
18. An emblem assembly according to claim 15 , wherein the backing member is mounted to a vehicle.
19. An emblem assembly according to claim 18 , wherein the backing member is mounted to a location within an engine compartment of the vehicle and the translucent sealing structure comprises a blend of nylon and polycarbonate material at a ratio of 40 to 60% nylon to 40 to 60% polyester material by weight.
20. An emblem assembly according to claim 15 , further comprising:
an air gap arranged between the light-producing assembly and the chromatic layer.