Trim component with concealed indicium

A component of an actuatable apparatus has a substrate, a selectively light- transmissive opaque covering, and an illumination source. The opaque covering is applied to an obverse surface or a reverse surface of the substrate to selectively enable and prevent transmission of light therethrough. The illumination source is adjacent the reverse surface for illuminating a selected area of the substrate. The opaque covering is characterized by first and second portions collectively defining a pattern associated with the selected area. The first portion enables transmission of light therethrough, and the second portion prevents or impedes transmission of light therethrough. Actuation of the illumination source directs light through the first portion but not through the second portion to reveal the pattern. The opaque covering renders the pattern invisible when the illumination source is in the non- illuminated state, and visible when the illumination source is in the illuminated state.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to a visual display. In one aspect, the invention relates to a display having indicia or other markings that are visually discernable only when an illumination source of the display is in an illuminated state. The display can be integrated into a variety of objects, including vehicular trim components.

2. Description of the Related Art

Automobiles comprise several types of decorative and functional vehicular trim components that are mounted to an exterior or interior surface of the automobile. Examples of external trim components include, but are not limited to, spoilers, door handles, license plate frames, and various bars, such as a lighting bar above the license plate and a bar for mounting a center high mount stop light (CHMSL). Some of these components include indicia or other visual markings. The visual markings can be static, such as decorative markings that customize the appearance of the vehicle or indicia to communicate information, such as the make or model of the vehicle (known as vehicle badging), to an observer. Other visual markings are dynamic or interactive, such as turn signal indicators and brake lights that illuminate to communicate an intended action of the driver. Another example of a dynamic visual marking is a keypad of a keyless entry system. Typically, the keypad is mounted on a door panel or a door handle and has a plurality of individual keys with numbers or letters thereon so that a user can depress the keys in a predetermined sequence to unlock the door of the vehicle.

Unfortunately, some of the visual markings, such as turn signal indicators, keypads, and controls on the interior of the vehicle (e.g., cruise control, radio, and climate controls) do not contribute positively to the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle. Even when these visual markings are not illuminated while not in use, the non-illuminated marking is viewable by an observer. Furthermore, some visual markings that are not used at all times but are always visually discernable can actually distract a driver. It is therefore desirable for these visual markings to be viewable only when they are employed. Additionally, the appearance of static visual markings, such as decorative markings, vehicle make/model indicia, and displays on the interior of the vehicle (e.g., instrument panel displays), can be drab and lackluster and, therefore, fail to create a selected appearance or fail to attract sufficient attention to the visual markings. In the latter case, the vehicle manufacturer advantageously utilizes vehicle badging to not only identify the make and model of the vehicle but also as an advertising medium. A more visually captivating vehicle badging would be a more effective promotional tool. It is therefore desirable for a vehicular component to have visually alluring indicia or other markings.

Additionally, numerous items other than vehicular trim components have unexciting displays and controls and, therefore, suffer from similar deficiencies. Examples of such objects include household appliances, audio and video equipment, and signs. In today's competitive markets, the visual appearance of a product or a display associated with a product or a business can be a significant factor in a customer's purchase decision, and a stimulating visual appearance that sets one product or display apart from others can positively influence the customer in his or her purchase decision.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a component of an actuatable apparatus has a substrate, a selectively light-transmissive opaque covering, and an illumination source. The substrate includes an obverse surface and an opposed reverse surface, one of the obverse surface and the reverse surface defining a transparent selected area. The opaque covering is applied to one of the obverse surface and the reverse surface to selectively enable and prevent transmission of light therethrough. The illumination source is actuatable between an illuminated state and a non-illuminated state, and adjacent the reverse surface for illuminating the selected area. The opaque covering is disposed to intercept light directed through the selected area, and is characterized by first and second portions collectively defining a pattern associated with the selected area. The first portion has a first transmissivity to light to enable transmission of light therethrough, and the second portion has a second transmissivity to light to prevent or impede transmission of light therethrough. Actuation of the illumination source directs light through the first portion but not through the second portion to thereby reveal the pattern. The opaque covering renders the pattern invisible when the illumination source is in the non-illuminated state, and visible when the illumination source is in the illuminated state.

In another embodiment, a method of fabricating an actuatable apparatus enables a pattern associated with a component to be selectively revealed and concealed. The method steps include selecting a substrate including an obverse surface and an opposed reverse surface, one of the obverse surface and the reverse surface defining a transparent selected area; applying a selectively light-transmissive opaque covering to one of the obverse surface and the reverse surface to selectively enable and prevent transmission of light therethrough, the opaque covering disposed to intercept light directed through the selected area; adapting the opaque covering into first and second portions to collectively define a pattern associated with the selected area, the first portion having a first transmissivity to light to enable transmission of light therethrough, and the second portion having a second transmissivity to light to prevent or impede transmission of light therethrough; adapting the opaque covering to render the pattern invisible when an illumination source is in a non- illuminated state, and visible when an illumination source is in an illuminated state; and positioning adjacent the reverse surface an illumination source for illuminating the selected area, the illumination source actuatable between an illuminated state for transmitting light through the pattern to reveal the pattern, and a non-illuminated state for obscuring the selected area and concealing the pattern.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring now the figures,FIG. 1illustrates a vehicle10with an exemplary vehicular trim component20with a concealed indicium according to the invention. The trim component20can be adapted to display indicia or other markings when the indicia or other markings are illuminated. When the indicia or other markings are not illuminated, they are completely undetectable by an observer, and the vehicular trim component10has an appearance identical to a trim component without any indicia or visual markings. As a result, the markings are hidden while not in use and do not detract from the physical appearance of the vehicle10, and the trim component20is captivating and aesthetically pleasing when the markings are illuminated.

As utilized herein, the term “indicium” refers to any sort of marking that can be visually observed. Examples of indicia include, but are not limited to, logos, numerical and textual characters, symbols, designs, images, and pictures. An exemplary design can be a frit, which is commonly found on automotive glass and comprises a solid, opaque line or band and parallel lines of progressively smaller opaque dots for creating the illusion of a gradual fade from opaque to transparent. The indicia can be communicative, functional, decorative, interactive, or a combination thereof.

As utilized herein, the term “trim component” can refer to any component located on the exterior or interior surface of the vehicle. The vehicle can be an automobile or other type of motor powered vehicle, such as a motorcycle, a scooter, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), a snowmobile, a wave runner, a jet ski, or a boat. The trim component can be decorative, functional, or a combination thereof. Examples of exterior trim components include, but are not limited to, body side moldings; spoilers; door handles; license plate frames; hood, side, and brake louvers; truck caps and covers; and bars, such as a lighting bar above the license plate and a bar for mounting a center high mount stop light (CHMSL). Additionally, the trim component can be adapted to provide lighting under the vehicle hood, hood cosmetic lighting, truck bed lighting, and flashing, strobe, or message lighting for emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, fire trucks, and police cruisers. Other examples of trim components include numerous custom accessories typically added to the vehicle10by the vehicle owner or a specialist hired by the vehicle owner as compared to the manufacturer of the vehicle. Examples of interior trim components include, but are not limited to interior door handles, bezels for interior door handles, instrument clusters, gauges, odometer and speedometer displays, warning lamps, shifting mechanism position indicator, radio controls/knobs, climate control displays and controls, cruise control displays and controls, steering wheel mounted accessory controls (i.e., radio and cruise control controls), interior vehicle badging (e.g., on instrument panel, door panels, steering wheel), accessory lighting, identification labels (e.g., for cup holders, power outlet covers, shift knobs, glove box door), visor lighting, and LCD or other types of flat panel displays, such as displays for sound systems, global positioning systems, and vehicular imaging systems. Additionally, the trim component can be adapted to provide trunk interior lighting, safety lighting on an interior surface of the door that illuminate when the door is opened, and headliner trim lighting, such as task, ambient, and mood lighting.

The trim component is not limited to vehicular trim components or use with vehicles. The invention as described herein can also be used in non-automotive applications, including those having control mechanisms for operation by the user and would benefit aesthetically by being concealed or hidden while not in use. Examples of such devices include, but are not limited to, appliances such as microwave ovens, clothes washers and dryers, ranges, stovetops, ovens, countertop kitchen appliances, and lawn and garden appliances, such as trimmers, edgers, blowers, snow blowers, and lawn mowers; audio and visual entertainment devices, such as stereo components, televisions, stationary and portable video game consoles, portable music players including MP3 players, CD players, and radios; portable personal computers including laptops and personal digital assistants (PDAs); remote controls; and calculators. The invention can also be utilized for non-interactive displays, such as house or building address numbers, advertisement signs, product displays in stores, and open/closed signs for businesses. Other examples of exterior house components suitable for use with the invention include soffits and soffit inserts (e.g. for concealing holiday or other decorative lighting), garage door panels, rain gutters, fencing and railings, and solar panel covers. The invention can also be employed in the interior of the home, such as with staircase hand rails and baseboards. Additionally, the invention can be incorporated with home security systems to conceal interior and/or exterior security cameras. Furthermore, it is also contemplated that the invention can be utilized with office furniture.

In general, the invention can be employed in numerous applications, only a few of which are described herein for brevity. The examples listed above are provided for exemplary purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention in any manner. The embodiments of the invention described below are for illustrative purposes only with respect to an automobile exterior trim component, with it being understood that the invention can also be employed in other applications, such as those described above.

The exemplary vehicular trim component20shown inFIG. 1can be in the form of a license plate lighting bar positioned above a mounting location12for a license plate at a rear end of the vehicle10. The trim component20is shown in more detail inFIGS. 2-7, and these figures illustrate elements of the trim component20related to the invention. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the vehicular component art that the trim component20can comprise other elements that relate to other functions of the trim component20.

FIG. 2illustrates the trim component20in a non-illuminated state, wherein the trim component20appears as if it does not have any type of indicium thereon. However, when the trim component20is illuminated, an indicium22in an illuminated state can be viewed by an observer, as shown inFIG. 3. The exemplary indicium22ofFIG. 3can be a logo comprising textual characters and a design, andFIG. 4illustrates another exemplary indicium22in the form of a turn signal. The indicium22can be preferably sized so that it can be viewed from a reasonable distance and can be positioned in any suitable location on the trim component20.

Referring now toFIGS. 5-6A, a first embodiment of the trim component20comprises a substrate30having an external surface26and an internal surface28. The substrate has a finish layer32on the external surface26, and a mask34, which defines the indicium22, and an illumination source36of the trim component20are located on a side of the substrate30facing the inside surface28. In this application, the terms “forward” and “rearward” refer to orientations towards and away from, respectively, the vehicle10when the trim component20is mounted to the vehicle10or, more generically, to the sides of the substrate30closer to and farther away from, respectively, the illumination source36. For example, the external surface26can be on the forward side of the substrate30, and the internal surface28can be on the rearward side of the substrate30. The substrate30of the exemplary trim component20of the present embodiment comprises a face40and pairs of opposing side walls42and upper and lower walls44extending rearward from and generally orthogonally relative to the face40.

The substrate30provides a base for the trim component20and, according to one embodiment, can be made of polymeric material. Exemplary polymeric materials include silicone and nylon. Alternatively, the substrate30can be made of glass or any other suitable material. For example, the substrate30can be at least partially made of a conductive material whose optical characteristics, such as opacity, change when an electrical charge is applied thereto. The substrate30can comprise any suitable wall thickness, which can be the distance between the external surface26and the internal surface28, to render the substrate30rigid or flexible depending on the selected characteristics for the trim component20. For example, the substrate30can be in the form of a flexible film. Additionally, the substrate30according to one embodiment of the invention can be translucent or sufficiently transparent such that the substrate30transmits light without significant blurring or distortion. Further, the substrate30can be made of a clear material tinted to give a selected visual effect, such as a smoky or amber appearance, to achieve a selected color, to achieve a selected light color output, or to hide electronics, which are discussed in more detail below.

The finish layer32on the forward side of the substrate30conceals the mask34and the illumination source36when the illumination source36is not illuminated and provides the trim component20with a selected external appearance. Additionally, the finish layer32can be substantially opaque when viewed from the forward side of the trim component20to conceal the illumination source36, the mask34, or any other components on the rearward side of the finish layer32when the illumination source36is not illuminated. However, the finish layer32transmits light generated from the illumination source36on the rearward side thereof so that an observer can view light from the illumination source36and thereby view the indicium22when the illumination source36is in an illuminated state. Further, the finish layer32hides the illumination source36and the mask34when the illumination source36is in a non-illuminated state and thereby gives the trim component20an appearance identical to a trim component without an indicium. According to one embodiment of the invention, the finish layer32can be selected so that the appearance of the trim component20can be similar to the appearance of portions of the vehicle10adjacent to the trim component20; therefore, the finish layer32enables the trim component10to effectively “blend in” with adjacent portions of the vehicle10when the illumination source36is not illuminated to create a selected aesthetic appearance.

In addition to providing selected optical characteristics, the finish layer32can be texturized to create selected visual and tactile characteristics. For example, the textured finish can create a selected light output, such as by filtering or diffusing light from the illumination source36. Furthermore, the textured finish can have a texture different than the texture of the adjacent areas of the vehicle10so that an observer can identify and differentiate the trim component20from the rest of the vehicle10when the trim component20otherwise “blends in” with the vehicle10.

The finish layer32can be fabricated of any material(s) and can have any form suitable to impart the optical characteristics described above. The selected optical characteristics of the finish layer32, such as light transmissivity, can be controlled by selective control of finish properties such as chemical composition, color, applied thickness, and the like. The wavelength of the light emitted by the illumination source36will also control the transmissivity of the finish layer32.

According to one embodiment, the finish layer32can be a coating applied to the substrate30. Exemplary coating materials include, but are not limited to paints, including metallic paints, such as Ghost Chrome® paint available from Alsa Corporation. Other suitable paints include automotive and non-automotive grade paints, which can be applied with a spraying process. The paint can be applied in accordance with the particular thickness required to achieve the selected optical characteristics for the finish layer32and to avoid excessive deposition of the paint. Optionally, tint can be added to the paint to achieve a selected color, such as to match the trim component20to the vehicle10, and the paint can be coated with a protective clear coat, which can also be tinted to achieve a selected color. The coating can also be in the form of a metal, such as aluminum or chromium, deposited onto the trim component20utilizing any suitable metal deposition process.

Alternatively, the finish layer32can comprise a separate component made of or coated with a material having the characteristics described above. For example, the finish layer32can be a thin film made of a suitable material, such as a polymeric material or a fabric material, laid on the substrate30to provide a selected cosmetic appearance and to impart the selected optical characteristics for the trim component20. The film can be a solid color or can include a pattern or image. Another exemplary process for applying a film to the substrate30can be a hydrographic process in which a film having a selected appearance, such as a simulated carbon fiber appearance, is floated on liquid, and the substrate30can be dipped into the liquid such that the film attaches to the substrate30when the substrate30is removed from the liquid. Alternatively, the film can be insert molded with the substrate30. In this process, the film can be inserted into a mold cavity, and then the mold can be closed for injection of material to form the substrate30. The film and the substrate30become a single component, with the film functioning as a cosmetic outer skin of the substrate30.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the finish layer32can be integrated with the substrate30. For example, the substrate30can be molded of a polymer having a selected color, and the wall thickness of the substrate30can be selected to achieve the optical characteristics required of the finish layer32. Thus, the substrate30in this case functions both as the base for the trim component20and as the finish layer32for the trim component20.

The mask34comprises a masked portion46and an unmasked portion48that transmits more light than the masked portion46and defines the indicium22. The finish extends across both the masked portion46and the unmasked portion48to conceal visible differences between the masked portion46and the unmasked portion48when the illumination source36is not illuminated. Thus, the indicium22is not visually discernible when the illumination source is in the non-illuminated state. In the current embodiment, the mask34can be designed so that the unmasked portion48can be aligned with the face40of the substrate30, but it is within the scope of the invention for the unmasked portion48to be located anywhere on the mask34corresponding to any location of the substrate30. Furthermore, the mask34is illustrated in the figures as being applied to the internal surface28of the substrate30; however, the mask34can be located on the external surface26of the substrate30or in any other suitable location of the trim component20.

According to one embodiment, the masked portion46can be black to ensure that light from the illumination source36located on the rearward side of the mask34only passes through the unmasked portion48, which can be generally translucent, transparent, or hollow (i.e., an opening or aperture). As a result, when the illumination source36is illuminated, light shines through the unmasked portion48, the substrate30, and the finish layer32to render the indicium22visible to the observer, as shown inFIG. 6A. Alternatively, the opacities of the masked and unmasked portions46,48can be selected so that the light shines through both the masked and unmasked portions46,48but at different intensities so that the indicium22can be visually discernible. The unmasked portion48can optionally be colored so that the light that shines therethrough is similarly colored to give the indicium22a selected appearance.

The mask34can be made of any materials(s) and have any form suitable to create the masked portion46and the unmasked portion48. The mask34can be, for example, a separate component made of an opaque material, such as a polymeric material or a fabric, with the unmasked portion48formed by material removed therefrom, or the mask34can be a separate component with an opaque coating thereon. Alternatively, the mask34can be a coating, such as paint, applied to the substrate30or the finish layer32, or the mask34can be a film mounted to the substrate30or the finish layer32by an adhesive or the like. The mask34can also be formed integrally with the substrate30, such as by removing material from the substrate30to form thin walled portions that allow light to pass through when backlit by the illumination source36or by molding the substrate30with a mold having a design that incorporates the thin walled portions. In these examples, the thin walled portions form the unmasked portion48of the mask34.

Many different methods can be employed for manufacturing the mask34. For example, the mask34can be applied with printing processes, such as screen printing processes (e.g. silk screening), where ink or other material can be passed through a screen to a surface, or printing pad processes, where ink or other material can be transferred from an ink pad to a surface using a stamp. In screen printing and printing pad processes, the screen and the pad are designed in accordance with the indicium22. Alternatively, the mask34can be produced with a two shot molding process, wherein multiple resins can be injected into a single mold to create the masked and unmasked portions46,48. In a related process, insert/over molding, a solid clear component can be inserted into a mold, and opaque material, such as resin, can be injected around the clear component. The portions of the clear component that are not covered by the opaque material form the unmasked portion48, and the opaque material forms the masked portion46. Alternatively, the mask34can be made by molding a single component, which can be the substrate30, as described above, or a component separate from the substrate30, having portions with walls that are thin relative to the rest of the molding to form the unmasked portion48.

Other methods, such as laser etching and CNC machining processes, for example, involve removing material to form the unmasked portion48. In laser etching, an opaque coating, such as paint, can be applied to the substrate30or a separate structural component to form the masked portion46, and a laser removes the paint to form the unmasked portion48. CNC machining processes are well-known processes that can be used to remove, such as by cutting or milling, material from a component to form the unmasked portion48. The material can be completely removed to form the unmasked portion48or can be sufficiently thinned to allow light to pass through when the illumination source36is illuminated.

The illumination source36can be positioned on the rearward side of the substrate30, the finish layer32, and the mask34and generates light that transmits through the unmasked portion48of the mask34, the substrate30, and the finish layer32to provide a visible distinction between the masked portion46and the unmasked portion48of the mask34and thereby render the indicium22visually discernable to the observer. The illumination source36can be mounted to the trim component20or can be mounted to an outer surface of the vehicle10behind the trim component20. The illumination source36can be any suitable light generating device, including, but not limited to, one or more light emitting diodes (LED), organic light emitting diodes (OLED), electroluminescent sources (e.g. light pads), incandescent light bulbs, fluorescent light bulbs, neon lights, and lasers. Another example of an illumination source is a display screen, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or plasma display. Further, the illumination source36can comprise light pipes and fiber optics that receive light from a remote light source and distribute the light. Additionally, the illumination source36can be white or colored and can comprise multiple light sources of differing colors.

The illumination source36can be connected to an electrical system of the vehicle10, and can remain continuously in an illuminated state, or adapted to alternate between the illuminated state and the non-illuminated state in response to one or more conditions of the vehicle10or its environment. For example, the illumination source36can be adapted to illuminate when the user actuates the ignition, actuates a turn signal switch, brakes, accelerates, actuates a remote fob for a keyless entry system, touches an entry handle, or when an observer is within a predetermined distance from the vehicle10. Further, the illumination source36can be voice activated by the user. Optionally, the illumination source36can operate in a plurality of illumination states, wherein the intensity of the light from the illumination source36can be different for each illumination state. For example, the illumination states can comprise a standby illumination state wherein the intensity of the light from the illumination source36can be less than during an active illumination state.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the illumination source36can be adapted to form the mask34. For example, an electroluminescent pad can be shaped according to the indicium22, or a coating can be applied to the pad to effectively create a mask or stencil on the pad and define areas through which light can pass. Alternatively, a plurality of LEDs can be configured in a shape corresponding to the indicium22. According to another embodiment of the invention, optics, such as light pipes and fiber optics, that effectively form the mask34can be molded in the substrate30. The optics collect light from the illumination source36and project the light in a pattern corresponding to the indicium22.

The trim component20can further comprise electronics (not shown), such as switches and sensors for receiving input from the user. For example, the trim component20can comprise a membrane switch, or capacitance or field effect sensors, that generate a signal upon actuation thereof by the user. Furthermore, the electronics can comprise the aforementioned display screen, which can be used, for example, in conjunction with a global positioning system and/or a computer in the vehicle10. An example of a trim component in the form of a door handle employing such electronics is described below with respect toFIG. 12.

As described above, when the illumination source36is in the non-illuminated state, the trim component20has an appearance substantially identical to a trim component without an indicium, as shown inFIG. 2. When the illumination source36is in the illuminated state, light from the illumination source36transmits through the unmasked portion48of the mask34while less or no light transmits through the masked portion46, as depicted inFIG. 6A. The light that shines through the unmasked portion48also transmits through the face40of the substrate30and the finish layer32on the external surface26of the substrate30so that the observer can perceive the indicium22, as illustrated inFIG. 3or4. Consequently, the finish layer32hides the mask34and thereby the indicium22when in the non-illuminated state, and the indicium22is not only viewable, but has an attractive appearance when in the illuminated state.

A vehicle110with a second embodiment of a trim component120according to the invention is illustrated inFIG. 7, and the trim component120is shown in further detail inFIGS. 8-11, where components similar to those of the first embodiment are identified with like numerals in the form 1XX, where XX is the numerical identifier of the components for the first embodiment. The second embodiment trim component120can be a vehicular door handle mounted to an exterior surface of a door114of the vehicle110.

FIG. 8illustrates the trim component120in a non-illuminated state, wherein the trim component120appears as if it does not have any type of indicium thereon. However, when the trim component120is illuminated, an indicium122in an illuminated state can be viewed by an observer, as shown inFIG. 9. The exemplary indicium122ofFIG. 9can be a logo comprising textual characters and a design.

Referring additionally toFIGS. 10 and 11, the trim component120in the form of the door handle comprises a handle base150, a handle cap160removably mounted to the handle base150, and a bezel162mounted on the door114adjacent the handle base150and the handle cap160. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the vehicular component art that the trim component120can comprise other elements that relate to other functions of the door handle. Exemplary door handles are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/710,806, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The handle base150can be mounted to an external surface of the door114and comprises a pivot mount152at one end thereof for pivotally mounting the handle base150to the door114and a latch actuator154at an opposite end152. The pivot mount152and the latch actuator154are positioned inside the door114such that they are not visible from the exterior of the vehicle110. The latch actuator154can be operatively coupled to a door latch (not shown) in any suitable manner, and displacement of the latch actuator154during pivotal movement of the housing body150about the pivot mount152releases the door latch so that the user can open the door114and enter the vehicle110.

The handle cap160can be mounted to a forward surface of the handle base150to provide a selected external appearance to the trim component120. When the user grasps the trim component120to pivot the handle base150and release the door latch, the user grasps both the handle base150and the handle cap160. Similar to the trim component20of the first embodiment, the handle cap160comprises a substrate130with a finish132on an external surface126and a mask134on an internal surface128. The trim component120further comprises an illumination source136located between the handle cap160and the handle base150. The substrate130, the finish132, the mask134, and the illumination source136are similar to the corresponding components of the first embodiment and function in the same manner with respect to the indicium122and its visibility to an observer.

According to one embodiment, the handle cap160can be removably mounted to the handle base150and can be exchanged with a replacement handle cap160having a different indicium122thereon. Because the handle cap160can be replaced, the user can personalize the trim component120with a personalized handle cap having a personalized indicium on the corresponding mask. Furthermore, the manufacture and assembly of the trim component120can be facilitated by the replaceable nature of the handle cap160; the handle cap160can be the only part of the trim component120that needs to be custom made for a particular make or model of vehicle. When replacing the handle cap160, the entire handle cap160can be removed and exchanged. Alternatively, if the mask134is not integral with the substrate130, then only the mask134has to be removed and exchanged.

Optionally, the indicium122can be integrated with a keypad of a keyless entry system, as shown inFIG. 12. Exemplary vehicular door handles with such a keypad are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 60/522,663 and in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0031025, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The indicium122comprises the keypad, which has individual keys170that are touched by a user in a predetermined sequence to unlock a lock mechanism (not shown) of the keyless entry system so that the user can grasp and pull the trim component120to release the door latch. The keys170provide a visual indicator that identifies the location(s) on the trim component120that the user must touch to operate the keyless entry system. The keys170can be associated with electronics in the form of a switch or sensor, such as a membrane switch, a capacitance sensor, or a field effect sensor, positioned behind the keys170and capable of sensing the presence of the user's finger when the user touches the keys170. Thus, when the user touches the keys170of the trim component, the electronics detect the presence of the user's finger, and when the user touches the keys170in the predetermined sequence, the electronics operably communicates with the lock mechanism to unlock the door. The keys170are viewable by the user when they are in the illuminated state, as illustrated inFIG. 12, and are advantageously not discernable when in the non-illuminated state. Alternatively, the keys170can be located on an escutcheon positioned behind the handle base150and the handle cap160or on an external panel of the door114. The concept of utilizing the indicium122as a visual indicator that identifies one or more locations on the trim component120that a user must touch for activating electronics, such as the above mentioned switches and sensors, can be employed for applications other than keyless entry systems.

While the second embodiment trim component120has been described with respect to a strap-type door handle, the trim component120is not limited to such a door handle. The trim component120can comprise any suitable type of door handle, such as paddle handles and other types of handles known to one of ordinary skill in the vehicular component art.

Examples of other embodiments of trim components with concealed indicium according to the invention are illustrated inFIGS. 13-16. Components similar to those of the first embodiment are identified with like numerals in the form 2XX, where XX is the numerical identifier of the components for the first embodiment.FIGS. 13-16show a vehicle210with a trim component220in the form of a bar integrated into side doors214of the vehicle210. InFIG. 13, an indicium222functions as a safety side light that increases the visibility of the vehicle210when in the illuminated state, and the indicium inFIG. 14can be configured as a logo. Additionally, the indicium222ofFIGS. 13 and 14can also function as a turn signal indicator that flashes when the driver actuates a control lever inside the vehicle210. InFIGS. 15 and 16, the indicium222can be configured as a security or puddle light that illuminates a ground area272adjacent the vehicle210when in the illuminated state. The illuminated state can be achieved upon actuation of a remote keyless entry fob or by any other suitable event. The indicium222ofFIG. 15can be a single, elongated puddle light, while the indicium222ofFIG. 22comprises a plurality of shorter disconnected segments that together form the puddle light.

The relative positioning of the substrate30, the finish layer32, and the mask34of the trim components20,120described herein can be altered in any reasonable fashion. For example, the mask34can be positioned forward of the substrate30, or the finish layer32can be positioned between the substrate30and the mask34. Additionally, the finish layer32can be located on the internal surface28of the substrate, and the mask can be applied to the finish layer32. Furthermore, the trim component20,120according to the invention does not have to include the mask34. For example, light from the illumination source36can be transmitted through the entire substrate30. Alternatively, the trim component can comprise an illumination source that focuses light on certain regions of the trim component. For example, an LCD display positioned behind the substrate30includes its own focused illumination source, and the LCD display becomes visible through the substrate30and the finish layer32when in the powered state, yet can be concealed by the finish layer32when not powered.

Exemplary flow charts of methods300for producing the combination substrate, finish, and mask of any of the embodiments of the trim component according to the invention are shown inFIGS. 17A and 17B. The method300illustrated inFIG. 17Abegins by applying the mask34to the substrate30in step302. The mask34can be applied to the front side of the substrate30or to the rear side of the substrate30. According to one embodiment, the mask34can be applied by positioning a stencil in the form of the indicium22on the substrate30, spraying or otherwise applying an opaque coating, such as a black paint, to the substrate30, and then removing the stencil. Next, the finish layer32can be applied to the substrate30on the side opposite the mask34in step304. According to one embodiment, the finish layer32can be applied by coating the substrate30with a paint, such as the aforementioned Ghost Chrome. In the case where the mask34can be applied to the rear side of the substrate30, the finish layer32can be applied to the front side of the substrate30. After the finish layer32is applied, a protective coating, such as a clear coat, can optionally be applied to the finish layer32in step306. In the method300ofFIG. 17A, steps302and304can occur in reverse order.

The method300described above produces the substrate30with the finish layer32and the mask34on opposite sides thereof. Alternatively, the method300can be altered as shown inFIG. 17Bto produce the substrate30with the finish layer32and the mask34on the same side of the substrate30. To begin the method300inFIG. 17B, the finish layer32can be applied to the substrate30, such as on the rear side of the substrate30, in step310. According to one embodiment, the finish layer32can be applied to the rear side of the substrate30by coating the rear side of the substrate30with paint, such as the aforementioned Ghost Chrome. Next, the mask34can be applied to the finish layer32in step312. According to one embodiment, the mask34can be applied by positioning a stencil in the form of the indicium22on the rear side of the finish layer32, spraying or otherwise applying an opaque coating, such as a black paint, to the finish layer32, and then removing the stencil.

The vehicular trim components with a concealed indicium according to the invention advantageously conceal indicia and an illumination source when in the non-illuminated state, and provide a captivating appearance to the indicia when in the illuminated state. As a result, indicia that do not contribute to the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle are hidden when not in use. Additionally, the visually attractive indicia can function as effective advertising media and provide a vehicle owner with creative options for personalizing the vehicle.

Yet another embodiment of the trim component is illustrated inFIGS. 18 and 19. The embodiment ofFIGS. 18 and 19shares many of the features of the previously described embodiments, which will not be described in detail herein unless necessary for a complete understanding of the invention.FIG. 18illustrates an exemplary exploded view of a door handle assembly310having an overlying selectively light transmissive indicia coating322. The indicia coating322can incorporate a pattern324, such as alphanumeric characters or symbols, which is invisible when light, such as sunlight, impinges on the door handle assembly310, but visible when backlit. The indicia coating322can be incorporated into the door handle assembly310so that, when the indicia are invisible, the door handle assembly310seamlessly blends in with the rest of the vehicle to which it is attached, as hereinafter described.

The door handle assembly310can comprise a substrate in the form of a grip cover318that mates with a handle housing312pivotally mounted to a vehicle door (not shown) and operatively coupled with a door latch (not shown) located inside the door. Together, the grip cover318and the handle housing312can form a grip that can be grasped by a user. The door handle assembly310can further include an illumination source holder314mounted to the handle housing312and sandwiched between the housing312and the grip cover318. The illumination source holder314can support an illumination source assembly316comprising a plurality of illumination elements330to provide backlighting to the pattern324. The illumination elements330can be any suitable source of light such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) that can be illuminated individually, in groups, or all at once. An illumination source assembly wire harness332can extend through the handle housing312to be coupled with the vehicle power and control systems (not shown), for controlling the operation of one or more of the illumination elements330.

The door handle assembly310can also comprise a bezel320mounted to the vehicle door adjacent to and coextensive with the grip cover318.

The indicia coating322can comprise a specialty paint or finish that can be applied to the grip cover318through a coating process, such as a spray process, hydrographic or dip process, or other suitable coating process known in the art. The specialty paint or finish can comprise a selectively light transmissive coating that inherently renders the pattern324invisible in bright light until the illumination source assembly316is activated to backlight the pattern324and thereby render the pattern visible. Alternatively, the thickness of the indicia coating322can be carefully controlled to provide a selected level of light transmissivity. The indicia coating322can be applied in two different thicknesses, the lesser thickness being associated with the pattern324, and the greater thickness being associated with the remaining area of the coating322.

The selected pattern324to be rendered visible when backlit can also result from modifications of portions of the indicia coating322to enhance its light transmissivity associated with such pattern. For example, the indicia coating322can be removed entirely in the selected pattern after the coating322has been applied over the entire substrate, and replaced with a more light transmissive coating. The application of the indicia coating322can be controlled, such as through the use of stencils or paint masks, so that no indicia coating322is applied over the pattern. The pattern can subsequently be coated with a more light transmissive coating. The indicia coating322can also be adapted to reflect light that impinges on the door handle assembly310, thereby enhancing the concealment of the indicia when not backlit.

As illustrated inFIG. 19, the indicia coating328corresponding to the selected patterns324can be partially removed or incised, such as by scoring, fine crosshatching, stippling, etching, carving, and the like, to enhance its transmissivity, while maintaining the opacity or masking capabilities of the remaining indicia coating322. Other characteristics that can be controlled to control the transmissivity of selected patterns in the indicia coating322include paint color, the color of the illumination elements330, the intensity of the light emitted from the illumination elements330, and the like.

The use of a specialty paint or finish as described above can eliminate the need for a separate mask to block light from the illumination source assembly316in order to illuminate the selected characters or symbols324. A single layer serving as both a finish coat and a mask layer can simplify the process of fabricating a door handle assembly310by eliminating an extra layer while producing a door handle assembly that can blend in with the vehicle's overall color and finish, thereby accelerating production and reducing costs.

The invention is not limited to vehicle door handles, or to vehicles in general. The invention can also be incorporated into items such as appliances. As illustrated inFIG. 20, the invention can be incorporated into an automatic clothes dryer340comprising a cabinet344having a door346providing access to an interior drum (not shown). The clothes dryer340can also comprise a substrate in the form of a control panel342mounted to an upper portion of the clothes dryer340and comprising a user interface348according to the invention. The user interface348can have a plurality of operational keys356and a display358. The control panel342can also include a control knob350and control buttons360. The knob, keys, buttons, display, and other interactive control devices can provide information and control functionality to a user.

The keys356, control knob350and control buttons360can comprise flush-mounted, soft-touch control wheels, buttons, and keys, or control wheels, buttons, and keys utilizing sensors, such as field effect sensors or capacitance sensors, that can be activated when a user's finger is in the vicinity of the sensor, and which can more readily accommodate an indicia coating.

The control panel342, including the user interface348, control knob350, and control buttons360, can be adapted with an indicia coating so that, when the clothes dryer340is not in use, the control panel342is effectively concealed, and when the clothes dryer340is in use, the control panel342, user interface348, control knob350, and control buttons360can be backlit, rendering them visible to a user of the appliance. It may be necessary to utilize an illumination source capable of sufficiently illuminating the control panel342, user interface348, control knob350, and control buttons360in bright light, such as daylight or conventional interior lighting.

The illumination source can comprise an illumination source holder supporting an illumination source assembly comprising a plurality of illumination elements, generally as described above. It is assumed that configuration of these elements for use in an appliance control panel rather than a vehicle door handle assembly is within the abilities of a person having an ordinary level of skill in the art.

Alternatively, the illumination source can comprise a known 7-segment display assembly370, which provides both illumination and information. The display assembly370can comprise a 7-segment display console371and an indicia coating382. The display console371can comprise an enclosure372containing at least one illuminating 7-segment display indicium380, associated electronic control circuitry, power subassemblies, and the like, coupled with the vehicle electrical system through a wire harness374and connector376. A substrate in the form of a display panel378extending along one wall of the enclosure372can incorporate or overlay one or more indicia380, such as alphanumeric characters. The indicia coating382having a selected color and finish can be applied to the display panel378to conceal the 7-segment display and blend the display console372into adjacent body panels. Alternatively, the indicia coating382can be applied directly over the 7-segment display indicia380. The indicia coating382can incorporate a plurality of transmissive portions384, each aligned with an indicium380, and surrounded by a mask portion386generally as described above. The display assembly370can be incorporated into a motor vehicle component, an appliance, signage, signaling devices, and the like.

For components or applications in which the indicia are only observed or only convey information, the indicia coating configurations described above can be utilized. However, if the indicia are to additionally facilitate the selection of a functionality, such as a keypad, the configuration can incorporate one or more functionality switches, such as a field effect sensor, a capacitance sensor, a pressure pad, a multi-touch screen, and the like.

The control panel can be configured with an illumination source for each selectable control. Utilizing, for example, a field effect sensor adapted so that touching any part of the control panel will actuate the illumination sources, specific indicia associated with each selectable control will be visible and can be selectively actuated by the user. Individual indicia can also be actuated by a field effect sensor, a multi-touch display panel, and the like. The control panel electronics can be adapted so that, after the user has completed the actuation of controls, the indicia and illumination sources not associated with the selected controls can be automatically switched off. Informational indicia associated with a selected operation or function, such as water temperature, laundry load weight, selected wash cycle, and the like, can continue to be illuminated. A 7-segment display assembly may be particularly well suited for displaying such information. Thus, for example, during use of the appliance, only those indicia associated with a selected operation or function will remain illuminated. Those indicia not associated with a selected operation or function will be concealed, and the overlying finish layer will “blend in” with the adjoining surfaces.

The selectively light transmissive indicia coating as described herein can also be utilized for brake lights, parking lights, turn indicators, and the like. The indicia coating can be adapted for light transmissivity in areas corresponding to the brake lights, parking lights, turn indicators, etc. the remainder of the indicia coating can be opaque, to serve as a mask portion. In ambient light, the brake lights, parking lights, turn indicators, etc. will be concealed behind the indicia coating, with the entire assembly having a color and finish blending in with the color and a finish of adjacent portions of the vehicle. However, when braking, using the turn indicators, or actuating the braking lights, light will be transmitted through the transmissivity areas.

The indicia coating can be used with lock/unlock indicators incorporated into the vehicle door or other panels. When the door is unlocked, either with a key, a wireless control such as a key fob, or a code-based keyless entry system, a light element can be briefly activated to indicate the locked/unlocked condition; when deactivated, the light element can be concealed behind the indicia coating, which will blend in with adjacent panels.

Other applications can include dome lights, supplemental exterior area lighting, license plate illumination, and the like. The trim component described herein can comprise a part of other vehicles, such as aircraft, watercraft, motorcycles, personal watercraft such as Sea-Doos® and Waverunners®, all-terrain vehicles, and the like. The trim component can also comprise a part of any other appliance, such as clothes washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, laundry pedestals, and portable appliances, such as vacuum cleaners, countertop mixers, blenders, coffeemakers, radios, music systems, and food processors. Virtually any actuatable apparatus that incorporates informational displays or controls can incorporate the trim component, as generally described herein. The use of the selectively light transmissive indicia coating can enhance the styling and appearance of such apparatus by concealing indicia and illumination sources until the illumination source is actuated, and the indicia are revealed. The use of a single layer that can be adapted as both a mask portion and an unmasked portion can simplify the fabrication and finishing of the apparatus, enhance the appearance of the apparatus, and reduce the costs of fabrication.