DECORATIVE CLEAR OR TRANSLUCENT PANEL, TRIM, OR LENS WITH TEXTURE ON OPPOSITE SIDES

A decorative component includes a body having opposing first and second surfaces. A microtexture is defined on both the first surface and the second surface. The microtexture may be in the form of positive or negative protrusions that extend from the surface of the body or into the surface of the body. The combination of protrusions on the first and second surfaces of the body creates a graphical representation with improved depth and detail. The pattern of the microtexture on the first side and the second side may be the same or different, and may include different sized protrusions and spacing to achieve the desired graphical effect. The body may be attached to a reflective panel, and may further include a light source for illuminating the decorative component. Additional features may be printed on the body in addition to the graphical representation defined by the microtexture.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is directed to decorative components. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to a decorative clear or translucent panel, trim, or lens for products in the automotive, appliance, and consumer electronics industries.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Decorative components, such as a decorative component disposed on automotive products in one example, are typically used to add an aesthetic feature to appeal to a variety of tastes of variety of potential consumers. Consumer decisions on whether to buy one particular product relative to another can be substantially affected by appearance, especially in cases of similarly functioning products.

One type of decorative component is a chrome-plated decorative component, which may be in the form of a molded part having a decorative chrome finish applied thereto. Such types of decorative components have been used for vehicle grilles, external vehicle trim, and internal vehicle trim, among other examples.

However, decorative component manufacturing processes and consumer taste have changed over time, and therefore the desire for more complicated decorative parts and designs has evolved and increased. For example, it has become desirable to incorporate multiple functions into a single part or component, such that aesthetic features can be added to the manufacturing of a component with fewer manufacturing steps.

Example of decorative components for a vehicle include grilles, wheel covers, claddings, interior decorative pieces, and the like. These types of decorative components or assemblies present a visible aesthetic surface to the driver, passenger, or observer of the vehicle. However, it is desirable to increase the available design aspects for these components to allow designers and manufacturers more freedom in creating a variety of decorative features.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the disclosure, a decorative component for use with an automotive vehicle is provided, including: a lens body defining a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface and the second surface are disposed on opposite sides of the lens body; a plurality of first protrusions disposed on the first surface; a plurality of second protrusions disposed on the second surface; wherein the first and second protrusions define a first and second microtexture on the first and second surface, respectively; wherein the first and second microtextures combine to define a graphical representation on the lens having an enhanced depth and blending of the microtextures.

In one aspect, the first protrusions are arranged in a first pattern on the first surface and the second protrusions are arranged in a second pattern on the first surface.

In one aspect, the first and second pattern are the same pattern.

In one aspect, the first protrusions are spaced apart a first distance and the second protrusions are spaced apart a second distance.

In one aspect, the first distance is less than the second distance.

In one aspect, the first and second pattern are different.

In one aspect, the first protrusions are positive and the second protrusions are negative.

In one aspect, at least one of the first protrusions overlies at least one of the second protrusions.

In one aspect, at least one of the first pattern and the second pattern are spaced in a gradient manner.

In one aspect, each of the first protrusions are the same size and shape, and each of the second protrusions are the same size and shape.

In one aspect, some of the first protrusions are positive and some of the first protrusions are negative.

In one aspect, the lens is a single piece, and the first and second surfaces are defined on the single piece.

In one aspect, the decorative component includes a reflective panel disposed adjacent the second surface of the lens.

In one aspect, the decorative component includes a light source disposed between the lens body and the reflective panel.

In one aspect, the first protrusions are positive and project outwardly from the lens body, and wherein the second protrusions are negative and are defined by cavities extending into the second surface.

In one aspect, the decorative component includes a printed feature disposed on the lens body in addition to the microtexture.

In one aspect, the first protrusions and the second protrusions are aligned.

In one aspect, the first protrusions and the second protrusions are misaligned.

In one aspect, the second protrusions are larger than the first protrusions.

In one aspect, the lens body includes a first piece and second piece, wherein the first surface and first protrusions are disposed on the first piece, and the second surface and the second protrusions are disposed on the second piece, wherein the first piece is attached to the second piece.

In another aspect, a decorative component for use in an automotive application includes: a clear or translucent body portion having a first surface and a second surface; a first microtexture disposed on the first surface; a second microtexture disposed on the second surface; wherein the first and second microtextures combine to define a graphical representation having an enhanced depth and blending of the microtextures. In one aspect, the body portion may be colored or tinted.

In one aspect, the decorative component also includes a light source disposed adjacent the body portion for transmitting light through the body portion and illuminating the microtextures, and a reflective surface disposed adjacent the second surface, wherein the reflective surface reflects ambient light or light provided by a light source through the lens body and the first and second microtextures.

In yet another aspect, a decorative component for an automotive vehicle includes: a clear or translucent body portion having a top surface and a bottom surface; a top microtexture disposed on the top surface; a bottom microtexture disposed on the bottom surface; wherein light passing through the body portion reflects off the top and bottom microtextures and defines a graphical representation. In one aspect, the body portion may be colored or tinted.

In one aspect, the top microtexture projects outwardly from the top surface and defines a positive protrusion, and the bottom microtexture projects inwardly into the bottom surface and defines a negative protrusion.

In one aspect, the decorative component also includes a light source disposed adjacent the body portion for projecting light through the body portion, wherein the light source is controllable automatically in response to sensor signals received at a controller.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

With initial reference toFIGS. 1 and 2A, a decorative component in the form of a clear or translucent panel, trim, or lens is shown. For purposes of discussion, the decorative component will be referred to hereinafter as lens10, but it will be appreciated that reference to the lens10may also be applicable to panels, trim, or other suitable clear or translucent component structure. The lens10may include a body12having a first side14and a second side16. The first and second sides14,16may also be referred to as first and second surfaces14,16, or top surface14and bottom surface16, or front surface14and rear surface16. The first and second sides14,16are disposed on opposite sides of the body12, and may face opposite directions. The lens10may have various overall shapes. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the shape of the lens10is in in the form of a rectangular plate. The lens10may include microtexture18on both the first side14and the second side16. The microtexture18on both opposite sides/surfaces14,16of the lens10provides for a decorative component with a unique aesthetic appearance with improved depth and increased design options.

The lens10may have a variety of other shapes that are not explicitly shown. For example, the lens10may have a curved profile, a cup-shape, a convex/concave shape, a circular shape, an ovular shape, or the like. One example of a non-planar shape is shown inFIG. 2B(illustrating a convex and concave shape). The lens10may have a variety of flat or planar shapes, such as a disc shape or panel shape, with a variety of perimeter profiles, such as a square, rectangle, or other polygon. The lens10may have a varying overall thickness, although as shown the thickness is generally constant. The term opposite is used herein to refer to sides or surfaces through which a vector can pass when passing through the component structure. For example, the opposite sides/surfaces need not be 180 degrees opposed or on opposite parallel planar sides. For example, left and right sides of a triangular cross-section may be considered opposite sides.

The microtexture18may be disposed on each of the surfaces14,16, as described above. The microtexture18may be in the form of an array or series or plurality of protrusions20, as shown inFIG. 1.FIG. 1illustrates one 3×3 array of protrusions20on the top and bottom surfaces14,16, but it will be appreciated that this or other arrays may be repeated multiple times across a surface.

The protrusions20may extend outwardly from each of the surfaces14,16, or they may extend inwardly into the surfaces14,16in the form of a recess or cavity. Whether extending outwardly in a positive manner or inwardly in a negative manner, the protrusions20may extend across the surfaces14,16in a pattern or array to define the overall microtexture18. It will be appreciated that reference to a “protrusion” refers to both positive and negative protrusions as is not limited to structure that protrudes outwardly from a base or surface, and may also include the instances described herein where a recess or cavity or absence of material protrudes into a material or surface.FIG. 1illustrates positive protrusions on the top and negative protrusions on the bottom.FIG. 2Aillustrates positive protrusions on both sides.

The surfaces14,16may combine with the lens body12to define the overall shape and structure of the lens10. In one aspect, the surfaces14,16are the surfaces of the lens body12, and the lens body12is a single monolithic piece. The lens body12may be molded as a single piece with the microtexture18along with the body12. In another aspect, the surfaces14,16may be separate pieces12a,12bthat make up lens body12that are joined together via a positive locking connection, adhesive, bonding, welding, fasteners, or the like. The surfaces14and16, when assembled, may define an interior space therebetween when assembled in this manner, according to one aspect.

With further reference to the form of the lens10, the lens10, which may be a clear or translucent panel, trim, or lens as discussed above, may be formed from a plastic resin, glass, or other clear or translucent material.

Each of the surfaces14and16may define a base surface portion14a,16a(seeFIG. 2A). The base surface portions14a,16amay be generally planar (in the case of a planar shaped lens10) or may otherwise be generally continuous to define a common surface. The base surface portion14a,16amay generally define a “smooth” surface and define the surface from which the protrusions20extend outwardly or inwardly, such that the protrusions20define a contrast against the generally continuous smooth surface of the of the base surface14a,16a. It will be appreciated that other types of base surfaces from which the protrusions20extend outwardly or from which the protrusions are recessed may be used, and the base surfaces may be multiple surfaces that are not necessarily completely continuous. Because the lens10may have other non-planar shapes, the base surfaces may likewise have non-planar shapes.

The protrusions20may be arranged in a desired pattern, series, or array to define the desired appearance or shape. For example, the protrusions20may be arranged to define the overall shape of a logo, trade name, symbol, or the like. The protrusions20may be arranged such that the spacing between adjacent protrusions20used to define the profile of the shape is generally consistent. Put another way, the centers of each of the adjacent protrusions20may be evenly spaced.

In another aspect, adjacent protrusions20may be unevenly spaced. The protrusions20may be distributed in a gradient manner, with the spacing between protrusions increasing in a first direction, decreasing in a first direction, or another similar gradient pattern.

In another aspect, the spacing of the protrusions20may be generally random, such that the density of the protrusions may vary, even for the same logo, to create and define a unique representation while also maintaining a commonality for the desired symbol.

In another aspect, the spacing of the protrusions20may be in a predetermined pattern with uneven spacing that appears random, but is selected to produce a desired density at different positions within the design.

In one aspect, the protrusions20may have a generally symmetrical shape, such as a cone, pyramid, or the like, having equal sides/edges with a central apex. In another aspect, the protrusions20may have an apex that is offset from a center of the base of the protrusion, such that the sides and edges leading up to the apex may have uneven lengths, making the appearance of the protrusions20different depending on the viewing angle.

In one aspect, the protrusions20may all be pointed in the same direction. In another aspect, the protrusions20may be pointed in difference directions. Thus, even with consistent spacing, the altered orientation of the protrusions20may create a different appearance for some portions of the microtexture18relative to others.

In one aspect, the protrusions20may have a base profile that gradually transitions to a single apex. The transition may be at a constant slope, or the transitions may be curved to create a convex or concave outer surface that transitions to the apex. In another aspect, the protrusions20may have multiple apices, with flat sides or curved sides transitioning from the base to the apices.

In another aspect, the protrusions20may have a base profile and an upper profile differing from the base profile. The upper profile may have the same shape but smaller. The upper profile may have a different shape that the bottom profile in another aspect. In one aspect, the upper profile may be the same as the lower profile. In one aspect, the upper profile may be rotated relative to the lower profile.

It will be appreciated that various other shapes and styles of protrusions20may be used that are not explicitly described herein. The spacing of protrusions across the surfaces14,16may operate to create the desired effect by utilizing a variety of similar or different shapes. For the purposes of further disclosure, the shapes of the protrusions20will be described with reference to the generally pyramid-like shape shown in the figures. As shown inFIG. 3for example, select edges of the pyramid shape are sharp, while other edges include a flat surface at the edge intersection. These sharp of flat edges may be applied to various edges of the various shapes used for the protrusions20.

As shown inFIG. 4, an exemplary layout of a plurality of protrusions20is shown from above. Additional views of this layout are shown inFIG. 1(perspective),FIG. 3(Front), andFIG. 5(Side). In this exemplary layout, an array of evenly spaced protrusions20are arranged in a 3×3 pattern that generally defines the overall shape of a square. Put another way, nine (9) protrusions20are arranged in generally constantly spaced pattern. It will be appreciated that other shapes, layouts and arrays may be used to define other shapes. The particular array shown inFIGS. 1 and 3-5may be repeated across a larger surface area, or may itself be spaced apart from similar arrays (for example as shown inFIG. 10). For example, the grouped array of protrusions20may itself be arrayed with other grouped arrays.

As described above, and shown inFIGS. 1-5, the protrusions20may be disposed on both the top surface14and the bottom surface16. Accordingly, the plurality of protrusions20disposed around the lens10may include top protrusions24that are part of the top surface24and bottom protrusions26that are part of the bottom surface16.

As shown inFIGS. 3-5, the top protrusions14are overlaid at least partially over the bottom protrusions26. The top protrusion24in the middle of the pattern (seeFIGS. 4A-4B) is overlaid completely over the corresponding bottom protrusion26. The top protrusions24that surround the top protrusion24in the middle partially overlay the corresponding bottom protrusions26. For example, in the lower right corner ofFIG. 3, the top protrusion24is laid above the corresponding bottom protrusion26at the upper left corner of the bottom protrusion26, with a portion over the top protrusions24overlaying an area without a protrusion (such as between adjacent protrusions26). Other surrounding top protrusions24similarly cover a portion of the corresponding bottom protrusions26, leaving another portion of the corresponding bottom protrusion26uncovered when viewed from the top.

As shown inFIGS. 4A-4B, the shape of the top and bottom arrays is generally the same (3×3 square), but the size of each of the top protrusions24is smaller than the size of each of the bottom protrusions26, and therefore the overall size of the array is smaller, and the partial overlap occurs between the protrusions of the top and bottom array. In one aspect, other protrusions in a corresponding array may be aligned to be the “baseline” overlapping pair of top and bottom protrusions24,26, rather than the center protrusion shown inFIGS. 4A and 4B. For example, the upper right, lower left, etc. pairs may have a complete overlap, with partial overlaps (or no overlap) occurring for other corresponding pairs. For example, if the lower left pair is aligned, the upper right pair may not overlap at all, depending on relative size and spacing of the protrusions.

The arrangement shown inFIGS. 3-5may be considered to be “aligned,” where a corresponding number of top protrusions24are overlaid over a corresponding number of bottom protrusions26, even if the overlapping amount of the protrusions24and26varies. In another aspect, the top protrusions24and bottom protrusions26may be misaligned, with quantities that do not correspond or with arrangements where there is no overlap. For example, there may be six top protrusions24and nine bottom protrusions26.

With reference to the middle top protrusion24and the middle bottom protrusion26, these middle protrusions24,26may each define the center of the pattern or array that defines the designed graphical representation. For example, the middle top and bottom protrusions24,26may be aligned and overlaid at a location near the middle of the graphic or the pattern.

The different degree of overlap between the top protrusions24and the bottom protrusions26is a result of different spacing between the top protrusions24relative to the bottom protrusions26. As shown inFIG. 1, the top protrusions24are closer together than the bottom protrusions26. Put another way, the top protrusions24are more densely distributed, and the bottom protrusions26are less densely distributed. Spacing between adjacent protrusions may be the same and still considered more densely distributed due to the smaller size. In another aspect, similar sized protrusions may have different spacing to increase density. Smaller protrusions may be spaced further apart relative to larger protrusions, thereby having a lesser density, but with increased overlap or alignment. For example, the center of each pair of protrusions24,26may be generally aligned, but with different sizes and therefore different spacing therebetween.

It will be appreciated that the array of protrusions24,26shown inFIG. 1may be a portion of a larger array that continues to be distributed outwardly according to the same/similar spacing. For example, a 5×5 pattern may be arranged in a similar manner. Other patterns and arrays may also be used. However, in another aspect, the 3×3 pattern may be duplicated and reproduced as a unit or a larger array, such that multiple 3×3 patterns (or other given patterns) may be distributed across a surface, such as inFIG. 10.

The top protrusions24and the bottom protrusions26may be arranged relative to each other to define a center or prime overlapping point, where at least one of the top protrusions24is aligned with a corresponding bottom protrusion26. As shown, this center or prime overlapping point is located at the middle protrusions24and26of the illustrated patterns. However, the prime overlapping point could be any of the pairs of corresponding protrusions24,26, with the top or bottom patterns being shifted to align a different pair of protrusions.

As shown inFIGS. 3-5, the bottom protrusions26are spaced apart more than the spacing of the top protrusions. In another aspect, the bottom protrusions26may be spaced apart closer than the top protrusions24. In this aspect, the bottom protrusions26may be bunched together more closely, such that partial overlaps between the top protrusions24and bottom protrusions26may still occur.

As shown inFIGS. 3-5, the bottom protrusions26are larger than the top protrusions24. Accordingly, for the middle protrusions24,26that are aligned, the top protrusion24is completely overlapped by the bottom protrusions26, but the bottom protrusions26is not completely overlapped by the top protrusions24. In this aspect, the bottom protrusions26at the prime overlapping point is still at least partially visible through the lens10when viewed from above. It will be appreciated that reference to a protrusion being visible is not intended to indicated that a particular protrusion or other portion thereof is completely blocked, as light may reach various protrusions from a variety of angles.

In another aspect, the bottom protrusions26may be the same size and shape as the top protrusions24. In this aspect, the top protrusions24and the bottom protrusion26may both be completely overlapped in the area of the prime overlapping point. When the spacing is the same, each of the bottom protrusions26may be fully overlapped by the corresponding top protrusion24, and vice versa.

In another aspect, the bottom protrusions26may be smaller than the top protrusions24. In this aspect, the bottom protrusion26may be completely covered by the top protrusions24at the location of the prime overlapping point.

In one aspect, the larger protrusions, such as the bottom protrusions26shown inFIG. 3, may be spaced apart more than the smaller protrusions, such as the top protrusions24shown inFIG. 3. In another aspect, the top protrusions24and the bottom protrusions26may be spaced apart from each other such that the gap between the bases of the protrusions may be the same, such as the example shown inFIG. 3. However, due to the larger size of the protrusions, such as the bottom protrusions26shown inFIG. 3, the overall space taken up by the pattern of bottom protrusions26is greater.

In another aspect, the spacing between the larger protrusions, such as the protrusions26shown inFIG. 3, may be smaller than the spacing between the smaller protrusions, such as the protrusions24shown inFIG. 3. In this aspect, the pattern of the top protrusions24may take up a similar space to the pattern of the bottom protrusions26, even when the bottom protrusions26are larger.

In one aspect, the heights of the protrusions24,26may be approximately the same, with the size of the base defining the overall size.FIG. 3illustrates the top protrusions24being approximately the same height as the bottom protrusions26, but the pattern of bottom protrusions26takes up more space because the bases are larger. However, in another aspect, the heights of the protrusions24,26may be different. In one aspect, the bottom protrusions26may have a larger base and smaller height relative to the top protrusions24(or vice versa). In another aspect, the smaller protrusions may have the same relative sizing, such that the smaller protrusions are scaled down relative to the larger protrusions.

An example of different sizing and spacing of protrusions is illustrated in another aspect shown inFIGS. 6-9. As shown in this aspect, the top protrusions24and bottom protrusions26may be arranged such that they do not align. In this aspect, the shapes of the top protrusions24are different from the shapes of the bottom protrusions26. Moreover, the array of the top protrusions24includes three rows of grouped arrays, with each of the grouped arrays having three protrusions24. Thus, there are nine protrusions (three groups of three) in the first, second, and third row. The grouping and spacing of the top protrusions24still creates a 3×3 array, but the array is of groups of three, rather than a 3×3 array of single protrusions, which is what is used for the bottom protrusions26in this aspect. The arrangement ofFIGS. 6-9is described further below. It will be appreciated that this arrangement is but one alternative arrangement and that other arrays and spacing may also be used in accordance with the aspects provided in the present disclosure.

Thus, as shown inFIG. 7, the top protrusions24have generally thin rectangular base shapes, and the bottom protrusions26have a square-type base similar to those ofFIGS. 1 and 3-5.

As shown inFIG. 7, a group of top protrusions24may be bunched together to define a sub-pattern or sub-group of top protrusions24. In the example shown inFIG. 7, the sub-group includes three top protrusions24bunched together, and the illustrated pattern includes nine sub-groups. Accordingly, the design may appear from some views/angles/distances to have nine features in the pattern, and from other views/angles, such as a closer view, the individual top protrusions24that make up the sub-group may be visible, such that twenty-seven (27) top protrusions24are visible (in the example ofFIGS. 6-9).

As shown inFIG. 7, the center sub-group of top protrusions24is generally aligned with the central bottom protrusion26, with additional sub-groups of protrusions24disposed outward from the central group of top protrusions24, and additional single bottom protrusions26disposed outward from the central bottom protrusions26. As shown inFIGS. 8and9, the bottom protrusions26have approximately the same height as the top protrusions24, but are substantially wider when viewed from the front inFIG. 8, and substantially shorter when viewed from the side inFIG. 9. However, inFIG. 8, the overall with of each sub-group of top protrusions24is approximately the same (slightly larger as shown) as the width of a single bottom protrusion26. In this aspect, the center sub-group of top protrusions24may be interpreted as overlapping the center bottom protrusion26.

In the arrangement shown inFIG. 7, some of the top protrusions24(the protrusions24in the top and bottom rows) are arranged such that they do no overlap any bottom protrusions26. However, in another aspect, additional bottom protrusions26may be provided and the pattern may extend outward such that the outer-most top protrusions24at least partially overlap one or more bottom protrusions26. Alternatively, the pattern of the top protrusions24may be altered such that the top protrusions24of the illustrated example overlap the bottom protrusions26. In another aspect, the illustrated spacing of the top protrusions24and bottom protrusions26may be considered as a sub-unit, and the entire sub-unit, including the non-overlapping protrusions, may itself be arrayed across a surface.

In one aspect, the protrusions20(whether top or bottom) may be provided positively or negatively in the material of the lens body12. When the protrusion20is provided positively, material of the lens10extends outward from the surface of the lens body12. When the protrusion is provided negatively, the shape of the protrusion is “removed” below the surface of the lens body12. Put another way, the protrusion20is in the form of a recess or cavity in the surface when it is negative. Reference to removed need not require actual removal of material, as such a recess or cavity may be defined by a projection in a mold or the like.

The pattern of protrusions20across the top surface14or bottom surface16may be the same type (positive/negative), or may change at different locations on the surface to define the microtexture18. For example, on the top surface14, all of the protrusions24may be positive and may therefore be in the form of material that projects outwardly from the surface14. On the bottom surface16, all of the protrusions26may be negative, and the cavity or recess defined by the protrusions will extend or project inwardly into the bottom surface16to define a pattern of recesses of cavities that are shaped as desired. Examples of such an arrangement are shown inFIGS. 1, 3-5, and 6-9.

In another aspect, on the top surface14, some of the protrusions24may be positive, and some of the protrusions24may be negative. Similarly, the bottom surface16may have both positive and negative protrusions26. In the case of both positive and negative protrusions, the resulting microtextured surface may still provide for the desired graphical representation. It will be appreciated that various positive/negative combinations, both on the same sides and opposite sides of the same decorative component or different decorative components, may be used, along with the variety of shapes and layouts to provide for a virtually endless range of design options.

In one aspect, the top protrusions24and bottom protrusions26may all be positive. An example of such an arrangement is shown inFIG. 2A. In another aspect, all of the top protrusions24and bottom protrusions26may be negative. In another aspect, the top protrusions24and bottom protrusions26may include both the positive and negative form, as illustrated inFIG. 2B.

In the case of negative protrusions20being disposed on one of the surfaces of the lens body12, the depth of the negative protrusions20is less than the thickness of the lens body12. In the case of negative protrusions20on both sides of the lens body12, the combined depth of the protrusions20is preferably less than the thickness of the lens body12, such that overlapping protrusions20do not intersect and define a hole extending through the lens body12, unless a hole or passthrough is desirable. In another aspect, the depth of negative protrusions20may be more than half of the thickness, with overlapping negative protrusions20being less than half of the thickness, at least in the area of the overlap. For example, pyramids may be slightly offset and each be more than half the thickness of the lens body12without the protrusions20intersecting each other. In another aspect, the alignment of the negative protrusions20on both sides of the lens body12is such that they do not overlap, and in such case the depth of the negative protrusions20may be increased.

In one aspect, the lens10is a single solid piece of material, with the microtexture18on the top surface14and bottom surface16provided via a molding process. A mold may be provided that includes the opposite of the feature to be created on the respective surface. For example, if the top surface14includes top protrusions24that are all positive, then the mold may include a plurality of recesses or cavities on the side of the mold that creates the top surface14. The opposite arrangement may be used to define negative protrusions20. The material of the lens may be a clear or translucent plastic resin or other clear or translucent material. In one aspect the lens10may be formed of glass. In one aspect, the lens10may be machined or etched from a blank to define the microtexture18.

In another aspect, the top surface14and the bottom surface16may be separate pieces that are joined together. In one aspect, a layer of material may define the top surface14and may include projections or recesses to define the positive or negative top protrusions24. Similarly, a layer of material may be used for the bottom surface, with recesses or projections extending from the bottom surface16to define the bottom protrusions26. In this aspect, the thickness of the material of each side is preferably greater than the maximum depth of any recesses that are used to define the microtexture18on each particular side. The thicknesses of the surfaces14and16can be the same, or they can be different. The inner surfaces of each of the pieces may be substantially flat, planar, or correspondingly curved (convex+concave) such that the pieces may mate together.

In another aspect, the top and bottom surfaces14and16may be separate pieces, and may have a generally constant thickness. Accordingly, a positive or negative protrusion20may have a corresponding opposite shape on the opposite side of the surface14,16. In this aspect, the top surface14and the bottom surface16may be joined together and may include a spacer material or the like inserted therebetween, to account for negative protrusions that project inwardly.

The lens10may function to provide the graphical representation using only ambient light, such that daylight or lights provided separate from the lens10(such as headlights of other vehicles or environmental lights sources), may shine through the lens10and may create the graphical representation having the desired depth and appearance that is provided by the microtexture on both surfaces14,16of the lens10.

Accordingly, the microtexture18described herein may provide for this enhanced aesthetic feature with various types of light being provided from the exterior of the vehicle. However, additional light sources, including light sources dedicated to the lens or intended for use to illuminate the lens and the graphical feature may also be provided.

In one aspect, the lens10may be provided along with a reflective backing panel30, as illustrated inFIG. 2A. The reflective backing panel30may have a shape that corresponds to the shape of the lens10, or the panel30may have a different shape. In one aspect, the reflective panel30may have a shape that corresponds to the overall profile of the graphical feature that is created by the microtexture18. The reflective panel30may be made of metal, plated plastic, PVD coated plastic, or the like. The reflective panel30may be used with a lens10having no additional or dedicated light source, and the reflective panel30may also be used along with a lens10and an associated light source.

In one aspect, the lens10include a light source40. The light source40may be disposed between the lens10and the reflective panel30. Alternatively, the light source40may be disposed at the side of the lens10. The light source40may be an LED or the like, and may be configured to transmit light through the lens10to illuminate the graphical feature defined by the microtexture18. When activated, the light from the light source40may reflect off of the reflective panel and propagate through the light transmissive material of the lens10, such that the features of the microtexture18become illuminated and accentuated.

The light source40may be in the form of a static illumination or it may include dynamic illumination. For example, the light source40may be activated and may provide a single fixed intensity illumination. Alternatively, the light source40may have multiple illumination modes, such that the light source may illuminate different colors, and may include a pulsed or flashing illumination feature. The use of the light source40may be beneficial for activating or illuminating the microtexture18and the resulting graphical representation in situations where ambient light is limited.

In one aspect, the light source40may be activated and/or adjusted automatically by a controller in response to detected conditions, such as a vehicle controller detecting vehicle or environment states. For example, the light source40may be activated or adjusted based on vehicle speed, driving mode, or ambient light. For example, when dark, the light source40may be activated automatically. In another example, lighting of the lens10may activated by vehicle braking. The lens10may be illuminated in accordance with other vehicle lighting, such as normal use headlights, high beams, interior lights, brake lights, reverse lights, etc.

In another aspect, the light source40may be activated and/or adjusted based on inputs by a user/operator, such as a vehicle driver or passenger in the case of a vehicle. For example, in response to a desire to activate the decorative component, the driver may turn on the feature, but may turn it off even in dark conditions if desired.

In one aspect, the light source40may be multiple light sources, which may each be activated independently to activate or intensify selected portions of the lens10. For example, light sources40may be positioned at a central location as well as surrounding locations, and the central light source40could be activated separate from the surrounding light sources to selectively illuminate surrounding decorative features, patterns, logos, or the like.

With reference toFIG. 2A, a controller60is shown in operative communication with the light source40, which may be interpreted to represent multiple light sources40. The controller60is shown in operative communication with a plurality of sensors62a,62b,62c, etc., which may be interpreted to represent any number of sensors configured to detect various vehicle conditions, such as speed, braking, ambient light, manual user activation, and/or the like.

In another aspect, an additional graphic design50may be included along with the design or pattern provided by the microtexture18. For example, a logo related to the vehicle or the graphical design of the microtexture may be included on the lens10. This additional graphic design may be referred to as a printed feature50, to distinguish this design from the shape or design created by the microtexture18. For example, the microtexture18may define a shape having a border that defines the profile of a logo, other design, or the like. The printed feature may correspond to that shape of the microtexture or may complement the shape of the microtexture. It will be appreciated that the printed feature50can be provided in different manners and not necessarily via a printing method. The printed feature50may be etched, molded, or the like.

In one aspect, the printed feature50may be applied to an exterior surface of the lens10. In another aspect, the printed feature50may be applied to an interior surface of the lens10. Because the lens10is generally transparent or translucent (light transmissive), the printed feature50may be viewable through the lens10, even when provided on the interior surface of the lens10.

According to still another aspect of the disclosure, the lens10may include a coating52over the exterior surface. The coating52may provide a variety of different appearances. For example, it may be clear or tinted. It will also be appreciated that the coating52can serve a variety of purposes, including for decoration, uv protection, weathering protection, and mar and wear resistance. It will be appreciated that the coating52may be a topcoat. In one aspect, the coating52is a hardcoat. The coating52may alternatively be placed on the interior surface of the lens. It will further be appreciated that the coating52can have a variety of different appearances and colors and can served a variety of different purposes. The printed feature50may be provided with shading or the like to make the printed feature appear to be projecting from the surface or recessed in the surface of the lens10.

The printed feature50may be provided at a uniform depth, or the printed feature50may be provided at multiple depths within the lens10to add further complexity if desired by the designer. In another aspect, a laser, such as a femtosecond laser, may be used with the lens10to generate a molded texture or graphic design that incorporates color into the design.FIG. 10illustrates one example of the printed feature50that is disposed on the lens10, along with the microtexture18and protrusions20previously described. it will be appreciated that the printed feature50illustrated inFIG. 10represents the various types and positions of the printed feature50described herein, such as projected structure, recessed structure, printed graphics, etching, topcoats, etc. on either the top surface, bottom surface, or within the lens10.