Patent Description:
The disclosed embodiments relate generally to the field of automotive exteriors. More specifically, the field of automobile lighting and/or fascia systems and arrangements.

Vehicle exteriors often include both functional and ornamental features. With respect to lighting, some lighting arrangements are primarily functional, e.g., headlights and signal lights. These features, however, can also include ornamental aspects, e.g., may be designed for appealing appearance in addition to performance.

Other exterior features unrelated to lighting, e.g., fascias, can be decorated ornamentally, or designed to conform to an overall vehicle appearance, or to accomplish aerodynamic schemes. Most commonly, fascia panels are implemented into the front and rear of a vehicle. The facias can be incorporated at, e.g., the vehicle's headlamp area, grill, bumper, side paneling, into or near a taillight arrangement, as well as other locations. <CIT> discloses a decorative panel for a vehicle front or rear side comprising a light source and a transparent lens, the lens having an inner surface including decorative inserts and an outer surface, which in an embodiment may have a protective coating. <CIT> discloses a high contrast lamp for a vehicle comprising a light source and two lenses, each lens having a transparent lens layer and a shaped colored lens layer.

Other aspects and advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures.

A vehicle fascia lamp unit according to the present invention is the subject-matter of claim <NUM>. The unit has a light source; a first inner lens spaced away from and in front of and receiving light from the light source; a second outer lens spaced apart from the first inner lens, and receiving light transmitted through the first lens, and then directing the light out of the fascia lamp; an inner surface of the first lens, the inner surface of the first lens facing the light source, the inner surface including an occluding material deposit on a first portion of the inner surface, the inner surface of the first lens also having a translucent material deposit, the translucent material deposit being at distinct location relative to the occluding material deposit on the inner surface of the first lens; an outer surface of the first lens, the outer surface of the first lens including an first light modifying material deposit at an outer surface location; the second outer lens having an inner surface, the inner surface of the second outer lens having a plurality of material deposits, each deposit in the plurality having a different light-modifying characteristic than the other material deposits of the plurality of material deposits areas on the outer lens; an outer side of the second outer lens, the outer side of the second outer lens having a plurality of material deposits, each material deposit area in the plurality of deposits on the outer side of the second lens having a different light-modifying characteristic than the other material deposits areas in the plurality; and a light output transmitted from the second outer lens into an environment outside a vehicle, the light output achieving an ornamental effect. In some embodiments the material deposits are an ink or paint.

In some embodiments, the translucent material deposit on the inner surface of the first lens is located inside the occluding material deposit on the inner surface of the first lens, the occluding deposited material forming bands above and below the translucent material on the inner surface of the first lens. In other embodiments the outer surface of the first lens includes a second light-modifying material deposit. In still further embodiments, the outer surface of the first lens includes a third light-modifying material deposit. In other embodiments, the first light-modifying material deposit on the outer surface of the first lens includes second and third light-modifying material deposits.

In some versions, the unit is configured for installation into a pocket created in a vehicle exterior configuration, e.g., displays a three-dimensional optionally multicolor rendering including indicia.

The unit can include LEDs aligned in the direction in which the deposits are extending. In embodiments, the LEDs are aligned along an edge of a light guide, and the light guide is backed with reflective material directing light through the first and second lenses. Alternatively, the LEDs are directed into a reflector to indirectly cause light to illuminate through the first and second lenses. In another embodiment, the plurality of LEDs are oriented into a plurality of rows behind the first and second lenses to directly cause light to illuminate through the first and second lenses.

In a non-claimed example, a vehicle light is disclosed that has a light source configured to emit light in an outward direction; a first lens configured to modify at least some of the light emitted from the source using a first light-modifying substance applied at a location on an inner or an outer surface of the first lens, the first light-modifying substance covering at least a portion of the first lens; and a second lens, the second lens being configured to modify at least some of the light emitted from the source using one of: (i) the first light-modifying substance, and (ii) a different light-modifying substance applied onto a location on an inner or an outer side of the second lens, the second light-modifying substance covering at least a portion of the second lens. The first light-modifying substance can be an ink, printed matter, or a coating. Further, the light-modifying substance applied onto the location on the second lens can be comprised of a different substance (e.g., ink or printed matter), and the light is incorporated into a vehicle exterior design.

Other non-claimed examples regard a lens arrangement for a vehicle light. The arrangement has: a first lens including a printed ink material on at least one of inner and outer surfaces of the first lens; a second lens spaced outward from the first lens, the second lens including printed ink material on at least one of inner and outer surfaces of the second lens; and the lens arrangement configured to create a three-dimensional effect.

Illustrative embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which are incorporated by reference herein and wherein:.

The drawing figures do not limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the invention.

Embodiments provide systems including a multi-lens lighting arrangement for vehicles used as a part of or as a replacement for a fascia.

The following detailed description references the accompanying drawings that illustrate specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the invention is defined only by the appended claims.

In this description, references to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or "embodiments" mean that the feature or features being referred to are included in at least one embodiment of the technology. Separate references to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or "embodiments" in this description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and are also not mutually exclusive unless so stated and/or except as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. For example, a feature, structure, act, etc. described in one embodiment may also be included in other embodiments, but is not necessarily included. Thus, the technology can include a variety of combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments described herein.

An embodiment <NUM> shown in <FIG> includes a vehicle <NUM>. The vehicle includes a passenger-side fascia section <NUM>, a center fascia section <NUM>, and a driver's-side facia section <NUM>. In the disclosed embodiment, each of sections <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> includes a first passenger-side module <NUM>, a second central module <NUM>, and a third drivers-side module <NUM>, respectively. It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered as limiting unless claimed. Those skilled in the art will recognize that broad concepts have and will be disclosed herein which could be embodied in numerous arrangements not shown.

Whereas <FIG> shows these modules as they appear when installed, and <FIG> shows the vehicle in a state where the modules are pulled out to reveal the pockets they are received into, e.g., pockets <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

In the disclosed embodiments, all of modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> include top surfaces, side surfaces, and bottom surfaces. For example, looking at center module <NUM> in <FIG>, in which it is removed, it can be seen that the module has upper housing wall <NUM>, side walls <NUM> and <NUM>, and a bottom wall <NUM> (not shown).

More details regarding the upper and bottom housing walls <NUM> and <NUM> can be seen in the cross section of <FIG>. A plurality of LED packages <NUM> which provide light to the system can also be seen.

Referring to <FIG>, it can be seen that these LEDs <NUM> are incorporated into a system <NUM>. The light source <NUM> includes a PCB <NUM> onto which each of the in-line LEDs <NUM> (see <FIG>) would go in and out of the page, and cannot all be seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, are mounted, controlled, and powered using known technologies. The light is extracted from the LED packages <NUM> (see also <FIG>) into an edge <NUM> of a light guide plate <NUM>. Reflective ink deposits <NUM> applied to the back of the light guide plate <NUM> (facing a first open space <NUM>) serve to direct the light forward across an open chamber <NUM>, into a first lens <NUM>, then through a second open space <NUM>, and then through a second lens <NUM> before leaving the housing.

As can be seen in the cross-section of <FIG>, the inner and outer surfaces of the first lens <NUM> and second lens <NUM> have been modified by adding a paint or an ink in different locations, optionally on both sides. In embodiments, some of the light emitted from the source <NUM> is occluded or otherwise modified using a light-modifying substance applied in different locations on an inner and outer surfaces of each of the first and second lenses <NUM> and <NUM>.

With respect to the first lens <NUM>, the inner surface includes four areas onto which an ink or paint has been added. For example, in area <NUM> an opaque ink layer has been added for the purpose of blocking the emission of light therethrough. Immediately below that, in an area <NUM>, a translucent ink has been added to modify the light, e.g., creating a desired color, decorative depiction, or other effect. A next area down <NUM> shows a lighter translucent ink with a color different than the one used in area <NUM>. Immediately below that, area <NUM>, in the <FIG> embodiment, is, like area <NUM>, opaque, thus blocking light. The upper and lower opaque coatings <NUM> and <NUM> limit the light such that only the translucent colored/inked areas <NUM> and <NUM> allow for the passage of light. Although not evident from <FIG>, each coated area (of areas <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) extends into and out of the page in a uniform horizontal fashion, thus creating decorative indicia, rearward patterns supporting a three-dimensional design, or other configurations of diverse paints at different levels of the lens <NUM>.

On the other (outer) side of the first lens <NUM>, paints/inks have been applied to an area <NUM> as well as areas <NUM> and <NUM> in order to create (in combination of the coatings applied to the inner side, a three-dimensional effect when the device is illuminated, or not illuminated (e.g., in sunlight). Again here, although not evident from <FIG>, each coated area (of areas <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>) extends into and out of the page in a uniform horizontal fashion, thus creating areas (e.g., bands or other shapes) of diversely deposited materials, e.g., paints at different levels of the lens <NUM>.

Across the second gap/chamber <NUM>, the second outer lens <NUM> includes three similar application areas <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, each including a similar kind of paint (alternatively ink). Although these areas, in the disclosed embodiment, are identical or substantially similar coated stripes, those skilled in the art will recognize that each of areas <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> could be painted differently depending on the desired effect. In the disclosed embodiment, the different areas have been made coated at different locations for the purpose of providing a three-dimensional layered effect, and colored appearance when being illuminated, or when not illuminated. On the outer side of lens <NUM>, in the disclosed embodiments, three areas having different paint applications <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> have been deposited, and these painted areas are spaced apart by again, differently painted areas <NUM> and <NUM>. As can be seen in the <FIG> cross section, material deposition areas <NUM> and <NUM> are relatively short, and thus, serve to form curved bands which can be seen longitudinally in <FIG>. Deposition area <NUM> forms a larger central curved band as can be seen in <FIG> also shows that the uppermost and lowest material deposition areas <NUM> and <NUM> are used to create an illuminated different colored backing for the image represented by material deposition areas <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

The deposited material areas (painted/printed/coated) <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> exist immediately underneath a transparent covering (or lens) <NUM>. Because of this, the areas <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> can be seen in <FIG> and <FIG>. The LEDs <NUM> for the <FIG> version are also shown in <FIG> for the purpose of showing locations along the length, but have been brought out of the background because they would not be seen in the disclosed embodiment.

It should be noted, that any of areas <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> could each include any variety or combination of ink, coatings, etc. of any light modifying characteristic for the purpose of creating any three-dimensional or other desired effect. One example of a three-dimensional effect which might be advantageously created is that of a three-dimensional rendering of a logo complete with colors, graphics, indicia, and other matter. Numerous other graphics could, of course, be implemented using the systems and methods described herein.

The embodiment of a sine-wave configuration disclosed in <FIG> is only an example of a graphical effect, thus should not be considered limiting. It should also be understood that because of the various material depositions made on the first and second lenses <NUM> and <NUM> behind these foremost material deposition areas <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, a sense of depth is given to the graphic, and a three-dimensional display can be created in embodiments.

<FIG> discloses an alternative arrangement wherein a system of multi-layer lenses are subjected to indirect lighting. More specifically, referring to <FIG>, it can be seen that a pair of LED rows, including upper row <NUM> and lower row <NUM>, again, going into and out of the page, initially direct light into a reflector <NUM>. Reflector <NUM> then directs light into a pair of lenses (in this embodiment a first lens <NUM>, and a second lens <NUM>) before leaving the housing.

With the <FIG> embodiment, like with the <FIG> embodiment, the inner and outer surfaces of the first lens <NUM> and second lens <NUM> have been modified by depositing a material, e.g., adding a paint, coatings, or an ink in different locations, optionally on both sides. More specifically, the lenses <NUM> and <NUM> have been inked, painted, coated, or otherwise modified in a plurality of areas, e.g., areas <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, <NUM> existing on both the inside and outside of the lenses.

More specifically, the first lens <NUM> has an inner surface that includes four areas onto which an ink, paint, or other optically active material has been added. For example, in area <NUM> an opaque ink layer has been added for the purpose of blocking the emission of light therethrough. Immediately below that, in an area <NUM>, a translucent ink has been added to modify the light, e.g., creating a desired color, decorative depiction, or other effect. A next area down <NUM> shows a lighter translucent ink with a color different than the one used in area <NUM>. Immediately below that, an area <NUM>, in the <FIG> embodiment is also opaque like area <NUM>. Those skilled in the art will recognize that in embodiments, areas <NUM> and <NUM> may also be made reflective to increase light emission efficiency into the parabolic reflector <NUM>. The opaque upper and lower coatings <NUM> and <NUM>, because they block the light emitted, only allow light through the central horizontal band <NUM>. Thus, only the translucent colored/inked area <NUM> allows for the passage of light. Although not evident from <FIG>, each coated area (of occluded areas <NUM> and <NUM>, and the translucent slit <NUM>) extends into and out of the page in a uniform horizontal fashion, thus creating a single colored band of light passage at a vertical center (as seen in cross section) of the first lens <NUM>.

On the other (outer) side of the first lens <NUM>, paints/inks have been applied to areas <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> in order to create (in combination with the blocking coatings <NUM> and <NUM>, and the translucent slit <NUM> applied to the inner side), a three-dimensional effect when the device is illuminated, or not illuminated (e.g., in sunlight). Again here, although not evident from <FIG>, each coated area (of areas <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>) extends into and out of the page in a uniform horizontal fashion, thus creating bands of diverse paints at different levels of the first lens <NUM>.

Across the second gap/chamber <NUM>, the second outer lens <NUM> includes three similar inside application areas <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, each including a similar kind of paint (alternatively ink). Bands <NUM> and <NUM> are separated by a differently painted upper band <NUM>, and bands <NUM> and <NUM> are separated by a lower horizontal gap <NUM>. Although these application areas <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, in the disclosed embodiment, are identical or substantially similar coated stripes, those skilled in the art will recognize that each of areas <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> could be painted differently depending on the desired effect. In the disclosed embodiment, the different areas have been made coated at different locations for the purpose of providing a three-dimensional layered effect, and colored appearance when being illuminated, or when not illuminated. On the outer side of lens <NUM>, in the disclosed embodiments, three areas having different paint applications <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> have been deposited, and these painted areas are spaced apart by differently painted areas <NUM> and <NUM>.

It should be noted, that any of areas <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> could each include any variety or combination of ink, coatings, etc. of any light modifying characteristic for the purpose of creating any three-dimensional or other desired effect. One example of a three-dimensional effect which might be advantageously created is that of a three-dimensional rendering of a logo complete with colors, graphics, indicia, and other matter.

<FIG> discloses an alternative arrangement wherein a system <NUM> includes multi-layer lenses <NUM> and <NUM> that are subjected to direct lighting by three horizontally-extending LED rows <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> mounted on a common PCB <NUM>. The rows are arranged to emit in a forward direction to illuminate lenses <NUM> and <NUM>. The <FIG> embodiment includes substantially the same lens arrangement disclosed in <FIG>.

Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the scope of what is claimed herein. Embodiments have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from what is claimed.

Claim 1:
A vehicle fascia lamp unit, said vehicle fascia lamp comprising:
a light source (<NUM>);
a first inner lens (<NUM>) spaced away from and in front of and receiving light from the light source;
a second outer lens (<NUM>) spaced apart from the first inner lens, and receiving light transmitted through the first lens, and then directing the light out of the fascia lamp;
an inner surface of the first lens (<NUM>), the inner surface of the first lens facing the light source (<NUM>), the inner surface including an occluding material deposit (<NUM>, <NUM>) on a first portion of the inner surface, the inner surface of the first lens also having a translucent material deposit (<NUM>, <NUM>), the translucent material deposit being at a location distinct from the occluding material deposit on the inner surface of the first lens;
an outer surface of the first lens (<NUM>), the outer surface of the first lens including a first light modifying material deposit (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) at an outer surface location;
the second outer lens (<NUM>) having an inner surface, the inner surface of the second outer lens having a plurality of material deposits (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), each deposit in the plurality having a different light-modifying characteristic than the other material deposits of the plurality of material deposits on the second outer lens;
an outer side of the second outer lens (<NUM>), the outer side of the second outer lens having a plurality of material deposits (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), each material deposit area in the plurality of deposits on the outer side of the second lens having a different light-modifying characteristic than the other material deposits areas in the plurality; and
a light output transmitted from the second outer lens into an environment outside the vehicle, the light output achieving an ornamental effect.