Patent ID: 12258076

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The transparent spoiler according to the disclosure herein provides a vehicle with the intended aesthetic appearance while also reducing drag when the vehicle is moving in forward motion. More particularly, the transparent spoiler according to the disclosure herein includes a first portion having a first visual characteristic and a second portion having a second visual characteristic. The second visual characteristic provides greater visibility through the second portion than through the first portion such as, for example, by being transparent or partially transparent in parts. The transparent spoiler disclosed herein offers additional benefits over an extended spoiler because it allows a cleaner aesthetic appearance and improved rear visibility when the vehicle is being driven in reverse.

Referring toFIG.1, a transparent spoiler according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is shown generally by reference numeral10. The spoiler10is attached to a vehicle V at a rearward edge of a roof panel20above the rear windshield22. The spoiler10includes a first portion12proximal the roof panel20similar to a conventional spoiler. In addition, however, the spoiler10includes a second portion14extending outwards from the first portion12. The first and second spoiler portions12,14each include a center spoiler section and side spoiler sections such that the spoiler10extends across the entirety of the rear windshield22. In the exemplary embodiment, the first portion12is formed with a first visual characteristic, such as an opaque material that may be colored to match the body color of the vehicle, or may be black, depending on the desired styling. The second portion14is formed with a second visual characteristic, such as a generally transparent material that may be clear or tinted while still allowing at least partial visibility therethrough. As a result, the second portion14has a greater visibility therethrough than the first portion12of the spoiler10. Moreover, because the second portion14is generally transparent it does not significantly detract from rear visibility or the desired styling appeal of the vehicle V. The transition from the opaque first portion12to the generally transparent second portion14is illustrated in the first exemplary embodiment as being smoothly blended to gradually diffuse from one portion to the other portion, with at least the trailing edge of second portion14being transparent.

FIG.2illustrates a modified exemplary embodiment of a spoiler10′ in that the configuration of the first portion12′ is changed by the increased angle of the sides16′ of the first portion12′ relative to the line of the top roof panel20. More particularly, first portion12′ has an increased angle θ2and an increased length L2relative to the embodiment ofFIG.1. In this instance, the opaque portion12′ of the spoiler10′ will have a larger area, but the transparent portion14′ will still extend from the opaque portion12′, with at least the trailing edge of second portion14′ being transparent.

By way of further example, the modified embodiment shown inFIG.3includes a first portion12″ extended from where the spoiler10″ meets the roof panel20to the terminal end24of the spoiler10″. The second portion14″ extends from the first portion12″ and provides the second visual characteristic, i.e., transparency, which assists in minimizing the loss of styling appeal and rear visibility. In addition, the transition from first portion12″ to second portion14″ is illustrated in the modified exemplary embodiment as being a sharp transition from one portion to the other portion. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, a sharp transition or a more gradual transition provide a vast array of styling options that can be used depending upon the desired appearance of the vehicle.

In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG.1, the first portion12has a length Lla of approximately 100-200 mm from the roof panel20and forms an angle θ1of approximately 5-70 degrees with a line tangent to a top surface of the spoiler10. The second portion14has a length L1bof approximately 50-400 mm. In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG.2, the first portion12′ has a length L2aof approximately 50-250 mm from the roof panel20and forms an angle θ2of approximately 70-120 degrees with a line tangent to a top surface of the spoiler10′. The second portion14′ has a length L2bof approximately 50-400 mm. In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG.3, the first portion12″ has a length L3of approximately 150-500 mm from the roof panel20and forms an angle θ3of approximately 10-60 degrees with a line tangent to a top surface of the spoiler10″. These lengths and angles are merely examples and other lengths and angles can of course be used within the scope of the disclosure here depending upon the styling, aesthetic appearance, and rear visual range desired for the vehicle, further examples of which are described below.

The transparent spoiler10,10′,10″ according to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are formed from a plastic material such as, by way of example, polycarbonate. Other materials that could also be used include acrylic or laminated glass. The first portion12,12′,12″ and the second portion14,14′,14″ are integrally formed from the same material in the exemplary embodiments shown herein, but one skilled in the art will recognize that different materials could also be used

A second exemplary embodiment of a transparent spoiler according to the disclosure herein is shown generally by reference number100inFIG.4. Spoiler100demonstrates that a gradual or sharp change is color is not the only means to obtain the first and second visual characteristics. That is, a similar effect can be achieved through a repetitive or non-repetitive geometry varying in size and density, which can be body color or black or otherwise colored. Spoiler100includes a first portion120having a first visual characteristic defined by a generally opaque surface. Spoiler100also includes a second portion140have a second visual characteristic defined by a plurality of geometric shapes160. The geometric shapes160are larger and more densely arranged closer to the transition from the first portion120, become smaller and less densely arranged approaching the free edge180, and are eliminated completely closer to the free edge180of the second portion to provide an unobscured visual field through the end of the second portion140. The quantity, size and location of the various geometric shapes are all variable, however, and may be adjusted depending upon the styling and rear visibility desired for the vehicle. Hence, the shapes and disposition of the geometries160shown inFIG.4are merely examples and the disclosure is not limited thereto. Similarly, the first portion120may comprise a plurality of geometric shapes rather than a solid opaque surface. Still further, the geometric shapes160may be configured to represent a logo, slogan, picture, or other decorative feature.

Thus, according to the disclosure herein, the rear upper spoiler transitions from an opaque portion outside of the field of view of the rear window to a clear/transparent portion that extends into the field of view of the rear window, with variations on the location of the opaque or pigmented regions and opaque or pigmented geometries being possible based upon the desire vehicle styling.

A third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure provides for the addition of lighting to illuminate the transparent spoiler. Referring toFIG.5, spoiler200includes a first portion212having a first visual characteristic and a second portion214having a second visual characteristic, as discussed above with respect to earlier embodiments. However, transparent spoiler200further includes an illuminated pattern260provided by lighting elements such as LEDs or the like, as discussed further below. The illuminated shape, density, and/or size of the pattern260can be used, for instance, to complement the lighting system of the vehicle, create a styling signature for the vehicle, differentiate between a variety of trim packages on the vehicle or personalized to the specific demands of customer. By way of example, the generally circular elements in the illuminated pattern260could be squares, diamonds, or other geometric shapes.

Referring also toFIGS.6-8, the transparent spoiler300includes a first portion312having a first visual characteristic and a second portion314having a second visual characteristic, as discussed above with respect to earlier embodiments. In addition, transparent spoiler300further includes an illuminated pattern provided by lighting elements such as, fiber optic lights, LEDs or the like, as discussed further below. The illuminated pattern is used to complement the lighting system of the vehicle by providing, by way of example, a third brake light also known as center high mount stop light and/or left and right turn signals. More particularly, the center section319of the second portion314of spoiler300includes a first pattern360configured to be illuminated when the brake lights362of the vehicle are actuated, as shown inFIG.6. In this mode of operation, the first pattern360is also configured to be illuminated in red in order to correspond to the conventional braking light system on a vehicle. Referring also toFIG.7, the opposing side sections318of the second portion314of spoiler300includes a second pattern364aor364bconfigured to be illuminated when the right or left turn signal light366of the vehicle is actuated, respectively. Although both side patterns364aand364bare illustrated as being illuminated simultaneously inFIG.7, it is understood that generally only one or the other will be illuminated depending upon which turn signal366is being actuated. In this mode of operation, the second pattern364a,364bis also configured to be illuminated in yellow in order to correspond to the conventional turn signal lighting system on a vehicle, but other colors could of course also be implemented. Further still, with reference toFIG.8, both the center section319and opposing side sections318of the second portion314are configured to be illuminated in a third pattern of illumination368when the reverse lights370on the vehicle are actuated. In this configuration, the third pattern of illumination368provides illumination extending across a substantial portion of the spoiler300including the center section319and the opposing side sections318. The third pattern368is also configured to be illuminated in white in order to correspond to the conventional reverse lighting system on a vehicle, but other colors could of course also be implemented.

WhileFIGS.6-8illustrate various illumination patterns that can be provided on the rear spoiler300, the number of illumination points and the size and shape thereof can of course be varied depending upon the desired styling and rear visibility for the vehicle.

Referring toFIG.9, a rear brake light assembly372, such as a center high mounted stop light, is mounted beneath the spoiler and more particularly, it is disposed rearward of at least a portion of the second portion314′ of the spoiler such that light emitted from the light source374is visible through a transparent area of second portion314′. Light source374can include fiber optic lighting, LED lighting or other known lighting elements. In this exemplary embodiment, the rear brake light374can be seen from behind the vehicle through the second portion314″ and thus provides increased visibility to another driver or person located behind the vehicle. In addition, the line of sight for the driver along Line A is improved by having a transparent second portion314′ of the spoiler. That is, the rear look up angle when the driver turns to look behind the vehicle through the rear window22will be increased by the driver being able to look through the transparent portion314′ of the spoiler. The trailing distance line shown by Line B is also improved, corresponding to what the driver will see when looking into rear view mirror.

FIG.10illustrates a further exemplary embodiment of the disclosure and the use of lighting in connection with a spoiler having a second portion314″ with a degree of transparency. In this embodiment, a lighting element378, such as an LED bulb for example, is disposed within a light holder376. The underside of the second portion314″ of the spoiler, that is, the side facing towards the rear window of the vehicle, is provided with etching marks380which reflect the light from the lighting element378. Hence, any desired lighting pattern can be created through the use of reflected light on etched portions380of the spoiler portion314″, such as, by way of example, the braking and turn signal lights discussed above.

While various embodiments of the disclosure have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.