CA2107297A1 - Electroluminescent lamp encapsulated in a heat set molding - Google Patents
Electroluminescent lamp encapsulated in a heat set moldingInfo
- Publication number
- CA2107297A1 CA2107297A1 CA 2107297 CA2107297A CA2107297A1 CA 2107297 A1 CA2107297 A1 CA 2107297A1 CA 2107297 CA2107297 CA 2107297 CA 2107297 A CA2107297 A CA 2107297A CA 2107297 A1 CA2107297 A1 CA 2107297A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- trim strip
- mold
- heat settable
- electroluminescent lamp
- settable material
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An apparatus and method of manufacturing a trim strip having an encapsulated electroluminescent lamp contained within a heat set molding.
The trim strip may include a first and second heat settable layer molding bonded to a base with an adhesive attaching member. The method includes disposing an electroluminescent lamp within a molding, adding a desired amount of heat settable material and heating the mold to form a trim strip.
An apparatus and method of manufacturing a trim strip having an encapsulated electroluminescent lamp contained within a heat set molding.
The trim strip may include a first and second heat settable layer molding bonded to a base with an adhesive attaching member. The method includes disposing an electroluminescent lamp within a molding, adding a desired amount of heat settable material and heating the mold to form a trim strip.
Description
-` 2~72~7 Attorney Docket No. 1966 00156 ELECTROLUMINESCENT iLAMP ENCAPSULATED IN A HEAT SET MOLD -BACKaF~OUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to trim strips or molding and, mors particularly, to a trim strip or molding manufactured by a molding process which encapsulates an e!ectroluminascent lamp to provide a lighted trim strip or molding.
In commonly known injection molding operations, ~enerally the molds or dies utilized in the operation are very heavy, sturdy and durable. This is due to the fact that the material injected into th0 molds or dies is at ~levatedtemperature and pressure. Thus, the molds must be very strong and durable to endure the increased temperature and pressure which also explains their :
hlgh cost.
During the manufacturing of trim strips or molding, especially trim strips for vehicles, which utllize adhesive strips to position the trlm strips onto thevehicle, a prlmer or barrier must be posHioned between the outer plastic molding and th3 adhesive tape. The barrier is needed to prevent eventual mlgration of plasticizer from the molding to the adhesive tape which would, in time, destroy th0 bond of the adhesive tape to the molding. Thus, a very thin film of aluminum or the like Includlng chemlcai barrier coatings have been utilized to prevent migration of plasticizer to the adhesive tape.
Another problem associated with trlm strips which have been extruded or in]ection molded is known as metallic flop. Metallic nOp ls a phenomena which occurs during the extrusion or injection molding process which provides the trim strip with unidirectional characteristics. That is, the trim strip may only , , .
~ 729~
Attorney Docket No. 1966-00156 be positioned onto a surface in one direction to provide desired color characteristics. H the trim strip is applied to the vehicla in a reverse direction, the color characteristics of the material are different, e.g., the color of the strip does not match the color of the surface, indicating tha~ the material has been flopped. Particularly, H two parts are laid side by side in the same orientationwhich they came out of a mold or extruder, that is their forward ends are positioned side by side and their rearward ends are positioned side by side, there would be no apparent difference in color between the two. However, if one of the strips were to be flipped such that the rearward end of one strip was positioned side by side the forward end of the other strip there would be a noticeable difference In color between the two parts. rnis is known as metallic flop. To alleviate the metallic flop problem, the trim strips are marked as they leave the factory to indicate which direction they should be applied onto the surface.
Another problem existing in current trim strip manufacturing is that wHh respect to coloring the trim strip. Since the color formulation of the plastic to manufacture the trim strip is ordinarily color checked in small quantities in a research laboratory by a researcher utilizing dfflerent apparatus than is utilized , in the production of the trim strips, there sometimes is a dfflerence in color.
Thls coloring difference is generally due to the fact that the apparatus or ~, machinery used to produce the color of the plastic of the trim stri,~ in the Iaboratory is dfflerent ~han the machinery utilized for mass production of trim strips. Thus, once production trim strips are manufactured, if the color does ;!l not match the vehicle color, the color formulation of the trim strip must be .1 2 ,~
, ,, - 2~7~,~7 Attorney Dock~t No. 1966-90156 modified so that the production machinery will produce the desired color appearance.
Current trim strips are molded or shaped and then undergo additional processing to apply the adhesive tape and then trim the tape. These operations add to the total manufacturing cost of the molding.
Additionally, lighting arrangements, including those which incorporate electroluminescent lamps, are typically housed within a depression cut out of a previously formed trim piece and are provided with a cover. These additional steps and components also add to the total manufacturing cost of ~ :
the molding.
Thus, it is desirous to have trim strips which incorporate electroluminescent and a method of manufacturing trim strips which incorporate electroluminescent lamps which overcome the above disadvantages. Accordingly, the present invention provides the art with a trim strip having an encapsulated electroluminescent lamp which overcomes the above disadvanlages.
The present invention provides the art with a trim strip having an encapsulated electroluminescent lamp which is manufactured by a poured molding process. The molding process occurs at very low pressura, if any, to enable utilization of low cost lightweight molds or dies. In one embodiment, the trim strip or molding is formed by positioning the electroluminescent lamp within ~he mold, dispensing liquid plastics into a mold to surround the electroluminescent lamp and applying heat to solidify the plastic. In a second embodiment, a desired amount of liquid plastic is poured into the mold and substantially cured. Then an electroluminescent lamp is placed over the partial .~ 3 ;
2~
Attorney Docket No. 1966-00156 - mold and an additional amount of liquid plastic is dispensed in the mold. Heat is applied to solidify the liquid plastic.
Adhesive tape can be applied to a hard plastic strip to form a separate laminate, and this laminate is bonded to the solidified plastic soon after completion of the heating cycle. Alternatively the liquid plastic could be solidified and, after cooling, adhesive tape along with a barrier applied thereto.
The hard plastic strip effectively acts as a barrier and prevents plasticizer from mlgrating from 1he solidified plastic which in time would destroy the bond ;l between the adhesive tape and the solidified plastic. Plastics that can be used ç in this invention may be liquid vinyls such as plastisols. The hard plastic strip ij . .
may be vinyl made by conventional extruding or calandering methods. The ..
A above tape processing steps are much less costly than those used on current moldings. The present invention, which is molded at very low pressure, produces trim strips which are color non-directional and substantially ellminatemetallic flop.
Also, on account of the low pressure, trim strips with large abrupt changes in thickness may be manufactured without Usinks~ on the finished surface. This characteristic is becoming more important due to the trend of new dssigns requiring high gloss smooth surfaces on new automotive applications where sinks are more noticsable.
From the subssquent detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying claims and subjoined drawings in which the same reference numerals have been used for the same features, other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art.
. 4 : :.,;: . . ., , ., ., ~ . . . ,- . :. . . - . .
2~72~7 Attorney Docket No. 196~00156 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electroluminescent lamp temporarily attached to a hanger member.
Figure 2 is a perspective view partially in cross-section illustrating the electroluminescent lamp disposed wKhin a mold.
Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating a trim strip encapsulating the electroluminescent lamp having a depression formed by the hanger member.
Figure 4 is a perspective view illustrating the trim strip fully encapsulating the electroluminescent lamp a~ter an additional amount of liquid has been added and cured.
Figure 5 is an exploded view of a first alternative trim strip embodiment according to the present invention.
Figure 6 is a perspective view illustrating an alternative method of manufacturlng a trim strip according to the teachings of the present inv~ntion.
Figure 7 is a perspective view illustrating a second aKernative trim strip embodiment according to the present invention.
Figure 8 is a perspective view illustrating a third aKernative trim strip embodiment according to the present invention.
Figure 9 is a perspective view illustrating a fourth aiternative trim strip ombodimont according ~o ~ho prosont invon~ion.
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il ,, - -: - -~ 2 ~ ~72~7 AMorney Docket No. 1966-00156 DETAILED DESCRIPT~ON OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Turning to the figures, Figure 1 illustrates an electroluminescent lamp 14 and a hanger membsr 16. The hanger m0mber 16 includes a first bar 18 and second perpendicularly disposed bar 24 which extends across the top surface 22 of the first bar 18. The first bar 18 of hanger 16 Is attached to theelectroluminescent lamp 14 via (not shown) adhesive 20 disposed on the bottom surface 20 of the bar 18. This adhesive can bs any one of a number of light, pressure-sensitive adhesives or may simply be a layer of double-sided tape which has sufficient adhering qualities. The hanger itself is typically formed from a metal or ceramic material.
Turning to Figure 2 the hanger member 16 is illustrated in accordance with the present Invention to be disposed in cooperation with mold assembly 28 such that the electroluminescent lamp 14 is positioned within the recess portion 30 of mold 28. The hanger member 16 is disposed so that the undersurface 26 of bar member 24 is contiguously positioned upon the face 32 of the mold 2B. it will be understood by those skilled in the art that largerpieces may be manufactured according to the method demonstrated in Figure 2 wherein the hanger member 16 includes a pluralHy of perpendicularly disposed bars 24 extending across the top surface 22 of bar 18.
The bar 24 may be provided with guide means (not shown) such as post members which mate wHh corresponding apertures contained on the lower mold for centering ~he electroluminescent lamp 14 wHhin the recess portion 30 of mold 28. Once the electroluminescent lamp has been properly aligned within the recess 30 a liquid resinous elastomer, such as a plastisol, is poured into the recess portion 30 until the top of the nuid level is .'', .
2~ ~7297 Attorney Docket No. 1966-00156 substantially planar with the level of the molds face 34. Plasitisol may be transluscent or is available in a number of colors to enable the trim strip to be colored to a manufacturer's specifications.
The mold 28 is then heated to a temperature suf~icient to transform the plastisol to a solid elastomeric mass. Generally, a temperature of approximately 170 Celsius will transform the plastisol material into a solid mass. The heating process generally takes up to four minutes depending on the molding size. To assist In transforming the plastisol to a solid elastomeric mass an external heat source such as infta-red lamps (not shown) can be utilized and disposed above the recess portion. Alternatively, the mold can be placed in a heated convection oven (not shown) while the mold is being h0ated to assist in transforming the plastisol to a solid elastomeric mass.
Generally, an external heat source is utilized for large molding strips.
After the plastisol has substantially cured, the hanger member 16 is removed which leaves a partial trim strip 12 similar to the one illustrated in Figure 3 disposed within recess 30. An additional amount of plastisol is then poured into the depression 34 left by bar 18 and the mold is heated to .
transform the additional plastisol to a solid elastomeric mass. Once the trim i, strip 10, as illustrated in Figure 4, has been formed, the trim strip is removed , from the mold assembly.
:j Referring to Figure 5, an exploded view illustrating a second partial trim ' strip 112 embodiment is provided. In this embodiment, a second type of electroluminescent lamp 114 is utilized. It should be understood that a variety , of electroluminescent lamp embodiments could be utilized according to the l teachings of the present invention.
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:,. : -. ... : . - ... -, . ~ ~ . . . .-~ ~7~
Attorney Docket No. 1966-00156 Referring to Figure 6, an alternative method of forming a trim strip 10 with an encapsu1ated electroluminescent lamp 14 is demonstrated. According to the teachings of the present invention, a quantity of plastisol 36 is poured within the recess portion 30 of lower mold 28 and the mold is heated to partially solidify the plastisol. Ths electroluminescent lamp 14 is then positioned upon the partially solidifled plastisol a~ indicated by arrows 38 and a second quant'~y of plastisol is poured over the electroluminescent lamp 14 until the level of the liquid is substantially equal with the plates' face 32. The mold 28 is then heated to cure the second quantity of plastisol. Upon curing, the trim strip is removed from recess 30 and allowed to cool. Again, for larger molding strips an ex~iernal heat source such as infra-red or convectional heat can be utilized to assist in transforming the plastisol to a solid elastomeric mass.
Referring to Figure 7, an alternative embodiment of a trim strip 210 according to the teachings of the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment the electroluminescent lamp 214 is fully encapsulated within the elastomerlc trim material 216. The bus strips 218 of the electroluminescent lamp 214 are elongated and extend out the back 220 of the trim strip 210 rather than the end of the trim strip as in other embodiments. Aiternatively, electrically conductive wires (not shown) are connected to the bus strips and extend out the back 220 of the trim strip 214 to provide a similar ambodiment.
Referring to Figure 8, a trim strip 310 is provided for use as a sisn. The trim strip 310 includes an electroluminescent lamp 314 of the Aclar variety which has a portion 316 which is substantially colored and a second portion . 318 which is transparent. The transparent section 318 is formed to spell out ., .
2 ~ ~ 7 2 ~ 7 A~torney Docket No. 1966-00156 a message such that when the electroluminescent lamp 31 q is activated the message shines through the transparent molding material 320 to light up the desired message.
Turning to Figures 9, a trim strip 410 is illustrated in accordanca with the present invention. The trim strip 410 is an elongated member including a base 412, outer molding 416, adhesive tape member 418 and an electroluminescent lamp 414. The base 412 is generally an elongated flat planar strip. The strip may be extruded or provided from a roll of stock material. Generally, the base 412 is a film of polyvinyl chloride material having a thickness of about .04 inch. Preferably, the base 412 is relatively hard or stiff and provides rigidity to the trim strip 410. Also, because the base has very Imle, if any plastlcizer, it acts as a barrier to prevent the migration of plasticizer from the solidifled plastic outer molding 416 to the adhesive tape 418. This migration tends to destroy the bonding capability of the adhesive tape. Other plastic materials or chemical barriers may be used as a base, including thin metals primed to facilitate bonding to the solidified plastic. Also, metal may be bonded to the base 412. In this case, the metal reduces the molding shrlnkage. Fur~her, the hard base prohibHs wrinkling in handling of the complete molding.
The adhesive tape member 418 Is generally of the two faced adhesive tape variety. The tape may have substantially minimal thickness or it may be of the foam type. Generally a release layer 420 is on the outslde of the .~
adheslve member 418 which is removed upon positioning the trim strlp 410 onto a surlace , .:
2~7297 At~orney Docket No. 1966-00156 The outer molding 416 is made from a liquid vinyl chloride resin elastomer material or plastisol as previously described. The outer molding may be directly bonded to the base 412 as shown in Flgure 9.
It will be understood that the recess 30 which dictates the shape of the trim strip can have a variety of different shapes and lengths depending on the manufacturer's specifications. it should also be understood by those skilled in the art that electroluminescent lamp utilized to carry out the methods described herein may ba of ths standard aclar variety having an aluminum foil layer or they may be a plastic electroluminescent lamp which include a base polyester film, an electrically conductive layer, phosphor matrix layer having aclear conductive layer of indium tin oxide and an insulstive layer screen printed onto the clear conductive layer except for contact with the buss wire. The electrically conductive layer can include indium tin oxide, indium oxide, screen,I printed carbon or silver, among other.
While the above detailed description describes the preferred 3 embodiment of the present invention, it will be understood that the present invention is susceptible to modifica~ions, variations, and alterations without deviating from the scope and spirit of the subJoined claims.
.1 ;, ' ':1 I
,;
The present invention relates to trim strips or molding and, mors particularly, to a trim strip or molding manufactured by a molding process which encapsulates an e!ectroluminascent lamp to provide a lighted trim strip or molding.
In commonly known injection molding operations, ~enerally the molds or dies utilized in the operation are very heavy, sturdy and durable. This is due to the fact that the material injected into th0 molds or dies is at ~levatedtemperature and pressure. Thus, the molds must be very strong and durable to endure the increased temperature and pressure which also explains their :
hlgh cost.
During the manufacturing of trim strips or molding, especially trim strips for vehicles, which utllize adhesive strips to position the trlm strips onto thevehicle, a prlmer or barrier must be posHioned between the outer plastic molding and th3 adhesive tape. The barrier is needed to prevent eventual mlgration of plasticizer from the molding to the adhesive tape which would, in time, destroy th0 bond of the adhesive tape to the molding. Thus, a very thin film of aluminum or the like Includlng chemlcai barrier coatings have been utilized to prevent migration of plasticizer to the adhesive tape.
Another problem associated with trlm strips which have been extruded or in]ection molded is known as metallic flop. Metallic nOp ls a phenomena which occurs during the extrusion or injection molding process which provides the trim strip with unidirectional characteristics. That is, the trim strip may only , , .
~ 729~
Attorney Docket No. 1966-00156 be positioned onto a surface in one direction to provide desired color characteristics. H the trim strip is applied to the vehicla in a reverse direction, the color characteristics of the material are different, e.g., the color of the strip does not match the color of the surface, indicating tha~ the material has been flopped. Particularly, H two parts are laid side by side in the same orientationwhich they came out of a mold or extruder, that is their forward ends are positioned side by side and their rearward ends are positioned side by side, there would be no apparent difference in color between the two. However, if one of the strips were to be flipped such that the rearward end of one strip was positioned side by side the forward end of the other strip there would be a noticeable difference In color between the two parts. rnis is known as metallic flop. To alleviate the metallic flop problem, the trim strips are marked as they leave the factory to indicate which direction they should be applied onto the surface.
Another problem existing in current trim strip manufacturing is that wHh respect to coloring the trim strip. Since the color formulation of the plastic to manufacture the trim strip is ordinarily color checked in small quantities in a research laboratory by a researcher utilizing dfflerent apparatus than is utilized , in the production of the trim strips, there sometimes is a dfflerence in color.
Thls coloring difference is generally due to the fact that the apparatus or ~, machinery used to produce the color of the plastic of the trim stri,~ in the Iaboratory is dfflerent ~han the machinery utilized for mass production of trim strips. Thus, once production trim strips are manufactured, if the color does ;!l not match the vehicle color, the color formulation of the trim strip must be .1 2 ,~
, ,, - 2~7~,~7 Attorney Dock~t No. 1966-90156 modified so that the production machinery will produce the desired color appearance.
Current trim strips are molded or shaped and then undergo additional processing to apply the adhesive tape and then trim the tape. These operations add to the total manufacturing cost of the molding.
Additionally, lighting arrangements, including those which incorporate electroluminescent lamps, are typically housed within a depression cut out of a previously formed trim piece and are provided with a cover. These additional steps and components also add to the total manufacturing cost of ~ :
the molding.
Thus, it is desirous to have trim strips which incorporate electroluminescent and a method of manufacturing trim strips which incorporate electroluminescent lamps which overcome the above disadvantages. Accordingly, the present invention provides the art with a trim strip having an encapsulated electroluminescent lamp which overcomes the above disadvanlages.
The present invention provides the art with a trim strip having an encapsulated electroluminescent lamp which is manufactured by a poured molding process. The molding process occurs at very low pressura, if any, to enable utilization of low cost lightweight molds or dies. In one embodiment, the trim strip or molding is formed by positioning the electroluminescent lamp within ~he mold, dispensing liquid plastics into a mold to surround the electroluminescent lamp and applying heat to solidify the plastic. In a second embodiment, a desired amount of liquid plastic is poured into the mold and substantially cured. Then an electroluminescent lamp is placed over the partial .~ 3 ;
2~
Attorney Docket No. 1966-00156 - mold and an additional amount of liquid plastic is dispensed in the mold. Heat is applied to solidify the liquid plastic.
Adhesive tape can be applied to a hard plastic strip to form a separate laminate, and this laminate is bonded to the solidified plastic soon after completion of the heating cycle. Alternatively the liquid plastic could be solidified and, after cooling, adhesive tape along with a barrier applied thereto.
The hard plastic strip effectively acts as a barrier and prevents plasticizer from mlgrating from 1he solidified plastic which in time would destroy the bond ;l between the adhesive tape and the solidified plastic. Plastics that can be used ç in this invention may be liquid vinyls such as plastisols. The hard plastic strip ij . .
may be vinyl made by conventional extruding or calandering methods. The ..
A above tape processing steps are much less costly than those used on current moldings. The present invention, which is molded at very low pressure, produces trim strips which are color non-directional and substantially ellminatemetallic flop.
Also, on account of the low pressure, trim strips with large abrupt changes in thickness may be manufactured without Usinks~ on the finished surface. This characteristic is becoming more important due to the trend of new dssigns requiring high gloss smooth surfaces on new automotive applications where sinks are more noticsable.
From the subssquent detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying claims and subjoined drawings in which the same reference numerals have been used for the same features, other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art.
. 4 : :.,;: . . ., , ., ., ~ . . . ,- . :. . . - . .
2~72~7 Attorney Docket No. 196~00156 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electroluminescent lamp temporarily attached to a hanger member.
Figure 2 is a perspective view partially in cross-section illustrating the electroluminescent lamp disposed wKhin a mold.
Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating a trim strip encapsulating the electroluminescent lamp having a depression formed by the hanger member.
Figure 4 is a perspective view illustrating the trim strip fully encapsulating the electroluminescent lamp a~ter an additional amount of liquid has been added and cured.
Figure 5 is an exploded view of a first alternative trim strip embodiment according to the present invention.
Figure 6 is a perspective view illustrating an alternative method of manufacturlng a trim strip according to the teachings of the present inv~ntion.
Figure 7 is a perspective view illustrating a second aKernative trim strip embodiment according to the present invention.
Figure 8 is a perspective view illustrating a third aKernative trim strip embodiment according to the present invention.
Figure 9 is a perspective view illustrating a fourth aiternative trim strip ombodimont according ~o ~ho prosont invon~ion.
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il ,, - -: - -~ 2 ~ ~72~7 AMorney Docket No. 1966-00156 DETAILED DESCRIPT~ON OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Turning to the figures, Figure 1 illustrates an electroluminescent lamp 14 and a hanger membsr 16. The hanger m0mber 16 includes a first bar 18 and second perpendicularly disposed bar 24 which extends across the top surface 22 of the first bar 18. The first bar 18 of hanger 16 Is attached to theelectroluminescent lamp 14 via (not shown) adhesive 20 disposed on the bottom surface 20 of the bar 18. This adhesive can bs any one of a number of light, pressure-sensitive adhesives or may simply be a layer of double-sided tape which has sufficient adhering qualities. The hanger itself is typically formed from a metal or ceramic material.
Turning to Figure 2 the hanger member 16 is illustrated in accordance with the present Invention to be disposed in cooperation with mold assembly 28 such that the electroluminescent lamp 14 is positioned within the recess portion 30 of mold 28. The hanger member 16 is disposed so that the undersurface 26 of bar member 24 is contiguously positioned upon the face 32 of the mold 2B. it will be understood by those skilled in the art that largerpieces may be manufactured according to the method demonstrated in Figure 2 wherein the hanger member 16 includes a pluralHy of perpendicularly disposed bars 24 extending across the top surface 22 of bar 18.
The bar 24 may be provided with guide means (not shown) such as post members which mate wHh corresponding apertures contained on the lower mold for centering ~he electroluminescent lamp 14 wHhin the recess portion 30 of mold 28. Once the electroluminescent lamp has been properly aligned within the recess 30 a liquid resinous elastomer, such as a plastisol, is poured into the recess portion 30 until the top of the nuid level is .'', .
2~ ~7297 Attorney Docket No. 1966-00156 substantially planar with the level of the molds face 34. Plasitisol may be transluscent or is available in a number of colors to enable the trim strip to be colored to a manufacturer's specifications.
The mold 28 is then heated to a temperature suf~icient to transform the plastisol to a solid elastomeric mass. Generally, a temperature of approximately 170 Celsius will transform the plastisol material into a solid mass. The heating process generally takes up to four minutes depending on the molding size. To assist In transforming the plastisol to a solid elastomeric mass an external heat source such as infta-red lamps (not shown) can be utilized and disposed above the recess portion. Alternatively, the mold can be placed in a heated convection oven (not shown) while the mold is being h0ated to assist in transforming the plastisol to a solid elastomeric mass.
Generally, an external heat source is utilized for large molding strips.
After the plastisol has substantially cured, the hanger member 16 is removed which leaves a partial trim strip 12 similar to the one illustrated in Figure 3 disposed within recess 30. An additional amount of plastisol is then poured into the depression 34 left by bar 18 and the mold is heated to .
transform the additional plastisol to a solid elastomeric mass. Once the trim i, strip 10, as illustrated in Figure 4, has been formed, the trim strip is removed , from the mold assembly.
:j Referring to Figure 5, an exploded view illustrating a second partial trim ' strip 112 embodiment is provided. In this embodiment, a second type of electroluminescent lamp 114 is utilized. It should be understood that a variety , of electroluminescent lamp embodiments could be utilized according to the l teachings of the present invention.
;i, 7 ~, ., ... ~ , ~ , . . .. i, i . ..
:,. : -. ... : . - ... -, . ~ ~ . . . .-~ ~7~
Attorney Docket No. 1966-00156 Referring to Figure 6, an alternative method of forming a trim strip 10 with an encapsu1ated electroluminescent lamp 14 is demonstrated. According to the teachings of the present invention, a quantity of plastisol 36 is poured within the recess portion 30 of lower mold 28 and the mold is heated to partially solidify the plastisol. Ths electroluminescent lamp 14 is then positioned upon the partially solidifled plastisol a~ indicated by arrows 38 and a second quant'~y of plastisol is poured over the electroluminescent lamp 14 until the level of the liquid is substantially equal with the plates' face 32. The mold 28 is then heated to cure the second quantity of plastisol. Upon curing, the trim strip is removed from recess 30 and allowed to cool. Again, for larger molding strips an ex~iernal heat source such as infra-red or convectional heat can be utilized to assist in transforming the plastisol to a solid elastomeric mass.
Referring to Figure 7, an alternative embodiment of a trim strip 210 according to the teachings of the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment the electroluminescent lamp 214 is fully encapsulated within the elastomerlc trim material 216. The bus strips 218 of the electroluminescent lamp 214 are elongated and extend out the back 220 of the trim strip 210 rather than the end of the trim strip as in other embodiments. Aiternatively, electrically conductive wires (not shown) are connected to the bus strips and extend out the back 220 of the trim strip 214 to provide a similar ambodiment.
Referring to Figure 8, a trim strip 310 is provided for use as a sisn. The trim strip 310 includes an electroluminescent lamp 314 of the Aclar variety which has a portion 316 which is substantially colored and a second portion . 318 which is transparent. The transparent section 318 is formed to spell out ., .
2 ~ ~ 7 2 ~ 7 A~torney Docket No. 1966-00156 a message such that when the electroluminescent lamp 31 q is activated the message shines through the transparent molding material 320 to light up the desired message.
Turning to Figures 9, a trim strip 410 is illustrated in accordanca with the present invention. The trim strip 410 is an elongated member including a base 412, outer molding 416, adhesive tape member 418 and an electroluminescent lamp 414. The base 412 is generally an elongated flat planar strip. The strip may be extruded or provided from a roll of stock material. Generally, the base 412 is a film of polyvinyl chloride material having a thickness of about .04 inch. Preferably, the base 412 is relatively hard or stiff and provides rigidity to the trim strip 410. Also, because the base has very Imle, if any plastlcizer, it acts as a barrier to prevent the migration of plasticizer from the solidifled plastic outer molding 416 to the adhesive tape 418. This migration tends to destroy the bonding capability of the adhesive tape. Other plastic materials or chemical barriers may be used as a base, including thin metals primed to facilitate bonding to the solidified plastic. Also, metal may be bonded to the base 412. In this case, the metal reduces the molding shrlnkage. Fur~her, the hard base prohibHs wrinkling in handling of the complete molding.
The adhesive tape member 418 Is generally of the two faced adhesive tape variety. The tape may have substantially minimal thickness or it may be of the foam type. Generally a release layer 420 is on the outslde of the .~
adheslve member 418 which is removed upon positioning the trim strlp 410 onto a surlace , .:
2~7297 At~orney Docket No. 1966-00156 The outer molding 416 is made from a liquid vinyl chloride resin elastomer material or plastisol as previously described. The outer molding may be directly bonded to the base 412 as shown in Flgure 9.
It will be understood that the recess 30 which dictates the shape of the trim strip can have a variety of different shapes and lengths depending on the manufacturer's specifications. it should also be understood by those skilled in the art that electroluminescent lamp utilized to carry out the methods described herein may ba of ths standard aclar variety having an aluminum foil layer or they may be a plastic electroluminescent lamp which include a base polyester film, an electrically conductive layer, phosphor matrix layer having aclear conductive layer of indium tin oxide and an insulstive layer screen printed onto the clear conductive layer except for contact with the buss wire. The electrically conductive layer can include indium tin oxide, indium oxide, screen,I printed carbon or silver, among other.
While the above detailed description describes the preferred 3 embodiment of the present invention, it will be understood that the present invention is susceptible to modifica~ions, variations, and alterations without deviating from the scope and spirit of the subJoined claims.
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Claims (22)
1. A method of manufacturing a trim strip comprising the steps of:
(a) providing a mold having a recessed portion;
(b) suspending an electroluminescent lamp within said recessed portion;
(c) adding a desired amount of a heat settable material into said recessed portion;
(d) heating said mold containing the heat settable material;
(e) forming a trim strip from said heat settable material and electroluminescent lamp; and (f) removing said trim strip from said mold.
(a) providing a mold having a recessed portion;
(b) suspending an electroluminescent lamp within said recessed portion;
(c) adding a desired amount of a heat settable material into said recessed portion;
(d) heating said mold containing the heat settable material;
(e) forming a trim strip from said heat settable material and electroluminescent lamp; and (f) removing said trim strip from said mold.
2. The method according to Claim 1 further comprising cooling said trim strip prior to removal from said mold.
3. The method according to Claim 2 wherein said heat settable material is a plastisol.
4. The method according to Claim 1 further comprising the steps of:
applying a backing member to said heat settable material; and bonding said backing member to said heat settable material.
applying a backing member to said heat settable material; and bonding said backing member to said heat settable material.
5. The method according to Claim 4 further comprising providing said backing member with a barrier member and an adhesive means for attaching the trim strip to a surface.
6. The method according to Claim 5 wherein said barrier member is a substantially hard or stiff strip material.
7. The method according to claim 5 wherein said backing member includes a hard or stiff layer and an adhesive layer on one side of said hard or stiff layer.
8. The method according to Claim 7 further comprising applying a chemical barrier to said hard or stiff layer to enhance bonding with said heat settable material.
9. A trim strip formed from the method of Claim 1.
10. A trim strip comprising:
an electroluminescent lamp encased within a heat set molding material; and means for securing said trim strip to a surface.
an electroluminescent lamp encased within a heat set molding material; and means for securing said trim strip to a surface.
11. The trim strip according to Claim 10 wherein said trim strip includes:
a base layer having two sides, said base layer formed from a substantially hard or stiff plastic material; and an adhesive tape layer positioned on one side of said base layer for bonding the trim strip to a surface.
a base layer having two sides, said base layer formed from a substantially hard or stiff plastic material; and an adhesive tape layer positioned on one side of said base layer for bonding the trim strip to a surface.
12. The trim strip according to Claim 10 wherein said trim strip is colored.
13 13. The trim strip according to Claim 10 wherein said heat set molding material is a vinyl chloride resin elastomer.
14. A method of manufacturing a trim strip comprising the steps of:
(a) providing a mold;
(b) adding a first amount of a heat settable material into said mold;
(c) heating said mold containing said first amount of heat settable material to partially cure said material;
(d) positioning an electroluminescent lamp upon said partially cured material;
(e) adding a second amount of heat settable material into said mold;
heating said mold to cure said second amount of heat settable material;
(g) forming a trim strip from said heat settable material; and (h) removing said trim strip from said mold.
(a) providing a mold;
(b) adding a first amount of a heat settable material into said mold;
(c) heating said mold containing said first amount of heat settable material to partially cure said material;
(d) positioning an electroluminescent lamp upon said partially cured material;
(e) adding a second amount of heat settable material into said mold;
heating said mold to cure said second amount of heat settable material;
(g) forming a trim strip from said heat settable material; and (h) removing said trim strip from said mold.
15. The method according to Claim 14 further comprising the steps of:
applying a backing member to said heat settable material; and bonding said backing member to said heat settable material.
applying a backing member to said heat settable material; and bonding said backing member to said heat settable material.
16. The method according to Claim 15 further comprising providing said backing member with a barrier member and an adhesive means for attaching the trim strip to a surface.
17. The method according to Claim 16 wherein said barrier member is a substantially hard or stiff strip material.
18. The method according to Claim 16 wherein said backing member includes a hard or stiff layer and an adhesive layer or one side of said hard or stiff layer.
19. The method according to Claim 18 further comprising applying a chemical barrier to said hard or stiff layer to enhance bonding with said heatsettable material.
20. A trim strip formed from the method of Claim 15.
21. A trim strip comprising:
an electroluminescent lamp having a first colored area and a second substantially lighter colored area, said lighter colored area having a particular design; and an outer heat settable semi-transparent molding material;
whereby upon illumination of said electroluminescent lamp said lighter colored section shines more brightly than said colored section to emphasize the particular design.
an electroluminescent lamp having a first colored area and a second substantially lighter colored area, said lighter colored area having a particular design; and an outer heat settable semi-transparent molding material;
whereby upon illumination of said electroluminescent lamp said lighter colored section shines more brightly than said colored section to emphasize the particular design.
22. The trim strip according to Claim 21 wherein said light colored area spells out a message.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US96885992A | 1992-10-30 | 1992-10-30 | |
| US968,859 | 1992-10-30 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2107297A1 true CA2107297A1 (en) | 1994-05-01 |
Family
ID=25514866
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2107297 Abandoned CA2107297A1 (en) | 1992-10-30 | 1993-09-29 | Electroluminescent lamp encapsulated in a heat set molding |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2107297A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1110816A3 (en) * | 1999-12-22 | 2002-09-18 | Osram Sylvania Inc. | Electroluminescent vehicle lamp |
-
1993
- 1993-09-29 CA CA 2107297 patent/CA2107297A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1110816A3 (en) * | 1999-12-22 | 2002-09-18 | Osram Sylvania Inc. | Electroluminescent vehicle lamp |
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