ES2693388A1 - MOLDINGS OF METALLIC APPLIANCE TRANSLUCENT TO LIGHT AND MASKED FOR SELECTIVE LIGHTING (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Moldings of metallic appearance translucent to the light and masked for selective lighting. Selectively illuminable moldings and methods for producing selectively illuminable moldings are provided, wherein the molding is achieved by selectively coating an opaque primer over an exterior face of a substrate. After application as a coating, regions of the opaque primer can be removed. The opaque primer and the removed regions are coated with a base light transmitting coating primer. The base light transmitting coating layer primer is coated with a translucent metallic appearance layer. A backlighting provides light through an interior face of a substrate to illuminate the selectively illuminable molding in regions where the substrate is not coated by the opaque primer. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

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MOLDINGS OF METAL APPEARANCE TRANSLUCED TO LIGHT AND MASKED FOR SELECTIVE LIGHTING

DESCRIPTION

5 FIELD The present disclosure refers to light-colored and masked metallic-looking moldings for selective lighting.

10 BACKGROUND

This section provides background information regarding the present disclosure that is not necessarily prior art.

15 In general, selectively illuminated moldings are based on the provision of opaque regions to prevent a light source from illuminating a translucent or transparent substrate. Such illuminable moldings, however, may result in unwanted refraction from the light source and, therefore, distort the actual area of the light that radiates from the applicable regions that

20 are not covered by opaque regions, depending on the angle from which an observer is observing the illuminated molding. In addition, improvements are necessary to provide a selectively hidden or level molding appearance when the molding is not illuminated. Therefore, improved lighting moldings are needed to enhance the decorative appearance.

25 SUMMARY

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not an exhaustive disclosure of its full scope or of all of its features. 30

The present technology provides a molding for selective lighting. The molding includes a light transmitting substrate that has an inner face and an outer face. An operable light source generates a light that flows directly or indirectly through the light-transmitting substrate from the inner face. An opaque primer selectively covers the outer face of the light transmitting substrate. A base light transmitting coating layer primer covers the opaque primer and the outer face of the light transmitting substrate. A translucent layer of metallic appearance covers the base light transmitting coating layer primer and, when the light source is operated in an on position, the light is not visible from the outer face of the light transmitting substrate in 5 areas They are selectively covered by opaque primer. In other embodiments, the opaque primer is selectively removed by a laser attack to provide selective coverage of the outer face of the light transmitting substrate. In still other embodiments, a protective coating covers the translucent metallic appearance layer. In further embodiments, the translucent metallic appearance layer 10 is applied by either one or both of the physical vapor deposition ("PVD") or the chemical vapor deposition ("CVD"). chemical vapor deposition). In some even more additional embodiments, the translucent metallic appearance layer comprises an element that is selected from the group consisting of transition metals, post-transition metals, metalloids and combinations thereof. Transition metals include Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Tc, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, Hf, Ta, W , Re, Os, Go, Pt, Au, Hg, Rf, Db, Sg, Bh, Hs, Mt, Uun, Uuu, Uub, Ds, Rg and Cn; post-transition metals include Al, Ga, In, Sn, Tl, Pb, Bi, Uut, Fl and Lv; and metalloids, which are also known as semimetals, include B, Si, Ge, As, Sb, Te 20 and Po. In still other embodiments, the translucent metallic appearance layer comprises an alloy that is composed of an element that is selected from the group consisting of transition metals, post-transition metals, metalloids and combinations thereof. In other embodiments, the base light transmitting coating layer primer forms a level layer along the face

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25 exterior of the light transmitting substrate.

The present technology also provides a method of preparing a molding for selective lighting. The method includes coating, at least in part, an outer side of a light transmitting substrate with an opaque primer. The side

The exterior of the light transmitting substrate has at least one region free of opaque primer. The opaque primer and any region free of the opaque primer on the outer side of the light transmitting substrate are coated with a base light transmitting coating layer. The base light transmitting coating layer is coated with a translucent metallic appearance layer. A source of light that

35 directs through an inner side of the light transmitting substrate towards the outer side of the light transmitting substrate illuminates any region free of the opaque primer

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from the outer side of the light transmitting substrate. In other embodiments, after application as a coating of the opaque primer but before application of the base light transmitting coating layer, the opaque primer is cured and subsequently selected portions of the primer are removed. opaque In some of such embodiments, the opaque primer is removed by a laser attack. In additional embodiments, before coating the outer side of the light transmitting substrate with the opaque primer, at least one section of the outer side section of the light transmitting substrate is covered with a cover to prevent application of the opaque primer on said At least one section and the cover is removed after application of the opaque primer and before coating with the base light transmitting coating layer. In some even more additional embodiments, a protective coating is applied above the translucent layer of metallic appearance. In other embodiments, the base light transmitting coating layer primer forms a layer a

15 level along the outer face of the light transmitting substrate.

The present technology also provides another method of preparing a molding for selective lighting. The method includes applying an opaque primer layer to a substrate that has an inner side and an outer side on the outer side.

The opaque primer is cured and, subsequently, regions of the opaque primer are subjected to laser attack to remove selected regions from the opaque primer. A base light transmitting coating layer is applied above the opaque primer layer and the regions where the opaque primer was removed. A layer of translucent metallic appearance is then applied by

25 above the base light transmitting coating layer such that, when a light source is directed from the inner side of the substrate through the outer side of the substrate, an illuminated enhancement is provided in the regions where opaque primer was removed. In other embodiments, a protective coating covers the translucent metallic appearance layer. In still other embodiments, the layer of

30 metallic appearance is applied by PVD. In further embodiments, the translucent metallic appearance layer comprises an element that is selected from the group consisting of transition metals, post-transition metals, metalloids and combinations thereof. In some even more additional embodiments, the translucent metallic appearance layer comprises an alloy that is composed

35 by an element that is selected from the group consisting of transition metals, post-transition metals, metalloids and combinations thereof. In still other embodiments, the base light transmitting coating layer primer forms a level layer along the outer face of the substrate. In other embodiments, the substrate is a light transmitting substrate.

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In certain variations, a selectively illuminated molding

5 consists essentially of a backlight, a substrate, an opaque primer above the substrate with at least one region above the substrate free of the opaque primer, a base light transmitting coating layer above the regions and the opaque primer , and a translucent metallic appearance layer above the base light transmitting coating layer. In certain others

10 variations, the selectively illuminable molding additionally consists essentially of a protective coating above the translucent metallic appearance layer.

In still other variations, a selectively illuminable molding consists of

15 a backlight, a substrate, an opaque primer above the substrate with at least one region above the substrate free of the opaque primer, a base light transmitting coating layer above the regions and the opaque primer, and a Translucent metallic appearance layer above the base light transmitting coating layer. In still other variations, the

20 Selectively illuminable molding additionally consists of a protective coating above the translucent metallic appearance layer.

Additional areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and the 25 specific examples in this summary are for the purpose of illustration only

and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

30 The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

Figure 1 shows a representatively illuminable molding in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; Figure 2 shows a representatively illuminable molding in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure;

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Figure 3 shows a representatively illuminable molding in accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure; Figures 4A and 4B show light widths perceived by the observer depending on the spatial relationship between an observer and a conventional molding;

5 Figures 5A and 5B show light widths perceived by the observer depending on the spatial relationship between an observer and the selectively illuminable moldings disclosed in accordance with the present disclosure;

Figure 6 shows a representative automotive component having selectively illuminated moldings that are disclosed in accordance with the present disclosure; Y

Figure 7 shows another representative automotive component having selectively illuminated moldings that are disclosed in accordance with the present disclosure.

15 The corresponding reference numbers indicate corresponding parts for all of the various views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

20 The corresponding reference numbers indicate corresponding parts for all of the various views of the drawings.

Some exemplary embodiments are provided in such a way that the present disclosure is thorough, and fully conveys the scope to the 25 experts in the field.

Numerous specific details, such as examples of specific compositions, components, devices and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. Will be obvious

30 to those skilled in the art that it is not necessary that specific details be used, that some exemplary embodiments can be materialized in many different ways and that it should not be construed that any of them limit the scope of the disclosure. In some exemplary embodiments, well-known processes, well-structured device structures are not described in detail.

35 well known and well known technologies.

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The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing only some particular embodiments by way of example and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "a" and "the" may also be intended to include plural forms, unless

5 that the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "understand", "understanding / understanding", "including / including" and "having / having", are inclusive and, therefore, specify the presence of characteristics, elements, compositions, stages, integers, operations and / or exposed components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of other one or more features, numbers

10 integers, stages, operations elements and / or components, and / or groups thereof. Although the open expression "understanding / understanding", it is to be understood as a non-restrictive expression that is used to describe and claim various embodiments set forth herein, in certain aspects, as an alternative it can be understood that the expression is, instead, a

15 more limiting and restrictive expression, such as "consisting / consisting of" or "consisting / consisting essentially of". Therefore, for any given embodiment that lists compositions, materials, components, elements, features, integers, operations and / or process steps, the present disclosure also specifically includes some embodiments that consist

20 in, or consisting essentially of, such compositions, materials, components, elements, features, integers, operations and / or process steps listed. In the case of "consisting of", the alternative embodiment excludes any additional compositions, materials, components, elements, characteristics, integers, operations and / or process steps, while in the

In the case of "consisting / consisting essentially of", all additional compositions, materials, components, elements, features, integers, operations and / or process steps that materially affect the basic and novel features are excluded from an embodiment of this type, but all the compositions, materials, components, elements, characteristics, numbers

Integers, operations and / or process steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel features can be included in the embodiment.

None of the steps of method, processes and operations described in this document should be interpreted as necessarily requiring its realization in the particular order that is analyzed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as An order of realization. It also has to

understand that additional or alternative steps can be used, unless otherwise indicated.

When a component, element or layer is referred to as "over", "hooked with", "connected with" or "coupled with" another element

or layer, it can be found directly on, hooked, connected or coupled with the other component, element or layer, or intermediate elements or layers can be found present. On the contrary, when an element is referred to as "directly on", "directly hooked 10 with", "directly connected with" or "directly coupled with" another element or layer, no element may be present or intermediate layer. Other expressions that are used to describe the relationship between the elements should be interpreted in a similar way (for example, "between" versus "directly between", "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent", etc.). As used herein

In the document, the expression "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.

Spatially or temporarily relative expressions, such as "before", "after", "inside", "outside", "below", "below", "lower", "above 20 of", " above ”and the like, may be used herein to facilitate the description to describe the relationship of an element or characteristic with another element or elements or characteristic or characteristics, as illustrated in the figures. Spatially or temporarily relative expressions may be intended to cover different orientations of the device or system in use or operation

25 in addition to the orientation shown in the figures.

Throughout this disclosure, the numerical values represent approximate measures or limits at intervals to cover minor deviations from the given values and embodiments that have approximately the value that

30 is mentioned as well as those that have exactly the value mentioned. All numerical values of parameters (for example, of quantities or conditions) in the present specification, including the appended claims, are to be understood as being modified, in all cases, by the expression "approximately" already appears, or no, "approximately" actually

35 before the numerical value. “Approximately” indicates that the exposed numerical value allows a slight imprecision (with a certain approximation to the accuracy in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; almost). If the imprecision that provides "approximately" is not otherwise understood in the art with this conventional meaning, then "approximately", as used herein, indicates at least some variations that may arise from the

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5 conventional methods of measurement and use of such parameters.

In addition, the disclosure of intervals includes the disclosure of all the most divided values and intervals within the entire range, including the endpoints and sub-intervals given for the intervals. As is done

With reference to them herein, the intervals include, unless otherwise specified, the endpoints and include the disclosure of all differentiated values and more divided intervals within the entire range. Therefore, for example, a range "from A to B" or "from about A to about B" includes A and B.

In various aspects, the present disclosure provides methods for improving selectively illuminated moldings for decorative purposes. As described above, current processes for manufacturing molding components.

20 Referring to Figure 1, a selectively illuminable molding 10 is shown by way of example. The selectively illuminable molding 10 is composed of a substrate 25 having a side B 20 and a side A 30. On the side A 30 the opaque primer 40 is applied. At least one region 45 is free of the

25 opaque primer 40. On the opaque primer 40 the base light transmitting coating layer 50 is applied. On the base light transmitting coating layer 50 a metallic appearance layer 60 is applied. The light emitted from of the backlight 80 that is directed through side B 20 is visible from side A 30 in region 45.

30

Referring to Figure 2, an alternative embodiment is described below. Figure 2 includes a substrate 25 having a side B 20 and a side A 30. On the side A 30 the opaque primer 40 is applied. At least one region 45 is free of the opaque primer 40. On the opaque primer 40 35 the base light transmitting coating layer 50 is applied. A metallic appearance layer is applied over the base light transmitting coating layer 50

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60. The protective coating layer 70 is arranged on the metallic appearance layer 60. The light emitted from the backlight 80 that is directed through the side B 20 is visible from the side A 30 in the region 45.

5 Referring to Figure 3, yet another alternative embodiment is described. Figure 3 includes a substrate 25 having a side B 20 and a side A 30. On the side A 30 the opaque primer 40 is applied. A plurality of regions 45 is free of the opaque primer 40. On the opaque primer 40 the base light transmitting coating layer 50 is applied. On the coating layer

A base light transmitter 50 is applied a metallic appearance layer 60. The light that is emitted from a plurality of backlights 80 that is directed through side B 20 is visible from side A 30 in regions 45.

Suitable substrates are composed of any materials

15 light transmitters (for example, at least partially transparent or translucent). In many embodiments, suitable substrates include those that can be processed by any polymer transformation technique, including but not limited to extrusion, injection molding, compression molding and thermoforming. According to many embodiments, the materials of

Suitable substrates include plastics such as polycarbonates, poly (methyl methacrylates) ("PMMA"), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrenes, styrene-acrylics, styrene acrylonitrile polymers and polyamides. Particularly preferred plastic substrate materials are polycarbonate and PMMA.

Suitable opaque primers in accordance with the present disclosure include curable wet epoxy-based, polyurethane-based or acrylic-based paints, which have opaque colored pigments. The opaque primer 40 can be applied by spraying the opaque primer onto the substrate 25. In some embodiments, everything except side A 30 of the substrate 25 is covered before the

30 deposition of the opaque primer 40 to prevent deposition in undesired areas of the substrate 25. In one embodiment, the region 45 can be created by covering the side A 30 of the substrate 25 with a cover (eg, tape) to avoid deposition of the opaque primer 40. The cover is subsequently removed after deposition to reveal region 45. The primer

35 opaque 40 can be cured then. In still other embodiments, region 45 may be created after deposition of the opaque primer 40. In such embodiments, it is contemplated that the opaque primer 40 will cure after deposition and, subsequently, a laser attack process is used. to remove at least one section of the opaque primer 40, thereby leaving at least one region 45. The areas in which the opaque primer 40 is still masked

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5 subsequently the light that would otherwise illuminate side A 30 of substrate 25 after illuminating side B 20.

Similarly, the base light transmitting coating layer 50 may be composed of curable wet paints based on epoxy, based on polyurethane or on an acrylic basis, and their subsequent copolymers or mixtures, which are not made opaque (by example, they are at least partially transparent or translucent). In many embodiments, the base light transmitting coating layer 50 is similarly applied by spraying the base light transmitting coating layer 50 over the opaque primer 40. It should be noted that it is contemplated that the process spray to apply the base light transmitting coating layer 50 provide a base light transmitting coating layer at level 50; in other words, it is contemplated that the base light transmitting coating layer 50 fill any region 45 in the opaque primer layer 40 and additionally provide a coating layer

20 base light transmitter at level 50. The base light transmitter coating layer 50 is subsequently cured.

Suitable elements for forming the metallic appearance layer 60 include an element that is selected from the group consisting of transition metals, post-transition metals, metalloids and combinations thereof. Transition metals, as used herein, include Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Tc, Ru, Rh, Pd , Ag, Cd, Hf, Ta, W, Re, Os, Go, Pt, Au, Hg, Rf, Db, Sg, Bh, Hs, Mt, Uun, Uuu, Uub, Ds, Rg and Cn. Post-transition metals, as used herein, include Al, Ga, In, Sn, Tl, 30 Pb, Bi, Uut, Fl and Lv. Suitable metalloids, which are also known as semimetals, as used herein include B, Si, Ge, As, Sb, Te and Po. In addition, certain alloys are suitable as the metal layer 60, including an alloy comprising an element that is selected from the group consisting of transition metals, post-transition metals, metalloids 35 and combinations thereof. In addition, certain oxides and oxide alloys are suitable as the metal layer 60, including an oxide or oxide alloy comprising an element that is selected from the group consisting of transition metals, post-transition metals, metalloids and combinations thereof. It should be noted, however, that any metal, post-transition metal or metalloid capable of adhering to the base light transmitting coating layer 5 and having translucent properties is appropriate. It should be noted that the thickness of the metallic appearance layer is controlled to ensure that the metallic appearance layer is translucent or transparent when illuminated with a backlight. The deposition is achieved by means of at least one of a process of physical vapor deposition ("PVD") and a process of chemical vapor deposition ("CVD"). The maximum thickness of the metallic appearance layer 60 is imposed in case the layer provides translucency. According to certain embodiments, the metallic appearance layer 60 has a thickness less than or equal to approximately 50 microns. In still other embodiments, multiple layers of metallic appearance 15 are provided. By means of a non-limiting example, the metallic appearance layer 60 may be composed of a first metallic appearance layer that is composed of any or any combination of metals of transition, transition metal alloys, transition metal oxides, transition metal oxide alloys, post-transition metals, post-transition metal alloys, post-transition metal oxides, metal oxide alloys post-transition, metalloids, metalloid alloys, metalloid oxides or metalloid oxide alloys; and a second layer of metallic appearance that is composed of any or any combination thereof or a different one of transition metals, transition metal alloys, transition metal oxides, transition metal oxide alloys, post metals -transition, post-transition metal alloys, post-transition metal oxides, post-transition metal oxide alloys, metalloids, metalloid alloys, metalloid oxides or metalloid oxide alloys. In addition, it should be noted that the metallic appearance layer 60 may be composed of even more additional metallic appearance layers. What is more, it should be noted that one or more layers of metallic appearance can be deposited by PVD, while others one or more layers of metallic appearance can be deposited by CVD. What's more, it should be noted that, when multiple layers of metallic appearance are present, each layer can be found present at the same thickness or at a different one. The number, thicknesses and other properties of the metallic appearance layers may depend on the achievement of the optical properties.

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desired.

Optionally, after deposition, a protective coating layer 70 is applied above the metallic appearance layer 60. The coating layer

The protective coating 70 may be composed of a curable wet paint based on epoxy, polyurethane-based or acrylic based that does not become opaque (for example, they are at least partially transparent or translucent) and can be sprayed on the layer of metallic appearance 60. The protective coating layer 70 is subsequently cured.

In many aspects, any, any combination of, or each layer is treated after application to enhance adhesion of the subsequent layer. More specifically, any of, any combination of, or all of the following treatments can be carried out: side A 30 of substrate 25 can be treated

15 before the application of the opaque primer 40, the opaque primer 40 can be treated before the application of the base light transmitting coating layer 50, and / or the base light transmitting coating layer 50 can be treated before the application of the metallic appearance layer 60. In some embodiments in which the metallic appearance layer 60 is composed of multiple layers of

20 metallic appearance, any or each of the metallic appearance layers having an additional metallic appearance layer deposited thereon can be treated before the application of the applicable additional metallic appearance layer. In some embodiments that have the protective coating layer 70 applied, the metallic appearance layer 60 can be treated before application

25 of the protective coating layer 70. Suitable treatments include chemical treatments, such as chemical attacks; and physical surface treatments, such as corona treatments, plasma treatments and flame treatments.

30 Backlight 80 directs light from side B 20 of substrate 25 through to side A 30. Backlight 80 can be any source of light capable of providing light, including luminescent light sources, such as lasers and diodes of light emission; incandescent light sources, such as halogen lamps and incandescent bulbs; and electric discharge light sources, such as lamps

35 fluorescent In some embodiments, the backlight 80 is connected to the substrate 25 by means of suitable mechanical fasteners such as systems

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pressure adjustment. In still other embodiments, the backlight 80 may not

share any physical fixation with the substrate 25. In other words, it is sufficient

that the backlight 80 be able to direct the light through the substrate 25. In

many embodiments, the 80 backlight can be turned off and on by a

5 user In still other embodiments, the backlight 80 is expected to light

When the car starts. In additional embodiments, a switch that

controls the backlight 80 can correspond with a flashing to

Transmit that a vehicle is about to make a particular turn in traffic. In

some even more additional embodiments, a switch that controls the backlight 80 can be set to night lighting. In additional embodiments,

80 backlight color can be selectable.

In addition, because the opaque primer 40 is located on side A 30 of substrate 25 instead of on side B 20, it is believed that illumination 15 is perceived that is perceived sharper. Reference is made to Figures 4A, 4B, 5A and 5B. In each of Figures 4A and 4B, a conventionally selectable illuminable molding is shown. In Figure 4A, the observer 90 is seeing the light that is directed from the backlight 80 through the selectively illuminable molding 10 from a front angle. In it, it can be seen that the observer 90 perceives the width of the light emitted from the selectively illuminable molding 10 as the width 100, which generally coincides with the width of the region 45. In the Figure 4B, however, the observer 90 is located offset with respect to the direction in which the backlight 80 illuminates the selectively illuminable molding 10. Because the opaque primer 40 is located on the side B 20 25 of the substrate 25 , the observer 90 sees at least a portion of the illuminated substrate 25 and, therefore, perceives the width 110, which is larger than the actual width of the region 45. Figures 5A and 5B, however, show the illuminable molding of selective form 10 which is prepared in accordance with the present disclosure. In it, the opaque primer 40 is formed on side A 30 of the substrate 25. Referring 30 to Figure 5A, the observer 90 who is seeing the light that is directed from the backlight 80 through the illuminated molding selectively 10 from a front angle will perceive the width of the light emitted from the selectively illuminable molding as the width 120, which generally coincides with the width of the region 45. Referring to Figure 5B, it is found that the view 35 of more of the substrate 25 is blocked than the width of the region 45 by the observer 90 which is located offset with respect to the direction in which the

80 backlight illuminates the illuminated molding selectively. Accordingly, the observer 90 similarly experiences a width 130 that coincides with the width of the region 45. Accordingly, selectively illuminable moldings that are prepared in accordance with the present disclosure provide illumination.

5 sharper and cleaner that can be seen from multiple locations.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, exemplary automotive components are shown, such as the interior door molding 12 and the grid 14, which can be produced by having selectively illuminable moldings 10

10 which are prepared in accordance with the present disclosure. The selectively illuminable molding is formed from a substrate that is covered by a selectively applied opaque primer, which is covered by a base light transmitting coating layer, which is covered by a translucent or metallic-looking layer. transparent. It will be appreciated by experts in the field that

Numerous other components may be manufactured by the methods of the present invention, and that such additional components are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. Therefore, although components are illustrated and described by way of example throughout the specification, it is understood that the inventive concepts in the present disclosure are

20 can be applied to any molding of decorative metallic appearance in which selective lighting is desirable, including interior applications, such as decorative frames, stickers, covers, switches, buttons, bands, door panel moldings, screeds and self-adhesive labels; and including exterior applications, including door moldings and grid trim caps. Despite

25 that the selectively illuminated moldings provided by the present technology are particularly suitable for use in automobiles or other vehicles (eg, motorcycles, boats, tractors, buses, motor homes, motor homes, tanks and the like) , they can also be used in a variety of other industrial sectors and applications, including components

30 aerospace, consumer goods, devices, buildings, office equipment and furniture and industrial equipment machinery, agricultural equipment, heavy machinery, or other products that have decorative metallic appearance moldings, by means of a non-limiting example. In some embodiments, the molding is free of non-translucent and non-transparent elements.

35 In another example, a molding for selective lighting may consist of

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essentially on a light transmitting substrate that has an inner face and an outer face. An operable light source generates a light that flows directly or indirectly through the light-transmitting substrate from the inner face. An opaque primer selectively covers the outer face of the 5 light transmitting substrate. A base light transmitting coating layer primer covers the opaque primer and the outer face of the light transmitting substrate. A translucent metallic appearance layer covers the base light transmitting coating layer primer and, when the light source is operated in an on position, the light is not visible from the outer face of the light transmitting substrate in 10 areas They are selectively covered by opaque primer. In certain other variations, the molding may be additionally limited as it additionally consists essentially of any combination of any or all of the following: (1) selectively remove the opaque primer by laser attack to provide the selective covering of the outer face of the light transmitting substrate; (2) cover the translucent metallic appearance layer with a protective coating; (3) apply the metallic appearance layer by at least one of a PVD process and a CVD process; (4) in which the translucent metallic appearance layer comprises an element that is selected from the group consisting of transition metals, post-transition metals, metalloids and combinations thereof; (5) in which the translucent metallic appearance layer comprises an alloy that is composed of an element that is selected from the group consisting of transition metals, post-transition metals, metalloids and combinations thereof; and (6) in which the base light transmitting coating layer primer forms a level layer along the face

25 exterior of the light transmitting substrate.

In yet another example, a molding for selective lighting may consist of a light transmitting substrate having an inner face and an outer face. An actionable light source generates a light that flows directly or indirectly through the

30 light transmitting substrate from the inner face. An opaque primer selectively covers the outer face of the light transmitting substrate. A base light transmitting coating layer primer covers the opaque primer and the outer face of the light transmitting substrate. A translucent metallic-looking layer covers the base light-transmitting coating layer primer and, when

35 the light source is operated in an on position, the light is not visible from the outer face of the light transmitting substrate in areas that are selectively covered by the opaque primer. In certain other variations, the molding may be additionally limited as it additionally consists of any combination of

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or all of the following: (1) selectively remove the opaque primer by laser attack to provide selective covering of the outer face of the light transmitting substrate; (2) cover the translucent metallic appearance layer with a protective coating; (3) apply the metallic appearance layer by at least one of a PVD process and a CVD process; (4) in which the translucent metallic appearance layer comprises an element that is selected from the group consisting of transition metals, post-transition metals, metalloids and combinations thereof; (5) in which the translucent metallic appearance layer comprises an alloy that is composed of an element that is selected from the group consisting of transition metals, post-transition metals, metalloids and combinations thereof; and (6) in which the base light transmitting coating layer primer forms a layer a

15 level along the outer face of the light transmitting substrate.

In a further example, a method of preparing a molding for selective lighting may consist essentially of coating, at least in part, an outer side of a light transmitting substrate with an opaque primer, in which the

The outer side of the light transmitting substrate has at least one region free of opaque primer. The opaque primer and any region free of the opaque primer on the outer side of the light transmitting substrate are coated with a base light transmitting coating layer. The transparent base coating layer is coated with a translucent metallic appearance layer. A source of

The light that is directed through an inner side of the light transmitting substrate towards the outer side of the light transmitting substrate illuminates any region free of the opaque primer from the outer side of the light translucent substrate. In certain other variations, the method of preparing a molding for selective lighting can be further limited as additionally consisting essentially of any

Combination of or all of the following: (1) cure the opaque primer and subsequently remove selected portions of the opaque primer before application of the base light transmitting coating layer; (2) remove the opaque primer by means of a laser attack; (3) cover at least one section of the outer side of the light transmitting substrate with a cover to prevent application

35 of the opaque primer in at least one section and remove the cover after application of the opaque primer before coating with the base light transmitting coating layer; (4) apply a protective coating over the translucent layer of metallic appearance; and (5) in which the base light transmitting coating layer primer forms a level layer along the outer face of the light transmitting substrate.

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5 In yet another example, a method of preparing a molding for selective lighting may consist of coating, at least in part, an outer side of a light transmitting substrate with an opaque primer, in which the outer side of the transmitting substrate of Light has at least one region free of opaque primer. The opaque primer and any free region of the opaque primer on the outer side

10 of the light transmitting substrate are coated with a base light transmitting coating layer. The transparent base coating layer is coated with a translucent metallic appearance layer. A light source that is directed through an inner side of the light transmitting substrate towards the outer side of the light transmitting substrate illuminates any region free of the opaque primer of the outer side of the

15 light translucent substrate. In certain other variations, the method of preparing a molding for selective lighting can be further limited as it additionally consists of any combination of or all of the following: (1) curing the opaque primer and subsequently removing selected portions of the primer opaque before the application of the transmitting coating layer of

20 base light; (2) remove the opaque primer by means of a laser attack; (3) cover at least one section of the outer side of the light transmitting substrate with a cover to prevent the application of the opaque primer in at least one section and remove the cover after application of the opaque primer before coating with the layer Coating base light transmitter; (4) apply above layer

Translucent metallic-looking protective coating; and (5) in which the base light transmitting coating layer primer forms a level layer along the outer face of the light transmitting substrate.

According to another example, a method of preparing a molding for

Selective illumination consists essentially in the application of an opaque primer to a substrate having an inner side and an outer side on the outer side. The opaque primer is cured. After curing, selected regions of the opaque primer are removed by means of laser attack. A base light transmitting coating layer is then applied above the layer of

35 opaque primer and the regions where the opaque primer was removed. A layer of translucent metallic appearance is then applied above the layer of

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base light transmitter coating. A light source that is directed from the inner side of the substrate through the outer side of the substrate provides illuminated enhancement in the regions where the opaque primer was removed. In certain other variations, the method of preparing a molding for selective lighting can be further limited as additionally consisting essentially of any combination of or all of the following: (1) cover the translucent metallic appearance layer with a protective coating; (2) apply the metallic appearance layer by means of at least one of a PVD process and a CVD process; (3) in which the translucent metallic appearance layer comprises an element that is selected from the group consisting of transition metals, posttransition metals, metalloids and combinations thereof; (4) in which the translucent metallic appearance layer comprises an alloy that is composed of an element that is selected from the group consisting of transition metals, post-transition metals, metalloids and combinations thereof; (5)

15 wherein the base light transmitting coating layer primer forms a level layer along the outer face of the substrate; and (6) in which the substrate is a light transmitting substrate.

According to yet another example, a method of preparing a molding

20 for selective lighting consists of applying an opaque primer to a substrate that has an inner side and an outer side on the outer side. The opaque primer is cured. After curing, selected regions of the opaque primer are removed by means of laser attack. A base light transmitting coating layer is then applied above the layer of

25 opaque primer and the regions where the opaque primer was removed. A translucent metallic appearance layer is then applied above the base light transmitting coating layer. A light source that is directed from the inner side of the substrate through the outer side of the substrate provides illuminated enhancement in the regions where the opaque primer was removed. In certain others

30 variations, the method of preparing a molding for selective lighting can be additionally limited as it additionally consists of, any combination of or all of the following: (1) cover the translucent metallic appearance layer with a protective coating; (2) apply the metallic appearance layer by means of at least one of a PVD process and a CVD process; (3) in which the

The translucent metallic appearance layer comprises an element that is selected from the group consisting of transition metals, post-transition metals, metalloids and combinations thereof; (4) in which the translucent metallic appearance layer comprises an alloy that is composed of an element that is selected from the group consisting of transition metals, post-transition metals, metalloids and combinations thereof; (5) in which the

image16

5 primer of base light transmitting coating layer forms a level layer along the outer face of the substrate; and (6) in which the substrate is a light transmitting substrate.

The above description of the embodiments has been provided for the purpose of

10 illustration and description. It is not intended that it be exhaustive or limit disclosure. The individual elements or features of a particular embodiment, in general, are not limited to that particular embodiment but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if they are not shown or specifically described. The same also

15 can vary in many ways. Such variations should not be considered as a deviation from the disclosure, and it is intended that all such modifications be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims (18)

image 1 1. A molding for selective lighting, the molding comprising: a light transmitting substrate having an inner face and an outer face; 5 an actionable light source that generates a light that flows directly or indirectly through the light-transmitting substrate from the inner face; an opaque primer that selectively covers the outer face of the light transmitting substrate; a base light transmitting coating layer primer covering the opaque primer and the outer face of the light transmitting substrate; Y a translucent metallic appearance layer covering the base light transmitting coating layer primer, in which when the light source is operated in an on position, the light is not visible from the outer face of the light transmitting substrate in areas that are selectively covered by the primer 15 opaque. 2. The selective lighting molding of claim 1, wherein the opaque primer is selectively removed or selectively applied to provide selective covering of the outer face of the transmitting substrate of 20 light 3. The selective lighting molding of claim 1, wherein a protective coating covers the translucent metallic appearance layer. The selective lighting molding of claim 1, wherein the translucent metallic appearance layer is applied by at least one of a PVD process and one of CVD. 5. The molding for selective lighting of claim 1, wherein the layer of The translucent metallic appearance comprises an element that is selected from the group consisting of transition metals, post-transition metals, metalloids and combinations thereof. 6. The selective lighting molding of claim 1, wherein the layer of The translucent metallic appearance comprises an alloy that is composed of an element that is selected from the group consisting of transition metals, post-transition metals, metalloids and combinations thereof. image2 7. The selective lighting molding of claim 1, wherein the Base light transmitting coating layer primer forms a 5 level layer along the outer face of the light transmitting substrate. 8. A method of preparing a molding for selective lighting, the method comprising: coating, at least in part, an outer side of a light transmitting substrate with an opaque primer, in which the outer side of the light transmitting substrate has at least one region free of opaque primer; coating the opaque primer and any free region of said opaque primer on said outer side of the light transmitting substrate with a base light transmitting coating layer; 15 coating the base light transmitting coating layer with a translucent metallic appearance layer, in which a light source that is directed through an inner side of the light transmitting substrate to the outer side of the light transmitting substrate illuminates any free region of said opaque primer of said outer side of the light transmitting substrate. twenty 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein after the application as a coating of the opaque primer and before the application of the base light transmitting coating layer, the opaque primer is cured and subsequently , selected portions of the opaque primer are removed. 25

10.

The method according to claim 9, wherein the opaque primer is removed by a laser attack.

eleven.

The method according to claim 8, wherein before coating

30 on the outer side of the light transmitting substrate with the opaque primer, at least one section of the outer side of the light transmitting substrate is covered with a cover to prevent the application of the opaque primer on said at least one section and the cover is removed after application of the opaque primer and before coating with the base light transmitting coating layer. 35

12.

The method according to claim 8, wherein a coating

protector is applied above the translucent metallic appearance layer.

13.

The method according to claim 8, wherein the coating layer

image3 Base light transmitter forms a level layer along the outer side of the light transmitter substrate. 14. A method of preparing a molding for selective lighting, the method comprising: applying an opaque primer layer to a substrate having an internal side and 10 an outer side, on the outer side; cure opaque primer; laser attack selected regions of the primer opaque to remove the opaque primer; apply a base light transmitting coating layer above the opaque primer layer and the regions where the opaque primer was removed; applying a translucent metallic appearance layer above the base light transmitting coating layer, in which a light source that is directed from the inner side of the substrate through the outer side of the substrate provides illuminated enhancement in the regions in which the opaque primer was removed. twenty

fifteen.

The method according to claim 14, wherein a protective coating covers the translucent metallic appearance layer.

16.

The method according to claim 14, wherein the appearance layer

The metal is applied by at least one of a PVD process and a CVD process. 17. The method according to claim 14, wherein the translucent metallic appearance layer comprises an element that is selected from the group consisting of transition metals, post-transition metals, metalloids and 30 combinations thereof. The method according to claim 14, wherein the translucent metallic appearance layer comprises an alloy that is composed of an element that is selected from the group consisting of transition metals, metals of 35 post-transition, metalloids and combinations thereof. image4

19.

The method according to claim 14, wherein the base light transmitting coating layer primer forms a level layer along the outer face of the substrate.

twenty.

The method according to claim 14, wherein at least one of the substrate, the opaque primer and the base light transmitting coating layer is treated prior to the application of the subsequent layer.