GB2051594A - A maker's emblem for mounting on a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

An emblem to be mounted on a vehicle projecting from a surface thereof comprises an elastic reinforcing skeleton, for example of spring steel or carbon fibre, surrounded by a covering of an elastically yieldable softer, plastics material. In a radiator emblem, a point 4 of intended bending is provided in the region of its pedestal. The plastics material has a galvanic coating. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION A maker's emblem or like device for mounting on a vehicle This invention concerns a device, such as a maker's emblem or insignia, a badge, decorative figure or the like intended to be mounted on a vehicle in a position in which it will project from a surface of the vehicle, for example a radiator-cowl surface.

Devices of this kind are required by statutory regulations, for example if they are attached to the front of the vehicle as a radiator cowl emblem, to be capable of folding flat against the vehicle body under a prescribed force. In the case of such customary maker's emblems, which generally are made as relatively sharp-edged galvanised metal parts, this has been achieved by supporting them upon relatively complicated pivoting means, so that they can tilt away about a pivot point in a ball socket when subjected to force.

It has, however, already been proposed that such an emblem should be produced entirely from an elastically deformable plastics material. This has the disadvantage that it is difficult for reasons of strength so to design the emblem stylistically as to retain fully the impression intended to be given, which is an important requirement, particularly in the case of emblems of historic significance.

It is an object of the present invention to avoid the aforesaid difficulties and to make it possible to meet statutory regulations regarding accident safety whilst fully maintaining the intended impression of known emblems or symbols.

According to the invention, a device of the kind set forth above comprises an elastic reinforcing skeleton, for example of spring steel, surrounded by an elastically yieldable, softer, plastics covering.

Preferably a plastics material is used which is suitable for the application of a galvanic coating.

One embodiment of the invention by way of example sill now be more fully described with reference to the accompanying drawing, which shows, in vertical section, a radiator cowl emblem in the form of a three-pointed star in a ring, the front part of a plastics covering being omitted. The emblem comprises a skeleton 1, made for example of spring steel or of carbon-fibre reinforced plastics material, closely surrounded by an elastically yieldable plastics covering 2 which represents the emblem in the final form presenting the required impression. In the pedestal or foot region 3, the emblem has a point 4 of intended bending afforded by a constriction in the material. Under a predetermined force, for instance in the event of impact, the bonding permits folding over of the emblem without damage and without presenting hard edges which could cause injuries.

The plastics covering may be of a material capable of receiving a galvanic coating, for instance to contribute to a desired decorative appearance.

1. An emblem or like device intended to be mounted on a vehicle in a position projecting from a surface thereof, comprising an elastic reinforcing skeleton surrounded by a covering of an elastically yieldable, softer, plastics material.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the skeleton is made of spring steel.

3. A device according to claim 1, wherein the plastics material is capable of receiving a galvanic coating.

4. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the device is a radiator emblem and a point of intended bending is provided in the region of its mounting pedestal.

5. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (5)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION A maker's emblem or like device for mounting on a vehicle This invention concerns a device, such as a maker's emblem or insignia, a badge, decorative figure or the like intended to be mounted on a vehicle in a position in which it will project from a surface of the vehicle, for example a radiator-cowl surface. Devices of this kind are required by statutory regulations, for example if they are attached to the front of the vehicle as a radiator cowl emblem, to be capable of folding flat against the vehicle body under a prescribed force. In the case of such customary maker's emblems, which generally are made as relatively sharp-edged galvanised metal parts, this has been achieved by supporting them upon relatively complicated pivoting means, so that they can tilt away about a pivot point in a ball socket when subjected to force. It has, however, already been proposed that such an emblem should be produced entirely from an elastically deformable plastics material. This has the disadvantage that it is difficult for reasons of strength so to design the emblem stylistically as to retain fully the impression intended to be given, which is an important requirement, particularly in the case of emblems of historic significance. It is an object of the present invention to avoid the aforesaid difficulties and to make it possible to meet statutory regulations regarding accident safety whilst fully maintaining the intended impression of known emblems or symbols. According to the invention, a device of the kind set forth above comprises an elastic reinforcing skeleton, for example of spring steel, surrounded by an elastically yieldable, softer, plastics covering. Preferably a plastics material is used which is suitable for the application of a galvanic coating. One embodiment of the invention by way of example sill now be more fully described with reference to the accompanying drawing, which shows, in vertical section, a radiator cowl emblem in the form of a three-pointed star in a ring, the front part of a plastics covering being omitted. The emblem comprises a skeleton 1, made for example of spring steel or of carbon-fibre reinforced plastics material, closely surrounded by an elastically yieldable plastics covering 2 which represents the emblem in the final form presenting the required impression. In the pedestal or foot region 3, the emblem has a point 4 of intended bending afforded by a constriction in the material. Under a predetermined force, for instance in the event of impact, the bonding permits folding over of the emblem without damage and without presenting hard edges which could cause injuries. The plastics covering may be of a material capable of receiving a galvanic coating, for instance to contribute to a desired decorative appearance. CLAIMS

1. An emblem or like device intended to be mounted on a vehicle in a position projecting from a surface thereof, comprising an elastic reinforcing skeleton surrounded by a covering of an elastically yieldable, softer, plastics material.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the skeleton is made of spring steel.

3. A device according to claim 1, wherein the plastics material is capable of receiving a galvanic coating.

4. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the device is a radiator emblem and a point of intended bending is provided in the region of its mounting pedestal.

5. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.