CA2000332A1

CA2000332A1 - Multi-colored display

Info

Publication number: CA2000332A1
Application number: CA 2000332
Authority: CA
Inventors: Dean M. Kircher
Original assignee: KAUMAGRAPH ELECTROLUMINESCENT PRODUCTS Inc
Current assignee: KAUMAGRAPH ELECTROLUMINESCENT PRODUCTS Inc
Priority date: 1989-04-17
Filing date: 1989-10-10
Publication date: 1990-10-17
Also published as: GB8924248D0; GB2230638A

Abstract

FOR: NOVEL MULTI-COLORED DISPLAY

ABSTRACT
A multi-colored display using an electroluminescent light panel for use in daylight and darkened conditions.
An overlay having designated indicia and background areas is positioned upon the panel to allow light to selectively shine through. The indicia areas may be furnished with a first color which is visible in daylight, and also in darkness by energizing the electroluminescent element; the remaining background areas of the overlay may be colored with a transparent second color which is visible during the day or night. A spectrum of colors is also readily available for use in the indicia and background areas to provide a variegated display.

Description

l:, ~;

~ - ~
200033~

BACKG~OUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the field of colored displays and in particular relates tc informational or vanity plates or tags for automobiles, trucks and related vehicles.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Vanity plates carrying a multi-colored logo, name, emblem, college or univeristy, for example, are usually hung on a vehicle's front bumper and do not usually receive direct illumination. These plates are conventionally illuminated indirectly by the light furnished by a vehicle's head light and is not sufficient to make the plate indicia readable during night hours; however, if a vanity plate is provided with illumination it is furnished by means of an incandescent light which is usually located in a lamp assembly directly above the plate. When the lamp assembly is located above the plate, the light does not focus directly upon the indicia, but rather is intended to merely wash the plate with light. In the prior illumination arrangements the indicia remain difficult to see particularly when they are covered with dirt, grime and during adverse weather conditions. Accordingly, the illumination for the vanity plate is deemed to have serious shortcomings since it is effective mostly during the daylight hours. In addition, the present-day vanity plate does not lend itself to easy replacement when the whim of the vehicle owner desires change of the display. This requires that another metal, plastic or cardboard type plate be purchased and installed after - the prior plate has been removed and discarded; this procedure is deemed expensive and burdensome and not conducive .

200(?33Z

to simplifed replacement.
In a similar manner, the present-day metal and dual colored license plate is deemed to be deficient in many aspects and especially from a law-enforcement viewpoint.
This deficiency is particularly noteworthy from the period of the day extending from dusk to early dawn when a driver has his lights on; during these hours the plate is illum-inated by the conventional incandescent lamp assembly usually located at the top of the plate. The light wash provided by the present-day incandescent lamp assembly -~ creates shadows on the plate since there is an uneven ~- distribution of light; in addition, the poor light distri-bution does not allow easy recognition of the colors -~
especially when the viewing span is of short duration.
~15 Hence, this state-of-the-art method of plate illumination is not deemed to be satisfactory because of its inability to enable the indicia in the form of letters and numerals to be easily distinguished from its background by the every-day citizen or law-enforcementofficer under the severe condi-`::
tions discussed.
It is well recognized that the present day problem of ~ ;
uneven distribution of vehicle plate illumination cannot be solved by use of a plurality of incandescent lamps positioned at discrete locations. The primary reason is that it is uneconomical to use a plurality of lamps toprovide a multiple light wash from the front of the plate.
On the other hand, if a back lighting scheme were to be --employed with a translucent type plate, a light piping arrangement would be necessary in order to create light at ~ -:

each desired location; this arrangement is also deemed to bo uneconomical and unweildy. Hence, the use of the incandescent cent light is not feasible, useful or practical from a standpoint of modern day plate illumination.
Prior art known patents such as U.~. Patent No. 4,684,353 and 4,494,326 disclose electroluminescent displays of various types. U.S. Patent No. 4,684,353 teaches how an electrolum-inescent panel may be constructed and how various display devices may be devised by employing different phosphors.
Informational images may be provided by the teachings of this patent by forming the back electrode of the panel into an image which is then electrically energized with another ~ electrode. However, there is no showing by the patentee !
`- of how multi-colored displays may be designed, or how theimages may be viewed by an observer during daylight and night hours except by continuous energization of the panel. This is not a suitable or practical solution to every day use of electroluminescent displays particularly in the transporta-.
~ tion industry.
,~
U.S. Patent No. 4,494,326 illustrates and teaches how an electroluminescent lamp of various colors is positioned inside a light permeable pattern of a display so that during daylight hours the color provided by the lamp is seen through ~ the light permeable pattern; furthermore, during the night ~ 25 hours a switch is turned ON and the phosphor or luminescent layer is activated to emit colored light. The light from the lamp passes through the light pattern to make the display visible to an observer. The patentee has disclosed a somewhat complex arrangement for achieving single colored ~ - 3 -. ., 2(~00332 displays, but he does not disclose how to make them multi-colored. In a second embodiment, ~he patentee uses a colored film to allow the same color to be viewed during the daylight as is present during the hours of darkness.
The present invention has obviated the shortcomings of the prior art by illuminating the colored indicia, or alternatively, the differently colored background, or both the background and the indicia on the plate or display directly from its rear in order to provide clearly-delineated multi colored information in an observer. This is accomplished by providing uniform lighting to the plate and by this means the indicia in the form of numerals~ letters, logo or names, etc. becomes more clearly distinguishable during hours of daylight or darkness. The multi-colored aspects of the display also make such an entity attractive and pleasing to the eye.
It is an object of this invention to provide a novel multi-colored lighting arrangement for a license or vanity plate, tag or similar device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A multi-colored display utilizing an electroluminescent element is disclosed for use in a license, vanity or emblem-carrying plate. The plate is comprised of the electro-luminescent element which acts as a light source behind an overlay that carries colored indicia to be displayed on a differently colored background area in a multi-colored display. The light is selectively transmitted via the overlay through the indicia and background area to provide the contrasting color arrangement of the display for night -~

observance, and is designed to urnish a color contrast during daylight hours. The display is characterized by its application of continuous lighting so that it i9 spread evenly across all areas where light is selected to pass. The invention is also readily adaptable in providing a variety of colors in the indicia and background area; in addition, the display may provide one color for day viewing and present ?
a second color for viewing in darkness.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is an isometric view of the invention illus-trating a colored display which is positioned within a frame member.
Figure 2 is an exploded isometric view of the embodiment of Figure l.
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view through the display of Figure l and illustrates the various layers forming the .
electroluminescent light panel, overlay and frame.
~-~ Figure 4 is another embodiment of the invention illus-trating a different type overlay.
Figure 5 is still another embodiment of the invention which shows various alpha-numeric characters which may be ~- removed from a strip to form a customized display.
Figure 6 is another embodiment of the invention which utilizes a design formed in the electroluminescent panel for use with a similar design in the colored transparent overlay.
Figure 7 is another embodiment of the inventio~
, depicting a multi-colored license tag.
Figure 8 is yet another embodiment of the invention 200033~

which depicts an arrangement for ~I-ansmitting different colors during daylight and nigh~ time hours.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to Figure 1 there is shown in isometric form the display 10 of the invention which is designed to be multi-colored to the eyes of an observer. The display 10 finds use in a preferred embodiment as an attachment to the bumper of a vehicle such as an automobile or truck where it takes the form of a vanity plate. When utilized in this manner the display 10 exhibits various indicia in the form of alphabetized characters which are formed into names, abbreviations, titles, universities, cities, states and various sayings; the indicia may also be formed into logos, symbols and other similar informational displays.
The display 10 is conventionally located in a frame 12 which readily attaches via holes 23, for example, for receiving a screw or bolt for joining to a bumper or other appropriate part of the vehicle.
Display 10 of Figure 1 may be clearly seen and appreciated by referring to the exploded view of Figure 2 which clearly depicts its various elements comprised essentially of an electroluminescent element or light panel 26 arranged behind and in juxtaposition to an overlay 14 which carries the aforementioned indicia 15. The electroluminescent panel 26 is a flat and relatively thin member which provides a cool source of light with constant color and controllable brightness using a low level of current and power. The light panel 26 i5 designed to withstand shock and vibration, is flexible, has minimum space requirement, is not affected by low . ~, ' ~, - 6 - , 26~00332 teMperatures and performs usefull~ over lony time periods.
The energizing source for activating the element 26 is supplied by a D.C. battery 22 via an inverter 20 as seen in Figure 1. The output 21 of the inverter 20 is directed through a cable 18 to the input 24 of the respective male and female connectors 16, 17. The purpose of the inverter 20 is to transform the D.C. voltage from supply 22 into an A.C. source which is necessary to achieve the operational characteristics of the light panel 26. An optional arrange-ment for activating the light panel 26 utilizes a semi-conductor chip 13 for intermittently applying energy to the inverter 20. The chip is well known as the 550 model and is made by various vendors such as Motorola. It is understood that the supply 22 may be the battery of an automobile, truck or other type vehicle. The electroluminescent element 26 is also a well known device which is described in U.S.
Patent No. 4,684,353 and may be seen in cross-section in Figure 3; it consists essentially of a plurality of layers arranged in the following manner: a phosphor layer 9 placed upon an insulating film 8; front and rear electrodes 6, 7, respectively, in the form of silver conductive ink placed upon either side of the phosphor material. The electrodes 6, 7 are activated to allow the generated light to be transmitted downwardly as viewed in the drawings and through the overlay 14 as will be discussed further hereinbelow. The leads 4, 4a that are attached to the respective electrodes 6,7 are ultimately connected to the male electrical connector 16 as viewed in Figures 1, 2.
~The various components of the light panel 26 are also sealed by encapsulation means 5, 5a for the purpose of making them impervious to harmful environmental elements and to keep out moisture. Various colored light such as white, red, blue, green and yellow may be emitted from the electrolum- ;
inescent element 26 depending upon the type phosphor used in layer 9.
Referring again to Figures 1, 2 an overlay 14 is shown positioned in juxtaposition to the electroluminescent light panel 26 within the fixed frame i2. In the example described ` 10 hereinbelow the light produced by the light panel 26 is white in color. The overlay 14 comprises a flexible plastic material such as sold under the trademark, LEXAN, and having !e ~ a thickness in the range of 2-60 mils. The overlay 14 ; is highly`durable and impervious to rigorous weather elements 15 ~ such as rain, snow or sleet including harmful chemicals. ~-The overlay 14 of the embodiment provides a frosted or whitish surface background l9whichistransparent to light;
in addition, the indicia in the form of a name 15 is applied to the overlay surface by the process of silk screening or -~ 20 ~similar printing method. Silk screening causes the name 15 -~
~-' to be formed with a colored ink upon the frosted surface of the overlay 14 by its printing process. The silk screening process is applied with a transparent or light permeable ink ~ ~
that allows the printed name to become translucent to light ~ -emanating from the electroluminescent element 26. If the silk screening causes the applied color to be blue, a -~
multi-colored display 10 is provideq consisting of the blue name 15 whiah is formed upon the frosted ~r white background 19. During the daylight hqurs, the blue and white display '. ' ~ ' 'li : ' ' j"'' ' "

:: .

;
` ~ ~

is clearly visible to an observer, whereas, during darkness the same multi~colored display is visible by energizing the element 26 via the inverter 20 and battery 22. Although ` the above discussion has been restricted to a dual color combination, it is readily apparent to those skilled in the art that a spectrum of colors may be employed as, for example, by printing a different translucent color for each letter of the name. Similarly, the background area 19 of the overlay 14 may be pr.inted with a variety of different colors to produce a variegated display. It is also within ~ the scope of the invention to arrange the overlay 14 to i~ utilize, for example, colors such as yellow indicia 15 ~ upon a white background 19 which would represent the true i . , .
~ colors as witnessed during daylight; however, with a light panel 26 which emitted a blue light the yellow would appear as a green color. Eence, the many options that are available in constructing the display of this invention enhance its versatility.

3'" ~ The embodiment shown in Figures 1, 2 are designed in a manner that allows the overlay 14 to be slidably engaged ~within the frame 12 as may be appreciated by referring to ~ Figure 3. The overlay 14 is positioned within the frame :Se,""~ 12 and maintained against the light panel 26 by means of an adhesive material 25. The adhesive 25 is sufficiently strong to hold the overlay 14 firmly in place, but on the ~ 25 ~ other hand when there is a desire to change the overlay 14 for various reasons it is merely slid out by applying a slight pressure. It may be then replaced ~y another overlay having a different name or logo.

.

.

2~ 332 Fiyure 4 illustrates another embodiment of the inverltion wherein the overlay 30, for example, includes the indicia 32 in the form of a transparent name that is clear or white in color and the remaining background area is provided with a contrasting translucent color. The overlay 30 is sized in like manner to the overlay 14 and therefore is adapted for facile sliding into the slot provided by frame 12 as previously described with respect to Figure 3. The various colors required for the overlay 30 may also be obtained by the silk screening process which forms the desired colored indicia and background area pattern upon the rectangular plastic substrate. Pigment applied by silk screening is designed to be such that the colors are visible during the daylight hours and when the light panel 26 is appropriately energized the similar combination of colors will appear during time of darkness.
Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figure 5 where an arrangement for making a customized overlay 34 is disclosed. The overlay 34 depicts a rectangular member of flexible plastic which incorporates, by way of example, a frosted or white-like transparent surface coloring. A
rectangular strip 36 shown in a broken away view provides indicia in the form of a plurality of alpha numeric characters 37 which are attached by an adhesive permitting easy separa-tion of the character from the strip. In order to designa custom display for sliding into the frame 12 of Figure 1 the letters such as, for example, the B le~tter as well as the letter E are peeled ofi-- of the strip 36 and located in juxtaposition to one another t~ ~form the beginning of an indicia 35 as a word or connbination of words. The alpha ;

~- 10 --200C!332 numeric characters 37 are manufactured with a certain hue in addition to being made translucent; and, when placed , upon the translucent overlay 34, the color combination selected will be clearly visible to an observer by means of the activation of the electroluminescent panel 26 during the hours of darkness. During the daylight the color of `~ the characters 36 with respect to the background will also be visible.
Another embodiment of the invention is depicted in Figure 6 wherein the electroluminescent panel 40 is formed so that its back electrode 7 (see Figure 3) which is made - ~ ~out of a silver conductive ink represents the indicia 41 , to be carried by the display 10 of Figure 1. However, since the indicia 41 is also an integral part, that is, an electrode, o the light panel 40 it must be formed continuously so that Y~ each separate character is joined to one another as by the ~2~ junction member 47. In this manne~ electrical current is allowed to pass through the electrodes via leads (not shown) which are similar to leads 4, 4a in Figure 3. When the panel 40 is energized via an inverter 20 and battery 22 i ~ thie indicia 41 is lit and transmits a color such as white, yellow, green, red and blue as determined by the phosphors used.
Therefore, in order to produce a color that is not available . . ~
in basic phosphors of the light panel 40 the overlay 42 is p~ovided with a dark blue color, for example, by the silk :, `~ sareening method, and the indicia 43 is designed to exactly duplicate the indicia 41; in this man~er, the activation of the light panel .40 which has a white or blue phosphor will ~cause light to emanate through the translucent dark blue indicia 43. The remaining area of the overlay 42 may be ~ colored Ln a ~uitabl ~ ontrasting color with respect to the : ,' :' . .
.. .

2~00;~32 indicia for overall viewing. This type of multi-colore~
vanity plate display is particularly suitable where the indicia 43 does not change.
Figure 7 depicts a broken view of another embodiment ; 5 of the invention comprising an overlay 50 in the form of a license tag for vehicular use. The rectangular shape over-lay 50 is designed for use in the frame 12 of Figure 1 and essentially comprises a plastic substrate upon which is formed the dual colors comprising the indicia 51 and back-ground 52 as required to identify a particular state. In ~;~ a manner previously described the printing of the background 52 and indicia 51 colors may be printed by silk screening or similar technique with a pigment which is transparent ~--to light emitted by the light panel 26. Therefore, as -`~ 15 previously discussed, during the aaylight the dual colored license tag display will be visible as well as during the ;~ ~ hours of darkness when the light panel is energized.
, ~ :
Figure 8 illustrates another embodiment of the invention -~
which is represented by a sectional view through a typical ` 20 indicia of an overlay 61. Upon the overlay 61 is printed -~as by silk screening an indicia 63 in, for example, the form of a numeral. The pigment applied is white and transparent ,.
and appears as such during the day. Upon the backside of `~ the overlay 61 is printed another pigment 62 having, for example, the color red. When the display is energized by the electroluminescent light 60 for night viewing the color seen by an observer wiIl bepink. Therefore, the light transmitted by lamp 60 will be transmitted through two --layers of pigment for night viewing and only the white 2~)00332 pigment will be observed for daytime observance when the lamp is not energized. It should be understood that the overlay 61 and light panel 60 is for use in the framing structure 12 of Figure 1.
The various embodiments of the invention in Figures 8 have been above described by stating that the silk screen printing of the indicia and background areas of the overlay are translucent. However, it is understood that it is within the purview of the art that under certain circumstances and needæ either the indicia or the background `~ may be opaque, and the remainder of the overlay be it the background or indicia is translucent. If, for example, it is desired that the background area is made opaque ~ and the indicia transparent, it is understood that only 5~hr~ }5 ~ the indicia will stand out during darkness, and the contrasting colors of the indicia and background will be evident during the daylight. It is further within the purview of the art that although the various embodiments were described with respect to the use of a white light panel, it is nevertheless understood that a different colored electroluminescent light might be utilized in order to achieve special lighting or background effect.
It is also understood that the invention is easily adaptable in all of its embodiments to provide a spectra of colors by silk screening each letter of the indicia with a .
different color as well as various areas with the overlay.

In summary, the present invention has been developed -;'~ in order to achieve improved lighting of the indicia and r its background over presently existing vanity and license ~' .
~ . . .
~ ~ .

20(~(~33Z

plates or tags. ~s discussed herein, the reason for the improved lighting that is obtained results from directin~J
continuous uniform light from the rear of the plate rather than using incandescent lighting from above or from the sides. This causes the indicia to become clearly delineated and sharply focused in contrast to the prior art technique.
The use of the electroluminescent light panel is also significant because it draws little current and consumes minimum power.

Claims

1. A display comprising:
(a) a flat electroluminescent element which is adapted to be energized for providing a source of light;
(b) an overlay means for positioning in juxtaposition to said element, and said overlay means incorpora-ting indicia means positioned upon a background area;
(c) said overlay including means wherein said indicia means is colored differently with at least a first color from said background area for daylight viewing with at least a second color, and is colored during darkness by causing said electro-luminescent element to be energized for allowing light to selectively pass through said indicia and background area; and (d) whereby a low energy multi-colored plate is provided having uniform back lighting.

2. The display in accordance with Claim 1 wherein said indicia comprise alpha-numeric characters.

3. The display in accordance with Claim 1 wherein said indicia comprise combined alpha characters to form a name, or alternatively, abbreviations and words.

4. The display in accordance with Claim 1 and further comprising a frame means to hold said electroluminescent element and overlay in a juxtaposed relationship.

5. The display in accordance with Claim 4 wherein said electroluminescent element is fixed in place within said frame means, and said overlay means having a first indicia may be removed for replacement with another overlay means having a second indicia.

6. The display in accordance with Claim 5 wherein said overlay means is held in position against said fixed electroluminescent means via a fastening means.

7. The display in accordance with Claim 4 wherein said frame means is adapted for attachment to a vehicle.

8. The display in accordance with Claim 1 wherein said electroluminescent element is energized by a low voltage D.C. supply which is applied through an inverter.

9. The display in accordance with Claim 8 wherein said electroluminescent element is energized through means which causes said source of light to blink.

10. A display in accordance with Claim 1 wherein said indicia means and background area are translucent to allow light from said element to pass through both during periods of darkness.

11. The display in accordance with Claim 10 wherein said indicia comprises alpha-numeric characters.

12. The display in accordance with Claim 10 wherein said indicia comprise combined alpha characters to form a name, or alternatively, abbreviations and words.

13. The display in accordance with Claim 10 wherein said indicia comprises a logo.

14. A display in accordance with Claim 1 wherein said indicia means is translucent and said background area is opaque to allow light from said element to partially pass through said plate.

15. A display in accordnace with Claim 14 wherein said indicia comprise alpha-numeric characters.

16. A display in accordance with Claim 14 wherein said indicia comprise combined alpha characters to form a name, or alternatively, abbreviations and words.

17. A display in accordance with Claim 14 wherein said indicia comprises a logo.

18. A display in accordance with Claim 1 wherein said indicia means is opaque and said background area is trans-lucent to allow light from said element to partially pass through said plate.

19. A display in accordance with Claim 18 wherein said indicia comprises alpha-numeric characters.

20. A display in accordance with Claim 18 wherein said indicia comprise combined alpha characters to form a name, or alternatively, abbreviations and words.

21. A display in accordance with Claim 18 wherein said indicia comprise a logo.

22. A display in accordance with Claim 1 wherein said overlay comprises indicia removed from a strip containing at least one such indicia, and said indicia being colored differently with at least a first color from the remainder of said overlay which is colored with at least a second color for daylight viewing, and is similarly colored during darkness by causing said element to be energized for allowing light to selectively pass through said indicia and background area.

23. A display in accordance with Claim 22 wherein said indicia and background area are both translucent.

24. A display in accordance with Claim 22 wherein said background area is opaque and said indicia is trans-lucent.

25. A display in accordance with Claim 22 wherein said background area is translucent and said indicia is opaque.

26. A display in accordance with Claim 22 wherein said overlay may be slidably removed and replaced by another slidable overlay having differently designed indicia.

27. A display in accordance with Claim 26 wherein said slidable overlay comprises a transparent indicia having at least a first color and an opaque background area having at least a second color.

28. A display in accordance with Claim 26 wherein said slidable overlay comprises an opaquely colored indicia having a first color and a transparent background area having a second color.

29. A display comprising:
(a) an electroluminescent element having first and second electrodes wherein said first electrode is formed into a continuous indicia and said element being energized by a low energy source to generate a source of light;
(b) an overlay which includes a translucent indicia for positioning in juxtaposition and in alignment with said electroluminescent indicia, and said overlay indicia comprising at least a first color and the remaining area of said overlay providing a background area having at least a second color; and c) whereby a low energy multi-colored plate is provided having uniform back lighting.

30. A display comprising:
(a) a frame means adapted for attachment to a vehicle;
(b) an electroluminescent element adapted for position-ing in said frame means, and when energized providing a source of light;
(c) an overlay means for slidably positioning in juxtaposition to said element within said frame means, and said overlay means incorporating indicia means positioned upon a background area;
(d) said overlay means including means wherein said indicia means is colored differently with at least a second color for daylight viewing, and is similarly colored during darkness by energizing said element for allowing light to selectively pass through said indicia, and background; and (e) whereby a low energy multi-colored plate is provided for vehicular use and having uniform back lighting.

31. A display comprising:
(a) a flat electroluminescent element which is adapted to be energized for providing a source of light;
(b) an overlay means having a front and rear section for positioning in juxtaposition to said element, and said overlay means incorporating indicia means positioned upon a background area along said front section;
(c) said overlay including means wherein said indicia means is colored with a first pigment and is colored with a second pigment on said rear area;
(d) said background area being further colored with at least a third pigment;
(e) the color of said indicia being determined by said second pigment in contrast with the third pigment of said background area when said electroluminescent element is energized, and the color of said indicia being determined by said first pigment in contrast with the third pigment when said element is not energized.