US-12624817-B2 - Method and apparatus for a silhouette design vehicle light

Abstract

A silhouette art ornamented automobile light lens that comprises a lens body made of polycarbonate or acrylic, an opaque background layer, an ornamental art drawing that is transparent or opaque.

Inventors

• Calvin Law

Assignees

• Calvin Law

Dates

Publication Date

20260512

Application Date

20250108

Claims (5)

1. 1 . An automobile light lens comprising: a transparent polymer lens body; an ornamental art feature on or within the lens body, the ornamental art feature comprising one or both of an opaque ornamental art drawing on the lens body and an ornamental transparent region of the lens body comprising laser-engraved surface relief; and a semi-opaque layer disposed on the lens body and continuous over the ornamental art feature.
2. 2 . The automobile light lens of claim 1 , wherein the semi-opaque layer is partially light-transmissive.
3. 3 . The automobile light lens of claim 1 , wherein said semi-opaque layer is applied after formation of the ornamental art feature.
4. 4 . A method of forming an automobile light lens, comprising: providing a transparent polymer lens body; forming an ornamental art feature comprising one or both of applying an opaque ornamental art drawing to the lens body and laser-engraving a portion of the lens body to form an ornamental transparent region comprising laser-engraved surface relief; and applying a semi-opaque layer on the lens body such that the semi-opaque layer is continuous over the ornamental art feature.
5. 5 . The automobile light lens of claim 1 , wherein the semi-opaque layer has no apertures over the ornamental art feature.

Description

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE This application is a non-provisional application of and claims the benefit of earlier filing date under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to the filing date of U.S. application Ser. No. 63/703,914, entitled “Method and Apparatus For a Silhouette Design Vehicle Light,” filed on Oct. 5, 2024, and which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention is directed to vehicle light lens and the method that makes such lens. Particularly, the present invention is directed to aftermarket decorative light lens and the method that makes such elaborated and intricate decorative light lens efficiently. BACKGROUND The aftermarket, or the secondary market, of automotive parts and equipment, is concerned with the manufacturing, re-manufacturing, distribution, retailing, and installation of all vehicle parts, chemicals, equipment, and accessories, after the sale of the automobile by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to the consumers. The purchase of such aftermarket parts is a popular way for automobile enthusiasts to personalize their vehicles. Decorative vehicle lights have come a long way from simple underglow kits. Today, they're a popular way to personalize and enhance the appearance of vehicles. Advances in technology have led to a wide range of options, from color-changing LED strips to dynamic lighting effects. In recent years, the efficiency and versatility of Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) have revolutionized the automotive lighting industry. They offer a wider range of colors, are more energy-efficient, and have a longer lifespan compared to traditional bulbs. These lights are then controlled by smart lighting systems that employ smart and powerful chips and PCBs that can adjust the lights automatically based on driving conditions, ambient light, and even the driver's mood. Some systems can also be controlled via smartphone apps or voice commands. The control and commands also developed and sophisticated beyond simple on/off functionality, decorative vehicle lights now offer a variety of dynamic effects, such as pulsing, fading, and strobing. These effects can be synchronized with music or other inputs for a more immersive experience. Not only powerful and advanced, the decorative vehicle lights can also be easily customized. Thus, options for decorative vehicle lights are virtually limitless. Drivers can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns, and brightness levels to create a unique look for their vehicle. The most common decorative lights are the underglow kits which are typically consist of LED strips that are installed underneath the vehicle's body. They can create a striking effect when the vehicle is parked or moving. Then, the ambient light kit, installed inside the vehicles, uses soft, diffused light to create a relaxing atmosphere inside the vehicle. It can be installed in various areas, such as the dashboard, doors, and footwells. Then, the exterior accent lights can be added to various parts of the vehicle, such as the grille, headlights, or taillights. They can enhance the vehicle's overall aesthetic. Then, the LED projection lights project patterns or logos onto the ground, adding a unique touch to the vehicle's appearance. The current invention advances the decorative vehicle light technology further with a vehicle light apparatus having light emitting decorative silhouette arts. OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION It is an object of this invention to provide a solution for vehicle owners to decorate their vehicles with aftermarket lights. It is also an object of this invention to disclose a method to make elaborate and intricate designed aftermarket lights. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention is directed to a silhouette art ornamented automobile light lens that comprises a lens body made of polycarbonate or acrylic, a background layer that is opaque or semi-opaque, and an ornamental art drawing that is transparent or opaque. This invention is further directed to a method of creating a silhouette art ornamented automobile light lens that comprises providing a lens body made of polycarbonate or acrylic, applying a background layer on the lens body that is either opaque or semi-opaque, and applying an ornamental art drawing that is either transparent or opaque. The transparent art drawing is created with a laser engraving machine that removes the opaque background layer. The opaque art drawing is created with a printer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which: FIG. 1 shows an aftermarket tail light lens with an elaborate and intricate ornamental design. FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention that has an opaque lens and lighter art patterns. FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention that has a translucent lens and darker art patterns. FIG. 4 depicts another embodiment of t