摘要：
A trim for an object and its method of manufacture involve providing a transparent or translucent substrate defining a top surface, applying an opaque layer above the top surface of the substrate, the opaque layer defining one or more apertures through which light can pass, and applying one or more translucent metallic-looking layers above a top surface of the opaque layer. In some implementations, the trim is a selectively illuminable trim whereby a light source is arranged beneath a bottom surface of the substrate, the light source being configured to output light through the substrate, the one or more apertures defined by the opaque layer, and the one or more metallic-looking layers.
技术问题语段：
The patent text describes a method for manufacturing a trim with a transparent or translucent substrate that has a metallic-looking layer for a better visual appearance. The technical problem addressed in the patent text is to provide a trim that not only looks good but also has the ability to be illuminated for enhanced visual effects. The method involves applying an opaque layer with one or more apertures that allow light to pass through, and then applying a translucent metallic-looking layer on top of the opaque layer. The trim can also have a light source or light guide beneath the substrate to create an illuminated effect.
技术功效语段：
The present patent is about a new type of trim for objects that can be selectively illuminated. The trim has a transparent or translucent substrate with one or more apertures that allow light to pass through. The substrate can also have a layer of opaque material applied to it to create the illuminable effect. The trim can be made using a physical vapor deposition (PVD) system or a painting system. The method of manufacturing the trim involves applying a first translucent base coat layer to the substrate, then applying an opaque layer with the one or more apertures, and finally applying one or more translucent metallic-looking layers. The trim can also have a light source beneath the substrate or a light guide to distribute the light. The technical effect of this invention is to provide a new type of trim that can be selectively illuminated, enhancing the visual appearance of objects.
权利要求：
CLAIMS
What is claimed is:
1 . A trim for an object, the trim comprising:
a transparent or translucent substrate defining a top surface;
an opaque layer applied above the top surface of the substrate, the opaque layer defining one or more apertures through which light can pass; and
one or more translucent metallic-looking layers applied above a top surface of the opaque layer.
2. The trim of claim 1 , further comprising a first translucent base coat layer applied to the top surface of the substrate, wherein the opaque layer is applied to a top surface of the first translucent base coat layer.
3. The trim of claim 2, further comprising a second translucent base coat layer applied to the top surface of the opaque layer and a portion of the top surface of the first translucent base coat layer corresponding to the one or more apertures, wherein the one or more translucent metallic-looking layers are applied to a top surface of the second translucent base coat layer.
4. The trim of claim 3, further comprising a top coat layer applied to a top surface of the one or more metallic-looking layers.
5. The trim of claim 1 , further comprising a top coat layer applied to a top surface of the one or more metallic-looking layers.
6. The trim of claim 2, further comprising a top coat layer applied to a top surface of the one or more metallic-looking layers.
7. The trim of claim 1 , wherein the one or more apertures in the opaque layer are formed by pre-deposit masking or post-deposit laser etching.
8. The trim of claim 2, wherein the one or more apertures in the opaque layer are formed by pre-deposit masking or post-deposit laser etching.
9. The trim of claim 1 , wherein at least the one or more metallic-looking layers are applied using a physical vapor deposition (PVD) system.
10. The trim of claim 1 , wherein at least the one or more metallic-looking layers are applied using a painting system.
1 1 . The trim of claim 1 , wherein the trim is a selectively illuminable trim that further comprises a light source arranged beneath a bottom surface of the substrate, the light source being configured to output light through the substrate, the one or more apertures defined by the opaque layer, and the one or more metallic- looking layers.
12. The trim of claim 11 , further comprising a light guide arranged between the light source and the bottom surface of the substrate, the light guide being configured to distribute the light output from the light source.
13. A method of manufacturing a trim for an object, the method comprising:
providing a transparent or translucent substrate defining a top surface;
applying an opaque layer above the top surface of the substrate, the opaque layer defining one or more apertures through which light can pass; and
applying one or more translucent metallic-looking layers above a top surface of the opaque layer.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising applying a first translucent base coat layer to the top surface of the substrate, wherein the opaque layer is applied to a top surface of the first translucent base coat layer.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising applying a second translucent base coat layer to the top surface of the opaque layer and a portion of the top surface of the first translucent base coat layer corresponding to the one or more apertures, wherein the one or more translucent metallic-looking layers are applied to a top surface of the second translucent base coat layer.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising applying a top coat layer to a top surface of the one or more metallic-looking layers.
17. The method of claim 13, further comprising applying a top coat layer to a top surface of the one or more metallic-looking layers.
18. The method of claim 14, further comprising applying a top coat layer to a top surface of the one or more metallic-looking layers.
19. The method of claim 13, further comprising one of (i) applying a mask to the top surface of the substrate prior to applying the opaque layer, wherein the mask defines the one or more apertures, and (ii) laser etching the opaque layer to form the one or more apertures.
20. The method of claim 14, further comprising one of (i) applying a mask to the top surface of the first translucent base coat layer prior to applying the opaque layer, wherein the mask defines the one or more apertures, and (ii) laser etching the opaque layer to form the one or more apertures.
21 . The method of claim 13, wherein at least the one or more metallic- looking layers are applied using a physical vapor deposition (PVD) system.
22. The method of claim 13, wherein at least the one or more metallic- looking layers are applied using a painting system.
23. The method of claim 13, wherein the trim is a selectively illuminable trim and the method further comprises arranging a light source beneath a bottom surface of the substrate, the light source being configured to output light through the substrate, the one or more apertures defined by the opaque layer, and the one or more metallic-looking layers.
24. The method of claim 23, further comprising arranging a light guide between the light source and a bottom surface of the substrate, the light guide being configured to distribute the light output from the light source.