U.S. patent application number 14/992664 was filed with the patent office on 2016-05-05 for light transmissive bendable wood panel.
The applicant listed for this patent is Gilbert Dobecz, Zsolt Polk. Invention is credited to Gilbert Dobecz, Zsolt Polk.
Application Number | 20160121592 14/992664 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48870479 |
Filed Date | 2016-05-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160121592 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dobecz; Gilbert ; et
al. |
May 5, 2016 |
LIGHT TRANSMISSIVE BENDABLE WOOD PANEL
Abstract
A light transmissive bendable panel is produced by providing a
transparent or translucent bendable panel and adhesively attaching
to both sides of the panel a light transmissive wood layer.
Inventors: |
Dobecz; Gilbert; (Lakitelek,
HU) ; Polk; Zsolt; (Kecskemet, HU) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dobecz; Gilbert
Polk; Zsolt |
Lakitelek
Kecskemet |
|
HU
HU |
|
|
Family ID: |
48870479 |
Appl. No.: |
14/992664 |
Filed: |
January 11, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13362456 |
Jan 31, 2012 |
9242435 |
|
|
14992664 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
156/212 ;
156/60 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B32B 27/365 20130101;
B32B 37/142 20130101; Y10T 428/24802 20150115; Y10T 428/24942
20150115; B32B 37/003 20130101; B32B 2307/546 20130101; B32B 21/08
20130101; B32B 37/06 20130101; B32B 2317/16 20130101; Y10T 428/2495
20150115; B32B 27/308 20130101; B32B 2307/412 20130101; B32B 3/30
20130101; B32B 7/12 20130101; B32B 21/14 20130101; B32B 37/12
20130101; B32B 2307/414 20130101; Y10T 428/24612 20150115 |
International
Class: |
B32B 37/12 20060101
B32B037/12; B32B 37/06 20060101 B32B037/06; B32B 37/14 20060101
B32B037/14 |
Claims
1. A method of forming a light transmissive, bendable panel
comprising the steps: providing a planar, light transmissive,
bendable non-wood substrate having a first side and a second side;
attaching a light transmissive face layer made of wood to the first
side of said substrate using a first adhesive; and attaching a
light transmissive back layer made of wood to the second side of
said substrate using a second adhesive; said first adhesive being
different from said second adhesive.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the first adhesive has a lower
viscosity than the second adhesive.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the substrate is transparent.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the substrate is translucent.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the face layer is provided with an
adhesive-permeable backing.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein the backing is paper.
7. The method of claim 5 wherein the backing is porous.
8. The method of claim 5 wherein the backing is a thin sheet of
fibers.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the substrate is tinted.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein the substrate is textured.
11. A method of forming a light transmissive, bendable panel
comprising the steps of: providing a light transmissive non-wood
bendable substrate having first face and second face, and
configured to support a light transmissive wood face layer and a
light transmissive wood back layer; providing the light
transmissive wood face layer and the light transmissive wood back
layer; applying an adhesive permeable backing to one side of said
wood face layer; attaching said wood face layer to said non-wood
bendable substrate by a first adhesive so that the backing is next
to the first face of said non-wood bendable substrate; attaching
said wood back layer to the second face of said non-wood bendable
substrate by a second adhesive to produce an assembly comprising
said non-wood bendable substrate sandwiched between said wood face
layer and said wood back layer; and compressing the assembly to
produce said light transmissive bendable panel.
12. The method of claim 11 further comprising forming one or more
thinner areas in said wood face layer, the one or more thinner
areas configured to pass additional light through said wood face
layer.
13. The method of claim 11 further comprising securing a light
source behind said wood back layer of said light transmissive,
bendable panel.
14. The method of claim 11 further comprising bending said light
transmissive bendable wood panel around a curved structure.
15. The method of claim 14 further comprising fastening said light
transmissive bendable wood panel to the curved structure.
16. The method of claim 11 wherein said wood face layer, said
non-wood bendable substrate, and said wood back layer are
compressed between two plates for a time period sufficient to cure
the first adhesive and the second adhesive.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein said first adhesive and said
second adhesive are cured by application of heat.
18. The method of claim 11 wherein the first adhesive has a lower
viscosity than the second adhesive.
19. The method of claim 11 wherein the backing is attached to the
one side of said word face layer using the first adhesive.
20. The method of claim 11 wherein said wood face layer and said
wood back layer are the same.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a division of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 13/362,456, filed on Jan. 31, 2012, which is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to wood paneling and in particular to
a light transmissive bendable wood panel.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Wood is a commonly used construction material that is highly
versatile. Wood panels or other structures are capable of providing
structural support while being aesthetically pleasing. For these
reasons, wood panels are often used in both buildings and
furnishings. Various processes for finishing wood are used to
enhance its appearance.
[0004] For instance, wood panels are often painted or stained to
various colors. In addition, various clear coatings may be used to
alter the texture, feel, or sheen of wood. Though wide ranging in
color and sheen, these traditional finishing methods are limited in
that they may only change color and sheen of a wood product.
[0005] Lighting has also been used to enhance the appearance of
wood. For instance, a remote spotlight or accent light may be used
to highlight wood structures. In other scenarios, it has been shown
possible to illuminate wood by shining a light through the
wood.
[0006] For example, US Patent Publication No. 2008/0099140 and
Hungarian Usage Sample Application No. U 09 00110 disclose a
particular paneling product having a thick rigid load-bearing layer
to which a wood layer may be attached. A light may shine through
the wood layer to illuminate the wood layer. These paneling
products may be formed similar to traditional plywood, such as by
adhering multiple layers of material together to form a panel.
[0007] JP 2006240274 discloses a paneling product where a panel
board is located between two panes of glass. Likewise, DE 41 12 097
discloses a panel board between two thick glass panes. Though these
products may be illuminated, their panel boards are encapsulated
between two panes of glass, thus preventing the panel board from
being seen or touched directly. For those desiring a wood panel or
structure, this is highly undesirable since the encapsulating glass
has entirely different characteristics.
[0008] From the discussion that follows, it will become apparent
that the present invention addresses the deficiencies associated
with the prior art while providing numerous additional advantages
and benefits not contemplated or possible with prior art
constructions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] A light transmissive bendable wood panel is disclosed
herein. The light transmissive bendable wood panel provides the
beauty of a wood panel while being both bendable and light
transmissive. The light transmitting capabilities of the light
transmissive bendable wood panel allow it to be illuminated. Such
illumination may range from a subtle glow to more intense levels of
light. The light transmissive bendable wood panel may carry one or
more designs or patterns on its face surface and/or may have
illuminate designs, patterns, or the like.
[0010] The light transmissive bendable wood panel may have various
configurations. For instance, in one exemplary embodiment a light
transmissive bendable wood panel may comprise a light transmissive
bendable non-wood substrate having a planar shape and a first side
and a second side, and a face layer made of wood and having a
reduced thickness to allow light to pass through. For instance, the
face layer, back layer, or both may be a thin wood veneer in one or
more embodiments.
[0011] A backing may be attached to an inwardly facing side of the
face layer. The backing may comprise a planar permeable material. A
first adhesive may extend between the bendable substrate and the
face layer as well as through the backing to attach the face layer
to the first side of the bendable substrate. The backing may help
prevent the adhesive from moving as the light transmissive bendable
wood panel is formed. This prevents bubbles or gaps from forming in
the adhesive thus ensuring a complete bond between the face layer
and bendable substrate.
[0012] A back layer made of wood may be attached to the second side
of the bendable substrate with a second adhesive. The back layer
may also have a reduced thickness to allow light to pass through.
In this manner, the light transmissive bendable wood panel may be
illuminated because light may pass through the light transmissive
bendable wood panel from the back layer and then through the face
layer to a viewer.
[0013] It is contemplated that at least one side of the bendable
substrate may be textured to allow for better bonding/adhesion. In
addition, the first and second adhesives may be different. For
instance a lower viscosity adhesive may be used to attach the face
layer to ensure that the adhesive permeates the backing It is noted
that the face layer and the back layer may be different types of
wood. The back layer may be a lower cost wood since it may not be
visible once the light transmissive bendable wood panel is
installed.
[0014] One or more depressions may be in the face layer. The
depressions generally allow an increased amount of light to pass
through the face layer. This allows various patterns or designs to
be illuminated on the face layer.
[0015] It is noted that the back layer and face layer may have the
same thickness to stabilize the light transmissive bendable wood
panel. Curling, cupping, or other warping may be prevented in this
manner since the face and back of the light transmissive bendable
wood panel would expand, bend, and/or contract at the same rate. In
addition, the bendable substrate is less than or equal to an eighth
of an inch thick.
[0016] In another exemplary embodiment, a light transmissive
bendable wood panel may comprise a face veneer and a back veneer
with the face veneer having a permeable backing, and a substrate
between the face veneer and the back veneer. The substrate may be
formed from a planar sheet of light transmissive bendable
material.
[0017] An adhesive may be between the face veneer and the substrate
and between the back veneer and the substrate. The adhesive between
the face veneer and the substrate may extend through the permeable
backing to bond or attach the face veneer to the substrate. One or
more depressions may be in the face veneer to allow an increased
amount of light to pass through the face veneer.
[0018] It is noted that the substrate may be transparent. In
addition, the substrate may be a transparent or translucent
non-wood material selected such as plastic, acrylic, polycarbonate,
and plexiglass. As stated above, a lower viscosity adhesive may be
between the substrate and the face veneer, while a higher viscosity
adhesive may be between the substrate and the back veneer. The face
veneer, backing, substrate, and back veneer may be curved into a
curved shape.
[0019] At least one light source may be at a peripheral edge of the
substrate. At this location, the light source can illuminate the
substrate, which in turn will illuminate a face veneer of the light
transmissive bendable wood panel.
[0020] Various methods relating to the light transmissive bendable
wood panel are also disclosed herein. An exemplary method of
forming a light transmissive bendable wood panel may comprise
providing a face layer and back layer made of wood and having a
planar shape, attaching a permeable backing to an inwardly facing
side of the face layer, and providing a light transmissive non-wood
bendable substrate configured to support the face layer and back
layer.
[0021] An adhesive may be applied between a back side of a
substrate and an inwardly facing side of a back layer of the light
transmissive bendable wood panel. Also, an adhesive may be applied
between a front side of a substrate and the inwardly facing side of
a face layer of the light transmissive bendable wood panel.
[0022] The face layer, bendable substrate, and back layer may be
compressed together. During compression, the adhesive between the
front side of the substrate and the face layer may be held in
position by the permeable backing to prevent bubbles or voids from
forming in the adhesive. It is noted that compressing the face
layer, bendable substrate, and back layer together may comprise
compressing face layer, bendable substrate, and back layer together
between two plates.
[0023] One or more thinner areas or depressions may be formed in
the face layer. The thinner areas generally allow additional light
to pass through the face layer to allow various designs, patterns,
or the like to be illuminated on the light transmissive bendable
wood panel. A light source may be secured behind the back layer. In
addition, the light transmissive bendable wood panel may be bent or
formed around a curved structure, and then fastened to the curved
structure.
[0024] Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the
invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the
art upon examination of the following figures and detailed
description. It is intended that all such additional systems,
methods, features and advantages be included within this
description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected
by the accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale,
emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of
the invention. In the figures, like reference numerals designate
corresponding parts throughout the different views.
[0026] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a partially assembled light
transmissive bendable wood panel;
[0027] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of an assembled light
transmissive bendable wood panel;
[0028] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a light transmissive
bendable wood panel in a planar configuration;
[0029] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a light transmissive
bendable wood panel in a curved configuration;
[0030] FIG. 3A is a cross sectional view of a light transmissive
bendable wood panel;
[0031] FIG. 3B is a cross sectional view of a light transmissive
bendable wood panel; and
[0032] FIG. 3C is a perspective view of a light transmissive
bendable wood panel having a design.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0033] In the following description, numerous specific details are
set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the
present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in
the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these
specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not
been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.
[0034] The light transmissive bendable wood panel herein provides a
number of advantages. As will be detailed further herein, the light
transmissive bendable wood panel may comprise a bendable substrate,
which allows for complex shapes to be formed during installation of
the light transmissive bendable wood panel. In one or more
embodiments, the light transmissive bendable wood panel also
comprises a multi-level decorative layer, which allows for
increased and decreased illumination at various areas or portions
of the light transmissive bendable wood panel. The light
transmissive bendable wood panel also utilizes a plurality of
layered materials arranged to extend the life of the panel.
[0035] The light transmissive bendable wood panel may be used as a
structural and/or decorative item for buildings, furnishings, and
other structures. The ability for the light transmissive bendable
wood panel to bend increases its versatility greatly, allowing for
highly expressive structures to be constructed on site or
elsewhere. When illuminated, the light transmissive bendable wood
panel may provide a subtle glow, such that the illumination is not
readily noticed but clearly there. Of course, the light
transmissive bendable wood panel may include or be combined with
lighting of various intensities.
[0036] The light transmissive bendable wood panel will now be
described with regard to FIGS. 1A-1B. FIG. 1A is a perspective view
of a partially assembled light transmissive bendable wood panel 104
to illustrate the elements of the light transmissive bendable wood
panel. FIG. 1B provides a perspective view of a light transmissive
bendable wood panel 104 in its assembled state.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 1A and as will now be described, the light
transmissive bendable wood panel 104 may have a layered structure,
with each layer having its own properties. In one or more
embodiments, the light transmissive bendable wood panel 104 may
comprise a front or face layer 108 and a back layer 112 supported
by a substrate 116. As can be seen, the layers 108,112 and
substrate 116 may be planar in shape so as to form a panel when
assembled.
[0038] In general, the face layer 108 may comprise a wood panel.
Various species of woods may be used. Typically, the face layer 108
will be thin, such as a veneer to allow light to pass through the
face layer thus illuminating the face layer. The back layer 112 may
also be a wood panel. The back layer 112 may have the same or
similar thickness as the face layer 108. In one or more
embodiments, the back layer 112 may be formed from the same species
or type of wood as the face layer 108. In other embodiments, a
different wood may be used.
[0039] The back layer 112 is beneficial in that it provides
stability for the light transmissive bendable wood panel 104. Since
the light transmissive bendable wood panel 104 comprises a variety
of flexible materials, the back layer 112 is advantageous in that
it balances the expansion and contraction of the face layer 108
thus preventing the light transmissive bendable wood panel 104 from
curling or cupping if the face layer 108 were to expand or contract
more or less than the substrate 116.
[0040] It is noted that because the back layer 112 may be a
different type of wood, a less costly wood may be used to stabilize
the light transmissive bendable wood panel 104, especially in
situations where the back layer is not visible once the light
transmissive bendable wood panel is installed.
[0041] The substrate 116 generally provides a structure to which
the face layer 108 and the back layer 112 may be attached. The
substrate 116 may be rigid in some embodiments, but will typically
be flexible so as to allow the light transmissive bendable wood
panel 104 to bend. In one or more embodiments, the substrate 116
may be constructed of flexible material and/or may have a reduced
thickness that allows it to bend while still providing support to
the face and back layers 108,112. For instance, it is contemplated
that the substrate 116 may be a thin planar shape to allow for
bending. In this manner, the light transmissive bendable wood panel
104 may be formed to various curves and other non-linear
shapes.
[0042] In some embodiments, the substrate's thickness may be set
based on the thickness of the face layer 108, back layer 112 or
both. For example, the substrate 116 may be the same or a similar
thickness as the face layer 108. The substrate 116 could
alternatively be a multiple of the thickness of the face layer 108.
For example, the substrate 116 may be twice as thick as the face
layer 108. In any event, the substrate 116 will typically not be so
thick so as to prevent it from being bent or otherwise formed to a
variety of slight or severe curves.
[0043] Typically, the substrate 116 will be light transmissive. For
example, the substrate 116 may be transparent or translucent in one
or more embodiments. For instance, the substrate 116 may be
plexiglass, acrylic, or the like. In this manner, light emitted
behind the light transmissive bendable wood panel 104 may pass
through the substrate 116 to illuminate the face layer 108 of the
light transmissive bendable wood panel.
[0044] It is contemplated that the substrate 116 may be tinted in
one or more embodiments. For example, the substrate 116 may have a
slight coloring to change the color of light passing through the
face layer 108. Various colors may be used. In this manner, the
face layer 108 may be illuminated to a desired color. In some
embodiments, it is contemplated that the substrate 116 may comprise
multiple tinted layers that are selected to produce a particular
color of light.
[0045] Assembly of the light transmissive bendable wood panel 104
will now also be described with regard to FIG. 1A. In one or more
embodiments, the face layer 108 may be attached to a first side of
the substrate 116, while the back layer 112 is attached to a second
or the opposite side of the substrate. The face and back layers
108,112 may be attached in various ways. For example, in one or
more embodiments, the face and back layers 108,112 may be bonded or
adhered to the substrate 116, such as with one or more adhesives
124. It is noted that the adhesive 124 is shown as partially
covering the substrate 116 in FIG. 1A for illustrative purposes.
Typically, the adhesive 124 will fully cover the front and back of
the substrate 116 to ensure that the face and back layers 108,112
are fully bonded or adhered to the substrate.
[0046] The adhesive 124 may be specially selected for its
translucence or transparency. In addition, the adhesive 124 should
ideally retain the same translucence or transparency over time to
ensure the same level of illumination at the front panel 108 over
time. The adhesive 124 will typically also be resilient so as to
securely attach the front layer 108 and back layer 112 to the
substrate 116 despite them being different materials. This is
advantageous in that the substrate 116 may be a smooth surface,
such as when the substrate 116 is formed from plexiglass or acrylic
material. In some embodiments, the surface of the substrate 116 may
be textured to allow the adhesive to better attach to the
substrate. However, this will typically change the transparency of
the substrate 116, and thus in some embodiments the adhesive 124
may be configured to directly attach a smooth transparent substrate
116 (such as clear plexiglass or acrylic) to the front and back
layers 108,112.
[0047] In some embodiments a water-based poly-vinyl acetate based
adhesive may be used. The poly-vinyl acetate may be combined with a
solvent such as propylene carbonate in some situations to form an
adhesive for constructing the light transmissive bendable wood
panel 104. Such adhesive bonds the front layer 108, substrate 116,
and back layer 112 together despite the different material
compositions of these elements of the light transmissive bendable
wood panel 104.
[0048] During construction, the adhesive 124 may be applied to the
front and back of the substrate 116. Alternatively or in addition,
the adhesive 124 may be applied to the inward facing side (the side
facing the substrate 116) of the face layer 108 and back layer 112.
The face layer 108, substrate 116, and back layer 112 may then be
compressed or squeezed together to form the light transmissive
bendable wood panel 104. A mechanized or other press may be used to
compress the face layer 108, back layer 112, and substrate 116
together. The press may utilize flat or planar plates on either
side of the light transmissive bendable wood panel 104 to form a
planar light transmissive bendable wood panel. FIG. 1B illustrates
an exemplary embodiment of an assembled light transmissive bendable
wood panel 104. As can be seen, the front layer 108, substrate 116
and back layer 112 have been bonded together to form a planar panel
structure.
[0049] It is contemplated that the light transmissive bendable wood
panel 104 could be formed with one or more curves or other shapes
therein, such as by compressing the light transmissive bendable
wood panel with a press having plates with a corresponding curved
or other shape. For example, curved plates could be used to press
the light transmissive bendable wood panel 104 into a corresponding
curved shape. It is noted that even curved embodiments of the light
transmissive bendable wood panel 104 would remain bendable.
[0050] Once the adhesive 124 cures, the light transmissive bendable
wood panel 104 may be considered complete. In some embodiments,
heat may be applied to cure the adhesive 124 and/or to provide
better adhesion or bonding of the face and back layers 108,112 to
the substrate 116.
[0051] As can be seen from FIG. 1A, the face layer 108 may comprise
a backing 120 to ensure desired adhesion or bonding to the
substrate 116. This is beneficial at the face layer 108, since any
gaps or spaces between the substrate 116 and face layer 108 may be
readily visible (since the face layer is typically the decorative
or visible layer of the light transmissive bendable wood panel
104). Such gaps, spaces, or other areas of incomplete or improper
bonding/adhesion may be somewhat obvious especially when the light
transmissive bendable wood panel 104 is illuminated.
[0052] In one or more embodiments, the backing 120 may be a thin
porous, permeable, or semi-permeable material. In this matter, the
backing 120 can absorb the adhesive 124 between the face layer 108
and the substrate 116. This is highly advantageous in that it
prevents the adhesive 124 from moving when the light transmissive
bendable wood panel 104 is compressed. This ensures that the face
layer 108 is fully attached to the substrate 116 across the entire
surface of the face layer.
[0053] It is contemplated that the backing 120 may be formed from
various materials. For example, the backing 120 may be paper in
some embodiments. The backing 120 may also or alternatively
comprise various natural or synthetic fibers in thin sheets.
Typically, the backing 120 will be very thin relative to the face
layer 108. This allows the backing 120 to fully bond or adhere the
face layer 108 to the substrate 116 without obstructing light
transmission. Also, the thinness of the backing 120 helps ensure
that the adhesive 124 can permeate or pass through the backing to
contact both the substrate 116 and the face layer 108. In one or
more embodiments, the backing 120 may be adhered to the face layer
108 with its own adhesive. Alternatively or in addition, the
backing 120 may be a separate layer that is adhered by the same
adhesive 124 that bonds the face layer 108 to the substrate
116.
[0054] It is contemplated that the adhesive 124 used to bond the
face layer 108 may be different from the adhesive 124 used to bond
the back layer 112 in some embodiments. For example, a first
adhesive 124 having lower viscosity may be used to bond the face
layer 108 to the substrate 116. This is advantageous in that the
lower viscosity helps ensure that the adhesive 124 spreads to fully
cover the surface area of the substrate 116 and mating surface of
the face layer 108. A second adhesive 124 of higher viscosity may
be used to bond the substrate 116 to the back layer 112 since full
bonding of the back layer may be less crucial and/or less visible
with regard to the back layer 112. Also, it is noted that a backing
120 is typically not provided between the substrate 116 and the
back layer 112. It is contemplated that the light transmissive
bendable wood panel 104 may have two face layers 108 rather than a
face layer and a back layer 112. In such embodiments, the backing
120 may be on both sides of the substrate 116.
[0055] FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate illumination of the light
transmissive bendable wood panel 104. FIG. 2A illustrates the light
transmissive bendable wood panel 104 in a linear configuration and
FIG. 2B illustrates the light transmissive bendable wood panel in a
bent configuration. Since the light transmissive bendable wood
panel 104 is bendable, it may be formed into a variety of curves
and other shapes at a construction site. For example, a carpenter
or the like may bend the light transmissive bendable wood panel 104
to conform to a curved frame or other structure and then fasten the
light transmissive bendable wood panel to such structure. Various
portions of the light transmissive bendable wood panel 104 may be
removed or otherwise shaped with woodworking or other tools.
[0056] In FIGS. 2A-2B, light (shown by the arrows) passes from the
light source 204 through the light transmissive bendable wood panel
104 to illuminate the face layer of the panel 108. The light source
204 generally emits light to illuminate the face layer 108 of the
light transmissive bendable wood panel 104. In one or more
embodiments, the light source 204 may be positioned behind the
light transmissive bendable wood panel 104 so that its light passes
through one side of the light transmissive bendable wood panel to
emerge at a face layer 108. This illuminates the light transmissive
bendable wood panel 104, as shown by the arrows of FIGS. 2A-2B. It
is noted that the light transmissive bendable wood panel 104 may
also be edge-illuminated in some embodiments. For example, one or
more light sources 204 may be positioned at the peripheral edge of
the substrate 116. In this manner, the substrate may be
illuminated, thus illuminating the face layer 108 as well.
[0057] The light source 204 may comprise one or more light emitting
devices of various types. For example, the light source 204 may be
an incandescent, fluorescent, or LED bulb or the like. In some
embodiments, multiple light sources 204 may be used to evenly or
otherwise illuminate the face layer 108. It is contemplated that a
light source 204 may be dimmable in some embodiments to allow the
amount of illumination to be adjusted. The light source 204 may
also provide various colors of light and be programmable such as to
emit light of one or more colors according to a preprogrammed
sequence. A lighting controller may be provided to allow this
functionality.
[0058] As shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, the light transmissive bendable
wood panel 104 may have its face layer 108 illuminated such that it
appears to glow. The entire or a substantial portion of the light
transmissive bendable wood panel 104 may be illuminated in this
manner with the same or similar levels of illumination. In some
embodiments, portions of the light transmissive bendable wood panel
104 may be at a higher illumination than others, such as to
highlight or accent particular areas of the light transmissive
bendable wood panel.
[0059] The light transmissive bendable wood panel 104 may be
finished similar to traditional wood surfaces. For example, the
face layer 108 may be stained with various wood finishing products.
In addition or alternatively, the face layer 108 could be painted.
For example, a company logo or other design, text or the like could
be painted on the face layer 108. It is contemplated that the paint
may be opaque so as to not illuminate. Alternatively, the paint may
be translucent in some embodiments. The light transmissive bendable
wood panel 104 may also be sanded to provide various textures. In
addition, various clear or protective coatings may be applied to
protect the face layer 108 and/or to give the face layer a
particular feel or sheen.
[0060] It is contemplated that the light transmissive bendable wood
panel 104 may also provide illuminated designs in some embodiments.
FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate embodiments of the light transmissive
bendable wood panel 104 with such capability. FIGS. 3A-3B provides
a cross section view of the light transmissive bendable wood panel
104 having the exemplary circular design of FIG. 3C.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 3A, it can be seen that the face layer 108
may have multiple elevations so that it is thinner at various
areas. For example, the face layer 108 may have various depressions
304, which cause the face layer to be thinner at those locations.
The depressions 304 may be formed by stamping or by carving out a
portion of the face layer 108. The depressions 304 may have
different cross sectional shapes and sizes. For example,
depressions 304A have a "V" shape while depression 304B is larger
with a rectangular shape. This allows a variety of designs or
patterns to be produced. Referring to FIG. 3B, it can be seen that
the inner depression 304B forms a circle surrounded by a ring
formed by the depression 304A.
[0062] One advantage of a multi-elevation configuration is that
particular areas of the light transmissive bendable wood panel 104
can allow additional light to pass through to a viewer. Thus, these
areas will appear brighter. As can be seen from FIG. 3C,
depressions 304 may be carved out or otherwise formed into the face
layer 108 to produce various designs, patterns, etc. . . . on the
face layer. When illuminated, these designs will have increased
illumination and stand out from the surface 308 of the face layer
108. It is contemplated that the "depressions" 304 may extend
through the face layer 108 in some embodiments.
[0063] Various carving or cutting tools may be used to form the
designs, patterns or the like. For instance in some embodiments,
cutting blades or tools may be used. In other embodiments, a laser
could be used. It is contemplated that the blade, laser, or other
tool may be computer controlled or otherwise automated in one or
more embodiments. In other embodiments, the depressions 304 may be
formed with handheld tools.
[0064] Though shown on the outer surface 308 of the face layer 108
in FIG. 3A, the depressions 304 may be formed into the inner
surface of the face layer, such as shown in FIG. 3B. This is
advantageous in that the outer surface 308 of the face layer 108
remains smooth and thus the design formed by the depressions 304
may be hidden or invisible until the light transmissive bendable
wood panel 104 is illuminated. It is contemplated that the light
transmissive bendable wood panel 104 may have two face layers 108
in some embodiments, or that the back layer may have one or more
depressions 304 therein to provide an illuminated design, pattern,
or the like on both sides of the light transmissive bendable wood
panel.
[0065] While various embodiments of the invention have been
described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible
that are within the scope of this invention. In addition, the
various features, elements, and embodiments described herein may be
claimed or combined in any combination or arrangement.
* * * * *