Exhaust component with illumination

Abstract

One embodiment of exhaust component (30) contains a shield (40). The shield being opaque allows indefinite designs to be cut out. These designs are illuminated by illumination assembly (36), which enhances cutouts (44), thereby allowing them to remain visible under all conditions. Another embodiment of the exhaust component without the shield contains illumination modules (58). These modules illuminate the exhaust component's mouth (32) through base (22) or outer wall (34), and this allows the shape of the exhaust component to be the design feature. The illumination of the mouth both enhances the shape and allows it to remain visible under all conditions. These embodiments can occur alone or together for both maximal design enhancement and additional visibility of the vehicle thereby increasing safety.

Claims

1. An exhaust component with illumination comprising: a. an exhaust inlet of predetermined size to be connected to an exhaust system, b. an elongated outer wall with one end remaining open forming a mouth to allow exhaust to exit, c. a shield containing at least one cutout as a design feature, d. an illumination assembly for illuminating said cutout, e. means for joining said outer wall to said exhaust inlet, means for mounting said illumination assembly to said shield, and means for connecting said shield to said outer wall, whereby said design feature is enhanced and remains visible under all conditions.

2. The exhaust component with illumination of claim 1, further comprising: a. an inner wall, b. a predetermined number of inlet holes to allow ambient air to travel between said outer wall and said inner wall to cool said outer wall, and c. means for connecting said inner wall to said exhaust inlet.

3. The exhaust component with illumination of claim 2, further comprising means for controlling said illumination assembly.

4. The exhaust component with illumination of claim 1, further comprising a heat resistant coating on said illumination assembly to reduce the transfer of heat.

5. The exhaust component with illumination of claim 4, further comprising means for controlling said illumination assembly.

6. The exhaust component with illumination of claim 1, further comparing means for controlling said illumination assembly.

7. The exhaust component with illumination of claim 1, wherein: the shape of the cross section of said outer wall comprises oval, circular, triangular, diamond, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal; the angle of said mouth comprising 30°, 60°, 90°, 180°; said outer wall can be made of materials comprising carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, polycarbonate, fiberglass, kevlar, carbon fiber; the finish of said outer wall comprises high-temperature paint, powder coat, chrome, polished; the design of said cutout comprises letters, logos, symbols, pictures; and the illuminators of said illumination assembly comprise incandescent lights, fluorescent lights, neon lights, light emitting diodes, liquid crystal display, electroluminescent.

8. The exhaust component with illumination of claim 7, further comprising: a. an inner wall, b. a predetermined number of inlet holes to allow ambient air to travel between said outer wall and said inner wall to cool said outer wall, and c. means for connecting said inner wall to said exhaust inlet.

9. The exhaust component with illumination of claim 8, further comprising means for controlling said illumination assembly.

10. The exhaust component with illumination of claim 7, further comprising a heat resistant coating on said illumination assembly.

11. The exhaust component with illumination of claim 10, further comprising means for controlling said illumination assembly.

12. The exhaust component with illumination of claim 7, further comprising means for controlling said illumination assembly.

13. An exhaust component with illumination comprising: a. an exhaust inlet of a predetermined size to be connected to an exhaust system, b. an inner wall, c. an elongated outer wall, one end remaining open forming a mouth to allow exhaust to exit, and said mouth containing a shape as a design feature, d. a predetermined number of inlet holes to allow ambient air to travel between said outer wall and said inner wall to cool said outer wall, e. at least one illumination module for illuminating said design feature from the outside of said outer wall through said inlet holes, and f. means for connecting said inner wall to said exhaust inlet, means for joining said outer wall to said exhaust inlet, and means for mounting said illumination module to said inlet holes, whereby said design feature is enhanced and remains visible under all conditions.

14. The exhaust component with illumination of claim 13, further comprising means for controlling said illumination module.

15. The exhaust component with illumination of claim 13, wherein: the shape of the cross section of said outer wall comprises oval, circular, triangular, diamond, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal; the angle of said mouth comprising 30°, 60°, 90°, 180° said outer wall can be made of materials comprising carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, polycarbonate, fiberglass, kevlar, carbon fiber; the finish of said outer wall comprises high-temperature paint, powder coat, chrome, polished; the design of said mouth comprising that of said cross section; and the illuminators of said illumination module comprise incandescent lights, fluorescent lights, neon lights, light emitting diodes, liquid crystal display, electroluminescent.

16. The exhaust component with illumination of claim 15, further comprising means for controlling said illumination module.

17. An elongated component with illumination comprising: a. an inlet of predetermined sized to be fastened to a preexisting structure, b. an elongated component, c. a shield containing at least one cutout as a design feature, d. an illumination assembly for illuminating said cutout, e. means for connecting said inlet to said preexisting structure, means for joining said inlet to said elongated component, and means for mounting said illumination assembly to said elongated component, whereby said design feature is enhanced and remains visible under all conditions.

18. The elongated component with illumination of claim 17 further comprising a heat resistant coating on said illumination assembly to reduce the transfer of heat.

19. The elongated component with illumination of claim 17, wherein the shape of the cross section of said elongated component comprises oval, circular, triangular, diamond, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal; said elongated component can be made of materials comprising carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, polycarbonate, fiberglass, kevlar, carbon fiber; the finish of said elongated component comprises paint, high-temperature paint, powder coat, chrome, polished; the design of said cutout comprises letters, logos, symbols, pictures; and the illuminators of said illumination assembly comprise incandescent lights, fluorescent lights, neon lights, light emitting diodes, liquid crystal display, electroluminescent.

20. The elongated component with illumination of claim 19 further comprising a heat resistant coating on said illumination assembly to reduce the transfer of heat.

Description

DRAWINGS—FIGURES

(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective left-side and bottom view of an embodiment.

(2) FIGS. 2A and 2B are exploded perspective left-side and bottom views of the embodiment in FIG. 1.

(3) FIG. 3 is a full left-side view of the sectional plane that is indicated by section lines 3-3 in FIG. 2A.

(4) FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the portion indicated in FIG. 3.

(5) FIG. 5 is a full left-side view of the sectional plane that is indicated by section lines 5-5 in FIG. 2B.

(6) FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the portion indicated in FIG. 5.

(7) FIG. 7 is a perspective left-side and bottom view of another embodiment.

(8) FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective left-side and bottom view of the embodiment in FIG. 7.

(9) FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective left-side and bottom view of the portion indicated in FIG. 8.

(10) FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective bottom view of the portion indicated in FIG. 9.

(11) FIG. 11 is a sectional plane view of the portion indicated by section lines 11-11 in FIG. 10.

(12) FIG. 12 is a perspective right-side and front view of another embodiment.

(13) FIGS. 13A and 13B are exploded perspective right-side and front views of the embodiment in FIG. 12.

(14) FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the portion indicated in FIG. 13A.

(15) FIG. 15. is a sectional plane view of the portion indicated by section lines 15-15 in FIG. 14.

(16) TABLE-US-00003 DRAWINGS - REFERENCE NUMERALS 20 Exhaust inlet 22 Base 24 Inlet Holes 26 Inner Wall 28 Inner Wall Assembly 30 Exhaust Component 32 Mouth 34 Outer wall 36 Illumination Assembly 38 Electrical Wire and Plug 40 Shield 42 Mounting Tab 44 Cutout 46 Backplate 48 Frame 50 Cover 52 Cavity 54 Illuminator 56 Spacer 58 Illumination Module 60 Suspender 62 Module Base 64 Bezel

DETAILED DESCRIPTION—FIGS. 1 THROUGH 6—FIRST EMBODIMENT

(17) FIG. 1 is a perspective view from the user's left-side with the bottom visible and constructed in accordance with an embodiment. The embodiment of FIG. 1 is an exhaust component 30 with a shield 40 that has cutouts 44. The exhaust component may have a diamond cross section of nine inches by eight inches and be thirty-six inches long and made of mild steel that is powder coated. However, the exhaust component can have different cross sections, such as oval, circular, triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, etc. The exhaust component can have different mouth 32 angles, such as 30°, 60°, 90°, 180,° etc., different sizes, and be made of different materials, such as carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, polycarbonate, fiberglass, Kevlar, carbon fiber, etc. The exhaust component can also have different finishes, such as high-temperature paint, chrome, polished, etc.

(18) Shield 40 conforms to the shape of exhaust component 30 and may cover any portion of the component, such as the front half, sides, circumference, etc., and can be of the same or different material, and finish. Cutout 44 can be designs, such as letters, logos, symbols, pictures, etc.

(19) FIGS. 2A and 2B are exploded perspective left-side and bottom views of the embodiment in FIG. 1. The embodiment has an exhaust inlet 20 protruding through a base 22 that has inlet holes 24. The exhaust inlet is affixed to the base. An inner wall 26 is inserted into the upper portion of the exhaust inlet and affixed, completing an inner wall assembly 28. The inner wall assembly is inserted into the bottom of outer wall 34, stopping short of mouth 32 when base 22 contacts the bottom of the outer wall (to which it is affixed).

(20) The embodiment also has an illumination assembly 36 with one or more illuminator(s) 54, and has an electrical wire and plug 38. The illumination assembly is attached, via mounting tabs 42, to the back of shield 40 which has cutouts 44. The shield (with illumination assembly) is attached to the outer walls of the exhaust component. The illuminators may be controlled by a multifunction controller (not shown). The controller may have the capability of receiving signals from the vehicle, such as turn signals, brake lights, running lights and by wire or wirelessly pass on the signal(s) to the illumination assembly. The controller may also be used, by wire or wirelessly, to adjust among others: the hue, value, saturation, tint, tone, shade, and intensity of the illuminators, in addition to the creation of custom patterns.

(21) FIG. 3 is a full left-side sectional view of illumination assembly 36 (FIGS. 2A & 2B) indicated by section lines 3-3. Also visible is a backplate 46 with mounting tabs 42.

(22) FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the portion of the sectional plane indicated in FIG. 3. The enlarged portion of illumination assembly 36 shows backplate 46 affixed to the back of frame 48 which has the effect of encasing the backplate's perimeter. A cover 50 is affixed to the front of the frame, creating a cavity 52 which contains illuminators 54.

(23) FIG. 5 is a full sectional plane view of the left-side of shield 40 (FIG. 2B) indicated by sectional lines 5-5. Also visible is the shield's back with cutouts 44 and spacers 56.

(24) FIG. 6. is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the left-side sectional plane indicated in FIG. 5. The enlarged portion of shield 40 shows a close-up view of one spacer 56.

OPERATION—FIGS. 1 THROUGH 6

(25) The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is exhaust component 30 with illumination assembly 36 mounted behind shield 40 (FIGS. 2A & 2B) and it would be used as a terminal component of an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine (not shown). A user would install the exhaust component onto the end of an existing pipe (not shown) via exhaust inlet 20 (FIG. 1).

(26) Heated exhaust gas traveling from the engine's exhaust system (not shown) enters exhaust component 30 via exhaust inlet 20 and then travels through inner wall 26 which terminates short of mouth 32. As the heated exhaust gas exits through the mouth it creates a draft. The draft draws ambient air through base 22 via inlet holes 24. The ambient air travels between the inner wall and outer wall 34, mixing with the exhaust gas in the latter portion of the exhaust component and then exiting from the mouth. The action of drawing ambient air into the exhaust component cools the outer wall and allows illumination assembly 36 to function within close proximity of the exhaust component. Drawing ambient air into the exhaust stream also has the added effect of cooling the exhaust gasses before exiting the exhaust component. Exhaust component 30 can also operate without the inner wall and the inlet hole if a heat resistant coating, such as ceramic (not shown) is applied to backplate 46 to minimize heat transfer to the illumination assembly.

(27) Illumination assembly 36 receives power via the vehicle's electrical system (not shown) which is connected to electrical wire and plug 38. Illuminators 54 fill cavity 52 with light. Backplate 46 and frame 48 are opaque, thereby forcing the light to shine through cover 50 (FIGS. 2A, 2B, & 4).

(28) Illumination assembly 36 is mounted against the back of shield 40 (which is also opaque). Indefinite designs may be cut out of the shield and are illuminated via the illumination assembly (FIGS. 2A & 2B). As light shines through cover 50 (FIG. 5), it illuminates cutouts 44 (FIG. 2B).

(29) Shield 40 and attached illumination assembly 36 are mounted to outer wall 34 of exhaust component 30 (FIG. 1). Spacers 56 (FIGS. 5 & 6) are used when mounting the shield to the component. The spacer both ensures that backplate 46 of the illumination assembly does not contact the outer wall, and allow for an air gap to aid in limiting heat transfer from the exhaust component to the illumination assembly.

(30) Thus, unlike prior exhaust stacks and tips, cutouts 44 in shield 40 are enhanced by illumination which also allows them to remain visible under all conditions. Additionally, illumination of the shield's cutouts increase safety by making the vehicle more visible under all conditions.

FIGS. 7 THROUGH 11—ADDITIONAL EMBODIMENT

(31) FIG. 7 is a perspective view from the user's left-side with the bottom visible and constructed in accordance with an embodiment. The embodiment in FIG. 7 is exhaust component 30 with illumination modules 58. As with the first embodiment, the exhaust component may be made with many different cross sections, orientations, sizes, materials, and finishes.

(32) The embodiment operates the same as the first embodiment (FIG. 1) with respect to both installing exhaust component 30 on an existing exhaust pipe (not shown), and to the draft created by the exhaust flow which draws ambient air through inlet holes 24 in base 22. Ambient air traveling through the inlet holes cools the base and allow illumination modules 58 to function in close proximity to the base (FIG. 9).

(33) FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective left-side and bottom view of the embodiment in FIG. 7. This embodiment's construction is the same as the first embodiment (FIG. 2A) with respect to inner wall assembly 28 and outer wall 34.

(34) The operation is also the same with respect to both ambient air being drawn between inner wall 26 and outer wall 34, and the cooling effect. Because the outer wall is cooled, shield 40 (FIG. 1) is not necessary to prevent the exhaust component from being touched (FIG. 7). However, the shield with illumination assembly 36 (FIGS. 2A & 2B) may be used in conjunction with illumination modules 58 for additional illuminating effect.

(35) FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective left-side and bottom view of the portion indicated in FIG. 8. The enlarged portion shows both exhaust inlet 20 protruding through base 22 and the lower portion of inner wall 26 inserted into the upper portion of the exhaust inlet. Also visible are illumination modules 58, which are hung by suspenders 60 from inlet holes 24.

(36) FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective bottom view of a module base 62 and portions of suspenders 60 (as indicated in FIG. 9.).

(37) FIG. 11 is a sectional plane view of module base 62 indicated by section lines 11-11 in FIG. 10. The module base shows illuminator 54 inside cavity 52 that is created by a bezel 64, and an electrical wire and plug 38. The illuminator may be controlled by a multifunction controller (not shown). The controller may have the capability of receiving signals from the vehicle, such as turn signals, brake lights, running lights and by wire or wirelessly pass on the signal(s) to illumination module 58. The controller may also be used, by wire or wirelessly, to adjust among others: the hue, value, saturation, tint, tone, shade, and intensity of the illuminators, in addition to the creation of custom patterns.

(38) Illumination module 58 receives power via the vehicle's electrical system (not shown) which is connected to the electrical wire and plug 38. Illuminator 54 fills cavity 52 with light, and bezel 64 focuses the light through inlet holes 24 thereby fully illuminating mouth 32 (FIG. 7).

(39) Thus, unlike prior exhaust stacks and tips its shape becomes a design feature. Illumination of the stack's and tip's mouth both enhances the shape and allows it to remain visible under all conditions. Additionally, illumination of the mouth increases safety by making the vehicle more visible under all conditions.

FIGS. 12 THROUGH 15—ADDITIONAL EMBODIMENT

(40) FIG. 12 is a perspective view from the user's right-side with the front visible and constructed in accordance with an embodiment. The embodiment in FIG. 12 is exhaust component 30 with shield 40 that has cutouts 44. As with the first embodiment the exhaust component may be made with many different cross sections, orientations, sizes, materials, and finishes.

(41) FIGS. 13A and 13B are exploded perspective right-side and front views of the embodiment in FIG. 12. The embodiment has exhaust inlet 20 protruding through outer wall 34 that has inlet holes 24. Inner wall 26 is inserted into the upper portion of the exhaust inlet and affixed. The inner wall and the exhaust inlet are inserted into the outer wall, stopping short of mouth 32 (to which it is affixed). Illumination assembly 36 is affixed behind shield 40 which has cutouts 44. The outer wall, the exhaust inlet, and the inner wall are inserted into the shield and affixed (FIGS. 13A & 13B).

(42) The embodiment operates the same as the first embodiment (FIG. 1) with respect to both installing exhaust component 30 on an existing exhaust pipe (not shown), and to the draft created by the exhaust flow which draws ambient air through inlet holes 24 in outer wall 34. Ambient air traveling through the inlet holes cools the outer wall and allows illumination assembly 36 to function in close proximity to the outer wall (FIGS. 13A & 13B).

(43) FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the portion indicated in FIG. 13A. The enlarged portion shows backplate 46 encased by frame 48. Illuminators 54 are contained within the frame.

(44) FIG. 15 is a sectional plane view of illumination assembly 36 indicated by section lines 15-15 in FIG. 14. FIG. 15 shows illuminators 54 inside cavity 52 that is created by backplate 46 and frame 48. The illuminators are enclosed in the cavity by cover 50.

(45) Illumination assembly 36 receives power via the vehicle's electrical system (not shown). Illuminators 54 fill the cavity with light which shines through cover 50 (FIGS. 14 & 15). The illuminators may be controlled by a multifunction controller (not shown). The controller may have the capability of receiving signals from the vehicle, such as turn signals, brake lights, running lights and by wire or wirelessly pass on the signal(s) to the illumination assembly. The controller may also be used, by wire or wirelessly, to adjust among others: the hue, value, saturation, tint, tone, shade, and intensity of the illuminators, in addition to the creation of custom patterns.

(46) Thus, unlike prior exhaust stacks and tips, cutouts 44 in shield 40 are enhanced by illumination which also allows them to remain visible under all conditions. Additionally, illumination of the shield's cutouts increases safety by making the vehicle more visible under all conditions.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATION, AND SCOPE

(47) Thus, the reader will see that at least one embodiment of the exhaust component with illumination provides improved design features which are enhanced by illumination. The improvements are more aesthetically pleasing over prior art and add additional visibility under all conditions of both the design feature and of the vehicle the exhaust component is installed on.

(48) While the above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope, but rather as an exemplification of one or several embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible. The exhaust component with illumination can be used in applications other than the terminal exhaust component of a vehicle. For example, the illuminated shield could be placed on exhaust manifolds, mufflers, or the pipe itself. It could also be used on the air intake of a vehicle, such as the air filter, intake manifold, or intake pipes. In addition, it could be used on water lines, building exhaust, the exhaust and air intakes of boats or trains.

(49) Accordingly, the scope should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.