GB1357546A - Vehicle lamps - Google Patents

Abstract

1357546 Vehicle lamp FLEXIBLE LAMPS Ltd 2 Feb 1972 [2 Feb 1971] 3701/71 Heading F4R The rear lamp cluster for a vehicle comprises a moulded transparent plastics outer shell 17 mounted on a rubber base 10 and at least one, e.g. two 18, 19 as shown, inner shell formed with integrally moulded lens formations 28, 29 which is held in an operative position against the inner surface of outer shell 17 and wherein the lower edge 35 of the inner shell is spaced a distance; e.g. at least 3-5 mm., from the adjacent rim of base 10, the holding means for the inner shell being capable of yielding to permit the movement of the inner shell towards the base. Thus upon a minor impact on the outer shell 17, sufficient to break it, the inner shells 18, 19 are permitted to move inwards towards the base and may thus escape damage. Thus the relatively cheap outer shell only need be replaced. Amber inner shell 18 and red inner shell 19 which may have a red reflecting or a non-reflecting insert 20, have slits 30 at their corners so that their sides are resilient and can frictionally engage the inner surface of outer shell 17. To assist in locating the inner shells in their operative positions a narrow band 37 extends around the inner surface of the outer shell. Below band 37 the side walls of outer shell 17 are flared to facilitate the movement of the inner shells under impact. The lipped lower edge 21 of outer shell 17 engages in a corresponding peripheral groove 22 in base 10, and the outer shell may be moulded from a clear acrylic or polycarbonate plastics material. Supported on a printed circuit board 11 from base 10 are direction indicator lamp 24, tail lamp 25, stop lamp 26 and number-plate illuminating lamp 27.