Bezel apparatus for use with vehicle lamps and related methods

Bezel apparatus for use with vehicle lamps are disclosed. A disclosed bezel for a vehicle lamp includes a skeleton defining a portion of the bezel. The skeleton is configured to provide structural integrity to the bezel. The bezel also includes a film configured to cover the skeleton. The film comprises a first side configured to contact the skeleton and a second side opposite to the first side and including a visual design. The bezel also includes a coupling mechanism configured to couple the film to the skeleton to provide a completed bezel.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates generally to vehicle lighting and, more particularly, to bezel apparatus for use with vehicle lamps and related methods.

BACKGROUND

Motor vehicles typically have lighting devices for both interior and exterior illumination. Some vehicles have exterior lamps (e.g., headlamps, tail lamps, etc.) including components that are particularly shaped, formed, and/or structured such as housings, lenses, reflectors, bezels, trim, etc. Often, drivers or vehicle owners desire customized aesthetic features for at least some of these components.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the present disclosure includes a bezel for a vehicle lamp. The bezel includes a skeleton defining a portion of the bezel. The skeleton is configured to provide structural integrity to the bezel. The bezel also includes a film configured to cover the skeleton. The film comprises a first side configured to contact the skeleton and a second side opposite to the first side and including a visual design. The bezel also includes a coupling mechanism configured to couple the film to the skeleton to provide a completed bezel.

In a further aspect of the present disclosure, the skeleton includes ribs distributed along a portion of the bezel and extending away therefrom near an inner surface of the first side of the film.

In a further aspect of the present disclosure, the ribs are disposed on an outer surface of the bezel such that recessed areas are formed by the ribs and the outer surface of bezel.

In a further aspect of the present disclosure, the skeleton includes a cross-section that defines a cellular pattern therein.

In a further aspect of the present disclosure, the cellular pattern includes polygons.

In a further aspect of the present disclosure, the skeleton defines an outer surface that is shaped to conform to an inner surface of the first side of the film.

In a further aspect of the present disclosure, an outer surface of the second side of the film and an outer surface of the bezel are adjacent to cooperatively form a substantially smooth outer surface.

In a further aspect of the present disclosure, the film is an IMD (In-Mold/In-Mould Decoration) or an IML (In-Mold/In-Mould Labeling).

In a further aspect of the present disclosure, the film has a thickness that is 2 mm or less.

In a further aspect of the present disclosure, the film includes an opening disposed on the outer surface that is shaped to receive a lens, a trim, a DRL (Daytime Running Light), or a light beam associated with the vehicle lamp.

In a further aspect of the present disclosure, the film is configured to transmit light therethrough to reveal the design when the light is received by the first side of the film

In a further aspect of the present disclosure, the film is configured to separate from the skeleton.

Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a vehicle lamp. The vehicle lamp includes a bezel affixed to a housing of the vehicle lamp. The bezel has a first portion and a second portion that are configured to couple to and decouple from each other. The first portion at least partially defines a body of the bezel. The second portion at least partially defines an exterior surface of the bezel having a visual design.

In a further aspect of the present disclosure, the first portion of the bezel includes a skeleton positioned beneath an inner surface of the second portion to support the second portion.

In a further aspect of the present disclosure, the skeleton defines a first contour having a first shape and the second portion defines a second contour having second shape that is similar to the first shape.

In a further aspect of the present disclosure, the first portion of the bezel has a first edge defining a first outer surface of the first portion, and the second portion has a second edge proximate to the first edge and defining a second outer surface of the second portion. The first and second edges are adjacent such that the first and second outer surfaces define a substantially continuous surface.

In a further aspect of the present disclosure, the second portion has a substantially uniform thickness that is 2 mm or less.

In a further aspect of the present disclosure, the second portion is translucent.

Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a method to provide a bezel for a vehicle lamp. The method includes forming a skeleton that defines at least a portion of the bezel. The skeleton is configured to provide structural integrity to the bezel. The method also includes forming a film having a first side configured to contact the skeleton and a second side opposite to the first side and including a visual design. The method also includes coupling the film to the skeleton to provide a completed bezel.

In a further aspect of the present disclosure, the method also includes decoupling the film from the skeleton.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some vehicle headlamps include known bezels that facilitate coupling trim and/or lenses around or near a light source (e.g., a light-emitting diode, a light bulb, etc.) and/or serve as aesthetic accessories for the headlamps. For example, a known bezel may include particular graphical and/or structural designs on an outer surface thereof, which may be desirable to a driver or vehicle owner. Typically, these known bezels are formed by a single component, for example, via polycarbonate (PC) based injection molding. However, bezels produced in this manner often have areas of excess material that substantially increase weight of an associated headlamp. Additionally, these known bezels have specific designs based on an injection mold (e.g., machined via precision tools) that are permanent. As a result, if the bezel is damaged and/or the driver or vehicle owner desires a different bezel design, the entire bezel needs to be replaced (i.e., the bezel is scrapped) and/or a different injection mold needs to be produced, which incurs substantial costs.

Bezel apparatus for use with vehicle lamps and related methods are disclosed. Examples disclosed herein provide an example bezel having an example lightweight skeleton that receives an example film or skin (e.g., a relatively thin plastic). The disclosed film has a particular visual design (e.g., a graphic, a color, a surface feature or structure, a shape or geometry, etc.) for the bezel, which may be desirable to a driver or vehicle owner. In some examples, the film is polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) based and has a thickness that is 2 millimeters (mm) or less. In some examples, the film includes an in-mold decoration (IMD) and/or an in-mold label (IML) to provide a particular graphical design. Such films are relatively inexpensive to produce. The disclosed skeleton forms at least a portion of the bezel in an area of the bezel that would have otherwise been associated with excess material and, in some examples, defines a structural pattern (e.g., a ribbed pattern, a cellular pattern, a lattice, etc.) for properly carrying and/or supporting the film, which substantially reduces weight of the disclosed bezel compared to the above mentioned known bezel architectures while maintaining structural integrity of the bezel. In particular, the skeleton is designed to resist constraints associated with a vehicle lamp (e.g., headlamp) such as, for example, vibrations, temperature, etc.

The skeleton can be produced for quick fitting to any desired geometry, for example, via an example injection mold and/or additive manufacturing (sometimes referred to as 3D printing). In some examples, after the film is produced, the film is provided within the injection mold associated with forming the skeleton. The film or skin may be held in place by a vacuum chuck, for example. Material for the skeleton is then injected to the mold to be produced together with the film and form an integral bezel component such that the film is not separable from the skeleton (i.e., the film is coupled to the skeleton). In this manner, if a different visual design is desired, disclosed examples produce, via the same injection mold, one or more other bezels having a similar skeleton but a different film (e.g., having a unique visual design for the bezel), which substantially reduces costs that would have otherwise been incurred by machining a new injection mold for the visual design.

In some disclosed examples, the disclosed bezel skeleton and film are produced separately and, in particular, are sized, shaped, structured, and/or otherwise configured to couple to and decouple or separate from each other, for example, via snap-fitting and/or any other appropriate attachment or bonding method or technique (e.g., via welding) that is permanent or not permanent. Additionally, in such examples, the skeleton of the bezel can be produced via additive manufacturing (sometimes referred to as 3D printing), which further reduces costs associated with producing the bezel and/or facilitates producing the skeleton with a lightweight structure. In this manner, if the film is damaged and/or a driver or vehicle owner desires a different visual design for the bezel, the film is easily removable (e.g., via the driver, personnel associated with a vehicle manufacturer or servicer, etc.) from the bezel skeleton and replaced with a different film having a different visual design without replacing and/or scrapping the entire bezel, which would have otherwise been unattainable using the above-mentioned known bezels. As a result, disclosed examples provide customizable, lightweight bezels and substantially reduce costs associated with the above-mentioned known bezels.

Additionally, in some examples, the film is used as an illuminator for a vehicle lamp. That is, in such examples, the film is translucent such that light travels therethrough, which reveals the design of the film. For example, a light source is coupled to the lamp and positioned behind the film to generate the light. Further, when the light source is off and/or otherwise not generating the light, the film hides the light source such that the light source is not visible from a position external to the vehicle. Further, still, in some examples, the film is configured to prevent glare in the lamp. For example, the film has an outer surface that is smooth and/or otherwise structured to disperse light emitted by one or more other light sources of the lamp.

FIG. 1is a schematic illustration of an example vehicle (e.g., a car, a truck, a sport utility vehicle (SUV), etc.)100in which examples disclosed herein can be implemented. According to the illustrated example ofFIG. 1, the vehicle100includes one or more example lighting devices102(one of which is shown in this example) such as, for example, one or more headlamps (sometimes referred to as headlights), one or more tail lamps (sometimes referred to as tail lights), one or more side markers, etc. In particular, the lighting device(s)102ofFIG. 1generate light and emit the light away from the vehicle100, for example, to illuminate an example driving surface (e.g., concrete, asphalt, dirt, etc.)104on which the vehicle100is positioned and/or provide visual indication(s) to another vehicle and/or a pedestrian. As such, the lighting device(s)102are operatively and/or communicatively couple (e.g., via a transmission or signal wire, a bus, radio frequency, etc.) to one or more electrical components to enable lighting functionality such as, for example, a controller (e.g., an electronic control unit (ECU)) of the vehicle100. For example, the lighting device(s)102receive power and/or control or command signal(s) from the vehicle controller, thereby generating the light. AlthoughFIG. 1depicts the vehicle100as having a single headlamp, in some examples, the vehicle100is implemented differently (e.g., with one or more additional and/or different lighting devices).

FIG. 2is a detailed view of an example lighting device (e.g., a vehicle lamp such as a headlamp)200in which examples disclosed herein can be implemented. In some examples, the lighting device200corresponds to one or more of the lighting devices102ofFIG. 1. The lighting device200ofFIG. 2includes an example housing202and an example bezel204affixed to housing202, for example, via one or more fasteners (e.g., screws, clips, rivets, etc.) and/or fastening techniques or methods (e.g., via a weld, an adhesive, etc.). The housing202ofFIG. 2is size, shaped, structured, and/or otherwise configured to support and/or carry one or more components associated with the lighting device200such as, for example, the bezel204, one or more reflectors, one or more light sources, one or more cables or wires for providing power and/or communication, etc. According to the illustrated example ofFIG. 2, at least a portion of an outer or exterior surface206of the bezel202includes a visual design and, in some examples, is configured to decouple and/or separate from the bezel202, as discussed further below in connection withFIGS. 3-9. As used herein, the term “visual design” refers to at least a portion of an outer or exterior surface of a bezel that has one or more of: a particular geometry or shape; a particular contour and/or perimeter; one or more surface features and/or structures (e.g., one or more protrusions, one or more recesses, one or more openings, etc.); one or more colors; and/or one or more graphics.

In some examples, the lighting device200also includes one or more example light sources (e.g., LED(s), light bulb(s), etc.)208,210coupled thereto and positioned proximate to the bezel204, seven of which are shown in this example (i.e., a primary light source208and six secondary light sources210). In such examples, the light source(s)208,210are operatively and/or communicatively coupled (e.g., via a signal or transmission wire, a bus, radio frequency, etc.) to the controller associated with the vehicle100to provide lighting functionality in response the power and/or the control or command signal(s) provided by the controller. In response to receiving the power and/or the control or command signal(s), the light sources208,210generate light (e.g., a light beam) and emit the light away from the lighting device200(e.g., onto the driving surface104). For example, the primary light sources208generates a first light (e.g., a low beam and/or a high beam) and emits the light onto at least a portion of the driving surface104, which facilitates viewing the driving surface104during certain driving conditions. In some such examples, a direction along which the first light is aimed is adjustable (sometimes referred to as beam aiming), for example, via one or more actuators and/or motors operatively coupled between the vehicle controller and a reflector associated with the first light source208. In another example, at least one of the secondary light sources210(sometimes referred to as a turn signal) similarly generates light and emits the light toward another vehicle and/or a pedestrian, which indicates whether the vehicle100is being operated in a particular manner and/or performing a particular maneuver (e.g., changing lanes, turning, etc.).

In some examples, the lighting device200includes one or more lenses (e.g., constructed of a transparent material such as plastic, glass, etc.) to protect and/or cover the light source(s)206and/or one or more other components of the lighting device200. For example, the lighting device200includes a first or primary lens that affixes to the housing202and extends substantially over the housing202to allow light to pass therethrough, which is removed from the lighting device200in this example for clarity. Accordingly, at least a portion (e.g., one or more example films or skins) of the bezel204is visible through the first lens from a location external to the vehicle100. Further, the lighting device200ofFIG. 2includes a second lens (e.g., a projector lens)212that extends over and/or covers the first light source208, which concentrates, focuses, and improves a characteristic associated with the light emitted from the first light source208in some examples. Further still, each of the secondary light sources210is similarly associated with a respective third lens214of the light device200.

In some examples, the bezel204is shaped, formed, structured, and/or otherwise configured to receive and/or affix to one or more components associated with the lighting device200such as, for example, one or more of the first lens, the second lens212, the third lens(es)214, example trim216, and/or a day time running lamp (DRL)217of the lighting device200. For example, the lens(es)212,214and/or the trim216snap-fits with at least a portion of the bezel204.

In some examples, to facilitate coupling the housing202to the vehicle100, the housing202includes one or more example adaptors218. The adaptors218ofFIG. 2are positioned on the housing202and extend away therefrom to engage and/or couple to a portion of the vehicle100, for example, via one or more fasteners and/or fastening methods or techniques. In particular, at least some of the adaptors218includes openings (e.g., holes and/or slots)220to receive the fastener(s) and/or the portion of the vehicle100.

FIG. 3is detailed view of the example bezel204ofFIG. 2and shows a first example configuration300thereof. The bezel204ofFIG. 3includes first portion302at least partially defining a body of the bezel204and a second portion (e.g., a first film)304affixed to the first portion302. In particular, the first portion302includes and/or at least partially defines a first example skeleton306(as represented by the dotted/dashed lines inFIG. 3) for carrying and/or supporting the second portion304, which may be referred to as a bezel skeleton. Further, the second portion304has an outer surface305that at least partially defines the outer surface206and the visual design of the bezel204, which may be referred to as a bezel skin.

In some examples, the first portion302and/or the first skeleton306and the second portion304are shaped, sized, structured and/or or otherwise configured to couple together and decouple or separate from each other, for example, via snap-fitting and/or one or more other appropriate coupling methods or techniques. Stated differently, the second portion304is removably coupled to the first portion302and/or the first skeleton306such that the second portion304is removable and/or separable from the first skeleton306, which allows or enables a different bezel skin to affix to the first skeleton306, as discussed further below in connection withFIG. 6. However, in some examples, the first portion302and the first skeleton306and/or the second portion304are formed as an integral component such that first portion302cannot be removed or separated. As shown inFIG. 3, the second portion304of the bezel204extends over and/or at least partially covers the first skeleton306such that the first skeleton306is not exposed and/or is hidden beneath the second portion304.

In some examples, the first skeleton306includes one or more example ribs308extending beneath and/or near the second portion304to provide support thereto, eight of which are shown in this example. As shown inFIG. 3, the rib(s)308extend away from a rightmost (in the orientation ofFIG. 3) side of the bezel204between opposing ends of the second portion304. Further, the rib(s)308are distributed along the first portion302of the bezel204across at least a part of a length309(e.g., the entire length309) of the bezel204. In some examples, all of the rib(s)308are curved and/or straight. Further, in some examples, at least some of the rib(s)308are sized and/or shaped differently than the other ones of the rib(s)308. In examples where the first skeleton306does not form the entire first portion302of the bezel204, the first skeleton306and/or the rib(s)308are considered to be extensions of the first portion302of the bezel204. Further, in such examples, the first skeleton306and the first portion302are produced separately and then coupled together. However, in some examples, the first skeleton306and the first portion302are produced simultaneously such that they form an integral part.

Although theFIG. 3depicts the first skeleton306having the rib(s)308, in some examples, the first skeleton306is implemented differently, as discussed further below in connection withFIGS. 7-9. Further, althoughFIG. 3depicts the first skeleton306forming and/or defining only a part of the first portion302of the bezel204, in some examples, the entire first portion302of the bezel204is formed and/or defined by the first skeleton306.

As shown inFIG. 3, the bezel204includes one or more openings310,312,314,315(i.e., a first opening310, a second opening312, a third opening314, and a fourth opening315) that are particularly sized and/or shaped, which facilitate coupling the component(s) of the lighting device100to the bezel204and/or allows the light generated by the light source(s)208,210to be emitted therethrough. For example, the first and second openings310,312of the bezel204are configured to receive at least a portion of the trim216. Additionally, the second opening312receives the second lens212and/or allows the light generated by the first light source208to pass therethrough. Further, in this example, the third opening314is configured to receive one of the third lens(s)214and/or allows the light generated by one of the secondary light source(s)210to pass therethrough. As shown inFIG. 3, similar to the third opening314, the bezel204includes one or more other openings for the other secondary light sources210, each of which is configured to receive a respective one of the lenses214and/or light emitted by a respective one of the secondary light source(s)210. Further still, the fourth opening315is configured to receive the DRL217.

In some examples, to facilitate coupling the bezel204to the housing202and/or one or more other components (e.g., the first lens) of the lighting device200, the bezel204ofFIG. 3includes one more example adaptors316positioned on the first portion302. The adaptors316ofFIG. 3extend away from the first portion302to receive a portion of the housing202and/or the lighting component(s). In some examples, at least some of the adaptors316include one or more openings318, for example, to receive fastener(s) for coupling the bezel204to the housing202.

As shown inFIG. 4, at least some (e.g., all) of the rib(s)308have respective outer surfaces402for supporting a first side403of the second portion304. In some examples, the outer surface(s)402are sized and/or shaped to match, conform to, and/or otherwise at least partially engage or directly contact an inner surface (e.g., a curved and/or a flat or even surface)404of the first side403opposite a second side405of the second portion304having the outer surface305. For example, when a portion of the inner surface404is curved, a corresponding portion of the outer rib surface(s)402is similarly curved. In another example, when a portion of the inner surface404is flat or even, a corresponding portion of the outer rib surface(s)402is similarly flat or even. In this manner, the second portion304of the bezel204is properly supported by the first skeleton306when positioned thereon.

Additionally, in examples where one or more of the light sources208,210of the lighting device200are positioned behind and/or proximate to the second portion304, the second portion304is configured to transmit the light emitted by the light source(s)208,210therethrough, which reveals the design associated with the second portion304when the light is received by and/or directed on the first side403(i.e., the second portion304is translucent). Further, in such examples, the second portion304hides the light source(s)208,210associated therewith when the light source(s)208,210are off and/or otherwise not generating light (i.e., the second portion304is opaque). Further still, in some examples, the second portion304is configured to prevent glare in the lighting device200. For example, the outer surface305is smooth and/or otherwise structured to disperse light that is received by and/or directed on the outer surface305.

The inner surface404ofFIG. 4is substantially smooth and/or continuous. However, in some examples, the inner surface404may include one or more relatively small surface defects such as bump(s), protrusion(s), recess(es), etc. As shown inFIG. 4, the second portion304has a substantially uniform thickness406defined between the outer and inner surfaces305,404that, in some examples, is 2 mm or less (e.g., between about 0.1 mm and 2 mm). That is, the thickness406may slightly vary across the second portion304.

In some examples, to reduce weight of the bezel204, one or more example recessed areas408are formed by and/or defined between at least some of the rib(s)308and extend into the outer surface(s)402, one of which is shown in this example that is interposed between adjacent ones (i.e., a pair) of the rib(s)308. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, aspects of the rib(s)308depicted in connection withFIG. 4such as, for example, the outer surface(s)402and/or the recessed areas408, likewise apply to one or more other structures (e.g., the cellular pattern(s)800,900(shown inFIGS. 8 and 9)) associated with the first skeleton306and/or any other appropriate bezel skeleton.

As shown inFIG. 5, the first portion302of the bezel204has a first edge502at least partially defining a perimeter of the first portion302and/or a first outer surface504thereof. Similarly, the second portion304of the bezel204has a second edge506, different from the first edge502, at least partially defining a perimeter of the second portion304and/or the outer surface305thereof. In some such examples, when the second portion304is properly affixed to the first portion302and/or the first skeleton306, the first and second edges502,506and/or the outer surfaces504,305associated therewith are proximate to each other and substantially adjacent and/or flush. As a result, the outer surfaces504,305of the respective portions302,304cooperatively form and/or define a substantially smooth and/or continuous outer surface of the bezel204, which may be visually appealing to the driver and/or vehicle owner. In some examples, the first and second edges502,506and/or the outer surfaces504,305associated therewith at least partially overlap each other.

FIG. 6is a partial exploded view of the bezel204and shows the first skeleton306at least partially exposed. According to the illustrated example ofFIG. 6, the second portion304of the bezel204is removed or separated from the second portion302and/or the first skeleton306(e.g., after production of the first skeleton306) such that a third bezel portion (e.g., a second film that is visually different from the first film)600is enabled to affix to the first skeleton306. In particular, the third bezel portion600ofFIG. 6is substantially different relative to the second portion304of the bezel204with respect to shape, size, structure, color, etc. That is, an outer surface602of the third portion600includes a visual design that is different from the visual design of the outer surface305of the second portion304.

In some examples, the first skeleton306includes and/or at least partially defines a first contour602(as represented by the dotted/dashed lines inFIG. 6) that is sized and/or shaped to substantially match and/or conform to a second contour604(as represented by the dotted/dashed lines ofFIG. 6) defined by the second portion304(and/or the third portion600) of the bezel204. That is, the contour602associated with the first skeleton306has a first shape (e.g., a regular or irregular polygon) that is similar to a second shape of the contour604associated with the second portion304(and/or the third portion600). In this manner, the first skeleton306is substantially covered by and/or hidden beneath the second portion304(and/or the third portion600) when coupled together.

As shown inFIG. 6, the rib(s)308of the first skeleton306are positioned on at least a portion (e.g., a relatively thin portion) of the outer surface206of the bezel204and/or extend away therefrom to receive the inner surface404of the second portion304. That is, in some examples, the outer surface206of the bezel204forms the recessed area(s)408with the rib(s)308. However, in some examples, openings are disposed between at least some of the rib(s)308and extend entirely through the bezel204, which further reduces weight of the bezel204. Additionally, in this example, the rib(s)308are spaced from each other by a distance (e.g., 0.1 inches, 0.5 inches, 1 inch, 2 inches, etc.)606. Further, in some examples, the rib(s)308ofFIG. 6extend substantially in the same direction (e.g., the rib(s)308are parallel).

FIG. 7is a detailed view of a second example skeleton700for the bezel204and an example film (e.g., plastic and/or acrylic)702separated from the second skeleton700in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. In some examples, the second skeleton700ofFIG. 7corresponds to at least a portion of the first skeleton306of the bezel204, and the film702corresponds to the second portion304and/or the third portion600of the bezel204.

The second skeleton700ofFIG. 7is implemented, for example, via one or more additive manufacturing and/or injection molding processes and/or methods or techniques. In such examples, the second skeleton700is constructed of PC, one or more materials associated with additive manufacturing (e.g., Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polylactic Acid (PLA), etc.), and/or any other appropriate material.

The film702of theFIG. 7is implemented, for example, via injection molding, compression molding, and/or any other appropriate process and/or method or technique. In such examples, the film702is constructed of PMMA, PC, and/or any other appropriate polymer or plastic resin. That is, in some examples, the film702is a particular IMD and/or IML, which may be desired by a driver or a vehicle owner when viewing the bezel204.

As previously mentioned, in some examples, the film702is configured to couple to and decouple or separate from the second skeleton700. In such examples, the film702is produced separately from the second skeleton700and then affixed thereto.

As shown inFIG. 7, the second skeleton700includes a particular structural pattern706that is formed and/or defined by one or more rib(s)708(three of which are shown in this example) that are spaced from each other such that respective openings710are positioned between at least some of the rib(s)708. As such, the structural pattern ofFIG. 7is considered to be ribbed. According the illustrated example ofFIG. 7, the second skeleton700includes an outer frame712that substantially forms and/or defines a contour714of the skeleton700, which is shaped to match and/or conform to a contour716of the film704in some examples. As previously mentioned, the contours714,716can have any appropriate shape with which to form and/or define one or more portions of the bezel204. As shown inFIG. 7, the rib(s)708extend between opposing ends of the frame710(e.g., from a first end of the frame712to a second end of the frame712).

Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the skeleton700includes one or more other structural patterns that are regular or irregular and may be contained in the frame710. For example, as shown inFIG. 8, at least a portion of the second skeleton700includes a cross-section defining a first cellular pattern800that has regular shapes and/or polygons (e.g., circles, ovals, ellipses, triangles, squares, rectangles, pentagons, hexagons, etc.). In this example, the first cellular pattern800includes at least one central cell (e.g., a hexagonal cell)802surrounded by one or more secondary cells (e.g., hexagonal cells)804(six of which are shown in this example). The cells802,804ofFIG. 8are similar to each other with respect to shape and/or structure, each of which at least partially defines an empty space or cavity within the second skeleton700. As such, the first cellular pattern800is considered to be regular in this example. In this manner, disclosed examples reduce weight of the second skeleton700(e.g., reduces weight the bezel204and/or the vehicle lighting device200) while maintaining strength, rigidity, and/or structural integrity thereof.

In another example, as shown inFIG. 9, at least a portion of the second skeleton700includes a cross-section defining a second cellular pattern900, different from the first cellular pattern800, that has irregular shapes and/or polygons. Similar to the first cellular pattern800, the second cellular pattern900includes at least one central cell902that is surrounded multiple secondary cells904, each of which at least partially defines an empty space or cavity within the second skeleton700. In some examples, both the first and second cellular patterns800,900are considered to be polygonal.

In some examples, portions (e.g., edges) of one or more of the cells802,804,902,904at least partially form and/or define the outer surface402of the first skeleton306. Further, in some examples, the first cellular pattern800and/or the second cellular pattern900are used to implement one or more of the rib(s)708. That is, in such examples, a cross-section of a rib708includes the cellular pattern(s)800,900. However, in some examples, the second skeleton700is formed and/or defined by the first cellular pattern800and/or the second cellular pattern900, but not the rib(s)708. Additionally, in some examples, the second skeleton700includes a combination of the rib(s)708, the first cellular pattern800, and/or the second cellular pattern900. AlthoughFIGS. 7-9depict particular structural patterns of the second skeleton700, in some examples, the second skeleton700is implemented using one or more other structural patterns (e.g., one or more lattice structures) such that the film702is sufficiently supported when coupled to the second skeleton700.

Although certain example methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture have been described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the claims of this patent. Obviously, numerous modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

Vehicle(s) and/or device(s) that include one or more of the features in the foregoing description provide numerous advantages. In particular, bezel apparatus for use with vehicle lamps and related methods disclosed herein provide an easily customizable bezel and/or vehicle lamp while reducing associated part weight as well as production cost.