Patent Publication Number: US-11027642-B2

Title: Bezel apparatus for use with vehicle lamps and related methods

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/128,581, filed on Sep. 12, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     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 or an IML. 
     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, 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. 
     The foregoing paragraphs have been provided by way of general introduction, and are not intended to limit the scope of the following claims. The described embodiments, together with further advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete appreciation of the disclosure and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration of an example vehicle in which examples disclosed herein can be implemented; 
         FIG. 2  is a detailed view of an example vehicle lighting device in which examples disclosed herein can be implemented; 
         FIG. 3  is a detailed view of an example bezel and shows a first configuration thereof in accordance with the teachings this disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the example bezel of  FIG. 3  along line A-A; 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged view of the example bezel of  FIG. 3  and shows a portion of an outer surface thereof; 
         FIG. 6  is a partial exploded view of the example bezel of  FIG. 3  and shows an example bezel skeleton in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a detailed view of another example bezel skeleton and an example film in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure; and 
         FIGS. 8 and 9  are cross-sectional portion-views of the example bezel skeleton of  FIG. 7  along line B-B and show example structural patterns associated therewith. 
     
    
    
     The figures are not to scale. In general, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawing(s) and accompanying written description to refer to the same or like parts. 
     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. 1  is a schematic illustration of an example vehicle (e.g., a car, a truck, a sport utility vehicle (SUV), etc.)  100  in which examples disclosed herein can be implemented. According to the illustrated example of  FIG. 1 , the vehicle  100  includes one or more example lighting devices  102  (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)  102  of  FIG. 1  generate light and emit the light away from the vehicle  100 , for example, to illuminate an example driving surface (e.g., concrete, asphalt, dirt, etc.)  104  on which the vehicle  100  is positioned and/or provide visual indication(s) to another vehicle and/or a pedestrian. As such, the lighting device(s)  102  are 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 vehicle  100 . For example, the lighting device(s)  102  receive power and/or control or command signal(s) from the vehicle controller, thereby generating the light. Although  FIG. 1  depicts the vehicle  100  as having a single headlamp, in some examples, the vehicle  100  is implemented differently (e.g., with one or more additional and/or different lighting devices). 
       FIG. 2  is a detailed view of an example lighting device (e.g., a vehicle lamp such as a headlamp)  200  in which examples disclosed herein can be implemented. In some examples, the lighting device  200  corresponds to one or more of the lighting devices  102  of  FIG. 1 . The lighting device  200  of  FIG. 2  includes an example housing  202  and an example bezel  204  affixed to housing  202 , 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 housing  202  of  FIG. 2  is size, shaped, structured, and/or otherwise configured to support and/or carry one or more components associated with the lighting device  200  such as, for example, the bezel  204 , 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 of  FIG. 2 , at least a portion of an outer or exterior surface  206  of the bezel  202  includes a visual design and, in some examples, is configured to decouple and/or separate from the bezel  202 , as discussed further below in connection with  FIGS. 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 device  200  also includes one or more example light sources (e.g., LED(s), light bulb(s), etc.)  208 ,  210  coupled thereto and positioned proximate to the bezel  204 , seven of which are shown in this example (i.e., a primary light source  208  and six secondary light sources  210 ). In such examples, the light source(s)  208 ,  210  are operatively and/or communicatively coupled (e.g., via a signal or transmission wire, a bus, radio frequency, etc.) to the controller associated with the vehicle  100  to 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 sources  208 ,  210  generate light (e.g., a light beam) and emit the light away from the lighting device  200  (e.g., onto the driving surface  104 ). For example, the primary light sources  208  generates 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 surface  104 , which facilitates viewing the driving surface  104  during 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 source  208 . In another example, at least one of the secondary light sources  210  (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 vehicle  100  is being operated in a particular manner and/or performing a particular maneuver (e.g., changing lanes, turning, etc.). 
     In some examples, the lighting device  200  includes 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)  206  and/or one or more other components of the lighting device  200 . For example, the lighting device  200  includes a first or primary lens that affixes to the housing  202  and extends substantially over the housing  202  to allow light to pass therethrough, which is removed from the lighting device  200  in this example for clarity. Accordingly, at least a portion (e.g., one or more example films or skins) of the bezel  204  is visible through the first lens from a location external to the vehicle  100 . Further, the lighting device  200  of  FIG. 2  includes a second lens (e.g., a projector lens)  212  that extends over and/or covers the first light source  208 , which concentrates, focuses, and improves a characteristic associated with the light emitted from the first light source  208  in some examples. Further still, each of the secondary light sources  210  is similarly associated with a respective third lens  214  of the light device  200 . 
     In some examples, the bezel  204  is shaped, formed, structured, and/or otherwise configured to receive and/or affix to one or more components associated with the lighting device  200  such as, for example, one or more of the first lens, the second lens  212 , the third lens(es)  214 , example trim  216 , and/or a day time running lamp (DRL)  217  of the lighting device  200 . For example, the lens(es)  212 ,  214  and/or the trim  216  snap-fits with at least a portion of the bezel  204 . 
     In some examples, to facilitate coupling the housing  202  to the vehicle  100 , the housing  202  includes one or more example adaptors  218 . The adaptors  218  of  FIG. 2  are positioned on the housing  202  and extend away therefrom to engage and/or couple to a portion of the vehicle  100 , for example, via one or more fasteners and/or fastening methods or techniques. In particular, at least some of the adaptors  218  includes openings (e.g., holes and/or slots)  220  to receive the fastener(s) and/or the portion of the vehicle  100 . 
       FIG. 3  is detailed view of the example bezel  204  of  FIG. 2  and shows a first example configuration  300  thereof. The bezel  204  of  FIG. 3  includes first portion  302  at least partially defining a body of the bezel  204  and a second portion (e.g., a first film)  304  affixed to the first portion  302 . In particular, the first portion  302  includes and/or at least partially defines a first example skeleton  306  (as represented by the dotted/dashed lines in  FIG. 3 ) for carrying and/or supporting the second portion  304 , which may be referred to as a bezel skeleton. Further, the second portion  304  has an outer surface  305  that at least partially defines the outer surface  206  and the visual design of the bezel  204 , which may be referred to as a bezel skin. 
     In some examples, the first portion  302  and/or the first skeleton  306  and the second portion  304  are 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 portion  304  is removably coupled to the first portion  302  and/or the first skeleton  306  such that the second portion  304  is removable and/or separable from the first skeleton  306 , which allows or enables a different bezel skin to affix to the first skeleton  306 , as discussed further below in connection with  FIG. 6 . However, in some examples, the first portion  302  and the first skeleton  306  and/or the second portion  304  are formed as an integral component such that first portion  302  cannot be removed or separated. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the second portion  304  of the bezel  204  extends over and/or at least partially covers the first skeleton  306  such that the first skeleton  306  is not exposed and/or is hidden beneath the second portion  304 . 
     In some examples, the first skeleton  306  includes one or more example ribs  308  extending beneath and/or near the second portion  304  to provide support thereto, eight of which are shown in this example. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the rib(s)  308  extend away from a rightmost (in the orientation of  FIG. 3 ) side of the bezel  204  between opposing ends of the second portion  304 . Further, the rib(s)  308  are distributed along the first portion  302  of the bezel  204  across at least a part of a length  309  (e.g., the entire length  309 ) of the bezel  204 . In some examples, all of the rib(s)  308  are curved and/or straight. Further, in some examples, at least some of the rib(s)  308  are sized and/or shaped differently than the other ones of the rib(s)  308 . In examples where the first skeleton  306  does not form the entire first portion  302  of the bezel  204 , the first skeleton  306  and/or the rib(s)  308  are considered to be extensions of the first portion  302  of the bezel  204 . Further, in such examples, the first skeleton  306  and the first portion  302  are produced separately and then coupled together. However, in some examples, the first skeleton  306  and the first portion  302  are produced simultaneously such that they form an integral part. 
     Although the  FIG. 3  depicts the first skeleton  306  having the rib(s)  308 , in some examples, the first skeleton  306  is implemented differently, as discussed further below in connection with  FIGS. 7-9 . Further, although  FIG. 3  depicts the first skeleton  306  forming and/or defining only a part of the first portion  302  of the bezel  204 , in some examples, the entire first portion  302  of the bezel  204  is formed and/or defined by the first skeleton  306 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the bezel  204  includes one or more openings  310 ,  312 ,  314 ,  315  (i.e., a first opening  310 , a second opening  312 , a third opening  314 , and a fourth opening  315 ) that are particularly sized and/or shaped, which facilitate coupling the component(s) of the lighting device  100  to the bezel  204  and/or allows the light generated by the light source(s)  208 ,  210  to be emitted therethrough. For example, the first and second openings  310 ,  312  of the bezel  204  are configured to receive at least a portion of the trim  216 . Additionally, the second opening  312  receives the second lens  212  and/or allows the light generated by the first light source  208  to pass therethrough. Further, in this example, the third opening  314  is configured to receive one of the third lens(s)  214  and/or allows the light generated by one of the secondary light source(s)  210  to pass therethrough. As shown in  FIG. 3 , similar to the third opening  314 , the bezel  204  includes one or more other openings for the other secondary light sources  210 , each of which is configured to receive a respective one of the lenses  214  and/or light emitted by a respective one of the secondary light source(s)  210 . Further still, the fourth opening  315  is configured to receive the DRL  217 . 
     In some examples, to facilitate coupling the bezel  204  to the housing  202  and/or one or more other components (e.g., the first lens) of the lighting device  200 , the bezel  204  of  FIG. 3  includes one more example adaptors  316  positioned on the first portion  302 . The adaptors  316  of  FIG. 3  extend away from the first portion  302  to receive a portion of the housing  202  and/or the lighting component(s). In some examples, at least some of the adaptors  316  include one or more openings  318 , for example, to receive fastener(s) for coupling the bezel  204  to the housing  202 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , at least some (e.g., all) of the rib(s)  308  have respective outer surfaces  402  for supporting a first side  403  of the second portion  304 . In some examples, the outer surface(s)  402  are 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)  404  of the first side  403  opposite a second side  405  of the second portion  304  having the outer surface  305 . For example, when a portion of the inner surface  404  is curved, a corresponding portion of the outer rib surface(s)  402  is similarly curved. In another example, when a portion of the inner surface  404  is flat or even, a corresponding portion of the outer rib surface(s)  402  is similarly flat or even. In this manner, the second portion  304  of the bezel  204  is properly supported by the first skeleton  306  when positioned thereon. 
     Additionally, in examples where one or more of the light sources  208 ,  210  of the lighting device  200  are positioned behind and/or proximate to the second portion  304 , the second portion  304  is configured to transmit the light emitted by the light source(s)  208 ,  210  therethrough, which reveals the design associated with the second portion  304  when the light is received by and/or directed on the first side  403  (i.e., the second portion  304  is translucent). Further, in such examples, the second portion  304  hides the light source(s)  208 ,  210  associated therewith when the light source(s)  208 ,  210  are off and/or otherwise not generating light (i.e., the second portion  304  is opaque). Further still, in some examples, the second portion  304  is configured to prevent glare in the lighting device  200 . For example, the outer surface  305  is smooth and/or otherwise structured to disperse light that is received by and/or directed on the outer surface  305 . 
     The inner surface  404  of  FIG. 4  is substantially smooth and/or continuous. However, in some examples, the inner surface  404  may include one or more relatively small surface defects such as bump(s), protrusion(s), recess(es), etc. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the second portion  304  has a substantially uniform thickness  406  defined between the outer and inner surfaces  305 ,  404  that, in some examples, is 2 mm or less (e.g., between about 0.1 mm and 2 mm). That is, the thickness  406  may slightly vary across the second portion  304 . 
     In some examples, to reduce weight of the bezel  204 , one or more example recessed areas  408  are formed by and/or defined between at least some of the rib(s)  308  and 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)  308  depicted in connection with  FIG. 4  such as, for example, the outer surface(s)  402  and/or the recessed areas  408 , likewise apply to one or more other structures (e.g., the cellular pattern(s)  800 ,  900  (shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 )) associated with the first skeleton  306  and/or any other appropriate bezel skeleton. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the first portion  302  of the bezel  204  has a first edge  502  at least partially defining a perimeter of the first portion  302  and/or a first outer surface  504  thereof. Similarly, the second portion  304  of the bezel  204  has a second edge  506 , different from the first edge  502 , at least partially defining a perimeter of the second portion  304  and/or the outer surface  305  thereof. In some such examples, when the second portion  304  is properly affixed to the first portion  302  and/or the first skeleton  306 , the first and second edges  502 ,  506  and/or the outer surfaces  504 ,  305  associated therewith are proximate to each other and substantially adjacent and/or flush. As a result, the outer surfaces  504 ,  305  of the respective portions  302 ,  304  cooperatively form and/or define a substantially smooth and/or continuous outer surface of the bezel  204 , which may be visually appealing to the driver and/or vehicle owner. In some examples, the first and second edges  502 ,  506  and/or the outer surfaces  504 ,  305  associated therewith at least partially overlap each other. 
       FIG. 6  is a partial exploded view of the bezel  204  and shows the first skeleton  306  at least partially exposed. According to the illustrated example of  FIG. 6 , the second portion  304  of the bezel  204  is removed or separated from the second portion  302  and/or the first skeleton  306  (e.g., after production of the first skeleton  306 ) such that a third bezel portion (e.g., a second film that is visually different from the first film)  600  is enabled to affix to the first skeleton  306 . In particular, the third bezel portion  600  of  FIG. 6  is substantially different relative to the second portion  304  of the bezel  204  with respect to shape, size, structure, color, etc. That is, an outer surface  602  of the third portion  600  includes a visual design that is different from the visual design of the outer surface  305  of the second portion  304 . 
     In some examples, the first skeleton  306  includes and/or at least partially defines a first contour  602  (as represented by the dotted/dashed lines in  FIG. 6 ) that is sized and/or shaped to substantially match and/or conform to a second contour  604  (as represented by the dotted/dashed lines of  FIG. 6 ) defined by the second portion  304  (and/or the third portion  600 ) of the bezel  204 . That is, the contour  602  associated with the first skeleton  306  has a first shape (e.g., a regular or irregular polygon) that is similar to a second shape of the contour  604  associated with the second portion  304  (and/or the third portion  600 ). In this manner, the first skeleton  306  is substantially covered by and/or hidden beneath the second portion  304  (and/or the third portion  600 ) when coupled together. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the rib(s)  308  of the first skeleton  306  are positioned on at least a portion (e.g., a relatively thin portion) of the outer surface  206  of the bezel  204  and/or extend away therefrom to receive the inner surface  404  of the second portion  304 . That is, in some examples, the outer surface  206  of the bezel  204  forms the recessed area(s)  408  with the rib(s)  308 . However, in some examples, openings are disposed between at least some of the rib(s)  308  and extend entirely through the bezel  204 , which further reduces weight of the bezel  204 . Additionally, in this example, the rib(s)  308  are 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)  308  of  FIG. 6  extend substantially in the same direction (e.g., the rib(s)  308  are parallel). 
       FIG. 7  is a detailed view of a second example skeleton  700  for the bezel  204  and an example film (e.g., plastic and/or acrylic)  702  separated from the second skeleton  700  in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. In some examples, the second skeleton  700  of  FIG. 7  corresponds to at least a portion of the first skeleton  306  of the bezel  204 , and the film  702  corresponds to the second portion  304  and/or the third portion  600  of the bezel  204 . 
     The second skeleton  700  of  FIG. 7  is implemented, for example, via one or more additive manufacturing and/or injection molding processes and/or methods or techniques. In such examples, the second skeleton  700  is 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 film  702  of the  FIG. 7  is implemented, for example, via injection molding, compression molding, and/or any other appropriate process and/or method or technique. In such examples, the film  702  is constructed of PMMA, PC, and/or any other appropriate polymer or plastic resin. That is, in some examples, the film  702  is a particular IMD and/or IML, which may be desired by a driver or a vehicle owner when viewing the bezel  204 . 
     As previously mentioned, in some examples, the film  702  is configured to couple to and decouple or separate from the second skeleton  700 . In such examples, the film  702  is produced separately from the second skeleton  700  and then affixed thereto. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the second skeleton  700  includes a particular structural pattern  706  that 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 openings  710  are positioned between at least some of the rib(s)  708 . As such, the structural pattern of  FIG. 7  is considered to be ribbed. According the illustrated example of  FIG. 7 , the second skeleton  700  includes an outer frame  712  that substantially forms and/or defines a contour  714  of the skeleton  700 , which is shaped to match and/or conform to a contour  716  of the film  704  in some examples. As previously mentioned, the contours  714 ,  716  can have any appropriate shape with which to form and/or define one or more portions of the bezel  204 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the rib(s)  708  extend between opposing ends of the frame  710  (e.g., from a first end of the frame  712  to a second end of the frame  712 ). 
     Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the skeleton  700  includes one or more other structural patterns that are regular or irregular and may be contained in the frame  710 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 8 , at least a portion of the second skeleton  700  includes a cross-section defining a first cellular pattern  800  that has regular shapes and/or polygons (e.g., circles, ovals, ellipses, triangles, squares, rectangles, pentagons, hexagons, etc.). In this example, the first cellular pattern  800  includes at least one central cell (e.g., a hexagonal cell)  802  surrounded by one or more secondary cells (e.g., hexagonal cells)  804  (six of which are shown in this example). The cells  802 ,  804  of  FIG. 8  are 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 skeleton  700 . As such, the first cellular pattern  800  is considered to be regular in this example. In this manner, disclosed examples reduce weight of the second skeleton  700  (e.g., reduces weight the bezel  204  and/or the vehicle lighting device  200 ) while maintaining strength, rigidity, and/or structural integrity thereof. 
     In another example, as shown in  FIG. 9 , at least a portion of the second skeleton  700  includes a cross-section defining a second cellular pattern  900 , different from the first cellular pattern  800 , that has irregular shapes and/or polygons. Similar to the first cellular pattern  800 , the second cellular pattern  900  includes at least one central cell  902  that is surrounded multiple secondary cells  904 , each of which at least partially defines an empty space or cavity within the second skeleton  700 . In some examples, both the first and second cellular patterns  800 ,  900  are considered to be polygonal. 
     In some examples, portions (e.g., edges) of one or more of the cells  802 ,  804 ,  902 ,  904  at least partially form and/or define the outer surface  402  of the first skeleton  306 . Further, in some examples, the first cellular pattern  800  and/or the second cellular pattern  900  are used to implement one or more of the rib(s)  708 . That is, in such examples, a cross-section of a rib  708  includes the cellular pattern(s)  800 ,  900 . However, in some examples, the second skeleton  700  is formed and/or defined by the first cellular pattern  800  and/or the second cellular pattern  900 , but not the rib(s)  708 . Additionally, in some examples, the second skeleton  700  includes a combination of the rib(s)  708 , the first cellular pattern  800 , and/or the second cellular pattern  900 . Although  FIGS. 7-9  depict particular structural patterns of the second skeleton  700 , in some examples, the second skeleton  700  is implemented using one or more other structural patterns (e.g., one or more lattice structures) such that the film  702  is sufficiently supported when coupled to the second skeleton  700 . 
     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. 
     Thus, the foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Accordingly, the disclosure of the present invention is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting of the scope of the invention, as well as other claims. The disclosure, including any readily discernible variants of the teachings herein, defines, in part, the scope of the foregoing claim terminology such that no inventive subject matter is dedicated to the public.