Patent ID: 6908219

Claim:
An optical element for use in an LED illuminated high mounted stop lamp comprising: a light transmissive dome defining a cavity having an axis extending in a forward direction, the cavity having sufficient volume to enclose an LED light source, the dome having refractive elements directing a first portion of the light emitted from an axially located LED in a direction generally parallel to the forward direction, and otherwise towards a field to be illuminated; at least one light guide positioned adjacent the dome to receive a second portion of the light emitted by the LED, the light guide extending transversely to the axis and including one or more light directing elements offset from the dome in the direction transverse to the axis to redirect the second portion of light transversely, generally parallel to the forward direction and otherwise to the field to be illuminated, wherein the lightguide has the form of a plate extending transversely to the axis, the plate having approximately parallel rear and forward walls and one or more side walls, and wherein sidewalls refract at least a portion of the second portion of light in the forward direction.