초록 ▼

A lamp system for a vehicle having an impact-absorbing bumper that is designed to be mounted substantially flush with the surrounding vehicle body panels and bumper, and capable of deflecting with the stroke of the impact-absorbing bumper during impact to obviate the need for the lamp to pivot about

A lamp system for a vehicle having an impact-absorbing bumper that is designed to be mounted substantially flush with the surrounding vehicle body panels and bumper, and capable of deflecting with the stroke of the impact-absorbing bumper during impact to obviate the need for the lamp to pivot about an anchor point or to be mechanically displaceable with additional hardware. The lamp system is preferably formed from resilient, impact-resistant material, with a deformable resilient deflection member selectively located between the lens and the housing, between the inner lens and the outer lens in a dual lens system, or between the housing and the body of the vehicle or a member attached thereto. Further, the resilient deflection member may be the lens itself. The material for the resilient deflection member must have a yield strength that is adequate to sustain a predetermined degree of deformation, corresponding to the amount of deflection required to deflect with the bumper stroke. The resilient deflection member permits the lens or other components of the headlamp assembly to move upon impact without damage to itself or any other surrounding assembly components, acts as a seal between the lens and the housing so that contaminants do not degrade the function of the lamp system, and may be used as a styling element to enhance the aesthetic effect of the vehicle. The lamp system achieves an aerodynamic look, and allows stylists complete freedom to create convex-shaped front- or rear-end systems with each vehicle design.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An elastically deformable automobile lamp assembly for an automotive vehicle having at least one panel member and an impact-absorbing bumper assembly spaced from said at least one panel member, said lamp assembly comprising:a housing member mounted to said at least one

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An elastically deformable automobile lamp assembly for an automotive vehicle having at least one panel member and an impact-absorbing bumper assembly spaced from said at least one panel member, said lamp assembly comprising:a housing member mounted to said at least one panel member, said housing member further being located relative to said impacting-absorbing bumper assembly;a lens member mounted to said housing member; andat least one resilient deflection member interposed said lens member and said housing member, said at least one resilient deflection member having a predetermined yield strength so as to enable a predetermined elastic deformation of said lamp assembly whereby upon impact said at least one resilient deflection member does not exceed said predetermined yield strength of said at least one resilient deflection member so as to return said lamp assembly substantially to its pre-impact position without damage thereto upon removal of the impact force.