US3779629A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Combined lens and reflector for a vehicle lamp
Assignee: ZF International UK Ltd
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Filing: 1972-06-05
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Granted: 1973-12-18
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Expires: 1992-06-05
Abstract
Abstract A combined lens and reflex reflector for a vehicle lamp in particular a vehicle tail lamp. The combination includes a first transparent component having integral with one face thereof a plurality of corner cube reflectors. Between the corner cube reflectors are defined a plurality of recesses, and the base of each recess is generally parallel with the adjacent portion of the opposite surface of the component. The corner cube reflectors reflect light incident upon the first component from one direction, back towards its source. The combination includes a second transparent component which defines a plurality of converging lenses, and which is positioned so that light incident on the second component from a direction opposite said one direction is directed by the lenses onto the base regions of the recesses of the first component so that the light is transmitted by the first component.
Inventors
- 👤 S Green
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 21:20
CPC Classifications
B; B29; B29D; B29D11/00; B29D11/00605; F; F21; F21S; F21S43/00; F21S43/20; F21S43/255; F21S43/26
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
180 words
A combined lens and reflex reflector including a first transparent component comprising a plurality of identical corner cube prisms integral with one surface of the component and defining reflex reflectors, said prisms being identically angularly orientated and positioned with respect to one another such that defined between the prisms, by the faces of the prisms are a plurality of identical corner cube recesses, the corner cube recesses being truncated so that each recess has a base region generally parallel with the adjacent portion of the opposite surface of the component, said corner cube prisms being capable of reflecting light incident upon said opposite surface of the first component back towards its source, and the combined lens and reflector further including a second transparent component, a plurality of converging lenses defined by said second transparent component and so positioned that, in use, light incident upon the second component in a direction towards the first component is directed by said lenses onto said base regions of the recesses of the first component so that the light is transmitted by the first component.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
180 words
A combined lens and reflex reflector including a first transparent component comprising a plurality of identical corner cube prisms integral with one surface of the component and defining reflex reflectors, said prisms being identically angularly orientated and positioned with respect to one another such that defined between the prisms, by the faces of the prisms are a plurality of identical corner cube recesses, the corner cube recesses being truncated so that each recess has a base region generally parallel with the adjacent portion of the opposite surface of the component, said corner cube prisms being capable of reflecting light incident upon said opposite surface of the first component back towards its source, and the combined lens and reflector further including a second transparent component, a plurality of converging lenses defined by said second transparent component and so positioned that, in use, light incident upon the second component in a direction towards the first component is directed by said lenses onto said base regions of the recesses of the first component so that the light is transmitted by the first component.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
A combined lens and reflex reflector as claimed in claim 1 wherein the base regions of said recesses are flat.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
A combined lens and reflex reflector as claimed in claim 1 wherein the base regions of said recesses are curved so that the adjacent portions of the component act as lenses.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
A combined lens and reflex reflector as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first and second components are secured together so as to constitute a single unit.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
A combined lens and reflex reflector as claimed in claim 4 wherein a sealed air space is defined between the first and second components.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
A combined lens and reflex reflector as claimed in claim 1 wherein both components are moulded in synthetic resin material and the first component is coloured to suit the application of the lamp utilizing the combined lens and reflex reflector.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
48 words
A combined lens and reflex reflector as claimed in claim 1 wherein the surface of the second component which, in use, is presented to the light source of a fresnel lens to ensure that the light falling on the converging lenses of the second component is parallel light.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-12-17 | 1977-06-18 | 1977-12-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-12-17 | 1981-06-18 | 1981-12-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-12-17 | 1985-06-18 | 1985-12-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |