Dark look LED automotive lighting

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In view of the aforementioned considerations, the present invention is directed to an automotive lamp comprising an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) supported within the lamp.
A bezel having a dark surface for absorbing visible light from external sources is positioned adjacent to the LEDs.
The dark surface of the bezel has a high gloss finish or other reflective area at least adjacent the LEDs to reflect light from the LEDs, while the dark surface absorbs visible light from external sources.
A lens of light transmitting material covers the array of LEDs.
In a further aspect of the invention, the dark surface is substantially black and the lens is clear.
In another aspect of the invention, the automotive lamp is a rear combination lamp assembly including a first array of LEDs which emit red light to function both as a tail light and as a brake light.
The rear combination lamp assembly further comprises a second array of LEDs that in one embodiment emit amber light to provide turn and emergency signals which flash.
A bezel surrounds the LEDs and is substantially black in color to absorb incoming light from exterior sources, such as sunlight, and includes a gloss finish to reflect light rearwardly from the LEDs.
The bezel is mounted in a housing and a lens is positioned over the bezel and the arrays of LEDs.
In a preferred arrangement of the LEDs within the rear combination lamp assembly, the LEDs are arranged in vertical columns and at least a rearwardly facing reflector is positioned adjacent to the columns of LEDs.
In a preferred embodiment of energizing the LEDs, the LEDs of the first array are connected to a power supply which is connected with both a road light control system and a brake system in a vehicle.
The power supply has a first mode of a reduced duty cycle for illuminating the LEDs of the first array only as taillights, and has a second mode activated by the braking system for delivering current at a higher percentage of the duty cycle to the LEDs of the first array