With Resilient Means To Position Source Or Modifier Patents (Class 362/306)
  • Patent number: 4729077
    Abstract: A variable beam width lighting device including a luminaire assembly having a luminaire fixture to which are operatively mounted a reflector and a lamp and to which is operatively supplied electrical power to produce a light beam. An adjustable lamp positioning means is mounted between the lamp and the luminaire fixture. The adjustable lamp positioning means is responsive to a power means to move the lamp relative to the reflector to vary the width of the light beam between a narrow beam and a wide beam according to choice. The reflecting properties of the reflector are varied to produce smooth transition characteristics when the beam width is changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: Mycro Group Co.
    Inventors: Myron K. Gordin, James L. Drost
  • Patent number: 4679128
    Abstract: A retaining arrangement for a replaceable bulb mounted in a vehicle headlamp reflector that includes a grip member and a cooperating lock nut. The former of which is adapted to be press fitted onto and retained by spring fingers on a cylindrical boss surrounding the socket formed in the headlamp reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1987
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Paul D. Van Duyn, John D. Geddie
  • Patent number: 4665471
    Abstract: An all glass sealed beam headlamp unit is disclosed having polygon shaped lens and reflector members which is capable of being alternately sealed together with an adhesive as well as being fusion sealed by reason of the sealing rim construction being employed. Specifically, the cooperating and opposing sealing rim surfaces of both members include planar sealing surfaces located at the outer periphery which extend longitudinally without interruption around all sides of said members along with rib elements projecting forwardly from the planar sealing surface at all corners of the lens member with said rib elements being located at the inner periphery of said lens member for physical abutment with inner edge of the planar sealing surface located on the reflector member at the corner locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Denes Tarnay
  • Patent number: 4626969
    Abstract: A channel shaped track lighting fixture has a light reflector mounted in a pair of aligned internal grooves. Removable end caps permit access to the interior of the lighting fixtures so that the reflector may be slid out of the fixture along the aligned internal grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1986
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Kristofek
  • Patent number: 4612609
    Abstract: A light assembly includes a reflector and a bulb assembly which is removably mounted on the reflector by a retainer spring. The reflector includes a generally parabolic reflector wall, a cylindrical wall which extends rearwardly from the reflector wall, and a rear wall at the rear end of the cylindrical wall which extends generally perpendicularly to the axis of the reflector wall. The bulb assembly includes a bulb which extends through an opening in the rear wall of the reflector and a flange which is retained against the rear wall by a retainer spring which is removably attached to the reflector. The front end of the reflector includes a generally annular rim, and a transparent lens is retained within the rim and against an O-ring within the rim by a retainer ring which surrounds the rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1986
    Assignee: The Coleman Company, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Collins
  • Patent number: 4608624
    Abstract: A projection lamp unit 10 including a reflector (11) having a concave reflecting portion (13) and a rearward extending neck portion (15). Secured to the reflector is an insulative socket (23) in which is contained a pair of electrical contacts (31). Each contact includes a female receiving portion designed to receive the corresponding male pins (35) of an electrical lamp (39) which is inserted through the reflector's forward opening (17). Removal of the lamp (39) is possible simply by grasping the envelope (61) of the lamp (39) and pulling forward. Replacement of a similar lamp is then possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1986
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald G. Blaisdell, Harold L. Hough
  • Patent number: 4604679
    Abstract: Method of assembling a motor vehicle headlight whereby the open end of a rear parabola reflector on the said headlight is fitted round with a flange having a front annular groove designed to receive a rear edge on the front glass, the position of which in relation to the optical axis on the said reflector is adjusted, prior to bonding by pouring adhesive material into the said groove, by means of a number of supporting pins mounted axially through the said flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1986
    Assignee: Carello Industriale, S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giovanni Rolando, Giorgio Manunta
  • Patent number: 4600975
    Abstract: An indirect lighting assembly consisting of a housing structure and low voltage light tubing for retention therein, said housing structure being a unitarily extruded body having an anchor tab portion extending perpendicularly into a spacer portion and terminating in a light tube housing portion having an open area directing light generally perpendicular to the plane of said spacer portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1986
    Inventor: James R. Roberts
  • Patent number: 4595969
    Abstract: One end of an elongated flexible strap is connected to a screw base. The strap extends downward through a central opening in a cover and in a reflector. After the screw base is threaded into a socket, a friction ring is pushed upward along the flexible strap, drawing the reflector up and a trim ring tight against the ceiling which surrounds the recessed fixture. The friction ring holds the lamp and reflector upward on the strap, without stretching the strap and without pulling downward on the screw base with a force substantially greater than a weight of the reflector and trim ring. While the friction ring holds the lamp on the strap, a gripper is moved into position beneath the friction ring to permanently support the friction ring. The strap is then clipped below the gripper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1986
    Assignee: Scientific Component Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Rhett McNair
  • Patent number: 4591961
    Abstract: A shock-reducing lamp assembly adapted for mounting on a vehicle. The assembly includes a housing defining a cavity having an open end and a lens connected to the housing enclosing the open end. An integral resilient mount includes a tubular central portion having a first end and a second end, with a pair of spaced mounting feet disposed adjacent to the first end and a second pair of spaced mounting feet positioned adjacent the second end. Each of the feet has a mounting aperture and the first pair of feet extends in a first plane and the second pair of feet extends in a second plane, with the first and second planes being spaced and being substantially parallel. The assembly further includes a metallic socket telescopically received in the central portion. The housing includes components for positioning the mount so that a lamp held in the socket is in operative relationship to the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1986
    Assignee: Triplex Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Sam A. Myles, Paul C. Katz
  • Patent number: 4587598
    Abstract: A universal headlight reflector member for mounting a headlight to a variety of headlight mountings of different mid-sized motorcycles is disclosed. The reflector member includes a circular rim to which a left flange, a right flange, a top flange, and a bottom flange are attached. These flanges are particularly configured to provide the universal mounting of the headlight. Preferably, the diameter of the rim is about 162 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1986
    Assignee: Candlepower Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce E. Burgess, Joel C. Gorick
  • Patent number: 4577266
    Abstract: A fixture including thermal sensing means is disclosed which fixture is especially adapted to be mounted in existing ceiling construction. The fixture includes a shroud having a cut-away portion enabling the fixture to be inserted in angularly oriented position relative to the ceiling and thereafter tilted into mounted position in the ceiling. The fixture includes spring clips insertable after the shroud is mounted into clamping engagement with the upper surface of the ceiling to securely connect the shroud to the ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1986
    Assignee: Lightolier Incorporated
    Inventors: Anthony C. Donato, Alex Kartavenko
  • Patent number: 4570203
    Abstract: Improved light reflector apparatus for use in an electronic flash unit or the like is formed by an injection molding operation, which causes both precise shaping of a reflector and accurate mounting of the reflector securely within a housing. A light-reflecting flexible sheet is placed in a mold so that its light-reflecting front surface is centrally positioned adjacent a mold forming surface. The forming surface, which is larger than the sheet, has a contour adapted for shaping the sheet to reflect light into a beam of illumination. Liquid plastic is injected into the mold under pressure against the opposite surface of the sheet, thus pressing its light-reflecting surface into intimate contact against the forming surface. Because the sheet is smaller, the border of the forming surface is not covered by the sheet. Plastic flows beyond outer edges of the sheet against the uncovered border of the forming surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1986
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Steven D. Daniels, Jeffrey R. Stoneham, John K. Erickson
  • Patent number: 4564891
    Abstract: In a vehicle headlight a lamp holder for holding a bulb in an apex opening of a reflector is formed with three axially extended locking arms having hooks insertable into the slots provided in the reflector. Each slot defines on the surface of the reflector a bearing surface having an insertion portion and an arresting portion. Each hook, upon pivoting of the lamp holder is inserted into the assigned slot and is engaged behind the arresting portion to arrest the lamp holder on the backside of the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1986
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Daumuller, Heinz Ruckwied
  • Patent number: 4544998
    Abstract: A rectangular or other polygonal shaped lamp, such as a headlamp, comprising a lens member sealed to a reflector member. The lens member is provided with a rearwardly projecting polygonal rim having a surface which fits against and is sealed to a front rim of the reflector unit. The reflector front rim is provided with frontwardly projecting positioning members near at least two diagonally opposite corners, which fit inside corresponding corners of the lens rim for aligning the lens and reflector members together during sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1985
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Bruce E. Shanks
  • Patent number: 4543623
    Abstract: A light fixture for underwater use in swimming pools has a waterproof gasket between the lens and the housing enclosing the electrical components. The gasket is fabricated of an off-white, neoprene material and is devoid of any coloring agents, such as carbon black, which are subject to leaching by chlorine-containing water in the pool. As a result, discoloration of the wall of the pool and also of the lens will not occur, even where chlorine concentrations are relatively high.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1985
    Assignee: Sta-Rite Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gordon F. Ehret
  • Patent number: 4535397
    Abstract: A spotlight assembly conformed for electrical excitation through the cigarette lighter of an automobile comprises a hollow housing formed by mating a front and a rear housing halves, each half including an upper portion for receiving a bulb and a lower portion forming a handle. The bulb, preferably of the sealed beam type, is retained against outward progression by an inwardly directed lip in the upper front portion and is pressed against this lip by an annular ring in the rear upper portion, the ring being guided by axially aligned posts for compression against the bulb by helical springs on each post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1985
    Assignee: Mr. Gasket Company
    Inventor: Richard L. May
  • Patent number: 4533984
    Abstract: A variable-width-beam light apparatus is provided having a lamp and reflector assembly in which a lamp is supported for selective axial displacement along a longitudinal optical axis with respect to a focal point of the reflector to enable adjustment in the width or angle of divergence of an emitted beam of light. The lamp is selectively positioned by a rotatable knob carried by a lens of the assembly and positioned exteriorly at the front of the lens for operation. The rotatable knob connects with a shaft coupled by screw threads with a lamp engaging cylinder that is axially slideable in a tubular guideway such that rotational movement is translated to longitudinal movement to effect and control axial displacement of a lamp. The lamp is resiliently biased in a forward direction with respect to the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1985
    Inventor: James W. Gatton
  • Patent number: 4532580
    Abstract: A signalling light according to the invention has a concave reflector with a substantially cylindrical lamp holder for an electric lamp. The position of the lamp holder can be adjusted from inside the reflector. The lamp holder is connected to the reflector so as to be rotatable about its axis. Means which can be manipulated from inside the reflector fix the lamp holder in any adjusted position.The construction of the signalling light makes it possible to position an asymmetric light source in the reflector in such manner that an optimum light beam is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1985
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Willem J. F. Bout
  • Patent number: 4523263
    Abstract: A low voltage lighting fixture designed for outdoor use and constructed mainly of polyvinyl chloride. The fixture includes a cylindrical housing made entirely of white high density polyvinyl chloride, a 12 volt lamp, a lens, a pair of rubber O-rings, a lens, a lens retaining ring made of polyvinyl chloride, a circular rear base plate, and a power line passing through a hole in the base plate for energizing said lamp. The lamp is sealed within the housing by the two O-rings, the lens and the retaining ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1985
    Inventor: David D. Poyer
  • Patent number: 4521834
    Abstract: There is disclosed an adjustable light reflector to be used in combination with an illuminating device for the purpose of reflecting light into almost any desired direction which comprises of a hood having a reflective surface on the underside of the top surface, said top surface having arms attached on either side, said arms extending downward and each arm having a rotatable attaching means receiver and latch receiving means on the lower end; a collar means having made thereupon two rotatable attaching means, each said means being rotatably engaged with a rotatable attaching means receiver; an illuminating device casing having latch means, hood receiving means and a collar means receiver, said collar means receiver positioned near the light emitting end and concentric to the longitudinal axis of the said illuminating device casing, the collar means receiver to rotatably receive the collar means, the latch means to engage the latch receiving means and the hood receiving means to receive the hood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1985
    Inventor: Allie E. Orr
  • Patent number: 4517629
    Abstract: A motor vehicle headlight wherein plastic reflector and lens components are utilized to house a tungsten-halogen lamp capsule therein. Forming part of the rear portion of the plastic reflector is an upstanding portion for each of the headlight's terminal means. Each upstanding portion includes a surface for having the metallic lug member of the terminal means positioned thereon. Located within an upper part of the upstanding portion is an annular reservoir which surrounds the opening through which a support wire of the lamp capsule component passes. This reservoir is designed for accumulating excess quantities of adhesive used during headlight assembly, particularly during the operation where the lug member is mechanically secured to a metal eyelet which also forms part of the terminal means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1985
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Alexander, Robert J. Marshall
  • Patent number: 4514793
    Abstract: When it is desired to increase the light yield from fluorescent tube installations without reflectors by providing the fluorescent tubes with a reflector, it is often difficult to mount and position the reflector in an existing light fitting, and it is even more difficult when such fluorescent tubes sit freely on a wall or a ceiling, or are mounted externally on a fitting.For this purpose the reflector system comprises a reflector (4) of anodized aluminium and securing elements (1) consisting of spring straps which surround the fluorescent tube (5) and secure the reflector (4) to the fluorescent tube by means of friction between the securing element's strap (1) and the fluorescent tube (5).Also provided is a second embodiment of the securing element which is intended for fittings with a flat surface. In this case the securing element has some protruding ends which bear against the flat surface of the fitting and thus position and secure the reflector in the correct position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1985
    Inventor: Knud Andreasen
  • Patent number: 4509106
    Abstract: A self-housed rectangular lamp assembly with a replaceable halogen bulb lamp unit. A cup-shaped housing, having a pivotal mounting bracket, receives a lamp unit that has a pair of integral threaded bosses on its rear surface receiving fasteners extending through the rear of the housing to releasably attach the lamp unit within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1985
    Assignee: Stewart-Warner Corporation
    Inventors: William Mayer, Alton E. Runions
  • Patent number: 4507712
    Abstract: A method of making a replaceable lamp unit (10) for use within an automobile headlight. The method comprises the steps of providing three spaced apertures (29) within a wall (25) of a plastic holder (19), positively securing a metallic eyelet (27) within each aperture, attaching a metallic support wire (43) to each of at least two lead-in wires (31) of an electric lamp (39), inserting the support wires within each of the eyelets, and thereafter soldering (45) the support wires to the respective secured eyelets. Precise alignment of the envelope (33) of the electric lamp is provided prior to the soldering operation. The soldering operation assures not only a sound electrical connection, but also provides both a hermetic seal between eyelet and support wire components and a means for maintaining the lamp support wire sub-assembly in fixed position with the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1985
    Inventors: Richard J. Dolan, Frank Cangiano, John Van der Linde
  • Patent number: 4503489
    Abstract: An underwater light (12) for above ground pools (10) includes a housing (28) sealed to the outer surface of the pool wall (24). An opening in the pool wall and liner (16) communicates with an opening in the front wall (28) of the housing, and a light transmitting cover assembly (70) is sealed to the pool liner (16) to cover this opening. The rear wall (34) of the housing is removable to provide access to a light unit mounting assembly including a base bracket (38) secured around a light (58) and biases the cushioning gasket into engagement with a pad mount (56). This facilitates removal and replacement as well as adjustment of the light (58) without interrupting pool operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1985
    Inventors: Peter C. Duerr, Claude De Facci
  • Patent number: 4502103
    Abstract: A lamp bulb mount for axially mounting two lamp bulbs into a light for selective operation in relation to a combination flood and spot light is disclosed. The mount includes a forward base and a rearward base selectively connectable to each other. The forward base is conformable to a reflector member of the light and has an opening formed therein which receives the lamp bulbs supported by the rear base. Interconnection of the forward and rearward base and placement of the forward base against the reflector member projects the light bulbs through the reflector member in a predetermined relationship. A socket of each base of the mount is convertible between flanged lamp bulbs and twin pin lamp bulbs through alternative spring mountings. A carrying case for the mount includes a fan adapted to maintain air flow throughout the light, cooling the battery, control circuitry and lamp bulbs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1985
    Assignee: Collins Dynamics
    Inventor: William J. Collins
  • Patent number: 4498126
    Abstract: A hinged bracket for permitting the swinging away, within limits, of at least one socket to permit easy access to an elongated, doubled-ended bulb for relamping purposes, the relamping apparatus holding the bulb firmly enough to prevent its dropping out of the sockets. The sockets are each spring-loaded and partly biased against the bulb in the open relamp position and firmly biased against the bulb in the position of use. A heat sink is also provided via a sleeve extension on the socket and a mating hump on the door which provides access, when removed, to one of the bulb sockets through relatively small openings in the fixture and the nearby reflector. The swinging away of the socket to one side of these openings provides easy access to the bulb that would not otherwise be possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1985
    Assignee: Wide-Lite International Corporation
    Inventor: Jose A. Hernandez
  • Patent number: 4490778
    Abstract: A nonflame-propagating joint between the flared rim of a tempered glass globe and a globe support ring is effected by means of a gasket of a suitable moldable material, preferably solder, cast between the faying surfaces. The gasket may be cast in place by pouring molten solder between the globe and the preheated globe ring. Alternately a precast gasket may be assembled in placed between globe and globe ring, and recast by induction heating of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1984
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Byron R. Collins, William K. Dryman
  • Patent number: 4475148
    Abstract: To largely prevent bodily injury to a pedestrian or cyclist involved in a collision with a passenger motor vehicle with an impact in a headlight area of the vehicle, the headlights are flexibly disposed. For this purpose, a diffusing lens for the headlights is provided with a rearwardly slanted cover plate above a light exit area of the diffusing lens. The cover plate forms a part of the outer contour or shape of the vehicle and essentially maintains the original shape upon an impact load. The cover plate has a length corresponding at least to approximately a half of a height of the light exit area, with a free end of the cover plate being elastically supported by a fixed component of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1984
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Johann Tomforde
  • Patent number: 4456947
    Abstract: A motor vehicle headlight having an improved lug and eyelet construction in which there is a reservoir formed between the lug and a boss formed on the reflector. This reservoir is for trapping and containing excess adhesive which is present during the assembly of such headlights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1984
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Alexander
  • Patent number: 4446510
    Abstract: Apparatus for sealing the space between the outside of the socket and the reflector of an outdoor luminaire of the type having its lamp on a substantially horizontal axis. The reflector has an elongated oblong opening through which the socket projects, the oblong shape of the opening enabling setting the mounting height of the cylindrical socket. The space between the socket and reflector must be sealed to prevent insects, dust and dirt from entering the reflector. A sealing plate with an opening larger than the area of the socket circular section resiliently grips the reflector and compresses a gasket liner peripherally enclosing the reflector opening. Adhered to the plate is a second gasket which yieldably engages the outer wall of the socket with an interference fit and completes the sealing action. The resilient gripping of the reflector by the plate is accomplished by two stepped ears on the sealing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1984
    Assignee: International Telephone and Telegraph Corporation
    Inventor: George K. Wagner
  • Patent number: 4437145
    Abstract: A shock absorbing lamp assembly for baseless cartridge bulbs for on and off the road motor vehicles, including a rear backing lamp housing member serving as a reflector and lamp housing, a lens cover joined about its perimeter to the housing member to cover said cavity, an elongated baseless cartridge lamp bulb in the cavity having a larger central bulb portion housing filament wire and opposite generally flattened bulb end portions hermetically sealing about filament support pins to support the internal and external portions of the filament support pins, bulb mount assembly comprising a semi-circular U-shaped mounting plate carried on swaged anchor formations of the housing member and a pair of forwardly projecting vertically and laterally flexible shock absorbing arms extending parallel to each other generally perpendicular to the axis of the bulb from the mounting plate formed of rubber-like material of about 60 durometer hardness and having terminal receiving apertures for receiving the flattened bulb end
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1984
    Assignee: Truck-Lite Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip C. Roller, Chris A. Suckow
  • Patent number: 4433366
    Abstract: A structure for providing a light in the side of a swimming pool beneath the water. The structure primarily is constructed from sheet metal and includes a bulb shield and receptacle, a front lens, a front mounting ring and a sealing ring. The sealing ring forces portions of the shield and the mounting ring into sealing arrangement with a ring seal mounted about the lens. The seal and the adjacent sealing structure allow steam which may be generated by heat from the enclosed bulb to escape into the water but prevent the water from entering the structure. The structure can be used in traditional concrete or Gunite pools and with an additional component, it can be installed in vinyl lined pools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1984
    Inventor: Charles E. Wade
  • Patent number: 4430696
    Abstract: For the mounting of a lamp which is firmly connected with a reflector, at least two coil springs are so arranged parallel to an attachment part that they contact the reflector on its outer side close to the outer periphery. The reflector is so developed at these points of contact that components of force perpendicular to the attachment surface are produced by the springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1984
    Assignee: Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung
    Inventor: Ulrich Lemcke
  • Patent number: 4428032
    Abstract: The specification discloses a light fixture globe connector in which a resilient clip is used to connect and support the globe. The connector is especially adapted for use with an overhead fan light fixture since it resists accidental release of the globe due to vibration. An extending piece carries the light socket, the clip, and a slidably mounted cup which encompasses and restrains the clip. The clip has a plurality of resilient arms terminating in recurved portions which are held in engagement with the globe by the cup. The resilient, recurved arm portions are biased against the containing cup by the globe, preferably engaging a lip on the cup's rim, preventing the cup from sliding on the extending piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1984
    Inventor: James R. Workman
  • Patent number: 4428039
    Abstract: Safety lamp apparatus, suitable for use as a miner's cap lamp, includes a housing body closed at one side by a plastic light transmitting member. A bulb member is yieldably received in the housing body and is operable, when energized, to provide a filament in a state of incandescence for emitting visible radiation. During use of the apparatus in an explosive atmosphere conditions may arise where deformation of the light transmitting member from external impact forces directed thereagainst may drive deformed portions of the light transmitting member against the bulb member with sufficient force to cause bulb breakage and resulting explosion of the atmosphere.In the present invention protective means is provided comprising an arrangement of parts defining an oblique angular relationship between the central longitudinal axis of the bulb member and the impacting surface of the deformed portion of the light transmitting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1984
    Assignee: Koehler Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Roy A. Guimond, Charles F. Daly, John E. Gulliksen
  • Patent number: 4422136
    Abstract: This invention provides a novel device for shock mounting a lamp within housing means for a lamp that is particularly intended for use with motorized vehicles, such as farm tractors and other vehicles designed for cross-country travel, as well as over-the-road trucks and the like. Basically, the novel device of the present invention comprises a hollow generally frustoconical resilient member having a long-central axis extending between centers of its opposite ends, with one of the opposite ends of that member including means for retaining, supporting and locating a lamp in a predetermined position, and the other of the opposite ends of that member including means for fastening that member to the lamp housing means, and that member including plural segments positioned around the long-central axis and extending between the opposite ends of that member, with each of the plural segments being generally serpentine in its longitudinal extension with respect to that axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1983
    Assignee: The Grote Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J. Newman, Joseph T. Hodges
  • Patent number: 4414613
    Abstract: A rectangular seal beam lamp unit with a high intensity halogen bulb, particularly adapted for utility vehicles, that is self-supporting without requiring any special mounting fixtures on the vehicle, and includes an entirely plastic reflector having an integral forwardly projecting hood that defines in part a recess that receives a rectangular lens sealed by an epoxy material. The halogen bulb has two rearwardly extending lead wires that are embedded in a synthetic rubber material in a recess in the rear of the reflector to assist in shock mounting the bulb. The bulb is primarily supported by a pair of curved resilient connector rods that are welded to the bulb lead wires at one end and curve downwardly to a connector and terminal assembly at the lower rear of the reflector. A strap surrounds the halogen bulb and is fixed to one of the resilient connector rods to support and shock mount the bulb in the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1983
    Assignee: Stewart-Warner Corporation
    Inventor: William R. Mayer
  • Patent number: 4410931
    Abstract: A lighting fixture employing a cover or lens, preferably of flat glass or plastic. A slidable or pivotal retaining clip is provided for either opposite corners or for each corner of the cover. Each clip acts to hold the cover lens without the need for a surround frame. The retainer clips are slidable or pivotal between a hold position clamping the lens to the fixture body and a release position in which the fixture is freed of the retaining or clamping action of the clip. In the release position, the clip is held on the face of the fixture by holding stops on the fixture body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1983
    Assignee: International Telephone and Telegraph Corporation
    Inventors: Giovanni DeCandia, Edward B. Bilson
  • Patent number: 4408262
    Abstract: A plaster frame for mounting a lighting fixture in recessed fashion in a ceiling comprises a main body portion including a rectangular, planar member defining an aperture therein, the aperture being similarly dimensioned to the ceiling aperture in which the lighting fixture is to be mounted. Hanger bar brackets are integrally formed with the planar member at breakaway junctions along opposite, first sides of the planar member. The hanger bar brackets are adapted to receive hanger bars for mounting the plaster frame between spaced joists supporting the ceiling. Each hanger bar bracket is removable from the planar member by bending at the breakaway junctions. The hanger bar brackets are reattachable to the planar member along opposite, second sides thereof by means of bendable, spaced tabs formed on the brackets receivable in similarly spaced apertures defined in the planar member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1983
    Assignee: McGraw-Edison Company
    Inventor: Raymond J. Kusmer
  • Patent number: 4403276
    Abstract: An improved projection unit which enables front removal of the unit's tungsten halogen projection lamp from the unit's glass reflector. A first retention means in the form of a boxlike metallic "can" is secured to the lamp's press-sealed end and held in place by a pair of depressible, cantilever springs, each of which is secured to opposing sides of the metallic can and capable of being depressed to enable insertion and removal of the lamp and can components. At full insertion of the lamp, each spring deflects to an expanded position to engage the reflector's neck and provide the desired retention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1983
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation_
    Inventor: Ronald G. Blaisdell
  • Patent number: 4398238
    Abstract: A variable focus flashlight has a cylindrical flashlight body and a separate flashlight head which is threadedly secured to the body. A bulb is supported in fixed relation to the body, and a reflector is supported in fixed relation to the head. Rotation of the head changes its longitudinal position relative to the body, hence moving the reflector either forwardly or rearwardly relative to the bulb and thereby adjusting the focus of the flashlight beam.In order to retain the selected focus adjustment, an expansible spring is disposed partly inside the flashlight body and partly inside the flashlight head, the corresponding ends of the spring being seated in respective ones of those members. The expansive force of the spring biases the interengaging threads of the flashlight head and body, producing a substantial frictional force so as to retain the desired rotational position of the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1983
    Assignee: Kel-Lite Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Norman C. Nelson
  • Patent number: 4394718
    Abstract: A light emitting mounting bracket is provided for a handrail arrangement. The bracket comprises a body portion which supports the handrail on an associated wall and which has a cavity therein which contains a light emitting source and provides access to associated wall fasteners. A translucent lens is wedgedly and flushly mounted on the bracket so as to give the appearance of being molded therewith, thereby presenting a clean profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1983
    Assignee: Balco, Inc.
    Inventor: Claude P. Balzer
  • Patent number: 4392189
    Abstract: An improved projection unit including a glass reflector and a capsule member (tungsten halogen lamp and metallic retention member) removably positioned within the reflector. The projecting end of the metal retention member is threaded only on two sides and adapted for having a single thread annular nut positioned thereon to retain the capsule securely within the reflector. The nut is resilient to assure that damage to the reflector, boxlike members, or nut itself is prevented, and also to compensate for thermal expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1983
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventors: Harold L. Hough, Ronald G. Blaisdell
  • Patent number: 4390935
    Abstract: A projection unit for use within a slide or film projector or a microfilm viewer. The unit comprises a U-shaped metallic holder, a socket attached to or forming part of the holder's rear upstanding segment, a glass reflector secured to the holder's front segment such that its forward opening aligns with an aperture in the front segment, a tungsten-halogen lamp removably located within the socket and not engaging any of the interior surfaces of the reflector, and an ejector (metal arm member) for engaging the sealed end of the lamp and ejecting it out through the glass reflector's forward opening. Replacement of the lamp is thus possible without replacing the glass reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1983
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventors: Emery G. Audesse, George B. Kendrick, Pratap P. Chavan
  • Patent number: 4390931
    Abstract: A divisible lamp assembly which contains a replaceable light source or bulb and a sealed optical system and which provides a lighting function suitable for, but not limited to, motor vehicle lighting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1983
    Assignee: Joel C. Gorick
    Inventors: Joel C. Gorick, Riley H. Mayhall, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4390936
    Abstract: A suspension mount is provided for suspending a light bulb in a lamp housing for use on vehicles, which mount inhibits the transmission of vibrations to the filaments in the light bulb. The mount is molded of a resilient material and comprises a light bulb receiving cup integrally formed with and suspended between two arms which support the mount on an associated housing. The arms are generally trapezoidal in plan view and have triangular recesses formed therein. Tubular members, having apertures therein, are formed in free ends of each arm. The tubular members fit over pegs extending outwardly from a surface of the lamp housing such that the mount is retained spaced apart from the housing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1983
    Assignee: Peterson Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Charles A. Slater, Jr., Spencer A. Darby
  • Patent number: 4389700
    Abstract: A projection unit for use within a slide or film projector, or a microfilm viewer. The unit comprises an electrically insulative holder, a socket forming part of the holder's rear upstanding segment, a glass reflector secured to the holder's front segment such that its forward aperture aligns with an opening in the front segment, a tungsten-halogen lamp removably located within the socket and not engaging any of the interior surfaces of the reflector, and a slidable ejector (e.g., elongated bar member) for engaging the sealed end of the lamp and ejecting it out through the glass reflector's forward opening. Replacement of the lamp is thus possible without replacing the glass reflector. In addition, the invention maintains constant referencing characteristics to thereby enable successive, similar lamps to be precisely oriented within the reflector without the need for a prefocusing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1983
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald G. Blaisdell, Harold L. Hough
  • Patent number: 4388679
    Abstract: A projection lighting unit which enables dual insertion of the unit's glass reflector therein. The reflector, having a tungsten-halogen projection lamp sealed therein, can be inserted in a vertical manner (and therefore parallel to the plane of the unit's faceplate) or it can be inserted horizontally (or perpendicular to the planar faceplate). The means of grasping and retaining the reflector within the unit's lampholder assembly preferably comprises a steel wireform having two deflectable segments (or elements) which deflect outwardly when engaged by the reflector. Removal of the reflector is possible in similar but reverse fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1983
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald G. Blaisdell, Harold L. Hough