Shock Absorbing Patents (Class 362/390)
  • Patent number: 6345904
    Abstract: A fastening device for projector lamp. The fastening device includes a lamp, a lamp casing and a strip-shaped spring that fastens the lamp onto the lamp casing. The lamp casing has a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a bottom wall and an upper connective structure, together they encloses a central space. The first sidewall has a first opening and the second sidewall has a hook groove. There is a second opening between the second sidewall and the bottom wall. The spring has a first end and a second end. A central portion of the strip-shaped spring can be latched by the hook groove. The first end of the spring is fixed by the first opening on the first sidewall. The second end of the spring has an internal recess structure. The second end of the spring passes through the second opening and fastens onto a recess groove on the lamp. The deform stress produced by passing the spring through the first opening, the hook groove and the recess groove is capable fixing the lamp relative to the lamp casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Chang-Hsing Lu, Tsung Jung Hsu
  • Publication number: 20020008974
    Abstract: A lamp assembly (10) for a vehicle, comprising a casing (2), a lamp socket (8) provided within the casing (2) for locating a light bulb (7), and a pivot support (5) mounted within the casing (2) and supporting the socket (8). The support (5) includes a hinge member (5-2) engaging a part (5-3) of the socket (8) such that the socket (8) is pivotable upwards and downwards about the hinge member (5-2). Vibration absorbing means (6) is connected between the socket (8) and the casing (2) for dampening down upwards and downwards movement of the socket (8) when the vehicle is in movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventor: Lun Cheung Leung
  • Patent number: 6296378
    Abstract: A position light for use on an aircraft, the position light having a base member coupled to the wing tip portion, a lens coupled to the base member, a light source interior to the lens member, and a reflector member pivotally coupled to the base member, the reflector member being adapted to reflect light from the light source in selected directions and at selected intensities. The position light may be installed on a tilt rotor assembly of a tilt rotor aircraft so that light is reflected in selected directions and at selected intensities, regardless of whether the tilt rotor assembly is in an airplane mode, a helicopter mode, or any position therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.
    Inventor: Fred W. Doyen
  • Patent number: 6286983
    Abstract: An external mirror assembly for an automotive vehicle has a shell having an aperture. A mirror is carried by the shell, substantially occluding the aperture. The mirror assembly has a lighting element having an electroluminescent film electrically connected to a triggering device for energizing the film and illuminating the mirror assembly. The triggering device includes first and second switches for generating a series of high and low frequency pulses and a control device connected to each of the switch for triggering each of the switches to illuminate the lighting element in either a flashing or continuous pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventors: David Macher, Heinz Zorn
  • Patent number: 6231202
    Abstract: A lighting unit includes a housing, a light-conductive-panel and a fluorescent lamp, and has a space between the panel and a side wall of the housing. The lamp has electrodes on both its ends and a curved-corner. The space has different widths at sections where the electrodes are rested and at a section where the curved-corner is rested, and accommodates the lamp therein. The lighting unit is compact in size and has better shock resistance, as well as vibration resistance. The lighting unit and an LCD are integrated into a compact and highly reliable LCD device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukihiro Kozaka, Mitsuo Nomura
  • Patent number: 6161943
    Abstract: A working lamp with wire-winding device, including a working lamp, a light shade, a hanging hook body, a wire box and an adjustment ball. The light shade is made of opaque material and fitted on the outer tube. The outer tube with the light shade is passed through the hanging hook body, whereby the working lamp can be conveniently hung or stand in use. The light shade serves to shade the strong light directly projected onto the eyes of a worker. A front, a middle and a rear sections of the working lamp are fitted with collisionproof blocks. A pressing rod and a guide rod are disposed at the wire releasing port of the wire box. The adjustment ball is positioned therebetween. The working lamp is shockproof and collisionproof. When not used, the excessive wire is tidily collected in the wire box and stopped by the adjustment ball with a certain length of wire reserved for the working lamp. The working lamp can be conveniently and mobilely used without occupying much room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Wen-Hsiang Chang
  • Patent number: 6152571
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable lamp which can be fitted into a wall such as the, wall of a swimming pool or other water tank the bulb of the lamp can be positioned so that it is parallel to the horizontal, or have with a downward slant, typically between about 3.degree. to about 8.degree.. The lamp can include an elbow duct for receiving electric cables to the lamp. The lamp can be directed in at least eight different angles relative to the point on the wall where these cables reach the lamp by positioning its lighting axis so that it is parallel to the horizontal, or with a downward slant, while the elbow duct for electric cables to the lamp, can be directed in eight different angles, towards the point on the wall where these cables reach the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Sacopa, S.A.
    Inventor: Robert Garrigos Ruiz
  • Patent number: 6145997
    Abstract: A flashlight having a battery suspension system is provided and includes a flashlight body having a substantially hollow portion into which at least one battery may be loaded; an end cap removably mountable to one longitudinal end of the flashlight body; a head assembly removably mountable to another longitudinal end of the flashlight body opposite the one longitudinal end; a first spring disposed adjacent the end cap and extending in an axial direction of the flashlight body; a second spring disposed adjacent the head assembly and extending in the axial direction of the flashlight body; and a plate member disposed with one surface in contact with the second spring, and another surface facing toward the first spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: The Coleman Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John August Sedovic, David J. Bamber, Michael Chan
  • Patent number: 6129445
    Abstract: A shock absorbing protector for work lamp mainly includes a polygonal protective framework defining an inner space and two sets of shock absorbing means separately provided at two ends of said protective framework. Each set of the shock absorbing means includes a central member and a plurality of elastic members radially and elastically extended from said central member. The central members are fixed two sides of a work lamp positioned inside the polygonal protective framework and the elastic members are connected at their outer ends to two end frames of the polygonal protective framework, making the work lamp suspended in the protective framework while a buffer distance is left between the work lamp and the protective framework. The polygonal protective framework and the shock absorbing elastic members protect the work lamp therein from tilting over or crushed while allow the work lamp to emit light at any angle of elevation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Yus United Enterprises Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Landy
  • Patent number: 6109773
    Abstract: A motorcycle forward lamp comprising a housing having an optically transmissive lens and an opening, an elastomer member mounted to the housing, and a light source assembly mounted (e.g., detachably) to the elastomer member and positioned within the opening. The light source assembly is isolated from the housing by the elastomer member. A shield is detachably mounted and positioned within the housing between the light source and the lens. A fastener and a washer are secured to the housing and positioned to maintain the light source assembly in the opening, and a dust cap is detachably mounted over the opening. The dust cap includes a notch in which the washer is positioned to thereby maintain the dust cap in position over the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor Company
    Inventor: John E. Nace
  • Patent number: 6074075
    Abstract: A high mast lighting system includes an elongated vertical mast having upper and lower ends, an annular lamp support ring surrounding the mast and having a plurality of lamps removably mounted thereon, a mechanism for raising and lowering the ring along the mast between the upper and lower ends, and a centering device for centering the ring on the mast when moved by the moving mechanism between the upper and lower positions. The centering device includes a plurality of resilient members equally spaced around the inner circumference of the ring and paired with a plurality of contact members. Each resilient member is secured to two locations on the inner circumference of the ring and spans the inner circumference of the ring so as to form a substantially linear chord when the ring is centered on the mast. Each contact member resiliently contacts the mast with a centering force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: JJI Lighting Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Theodore Staniec
  • Patent number: 5931571
    Abstract: The present invention is related to an improved structure of an alarm lamp which is installed on all types of finishing mechanisms, for example, working machines, lathes, stands and other machines. A shock proof structure having a shock proof effect is additionally added to the lower part of said alarm lamp. The assembled structure is combined on a pillar, and then the pillar and associated installing structures are installed at a proper position on a finishing machine. The shock proof structure is formed by a shock proof base, elastic bodies, and a case of said shock proof base, wherein said shock proof base is connected under the combining base of the alarm lamp body. A plurality of elastic bodies are individually installed within openings of a fixing disk of the shock proof base and within openings of the case of said shock proof base. The two layers of overlapped elastic bodies are matched with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventor: Yu-Tsang Chi
  • Patent number: 5911495
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for converting a hollow receptacle into an electric lamp are disclosed. The receptacle may be converted into a lamp on its own, or may be further filled with an artificial or live plant. In a preferred embodiment, the lamp fixture of the present invention comprises a central section a plurality of resilient spokes extending from the central section in a lamp apparatus connected to the base. The base is inserted into the receptacle and the spokes engage one or more wall portions of the receptacle in order to secure the base. Preferably, additional wall bands are supplied in order to enhance the frictional engagement of the spokes with the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Inventor: Paul Midiri, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5908237
    Abstract: A flexible lamp tube support having lamp support end a coupling to hold a lamp tube on one end and a latching portion to couple into a through hole is disclosed. The flexible, soft body coupler is inexpensive, has low heat conduction, can securely hold the lamp and cushion the lamp. The simple construction is adaptable to differing lamp, housing, and through hole configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel D. Devir, Robert J. Schmitt, Jr., Doreen R. Audette
  • Patent number: 5898380
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a shock endurable alarm lamp which is comprised of a light emitting structure and a shock proof structure. The light emitting structure is constructed from a plurality of lampshades and lamp base structures. A shock proof structure is installed on the bottom of the light emitting structure. The shock proof structure has two layers of spring structures installed on the upper and lower sides of a fixing base, and then a bolt is inserted downwards into the two layer structures for aligning the springs. Finally, a bushing covers the outside of the structure. Therefore, a shock proof structure is formed. Next, the whole structure is installed on a machine which needs an alarm lamp. The shock proof structure formed by the two sets of springs will cause oscillations induced from the machine to be absorbed, thereby sustaining the structure and stability of the alarm lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventor: Yu-Tsang Chi
  • Patent number: 5895114
    Abstract: A lighting fixture with a lamp end support is disclosed for supporting the free end of a transversely mounted, single-ended lamp. The lighting fixture preferably has a bowl-shaped reflector with a side mounted lamp mounting socket, which supports the base end of the single-ended lamp substantially perpendicular to the central aiming axis of the lighting fixture. The free end of the lamp is supported by the lamp end support, which is fixedly coupled to the interior surface of reflector. The lamp end support has a wire clip member for engaging and supporting the free end of the single-ended lamp and an angled bracket for securing the wire clip member to the interior surface of the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Gerry F. Thornton
  • Patent number: 5860726
    Abstract: A resilient mount for rotating warning light systems includes a mounting base having a plurality of mounting feet, each of which includes a special grommet mounted within an aperture formed therein. The grommets are selectively shaped so as to absorb and dissipate substantially all shock loads which would ordinarily be delivered to the rotating warning light system, and particularly, to the fragile bulb itself. The resiliently mount further prevents noise from being transmitted from the rotating light back into the vehicle to which the mounting base is connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Star Headlight and Lantern Co. Inc.
    Inventor: Jack Douglas Richardson
  • Patent number: 5860734
    Abstract: Roading lamp assemblies for use on a construction machine are typically mounted to a frame assembly or similar structure. During operation of the construction machine, the roading lamp assembly experiences vibration which may damage an illuminating apparatus therein. The present invention includes utilization of inner and outer resilient members on either side of a housing assembly which is secured to the frame through a plate member and bolts. The plate member has a plurality of legs which extend through a plurality of mounting holes in the housing assembly, the inner and outer resilient members and the frame. The pair of resilient members are pre-loaded through adequate torqueing of the bolts in cooperation with the plurality of legs to protect the illumination apparatus from damage during extreme vibration. Additionally, a harness assembly which supplies electrical energy to a lamp in the roading lamp assembly passes internally through the frame to an interior chamber in the housing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Travis W. Rodgers, Richard L. Slutz
  • Patent number: 5860730
    Abstract: A portable light assembly includes a ballast, a bulb having a base and at least one electrode for being connected to the ballast, and an elongate light-transmitting protective shield surrounding the bulb. A shock-absorbing bulb socket is located adjacent to the base of the bulb to protect the bulb against impact damage. The bulb socket includes a top and bottom, and integrally formed side walls engaging an inside wall of the protective shield. A plurality of openings extend longitudinally through the socket from the top to the bottom for receiving from the bottom a plurality of electrical wires connected to the ballast, and for receiving from the top a plurality of external pins connected to the electrode and extending outwardly from the base of the bulb. The top of the bulb socket defines a contoured recess adapted for receiving and holding the base of the bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Jameson Corporation
    Inventor: Donald N. Hesprich
  • Patent number: 5842779
    Abstract: A portable general illumination lamp unit having very low power consumption (under 100 mA) and producing a high intensity light. A dual conductor wire protrudes from the lamp housing body to connect to a power source. The lamp housing has a housing body, a flush fitting lid and a downward facing lens. The housing body has an exterior surface suitable for light diffusion. A low power, high intensity light bulb is attached to conductors on the wire using insulated wire straps, and a strain relief member is molded onto the dual conductor wire. The strain relief member is fixed to the lid of the lamp housing and sealed in place with a waterproof epoxy, oriented so that the bulb will be positioned in the center of the housing body. The housing body receives the lid. The opposite end of the wire lead can connect for permanent mounting of the device, or attach to a plug appropriate for the power source desired. Alternatively, the dual conductor wire can connect to a switch and one or more batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventor: Benjamine J. Siebert
  • Patent number: 5839881
    Abstract: A ceiling fan housing includes a cylindrical member having an upper and outer peripheral flange and a cover having a lower and outer peripheral flange. A disc includes an upper and a lower surfaces each having a peripheral groove for engaging with the peripheral flanges of the cylindrical member and the cover. The disc is made of shock absorbing material for absorbing shocks and vibrations that may be generated in the ceiling fan. The disc includes two or more curved members secured together by ribs and slots so as to form the disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Jack Yu
  • Patent number: 5803595
    Abstract: A pair of lamp holders (5) and a pair of contact members (20) for mechanically and electrically mounting a double ended electric lamp (50) transversely to the optical axis (4) of reflector means (3) present in the housing (1). The contact members (20) each have a first body (21) with an electric contact (23) and a second body (22) to cooperate to keep a current lead (51) of the electric lamp (50) against the contact (23). The first (21) and the second body (22) have a hinging connection (24) one with the other, and a lock (25) at a distance therefrom for keeping them pressed one against the other. In an embodiment the housing (1) has a door (6) hingingly connected to a major part (1') of the housing. In this embodiment the hinge (24) and the lock (25) of the housing (1) act a the hinge (24) and the lock (25) of the contact members (20). The luminaire provides for an easy, fast and secure electrical connection of a lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Godefridus N. M. Verspaget, Hendrikus A. M. Van Dulmen
  • Patent number: 5797675
    Abstract: An improved tubular bulb supporting clip is disclosed. This clip allows for multiple modes of movement between the bulb supporting portion and the stationary stem of the clip. This structure allows for proper support of the tubular bulb even if the bulb has imperfections therein or the clips are not precisely positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Fallon Luminous Products Corp.
    Inventor: Walter Keisler Tanner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5765941
    Abstract: A portable work light having a fluorescent lamp (fluorescent light bulb). The fluorescent lamp has a base which supports a translucent envelope that contains a gas for emitting light when energized by an electric input. Activation circuitry is contained within a base housing, as is a portion of the translucent envelope. A flexible, electrically and mechanically insulating material is injected into the base housing to stabilize and prevent movement of the actuation circuitry with respect to the base housing and translucent envelope, thereby preventing damage to the components of the fluorescent lamp. The portable work light has a transparent cover which supports a lamp. The cover has electrical connectors at one end for engaging the lamp. The cover has a bulb support mechanism which engages a lip on the base of a lamp to maintain the electrical contact of the lamp engaged with the electrical connectors and to inhibit movement of the base of the lamp relative to the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Central Tools, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary W. Vest
  • Patent number: 5692826
    Abstract: A neon light assembly includes a base provided with a switch and a first electrical socket on its vertical wall and a second electrical socket on its center a transparent casing provided with a first electrical plug engageable with the second electrical socket of the base, and a neon light fitted within the transparent casing and electrically connected with the electrical plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Inventor: Huang Hsien-Jung
  • Patent number: 5676459
    Abstract: A door-mounted vibration-tolerant lamp assembly comprising: a brace for mounting the lamp assembly to an exterior surface of a door, the door mounting brace having a body section and at least one mounting bracket disposed outwardly from the body section; an elastic mount having a first and second mounting bracket, wherein the first mounting bracket is affixed to the mounting bracket of the door mounting brace and the second mounting bracket is capable of supporting a lamp thereon; at least one first resilient pad disposed between the first mounting bracket of the elastic mount and the mounting bracket of the door mounting brace such that the resilient pad absorbs a substantial amount of the vibration that is generated when the door is moved to a closed position; and at least one second resilient pad disposed on the elastic mount in closer proximity to the second mounting bracket than to the first mounting bracket such that the second resilient pad acts to dampen movement of the lamp and the elastic mount when
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Cleveland Range, Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Bedford, David Stuart Schwerzler
  • Patent number: 5669691
    Abstract: An inpavement light fixture for mounting in an airport runway or a taxiway having a cover with a flat surface and one or two windows for the passage of a light beam. An optical prism is detachably mounted in a cavity formed in the cover beside and beneath each window. The prism has three flat sides forming an equilateral triangle with two of the sides sloping upwardly to a top edge positioned at a top of its window. A special sealing member fits over the prism and preferably covers one of the two sides which slope upwardly. This member extends about a lower portion of the prism and forms a water tight seal. An electric light is mounted in a bottom receptacle on which the cover is supported. A light channel is formed in the top of the cover and extends from each window towards an edge of the cover. This channel has a bottom which slopes at a small angle to the flat top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Tristar Electric Inc.
    Inventor: Fred Robert Barrow
  • Patent number: 5634707
    Abstract: An apparatus for illuminating rotating wheels on vehicles includes a stepper motor mounted on the rotating wheel, a counterweight mounted on the shaft of the stepper motor, and a plastic tube mounted on the wheel for rotation therewith containing a plurality of light emitting diodes interconnected with a wire attached to the stepper motor. Rotation of the wheel causes the stepper motor body to turn relative to the counterweighted shaft thereby producing electrical pulses sufficient to illuminate the light emitting diodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Inventor: Robert Bailey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5626418
    Abstract: A flexible outdoor lighting stand including a rigid stake member that has a tapered point at a lower end for piercing the ground and an upper end. A generally cylindrical flexible post member having a lower sleeve positionable over the upper end of the stake member. The post member has spring member coupled to the lower sleeve. The spring member has an upper sleeve coupled therewith. Lastly, the upper sleeve of the post member has a lighting adaptor capable of coupling with a light source when the lower sleeve is positioned over the stake member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Inventors: David Angelis, Sr., David L. Angelis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5610472
    Abstract: A neon lamp assembly includes a housing having a cavity with an aperture for emission of light, a neon lamp mounted within the cavity in the housing for emission of light through the aperture and a lens covering the aperture in the housing. Connectors are secured to opposite ends of the neon lamp. Each connector includes a resilient boot that is positioned in a recess in the housing. The resilient boot locates the lamp in the housing and cushions the lamp against shock and vibration. The neon lamp assembly further includes a light-transmissive, conductive mesh covering the aperture in the housing for substantially blocking the emission of RF energy from the housing, and an electrical conductor for coupling the conductive mesh to a reference potential, such as ground. The neon lamp is typically used as a stop light in a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Schmitt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5601274
    Abstract: A lighting pole bracket arm isolates vibrations that would otherwise pass through the lighting pole and into a lighting fixture mounted on the lighting pole. The bracket arm includes an upper member which is pivotally mounted to the lighting pole and a lower telescopic member, which is pivotally mounted to the lighting pole at a position below the upper member pivotal mount. The lower telescopic member includes an inner tube that is slidably received within an outer tube. A cylindrical oil-free sleeve bearing is press fit over the end of the inner tube that is received within the outer tube, and a second cylindrical oil-free sleeve bearing is press fit into the end of the outer tube that fits over the inner tube. A coil spring is housed within the outer tube between a closed end of the outer tube opposite from the end having the sleeve bearing and the end of the inner tube slidably received within the outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Kearney-National, Inc.
    Inventors: Ray C. Minor, Phillip R. Shaffer
  • Patent number: 5597225
    Abstract: An illumination system for a mountain bicycle is disclosed. The disclosed system comprises a long-term, high power battery pack encapsulated in an impervious jacket of compressible material, which combination is reliably and securely compression-fit into an open water bottle cage, in lieu of a water bottle, and electrically connected to a source of artificial light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Inventor: McKay H. Davis
  • Patent number: 5597232
    Abstract: A reflector, a metal halide lamp and a container casing containing a lighting circuit board for the metal halide lamp are mounted within a lamp housing. The container casing, having a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape, is mounted on the lamp housing through a bracket extending along the rear surface of the reflector in tilted relation to a vertical axis. If an impact is applied to the front side of a headlamp, the container casing rises, thereby protecting the container casing from breakage because of a cushioning effect obtained when the container casing partially deforms the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Ohashi, Shinji Karasawa
  • Patent number: 5590956
    Abstract: A self-positioning light fixture with a stabilizing base comprises a self-righting member in the shape of a spherical segment and a separate lamp supporting member with connecting means to join the two together and to separate each from the other. When separated, a filling neck or spout on the top wall of the self-righting member is exposed through which fluid ballast material such a sand may be poured into the cavity of the self-righting member. The filling neck has external threads to engage the internal threads of a recess opening to the bottom wall of the lamp supporting member when received therein to thereby couple the two members together. Additional fastening screws are provided to more securely connect the self-righting member to the lamp supporting member. A shock absorbing mechanism is provided comprising mounting springs to secure the lamp bulb socket member to the lamp supporting member and thereby protect it from shocks transmitted to the lamp fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Wobble Light Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Messana, Thomas Maiman
  • Patent number: 5562339
    Abstract: An vehicular lighting unit in which a connector is prevented from being dislodged and disconnected from a light bulb due to vibration of the connector during operation of the vehicle, and the connector is prevented from short-circuiting and touching the lit bulb that has been heated to high temperatures. The lighting unit includes a lamp housing, a lens covering the front opening of the lamp housing, a reflector placed in the lamp space formed with the lamp housing and the lens, and a bulb detachably fitted to the reflector, wherein an opening for use in replacing the bulb is formed on the rear side of the lamp housing, a detachable cover member is provided for the opening, a power supply cord is passed through the cover member, and a connector for coupling the power supply cord and the connecting cord connected to the bulb is fitted into the recessed portion provided inside the cover member and fixedly supported thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Tanaka, Takaaki Nishizawa
  • Patent number: 5523924
    Abstract: An illumination system for a mountain bicycle is disclosed. The disclosed system comprises a long-term, high power battery pack encapsulated in an impervious jacket of compressible material, which combination is reliably and securely compression-fit into an open water bottle cage, in lieu of a water bottle, and electrically connected to a source of artificial light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Inventor: McKay H. Davis
  • Patent number: 5523933
    Abstract: A shock-dampening and vibration-isolation mount for a vehicular lighting assembly. The mount comprises a receptacle for a replaceable bulb, a body portion for rigid attachment to the lighting assembly housing, and a pair of arm portions extending between the receptacle and body portion. The arm portions have flexibility for vibration-isolation and have a progressive increase in specific mass along their lengths to provide shock-dampening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Betts Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John P. Swanson
  • Patent number: 5491619
    Abstract: A headlight of a working machine which is exposed to heavy impact shocks, vibrations, and heat build up has a heat conducting metal element in heat conducting contact with the headlight bulb. The heat conducting metal element is isolated from shock loads and vibration thereby protecting the fragile illuminating element of the light bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Avtar S. Gill
  • Patent number: 5463541
    Abstract: An omni-direction vibration dampening lampholder assembly includes a lampholder assembly housing member having an open top end and an open bottom end, a resilient body freely disposed in the housing member, and a lampholder encased in an upper portion of the housing member. In addition to absorption of vibratory forces, resilient body dampens vibrations by lateral and longitudinal displacement thereof through the open top end of housing member and the open bottom end of housing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Greene
  • Patent number: 5461547
    Abstract: A flat panel display lighting system is disclosed wherein a thin, flat light guide has two spaced major surfaces with light introduced into one edge of the guide. Light is extracted from the light guide by the facets in a plurality of parallel microgrooves disposed to intersect the light introduced into the light guide. A liquid crystal display is placed adjacent to the light guide to be backlit or frontlit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Precision Lamp, Inc.
    Inventors: Werner W. Ciupke, William F. Redmond, Richard E. DuNah
  • Patent number: 5461554
    Abstract: A double ended high intensity lamp holder of the type used in television and motion picture lighting applications is provided with an improved lamp holder for securely and safely supporting a double ended lamp. The improved fixture includes a pair of lamp holder assemblies each including a generally U-shaped lamp holder member with a spring clip thereon for quick and easy snap-fit reception of the opposite ends of a double ended lamp. The two lamp holder members are resiliently suspended by a spring mounting arrangement from a corresponding pair of support brackets, whereby the double ended lamp is resiliently mounted in a manner substantially isolating and protecting the lamp against damage due to thermal stress, physical shock, vibration, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Leonetti Company
    Inventors: Frank M. Leonetti, Luis E. Hernandez
  • Patent number: 5436814
    Abstract: A portable, durable and rugged hand-held lighting device particularly useful as a safety flare or illumination device is described. This device utilizes a rare gas containing illumination source (e.g. a glass tube containing the rare gas) and is particularly useful in projecting light during darkness or in fog. The light source may be any of the conventional rare gas materials but neon is preferred. A fluorescent material coating the inside of the glass tube may be used enhance the output of the light from other rare gasses. The power supply for this unit may be replaceable or rechargeable batteries or the device may be connected to a permanent DC or AC power supply to enhance the life thereof. A transformer is used to increase the electrical power supply from the power supply to the glass tube and is required in order to get the high intensity light output afforded by the use of rare gas illuminating devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Brite-Glow Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Earl Hanley
  • Patent number: 5426570
    Abstract: An illumination system for a mountain bicycle is disclosed. The disclosed system comprises a long-term, high power battery pack encapsulated in an impervious jacket of compressible material, which combination is reliably and securely compression-fit into an open water bottle cage, in lieu of a water bottle, and electrically connected to a source of artificial light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Inventor: McKay H. Davis
  • Patent number: 5416677
    Abstract: An improved socket assembly for a warning light includes a frustro-conical base and a lamp extending from the top of the base. The base contains electrical components for operation of the lamp and provides electrical connection from the bottom of the base. At least one annular recess is formed in the side of the base at a selected distance from the lamp. Inasmuch as the base is fabricated of a compressible material, it may be radially inwardly compressed to mate the recess with an opening formed within a lamp housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Federal Signal Corporation
    Inventor: Edward J. Stanuch
  • Patent number: 5400230
    Abstract: A pillow light is provided and consists of a flashlight assembly and a very soft casing sealed about the flashlight assembly. The flashlight assembly with the very soft casing can be inserted between a pillowcase and a pillow on a bed and not disturb a person resting their head on the pillowcase. In the event of a power failure and other emergencies the pillow light will be at hand for a dependable light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Inventor: Leonard D. Nicoletti
  • Patent number: 5381325
    Abstract: A self-positioning light fixture with a stabilizing base comprises a self-righting member in the shape of a spherical segment and a separate lamp supporting member with connecting means to join the two together and to separate each from the other. When separated, a filling neck or spout on the top wall of the self-righting member is exposed through which fluid ballast material such as sand may be poured into the cavity of the self-righting member. The filling neck has external threads to engage the internal threads of a recess opening to the bottom wall of the lamp supporting member when received therein to thereby couple the two members together. Additional fastening screws are provided to more securely connect the self-righting member to the lamp supporting member. A shock absorbing mechanism is provided comprising mounting springs to secure the lamp bulb socket member to the lamp supporting member and thereby protect it from shocks transmitted to the lamp fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Inventor: Joseph Messana
  • Patent number: 5379197
    Abstract: A lighted bicycle safety device with an actuatable safety light contained within a lighting apparatus. A light, power sours, and light switch are all compactly contained within the apparatus, which is pivotally connected to a bicycle to move between an operational orientation where the lighting apparatus is oriented substantially horizontally and laterally and the illuminating lens extends beyond the outermost side of the bicycle, and a storage orientation where the lighting apparatus is oriented flush with the plane of the bicycle frame. A straightening spring absorbs impacts of passing motor vehicles. An on-off switch projects from and slides along a channel formed in the apparatus. The switch moves a sleeve and a light bulb retainer to shift the light bulb between on and off positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: Conyers (Gpmrr) Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip C. Conyers, Maxine E. Conyers
  • Patent number: 5377089
    Abstract: A light projector includes a lamp on an optical axis, energized from a remote source of electrical power and focussing illumination at an image plane. The lamp is disposed within a housing having a fan drawing cooling air into the housing through one or more inlets and expelling air through an outlet vent. A chassis within the housing supports the lamp and the fan. The chassis, including the lamp, fan, and a connector to the remote source of electrically power is removable from the housing. In a preferred embodiment, resilient vibration isolation mounting is provided between the lamp and the chassis and between the fan and the chassis, whereby the lamp is substantially isolated from fan vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Inventor: Jack V. Miller
  • Patent number: 5357413
    Abstract: An armored housing with a top opening protects a lamp positioned inside against projectiles. The lamp preferably is carried by a first reflector structure which is resiliently suspended inside the housing to isolate the first reflector structure and the lamp from the shock of projectiles hitting the housing. The second reflector structure positioned above the housing receives light from the lamp and the first reflector structure and reflects that light downwardly and outwardly past the housing and over a wide area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Inventor: Michael C. Mandall
  • Patent number: 5335155
    Abstract: A tail light construction comprising an outer housing having an aperture that extends therethrough. An annular resilient grommet is disposed in the aperture and a metal bulb holder is mounted within the central opening of the grommet and includes a socket which receives the base portion of a light bulb. The axis of the bulb is located at an acute angle with respect to the base of the housing. A lens encloses one end of the central opening of the grommet, while either a lens or an opaque closure plate encloses the opposite end. Electrical connectors are connected to the bulb and extend in sealed relation through the grommet and are connected to electrical leads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Wesbar Corporation
    Inventors: Brian A. Hanson, Edgar C. Paffrath